WNS Column: Ushering in a new era: WWE's game-changing week

What a week it's been for the 'WWE Universe'. It's been an emotional seven days, with ups and downs all round. However, despite all the momentous events, the take-away message for this week has been difficult for some fans, and promising for others; the WWE seem to be transitioning into the newest era of its professional wrestling existence.

WrestleMania XXX

Many of you may disagree here, but this was one of the best WrestleManias to date (just beaten by WrestleMania XVII). It had all the ingredients for a successful show, but most importantly, it also signified the slow but sure ending of previous eras that we've all clung onto.

The opening

The show kicked-off with Hulk Hogan, introducing the show and welcoming everyone to the Silverdome (ha). He was only to be interrupted by 'Mr Attitude Era' himself, Stone Cold Steve Austin. After some classic Austin talk, out came The Rock! It was an awesome segment, and long-time WWE fans have waited for years to see 'The Rattlesnake' and 'The Brahma Bull' in the same ring at the same time. We only got to see a glimpse of this at WrestleMania XXVII. It was probably the best WrestleMania opening we've seen to date, and quite frankly, it's uncertain as to whether we'll ever get another opening as epic as this one. Can you imagine any bigger legends of the industry opening the show in that fashion? It's hard to imagine how the WWE would top this in future 'Manias (unless they lazily brought the same three back in future years to come), and this opening was just one of the reasons to suggest WWE's closing of one era and opening into another.

The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

Many people predicted The Big Show to win this match, as it was only right for a legendary giant to be the first man to win such an accolade. However, while it did make sense to have The Big Show come out on top, WWE prioritised their future here, and gave Cesaro the nod to pick up the win. Having the 'King of Swing' be the first man to win this prestigious award should now persuade the people who weren't already convinced that Cesaro is a fully-fledged competitor of the future. This is another indication of WWE shifting its way into a new era, as often relying on stars from the past to carry the company forward is definitely the incorrect move.

The Streak…is over...

What a shocker this was. The reaction from the live crowd (and probably everyone watching around the world) was immense. The end to this match was like Marmite, you either loved it or you hated it (I personally loved the chaos and buzz it caused). However, no matter what anyone's opinion of this outcome is, it can't be denied that this result is a major indication of the WWE's era transition. We now have no 'Streak' to look forward to, and whether this be Taker's last match or not, every future WrestleMania will never be the same again. Hey, maybe they'll start a 'Streak' with someone else? Highly doubtful, but you never know. 'The Deadman's' spot on the 'Mania card will probably now be taken by a current/future star, once again highlighting the point of the WWE prioritising its future. Oh yeah, and Brock Lesnar was the guy who won, by the way.

The 'YES' movement flourishes...

An obvious indication of the future rising here; Daniel Bryan not only beat Triple H, but then went onto defeat Randy Orton AND Batista in the same night to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. WWE's hottest acquisition beat three future Hall of Famers in one night, and to top it all off, he did it on the grandest stage of them all. If evolution ever came to an end, it would be now.

The Hounds claw their way forward

Not much to be said here. The result of The Shield vs The New Age Outlaws and Kane was another obvious indication of the WWE promoting its current echelon of stars so that the company can continue to gracefully exist in its new era.

But…what about The Wyatt Family?

Bray Wyatt's loss to John Cena should not be looked upon as a contradiction this theory. Firstly, it would've been too soon for Bray to win against WWE's poster boy. Secondly, The Wyatts have been given a huge push already, and there's no doubt that by next year's 'Mania, they'll be even bigger than they are now. Last of all, John Cena may not be a 'new guy', but he's certainly far from done. He'll be like the Taker of the next generation - a living legend that up and coming Superstars will strive to beat to get themselves noticed. The Wyatts will most-definitly be part of the future. All in good time.

RAW after 'Mania

Without going into too much detail here, it's safe to say that this RAW really made it clear that the future of the WWE is near, and that a new era is beginning. Alexander Rusev made his long-awaited in-ring RAW debut, and annoying Adam Rose and corny Bo Dallas vignettes were scattered throughout the show. The biggest story of the show, however, was twenty-one-year-old NXT Diva, Paige, who interrupted AJ Lee and nabbed the Diva's Championship off of her. While many can agree that she shouldn't have won the gold just yet, you can be sure that WWE has its future in sight. Let's not forget about Cesaro becoming a 'Paul Heyman guy' as well, joining the likes of CM Punk and his 434-day title-reign, and Brock Lesnar's defeating of 'The Streak'. Before you say it, let's leave Curtis Axel out of this one, shall we? 

The late great Ultimate Warrior also said his final words in the public-eye, which mentioned the current-future WWE locker room: "In the back I see many potential legends. Some of them with warrior spirits. And you will do the same for them. You will decide if they lived with the passion and intensity. So much so that you will tell your stories and you will make them legends, as well." Don't be surprised if next year's WrestleMania contains less matches with legends and more with the current roster.

To conclude, many of this week's events in the WWE have indicated a potential shifting of era. Stars of the past have ended their reigns, current stars are further securing their spots, and new stars are gradually making their way-in and stealing the show. It seems as if we're currently experiencing the transition into a new era. It certainly has been a game-changing week for the WWE, and is definitely an exciting time to be a fan.

May I also take this opportunity to wish Warrior's (James Hellwig's) family and friends all the very best. Rest in peace Ultimate Warrior, we appreciate what you have done for this business. 

Do you agree? Can you sense the transition? Let's hear your thoughts below!

Please note that these images are each owned by their respective owners, I do not own any of them. No copyright infringement is intended. 

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