SB Nation Atlanta: All Posts by Matt Taylorhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46601/atlanta-fave.png2011-04-03T22:59:56-04:00https://atlanta.sbnation.com/authors/matt-taylor/rss2011-04-03T22:59:56-04:002011-04-03T22:59:56-04:00WWE WrestleMania 27 Results: The Rock Attacks John Cena, Miz Retains Title
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<p>The main event of WrestleMania 27 was all that remained after Snooki cut herself some flips. The Miz was set to defend the <span class="caps">WWE</span> Championship against John Cena.</p>
<p>Before the Miz came out, a video was shown of him studying old wrestling footage and then becoming the Miz he is today, all scored by Nas' "Hate Me Now." His entrance consisted of a big blow-up “Awesome” balloon (really) and him walking with some sparklers behind him. Nothing in comparison to what we’ve become accustomed to for a WrestleMania main event. Alex Riley accompanied the Miz to the ring.</p>
<p>Then it was time for the boos. A choir stood at the top of the entrance ramp and began singing, then old footage of John Cena was shown (the crowds cellphones were back to filming) as fellow rapper, <span class="caps">DMX</span> talked about working hard and being strong or something. The choir started clapping, dancing, singing, and the crowd booed (ha). Then John Cena’s normal music hit, and the crowd continued booing, with a few cheers mixed in. The one good thing about a Cena entrance is that once he actually starts heading to the ring, we don’t have to wait around for five minutes like we do for Triple H and Undertaker -- he sprints to the ring.</p>
<p>The “Cena Sucks” and “Let’s Go Cena” chants were in effect from the get go on this one. The match began with fists being thrown back and forth and a few wrestling moves thrown in the mix. Before long, Cena was hitting a bent over Miz with a legdrop off the top rope. A couple minutes later and the Miz took control of the match. The crowd cheered every time the Miz hit a move and booed every time John Cena did. That is, until Cena slapped on the <span class="caps">STFU</span> (or whatever PG term they have for the move these days). The Miz got to the ropes and after Alex Riley distracted John Cena, Miz hit Cena with his Skull Crushing Finale. Two-count!</p>
<p>Next, the ref got knocked out and Cena hit the FU (or attitude adjustment), but there was no ref to count. Alex Riley got in the ring and hit Cena with a briefcase, just before the ref returned the Miz got a two-count.</p>
<p>A few moments later Cena hit the Attitude Adjustment one more time, and the Miz kicked out at the last second to a huge pop and a “That Was Awesome” chant.</p>
<p>The match the ended in a double count out draw. What! Thus, the Miz was announced as the champion and his music hit.</p>
<p>Then… The Rock’s music hit, and the host made his way ringside. He was not happy with the outcome of the match. An email came through from the Raw general manager, and the Rock got the honor of reading it. He started and then stopped and said “It doesn’t matter what you think!” and slammed the computer shut. He went on to say that there was no way WrestleMania would end like that and that the match would restart with no time limit, no count out, no disqualification. He said he wanted to give the people what they wanted.</p>
<p>So, the match was restarted, and he gave the Rock Bottom to John Cena. Then Miz rolled on top of Cena and picked up the three count.</p>
<p>The crowd continued chanting “Rocky” so he came back and gave the People’s Elbow to the Miz and posed as the crowd cheered and showed their approval.</p>
<p>It looks like a Rock versus John Cena match will actually happen sometime in the future.</p>
<p><em>Complete <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/3/26/2073330/wwe-wrestlemania-27-matches-card-schedule-results">live <span class="caps">WWE</span> WrestleMania 27 match results and updates here</a>. For more pro wrestling, join SB Nation’s <a href="http://cagesideseats.com/">Cageside Seats</a>. Here’s the <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/4/3/2088005/wwe-wrestlemania-27-matches-card-time-watch-live-online">complete WrestleMania 27 match card</a> and <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/3/31/2080105/wwe-hall-of-fame-induction-2011-shawn-michaels-road-warriors"><span class="caps">WWE</span> Hall of Fame Induction ceremony coverage</a>.</em></p>
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https://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/4/3/2089449/wwe-wrestlemania-27-results-the-rock-attacks-john-cena-miz-retainsMatt Taylor2011-04-03T22:02:44-04:002011-04-03T22:02:44-04:00WWE Wrestlemania 27 Results: Triple H Taps, Undertaker's Streak Now 19-0
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px;"><em>Complete <a style="color: #c8181d !important; text-decoration: none !important; background-color: transparent;" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/3/26/2073330/wwe-wrestlemania-27-matches-card-schedule-results">live <span class="caps">WWE</span> WrestleMania 27 match results and updates here</a>. For more pro wrestling, join SB Nation’s <a style="color: #c8181d !important; text-decoration: none !important; background-color: transparent;" href="http://cagesideseats.com/">Cageside Seats</a>. Here’s the <a style="color: #c8181d !important; text-decoration: none !important; background-color: transparent;" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/4/3/2088005/wwe-wrestlemania-27-matches-card-time-watch-live-online">complete WrestleMania 27 match card</a> and <a style="color: #c8181d !important; text-decoration: none !important; background-color: transparent;" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/3/31/2080105/wwe-hall-of-fame-induction-2011-shawn-michaels-road-warriors"><span class="caps">WWE</span> Hall of Fame Induction ceremony coverage</a>.</em></p>
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<p>The most anticipated match of WrestleMania 27 was up next as the Undertaker put his undefeated WrestleMania streak on the line against Triple H. 19-0 or 18-1? That is the question. As a reminder, this match was a NO <span class="caps">HOLDS</span>-<span class="caps">BARRED</span> <span class="caps">MATCH</span>.</p>
<p>The lights went black, and everyone’s cell phones came out as Metallica’s “For Whom The Bell Tolls” hit. The crowd stood in silence as they had no idea who was coming out at this point. They stayed silent and continued to film with their cell phones. Triple H appeared in a spotlight as some kind of king figure in some sort of horrible headress, cape, and so forth. Then the screen went black again, the caveman clothes were gone, and Hunter made his way to the ring to his normal Motorhead song. It took a good ten minutes, but I’m pretty sure the crowd enjoyed it.</p>
<p>Next, the Undertaker’s bells hit and fire erupted. Johnny Cash’s “Ain’t No Grave” took to the speakers and the Deadman appeared. Five minutes later, Taker was in the ring.</p>
<p>The match began, and Triple H was quickly thrown over the top rope and slammed into the steel chairs before he could push Taker through Michael Cole’s popemobile seat thing. They got back in the ring, and Triple H broke up Undertaker’s attempt at an <span class="caps">OLLLLD</span> <span class="caps">SCHOOOL</span>. The crowd’s chants were split down the middle for this one.</p>
<p>The next big spot was Triple H attempting to give the Pedigree to Taker through the announce table. Taker quickly reversed it and went for the chokeslam. Triple H broke the hold and went for the Pedigree again before Taker flipped him off the table onto the floor. Taker <strike>ran</strike> slowly crawled back in the ring and then <span class="caps">DOVE</span> headfirst over the top rope and took Hunter out. Senior citizens diving head-first into the ground is pretty impressive.</p>
<p>They slowly went back and forth, and Triple H ended up suplexing Taker off the ring steps through the announce table. Predictibly, this was one slow match. Big spot… laying around for five minutes… another big spot.</p>
<p>Undertaker hit his first chokeslam of the night! And of course, Triple H kicked out. I mean come on, you think one chokeslam would take down the King of Kings?</p>
<p>A few moments later, Pedigree number one and… a two-count!</p>
<p>Two minutes later… <span class="caps">THE</span> <span class="caps">LAST</span> <span class="caps">RIDE</span> and… a two-count! The Undertaker was not happy. He followed it up with a <span class="caps">TOMBSTONE</span> and… a tie for the closest two-count in history. Triple H is apparently the most resilient wrestler of all-time. They really played up the drama of this Streak thing. Anyway, they laid around for a long time again, and then Triple H DDT’ed Taker on a steel chair. They laid around some more and then… Pedigree number two! Taker kicked out after a two-count and then Triple H cried. They easily spent half of this match crawling around. Anyway, Pedigree number three and another freaking two-count. This was kind of ridiculous.</p>
<p>Triple H then hit Taker in the back eight times with a chair (remember, this is PG <span class="caps">WWE</span>, no headshots) and then fell over. Wait, what? Triple H with a chair headshot on the Undertaker! Triple H then fell in the corner and looked to be deep in thought. He finally made it to his feet and decided to yell at the Undertaker… who grabbed him by the throat, but let go? Triple H signalled that it was over and then <span class="caps">TOMBSTONE</span> <span class="caps">PILEDROVE</span> the Undertaker, crossed his arms and stuck out his tongue as he tried to pin him and Taker <span class="caps">still</span> kicked out. The crowd went crazy for Triple H’s Tombstone.</p>
<p>Triple H, clearly frustrated, rolled outside of the ring and picked up his trusty sledgehammer. Taker tried to crawl out of the ring, but <span class="caps">HHH</span> pulled him back to the center. Taker then suprised Triple H with a submission hold and… two minutes later, Triple H tapped.</p>
<p>19-0, the Streak continues. This was pretty exhausting to type.</p>
<p>These were the most dramatic entrances I have seen in a long time.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/4/3/2089353/wwe-wrestlemania-27-results-triple-h-undertakers-streak-19-0Matt Taylor2011-04-03T21:12:40-04:002011-04-03T21:12:40-04:00WWE WrestleMania 27 Results: Stone Cold Steve Austin Declares Jerry The King Lawler Victorious
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<p>WrestleMania 27 continued with the Hall of Fame inductees being brough out for a quick segment, and we were all treated to Shawn Michaels’ theme song “Sexy Boy.” Needless to say, the crowd poppled.</p>
<p>Next up, Booker T and Good Ole J.R. came to the ring to announce the Michael Cole vs. Jerry “The King” Lawler match. Michael Cole interrupted J.R.‘s entrance to talk as he walked to the ring. Cole continues to be the best heel the <span class="caps">WWE</span> has at this point. The crowd definetly gave him the heat he so played them for. Cole even insulted J.R.’s bar-b-que sauce! Cole ended his speech by predicting that he would be the new “Mr. WrestleMania.”</p>
<p>Jack Swagger then began doing pushups, and the glass broke… Stone Cold Steve Austin appeared and drove to the ring on a four-wheeler, sending Michael Cole back into his glass-protected announce area. Austin ran around the ring, hit all the turnbuckles, and the crowd went freaking crazy. Michael Cole was busy showing off his muscles.</p>
<p>The sound of royalty then took over the Georgia Dome, and the crowd stood and paid silent respect to Jerry Lawler.</p>
<p>The match began with Cole still in his glass treefort. Lawler threw Jack Swagger, and then Cole offered Lawler his hand in friendship through the random hole in the glass. They shook, but Lawler wouldn’t let go and pulled Cole’s hand forcing his face into the glass (comedy!). Lawler then climbed in and pulled Cole out of the glass box and slammed his head into the GM’s laptop stand. Finally, Cole was thrown into the ring for the first time.</p>
<p>At this point, the match quickly got slow and boring. Cole slowly kicked the King over and over. Stone Cold did a fine job calling this match right down the middle. What a fair man. Cole took down a strap from his amateur wrestling out foot and then slapped the ankle lock on Lawler. Lawler broke the hold and as Lawler approached Cole, Jack Swagger threw in the white towel. Stone Cold picked it up, wiped the sweat off his head and threw it back at Jack Swagger. Swagger entered the ring to complain and Stone Cold kicked him, Stone Cold Stunned him in front of many many camera flashes. The crowd once again went crazy. Cole Pushed Stone Cold and Austin punched Cole in return.</p>
<p>Then the King took the match back over doing nothing but throwing punches (the opposite of Cole’s method of nothing but kicking). He even climbed the ropes and hit the flying punch after pointing to the WrestleMania sign. 1, 2, and Lawler pulls Cole up, to Austin’s suprise. Lawler slapped his own ankle lock on Cole who immediately tapped out. Stone Cold got in his face for about a minute and then finally called for the bell.</p>
<p>Jack Swagger carried Cole to the backstage and… <span class="caps">GLASS</span> <span class="caps">BROKE</span> <span class="caps">AGAIN</span>. Stone Cold’s music hit and Lawler and Stone Cold <span class="caps">DRANK</span> A <span class="caps">LOT</span> OF <span class="caps">BEER</span> in front of tons of cheering fans and cameras. Booker T then entered the ring and the music stopped… Booker T’s music hits and its Spinarooni time. Then <span class="caps">MORE</span> <span class="caps">BEER</span>. All three drink and Stone Cold stuns Booker T. (<span class="caps">DOES</span> <span class="caps">THIS</span> <span class="caps">MAKE</span> <span class="caps">ANY</span> <span class="caps">SENSE</span>?!?!). Stone Cold and Lawler celebrate for a long long time and everyone is happy until…</p>
<p>The anonymous Raw General Manager emailed in the announcement that Jerry Lawler was disqualified due to Stone Cold's (the ref) interference. So Michael Cole is the winner... ok. Josh Matthews then got stunned and more beer was drunk as Stone Cold rode his four-wheeler out of the arena.</p>
<p><em>Complete <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/3/26/2073330/wwe-wrestlemania-27-matches-card-schedule-results">live <span class="caps">WWE</span> WrestleMania 27 match results and updates here</a>. For more pro wrestling, join SB Nation’s <a href="http://cagesideseats.com/">Cageside Seats</a>. Here’s the <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/4/3/2088005/wwe-wrestlemania-27-matches-card-time-watch-live-online">complete WrestleMania 27 match card</a> and <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/3/31/2080105/wwe-hall-of-fame-induction-2011-shawn-michaels-road-warriors"><span class="caps">WWE</span> Hall of Fame Induction ceremony coverage</a>.</em></p>
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https://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/4/3/2089287/wwe-wrestlemania-27-results-stone-cold-steve-austin-declares-jerry-lawler-winnerMatt Taylor2011-04-03T20:44:23-04:002011-04-03T20:44:23-04:00Pee Wee Herman, Snoop Dogg At WWE Wrestlemania 27 For Some Reason
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<p>After the CM Punk-Randy Orton match at WrestleMania 27, The Rock was shown backstage and told that John Cena’s biggest fan was there to see him. He teased it for a few minutes and then… the camera panned over to show that John Cena’s biggest fan is in fact, Pee Wee Herman. Pee Wee then provided a John Cena “You can’t see me” along with the associated hand motion.</p>
<p>A few seconds later “Mean” Gene Okerlund showed up decked out in Cena garb. We were then treated to Pee Wee Herman yelling “<span class="caps">CAN</span> <span class="caps">YOU</span> <span class="caps">SMEELELLLLL</span> <span class="caps">WHAT</span> <span class="caps">THE</span> <span class="caps">PEE</span> IS <span class="caps">COOKING</span>”? Was that a Wrestlemania moment or what?</p>
<p>Pee Wee Herman was not the first unannounced celebrity of the night. Earlier in the night Snoop Dogg was shown backstage as a judge in an American Idolesque segment. The segment featured Chris Masters’ boobs dancing, <span class="caps">WWE</span> Legend “Rowdy” Roddy Piper hitting someone over the head with a coconut (<span class="caps">OLD</span> <span class="caps">SCHOOOOOL</span>), and Hornswaggle rapping.</p>
<p><em>Complete <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/3/26/2073330/wwe-wrestlemania-27-matches-card-schedule-results">live <span class="caps">WWE</span> WrestleMania 27 match results and updates here</a>. For more pro wrestling, join SB Nation’s <a href="http://cagesideseats.com/">Cageside Seats</a>. Here’s the <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/4/3/2088005/wwe-wrestlemania-27-matches-card-time-watch-live-online">complete WrestleMania 27 match card</a> and <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/3/31/2080105/wwe-hall-of-fame-induction-2011-shawn-michaels-road-warriors"><span class="caps">WWE</span> Hall of Fame Induction ceremony coverage</a>.</em></p>
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https://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/4/3/2089237/pee-wee-herman-snoop-dogg-at-wrestlemania-27Matt Taylor2011-04-03T20:36:46-04:002011-04-03T20:36:46-04:00Randy Orton Super-RKO's CM Punk At WWE Wrestlemania 27
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<p>It’s now time for C.M. Punk and Randy Orton’s WWE WrestleMania 27 grudge match. This match has been building since Orton cost C.M. Punk the World title in 2008. Before the match we were treated to a video sequence of the build-up to the match. The crowd popped for Punk, but they popped harder for Orton. A lady holding a sign a few feet from me really had the hips swinging as Orton made his way to the ring.</p>
<p>One minute into the match and Punk kicked the steel ring steps into Orton’s injured knee. Punk rolled Orton into the ring and quickly nailed a cross body press from the top rope for a quick two-count. Punk then stood up and smiled as he approached Orton and continued to work on the Viper’s injured knee.</p>
<p>Time for the competing “CM Punk!” and “Let’s Go Orton” chants!</p>
<p>Punk continued to control the match and turned Orton upside down in the corner before doing some sort of awesome legdrop to Orton’s face. Punk then called for the Go To Sleep and set him up, but Orton slithered out of it and went for the <span class="caps">RKO</span>, but Punk kicked him in the back of the head instead.</p>
<p>Randy Orton went into CRAZY LOOK MODE, then superplexed Punk off the top rope (after pausing for all the cameras to take pictures). Orton got a two-count, and then Punk somehow got back in control. He applied the figure four around the steel ropes and continued to focus on the injured knee.</p>
<p>A few minutes later, Orton finally took control of the match and started hitting many of his signature moves as he made crazy faces. Then he fully went into Viper mode, pounding on the ground waiting for the <span class="caps">RKO</span>. Predictibly, he thought better of it and stood up to punt CM Punk in the head. As he went in for it, Punk kicked him in the knee. Punk slowly approached, and Orton went for the <span class="caps">RKO</span>, but Punk awesomely moved out of the way and went to the turnbuckle. Punk jumped off the top rope and Orton hit the biggest <span class="caps">RKO</span> of all time. He then easily picked up the one, two, three.</p>
<p>That super-<span class="caps">RKO</span> was the move of the night.</p>
<p><em>Complete <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/3/26/2073330/wwe-wrestlemania-27-matches-card-schedule-results">live <span class="caps">WWE</span> WrestleMania 27 match results and updates here</a>. For more pro wrestling, join SB Nation’s <a href="http://cagesideseats.com/">Cageside Seats</a>. Here’s the <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/4/3/2088005/wwe-wrestlemania-27-matches-card-time-watch-live-online">complete WrestleMania 27 match card</a> and <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/3/31/2080105/wwe-hall-of-fame-induction-2011-shawn-michaels-road-warriors"><span class="caps">WWE</span> Hall of Fame Induction ceremony coverage</a>.</em></p>
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https://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/4/3/2089221/randy-orton-super-rkos-cm-punk-at-wwe-wrestlemania-27Matt Taylor2011-04-03T20:11:40-04:002011-04-03T20:11:40-04:00WWE WrestleMania 27 Results: Santino Marella Hits The Cobra Strike And Picks Up Victory
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<p>Next on the card, The Corre took on The Big Show, Kane, fan favorite Santino Marella, and Kofi Kingston. Obviously Santino got an amazing pop as he strutted to the ring.</p>
<p>Santino started the match and the crowd loved it. The crowd was really into this match through its entire 5 minutes. Santino quickly hits the Cobra Strike followed up by the Big Show’s big punch and one, two, three the good guys win. Kofi, Santino, Big Show, and Kane celebrate and I think we are all happy not much time was wasted with this match. I mean, come on, this is Wrestlemania.</p>
<p>The Rock is shown backstage next with Mae Young and refers to her as a Divasauras. The crowd loves video taped moments with the Rock! He’s making fun of how old Mae Young is, <span class="caps">HAHAHAH</span>!</p>
<p>blah blah blah... AND THEN STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN SHOWS UP. Face to face, Austin and Rock shake hands and awkwardly note that it is good to see each other. </p>
<p><em>Complete <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/3/26/2073330/wwe-wrestlemania-27-matches-card-schedule-results">live <span class="caps">WWE</span> WrestleMania 27 match results and updates here</a>. For more pro wrestling, join SB Nation’s <a href="http://cagesideseats.com/">Cageside Seats</a>. Here’s the <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/4/3/2088005/wwe-wrestlemania-27-matches-card-time-watch-live-online">complete WrestleMania 27 match card</a> and <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/3/31/2080105/wwe-hall-of-fame-induction-2011-shawn-michaels-road-warriors"><span class="caps">WWE</span> Hall of Fame Induction ceremony coverage</a>.</em></p>
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https://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/4/3/2089182/wwe-wrestlemania-27-results-santino-marella-hits-the-cobra-strike-andMatt Taylor2011-04-03T19:59:07-04:002011-04-03T19:59:07-04:00Cody Rhodes Defeats Rey Mysterio To Pick Up His First WrestleMania Victory
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<p>Second match of the night… Marietta, Georgia’s own Cody Rhodes takes on Rey Mysterio. The “grotesque” one, Cody Rhodes takes to the ring first, followed by Rey Mysterio in his Captain American/Might Mouse outfit.</p>
<p>Rey Mysterio is fighting as he normally does, video game style, fliying all over the place and Cody Rhodes is doing his best to ground him. So far, Cody Rhode’s face, has been safely guarded by his clear mask. Cody also created an amazing moment by holding Rey up for a superplex for close to a minute before slamming him to the mat. Lots of back and forth action here, and Rey continues to go crazy.</p>
<p>Rey goes for the 619, but Cody catches his feet and puts a stop to that one. Cody is back in control. Rhodes removes the brace from Rey’s injured knee, but somehow Might Mouse is able to get back to the top rope once again to do a few more flips. Cody’s mask is removed and Rey hits the 619! Cody’s magnificent face is mangled even further!!!</p>
<p>Rey continues to go for the nose, but then a chant for the hometown hero Cody Rhodes starts up and Cody nails the Cross Rhodes and picks up his first Wrestlemania victory. </p>
<p><em>Complete <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/3/26/2073330/wwe-wrestlemania-27-matches-card-schedule-results">live <span class="caps">WWE</span> WrestleMania 27 match results and updates here</a>. For more pro wrestling, join SB Nation’s <a href="http://cagesideseats.com/">Cageside Seats</a>. Here’s the <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/4/3/2088005/wwe-wrestlemania-27-matches-card-time-watch-live-online">complete WrestleMania 27 match card</a> and <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/3/31/2080105/wwe-hall-of-fame-induction-2011-shawn-michaels-road-warriors"><span class="caps">WWE</span> Hall of Fame Induction ceremony coverage</a>.</em></p>
<p>Browse our family of <a href="http://sbnation.com/blogs">300 sports blogs</a> to find a community devoted to your favorite team.</p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/4/3/2089162/cody-rhodes-rey-mysterio-wrestlemania-wwe-27Matt Taylor2011-04-03T19:36:22-04:002011-04-03T19:36:22-04:00Edge Defeats Alberto Del Rio At Wrestlemania 27 For The World Heavyweight Championship
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<p>Will Wrestlemania 27 open with a Snooki match? Hell no! Wrestlemania opens with Alberto Del Rio challenging Edge for the World Heavyweight Championship.</p>
<p>Del Rio came out with his normal style, in his rented car, and with his amazing ring announcer. The crowd booed because he is a bad guy. Christian then came to the ring to stand in Edge’s corner. Then the crowd went crazy for the World Heavyweight champion, the “Rated R Superstar” Edge.</p>
<p>Alberto continued to rapidly attempt to pin Edge from the get go… he must have some place to be. The crowd was into the match with lots of action in and out of the ring.</p>
<p>The match went back and forth with Edge pulling out many close two-counts. Del Rio got Edge in the arm bar, but Edge quickly got to the ropes. After some outside interference by Christian and some fat guy… Edge got the crazy eyes and went for the spear. He missed and Del Rio latched the armbar on to Edge in the middle of the squared circle. H’es going nowhere. NO NO NO, Edge (somehow) turns it into a modified sharpshooter. Del Rio breaks loose and <span class="caps">SPEAR</span> <span class="caps">EDGE</span> <span class="caps">RETAINS</span> <span class="caps">THE</span> <span class="caps">TITLE</span>!</p>
<p>After celebrating, Edge attacks Del Rio's fancy car with a kick and an elbow drop? Hmm ok. Then he finally decides a crowbar might be better and breaks the windshield and forces Alberto to cry and leave the ring to boo's.</p>
<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><i style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">For more on WrestleMania 27 and pro wrestling, join SB Nation’s <a href="http://cagesideseats.com/" style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #002c66; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Cageside Seats</a>. Here’s the <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/4/3/2088005/wwe-wrestlemania-27-matches-card-time-watch-live-online">complete WrestleMania 27 match card</a> and <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/3/31/2080105/wwe-hall-of-fame-induction-2011-shawn-michaels-road-warriors"><span class="caps">WWE</span> Hall of Fame Induction ceremony coverage</a>.</i></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><i style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Browse our family of <a href="http://sbnation.com/blogs" style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #002c66; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">300 sports blogs</a> to find a community devoted to your favorite team.</i></span></p>
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https://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/4/3/2089130/Edge-defeats-alberto-del-rio-at-wrestlemania-27Matt Taylor2011-04-03T19:14:59-04:002011-04-03T19:14:59-04:00The Rock Takes Ring As WWE WrestleMania 27 Host
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<p>Wrestlemania 27, now officially underway. Everyone raised to their feet as the Rock stood at the entrance listening to the crowd change “Rocky” for 3 straight minutes. <span class="caps">FINALLY</span>, the Rock decides its time to take to the ring. Turnbuckle one? Check. Turnbuckle two? Check. Turnbuckle three? Check. Turnbuckle four? Well yeah, he hit ’em all as he posed for the fans.</p>
<p>After listening to the Rock’s theme song for 7 straight minutes, Dwayne Johnson grabs the mic and stands there even longer as he listens to the crowd chant his name. What does he have to tell us this evening?!?</p>
<p>“<span class="caps">FINALLY</span>, <span class="caps">THE</span> <span class="caps">ROCK</span> <span class="caps">HAS</span> <span class="caps">COME</span> <span class="caps">BACK</span> TO <span class="caps">ATLANTA</span>. <span class="caps">AND</span> <span class="caps">FINALLY</span>, <span class="caps">THE</span> <span class="caps">ROCK</span> <span class="caps">HAS</span> <span class="caps">COME</span> <span class="caps">BACK</span> TO <span class="caps">WRESTLEMANIA</span>.” Here we go.</p>
<p>The Rock “promises” this will be the most memorably Wrestlemania of all time. We’ll see about that. You might want to stay with us as we update you throughout the event, just in case he’s right.</p>
<p>The Rock led the crowd in a <span class="caps">VERY</span> <span class="caps">LOUD</span> chant of “wrestle,” “<span class="caps">MANIA</span>!” He then went on to make fun of John Cena by asking what rainbow fruity pebble t-shirt he is putting on right now. The crowd reminded the Rock that <span class="caps">CENA</span> <span class="caps">SUCKS</span>.</p>
<p>The Rock then enjoyed some People’s water. Millions and millions of chants going on here… and lots of pandering to the audience.</p>
<p>The Rock then instructed everyone to pose with a microphone above his head and yell “IF <span class="caps">YOU</span> <span class="caps">SMELLLLLL</span> <span class="caps">WHAT</span> <span class="caps">THE</span> <span class="caps">ROCK</span> IS <span class="caps">COOKING</span>.” And everyone went freaking crazy.</p>
<p>More to come.</p>
<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans',
FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><i style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">For more on WrestleMania 27 and pro wrestling, join SB Nation’s <a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #002c66; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" href="http://cagesideseats.com/">Cageside Seats</a>. Here’s the <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/4/3/2088005/wwe-wrestlemania-27-matches-card-time-watch-live-online">complete WrestleMania 27 match card</a> and <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/3/31/2080105/wwe-hall-of-fame-induction-2011-shawn-michaels-road-warriors"><span class="caps">WWE</span> Hall of Fame Induction ceremony coverage</a>.</i></span></p>
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<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><i style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">Browse our family of <a style="outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; color: #002c66; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" href="http://sbnation.com/blogs">300 sports blogs</a> to find a community devoted to your favorite team.</i></span></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/4/3/2089106/the-rock-wwe-wrestlemania-27Matt Taylor2011-04-03T09:33:15-04:002011-04-03T09:33:15-04:00WWE Hall Of Fame Induction 2011: The Night In Review
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<p>The 2011 WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony came and went and will be relived on Monday night, when the three-plus hour event is edited down to one hour, including "WWE Superstars" video game commercials. In case you don't even have an hour, I have edited the night down even further for you. </p>
<p>The Hall of Fame ceremony is an event that is made for the true wrestling fan that has followed the profession for many years. Many people would listen to the speeches and be bored, but to those who have a passion for "Sports Entertainment," the stories the inductees tell can be very interesting. In the end, this event is basically a night for fans to get together and chant and cheer as they listen to storytellers.</p>
<p>On a side note, Ticketmaster sent me an email yesterday, reminding me that the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony was a formal event and "business casual" was the dress code. Does the WWE really think that its fanbase is going to show up in "business casual" attire and not in a homemade sleeveless "Stone Cold" Steve Austin hoodie? Wrong. <strike>This event</strike>All wrestling events make for great people watching opportunities. After being reminded of the fanbase, I think I might tone down my communication to others about my interest in professional wrestling. Anyway, on to the event itself. Before the show began, all the WWE Superstars and Divas filed into their seats with the crowd cheering and/or booing whenever they identified each wrestler. TNA's own Ric Flair was spotted and the Woo's for the night began. The fans continued to boo the face in the WWE title match, John Cena, and cheer his heel opponent, the Miz. Interesting. Jerry "the King" Lawler was the host for the evening and introduced each inductee and their respective inductor. </p>
<p><strong>"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan</strong></p>
<p>The "Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase inducted Hacksaw into the Hall of Fame. Dibiase taught us that Duggan was once an Atlanta Falcon, and of course reminded us that everyone has a price. Hacksaw told the story of his coming up in the industry, where the two-by-four came from, and how became the symbol of patriotism in the WWE. The crowd kept playing it up, initiating "U-S-A" chants and yelling "HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO." I still don't understand how Hacksaw built a career on the Popeye/two-by-four/USA gimmick, but somehow his career had longevity. Overall, I enjoyed this segment. </p>
<p><strong>"Bullet" Bob Armstrong</strong></p>
<p>The "Road Dogg" Jesse James and two of his brothers inducted "Bullet" Bob Armstrong into the Hall. The Road Dogg was in full on showman mode and acted as if he were trying out to be a new ring announcer for the WWE. He hit all of his catchphrases and had the crowd into it. The other two brothers stood by awkwardly in silence. </p>
<p>The Bullet came out and opened with a few "I'm old and don't remember who I am" jokes; at least that is how I interpreted them. I learned that Armstrong is from Marietta, Georgia and he told some old stories that were kinda interesting, I guess. </p>
<p><strong>Abdullah the Butcher</strong></p>
<p>Terry Funk was the inductor for Abdullah. Funk told a story about Abdullah "forking" him in many cities throughout the world and then bragged about how much money he made from feuding with Abdullah.</p>
<p>Abdullah came out with a cane in one hand and a fork in the other. He didn't say much; he basically got emotional about deceased family members and then made a "forking" joke.</p>
<p><strong>Sunny</strong></p>
<p>LayCool, with all of the WWE Divas standing behind them, did a horrible job introducing Sunny. Then Sunny came out and the crowd seemed pretty into it as she told everyone how great she was and how important she was for paving the way for all the Divas standing behind her. She seemed very full of herself. Anyway, she went on to remind us that she had the most downloaded "celebrity" picture on America Online at one point. Are you impressed yet? I somehow missed Sunny's career completely. I guess I just flipped over to Nitro whenever she came on the screen.</p>
<p><strong>The Road Warriors</strong></p>
<p>Dusty Rhodes introduced the Road Warriors and their manager Paul Ellering. Before Animal and Ellering came out, there should have been a warning that this was going to be a long one. Ellering kept making random statements that made no sense while Animal actually told some interesting stories, paid tribute to the late Hawk, and thanked his family and everyone else. All of Animal's children were in attendance, including his St. Louis Rams linebacker son, James Laurinaitis. Throughout the speech, Animal showed that he can do a great Hawk impression; he nailed Hawk's patented sayings "Weyyyl (well)" and "Waaaaaaaht a ruuuuuush." The rest of the segment consisted of Paul playing with action figures and a lot of looking and pointing up.</p>
<p><strong>Drew Carey</strong></p>
<p>Everyone boo'ed the whole night whenever Carey's name was mentioned. Kane was the individual with the "honor" of inducting Drew Carey into the celebrity wing of the Hall of Fame. Kane explained how Carey's heart was black like his own, and that because of his black heart, he was proud to induct him.</p>
<p>Carey came out to boos and I couldn't hear many of his jokes due to the yelling in the crowd. I guess he got the message, because his speech was pretty short. He mainly seemed to be there to promote some new TV show that they mentioned a number of times. Well, at least he got a paycheck and some promotion.</p>
<p><strong>Shawn Michaels</strong></p>
<p>Finally, the "Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels. Triple H introduced Shawn and provided the best speech of the night. He praised Shawn for all around being the best, while also making jokes about Shawn "joining the Hulk Hogan hair club" and about his "googily eye." At the end of the speech Hunter was near tears saying that he and Shawn were brothers, that he loved him, and that his new nickname should be Mr. Hall of Fame. </p>
<p>Shawn came out to a large ovation and various chants, but he quickly put the "one more match" chant to rest. When it started, he basically said don't even start that, and went on to say that if he had retired in 1998, he may have had some regrets, but retiring in 2010 left him with no regrets. Shawn nervously used finger quotations to excess at the beginning of his speech, but I'm not sure who he was quoting. As he went through his speech, thanking everyone, he alluded to "a certain guy backstage whose name I'm not allowed to mention" and the crowd bursted into a WOOOO-fest. Later, when he was winding down he said he didn't want to be the guy that caused all the Superstars to look at their watches because he was taking so long; he didn't want to be "that guy." The WOOOOOO chants immediately started up again. Upon review of <a href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/4/2/2087554/shawn-michaels-speech-wwe-hall-of-fame-induction-2011">his speech</a>, it was much shorter than it seemed. Mostly thanks to the crowd interruptions and his speech rate. </p>
<p>Shawn ended the speech by letting the crowd know he had two words for them and letting the fans fill in the blank. Then, as the music came on, the Kliq (minus Scott Hall) reunited and Phillips Arena went crazy. It was pretty awesome to see Triple H, HBK, Kevin Nash, and X-Pac all together again, posing, embracing, and whispering sweet nothings into each others ears. </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14px; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif;"><i style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-style: italic; background-color: transparent; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; padding: 0px;">For more on WrestleMania 27 and pro wrestling, join SB Nation’s <a style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #002c66; background-color: transparent; text-decoration: none; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; padding: 0px;" href="http://cagesideseats.com/"><font color="#002c66">Cageside Seats</font></a>. Browse our family of <a style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #002c66; background-color: transparent; text-decoration: none; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; padding: 0px;" href="http://sbnation.com/blogs"><font color="#002c66">300 sports blogs</font></a> to find a community devoted to your favorite team. And here’s the <a style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #002c66; background-color: transparent; text-decoration: none; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; padding: 0px;" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/3/26/2073330/wwe-wrestlemania-27-matches-card-schedule-results/origin"><font color="#002c66">WrestleMania 27 match card</font></a> and <a style="font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #002c66; background-color: transparent; text-decoration: none; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; padding: 0px;" href="http://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/3/29/2077521/wwe-wrestlemania-2011-weekend-schedule-hall-of-fame-induction"><font color="#002c66">weekend schedule</font></a>.</i></span></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/pro-wrestling/2011/4/3/2087934/wwe-hall-of-fame-induction-2011-the-night-in-reviewMatt Taylor