https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvTNyKIGXiI

So, Sunday night is Wrestlemania. I’m over at a buddy’s drinking shitty beer (on purpose) and eating the kind of snacks designed to guarantee gas. If you have the Network, or feel like dealing with the Russians that hijacked the US election, it’s usually the one good show of the year. (I can’t say “great”, because they’ve dropped some duds in recent years.)

Still, as much as it’s a throwback to my youth – watching it on TV in the 70s; getting dropped off at the PNE Forum at age 10 – it’s also as much about getting together with friends as an annual thing. I don’t fish, so this is my deal.

WWE WrestleMania 33 match card

^{(grid courtesy cbssports.com)}

All told, it seems to be about a five-hour deal. I’m showing up for the regular event, although we may just rewind & then fast-forward through the pre-show just in case there’s a reference point we’ll need for later in the show.

I have no idea which match will be the best of the evening / “Match of the Year”, but I’m expecting good things from the Jericho-Owens blow-off to their rivalry. In case you’ve forgotten how friendship died, here’s a sample of the best “story” the WWE has told in about 5 years:

Beyond that, the mixed-tag match involving the Cenas & the Mizanins has been enjoyable solely because of the buildup. Miz has been ridiculous on the mic, and the “Total Bellas” vignettes they created for the bit are modern versions of the videos the WWF ran back in the 1980s, like the “Fuji Vice” skits.

It serves no more purpose than to have Cena propose to Nikki after the match, so “Total Bellas” and “Total Divas” have season finales, and justifies Cena being off TV while he shoots more movies, but damn haven’t they been fun.

There’s not much surprise going into the Brock – Goldberg match. When asked “What’s the plan after Wrestlemania?” on Twitter, his response was:

Taking a little time off to reflect then heading back to the gym #AskGoldberg https://t.co/2MXjBZ0Yn6

— Bill Goldberg (@Goldberg) March 31, 2017

Late Friday night rumours have the Undertaker – Reigns match going on last, because Taker has told Vince he’s done after this match. The stories about the Undertaker being a traditionalist means he’ll likely go out on his back, so as to pass the torch. But if his body can hold up, it should be something worthy of his retirement. Also of note is news that “Good Ol’ JR” Jim Ross has apparently been signed for one night, to call one match. So all signs point to a “slobber knocker” followed by a fond farewell.

Of course, the likely best show of the year will be Monday’s RAW, which most people will miss because they are watching the end of the Madness. Unless you hate U*NC.

Tonight’s sports:

• NHL:
  • Sharks at Canucks – 7:00PM | Sportsnet
  • Flyers at Rangers – 7:30 PM | NBCSN
  • Ducks at Flames – 9:30PM | Sportsnet

• NCAA:
  • Women’s Championship – 6:00PM | ESPN / TSN4
    • I typed this on Thursday, so I’m going to pencil in Connecticut as one of the two finalists
      • maybe I’ll correct it in time.
      • HOLY SHIT! someone knocked off the Huskies.
    • Mississippi State vs. South Carolina
      • SC is the third school since 1984 to have both teams in their respective finals.
        • looks like it’s up to the ladies to bring home some glory.
  • Lacrosse – Duke vs. U*NC – 7:00PM | ESPNU

• MLS: Portland Timbers vs. New England Revolution – 9:00 PM | ESPN2

• MLB: Cubs at Cardinals – 8:30PM | ESPN / TSN2

There’s also “The Walking Dead” season finale at 9:00PM, but I’m not watching that until Monday after RAW, so don’t expect a recap until Tuesday.

Hippo’s got you Monday for the Men’s final. ANYBODY BUT THE TAR HEELS!