What’s the story?
On the latest episode of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer revealed that WWE moving the SmackDown Women’s Championship match to the main roster had nothing to do with the huge public outcry.
In case you didn’t know...
The WrestleMania Kickoff show will feature Renee Young alongside WWE Hall of Famers Jerry Lawler, Booker T and Shawn Michaels.
Initially, there were three matches for the kickoff show that included Austin Aries vs. Neville for the Cruiserweight Championship, Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal and the SmackDown Women’s Championship match.
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The WWE Universe was incensed over the fact that WWE had decided to move the SmackDown Women’s Championship match to the kickoff show to make more time on the main card.
The fans lashed out at the company on social media for depriving the women of the blue brand a spot on the WrestleMania card.
The heart of the matter
Meltzer pointed out that WWE’s decision to move the match to the main card had very little to do with the fans voicing their opinions.
Meltzer also stated that after the top brass in the WWE sorted out the entire WrestleMania card, they still had some time remaining on the main card. This led to filling up the time slot with the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Also read: WWE News: SmackDown Women’s Championship match shifted to WrestleMania main card
The women over at the blue brand have worked hard to bring out an organic storyline that involved several promos and matches. The entire Blissertation segment on SmackDown LIVE a couple of weeks ago made for the intriguing match at WrestleMania 33.
Moreover, Naomi’s return to lay claim to the championship she never lost has added another dimension to the already chaotic setting of this match.
What’s next?
The WWE Universe is eagerly awaiting the countdown to WrestleMania 33. The various events over the weekend in Orlando have captivated audiences the world over, and with less than 48 hours remaining for WrestleMania, excitement levels have peaked.
The WrestleMania 33 kickoff show will take off at 5 PM ET on the WWE Network followed by The Ultimate Thrill Ride, WrestleMania 33 at a special start time of 7 PM ET on the Network.
Author's Take
Over the years, the hardcore wrestling fans have often complained about live concerts at WrestleMania that take away time from the matches on the card. WWE would want their fans to believe that their voices have been heard and that they are giving the WWE Universe what they ask for.
However, as Meltzer pointed out, the match would still be on the pre-show if the slot had not opened up despite vehement protests by the fans.
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