DVD Review Wrestlemania XXVII

DVD Review: WWE Wrestlemania XXVII


By Phil Allely

Wrestlemania needs no introduction these days, the event is of course the pinnacle of WWE’s programming and the one event that they throw more money at than any other throughout the year. So with injuries plaguing the company and some big names leaving for various reasons what had Vince McMahon and his crew got up their sleeves to make 2011 the best PPV ever?

As always the WWE invited a host of TV, Music and Movie stars to Mania, appearances by Snoop Dogg, Jersey Shore’s Snooki and Keri Hilson all worked reasonably well. Retro stars and low card players also popped up in some nice backstage vignettes. Stone Cold Steve Austin’s stare off with guest host The Rock was a lovely piece of TV.

This was also the event where the WWE dropped the ball somewhat and missed a golden opportunity to let (the now retired) Edge bow out of the wrestling business in style at the event of the year. His match with Royal Rumble winner Alberto Del Rio may not have been booked as the opening bout of the card and most certainly the result would have been very different if Edge’s health situation had been made clearer. This was a shame as the encounter worked well and Del Rio’s push was in full swing in the lead up to the event.

Next up Rey Mysterio versus ‘Dashing’ Cody Rhodes was a fun match-up. Both working well and Rhodes especially proved himself as a performer by making sure the banged up Mysterio was protected during some risky moves.

In another example that the shows timing was off (the first being the Daniel Bryan/Sheamus US Title Match being bumped to the pre-show dark match) the Big Show/Kane/Santino Marella/Kofi Kingston and The Corre battle had far too little time to build any momentum and any real crowd heat.

Randy Orton taking on CM Punk brought things back on track though, the pairing really going all out for a match of the night nod.

The 2011 Hall of Fame Inductees made their customary appearance next and all went down well (Sunny looking gorgeous), but comedy star Drew Carey did have to listen to many boos.

Following the HOFer’s (where Shawn Michaels stole the show) the hugely anticipated scrap between veteran Jerry Lawler and mouth-piece Michael Cole tried to keep the momentum going. This is a match that even with Steve Austin as guest referee could have used some cutting of its duration. Odds are Bryan and Sheamus were not amused at all, those extra minutes of course could have given them their Mania moment.

In the match of the night Undertaker defended his undefeated streak against (the only WWE star suitable to tackle it) Triple H. Both men gave their all and this match is well worth a few viewings to fully appreciate their dedication and intense effort.

The mixed six person tag featuring John Morrison, Trish Stratus and Snooki versus Dolph Ziggler and Lay-Cool was a good pace slower after the previous epic. Snooki deserving a good mention for her athleticism.

The main event had a lot to live up to and it did try its best to fulfil its obligations. John Cena and The Miz having the best match they could under the circumstances. Wrestlemania certainly wasn’t a failure as an event, it just had a few moments where planning and forethought could have gave it a better edge (pardon the pun) than it had.

The extras are what will ensure this DVD set sells well and deservedly so. First up is the Daniel Bryan/Sheamus US Title match (which evolved into a Lumberjack brawl/battle royal). There are also highlights of the Del Rio/Edge feud and legendary moments form previous Wrestlemania’s, these are fun, interesting and welcome additions to proceedings. Disc three houses the WWE Hall of fame ceremony in its entirety and to be honest probably makes this set all the more worthy of purchasing by being there. The ceremony has it all, heartfelt speeches, fun, entertainment, genuinely enthusiastic inductees and of course Shawn Michaels crowd-pleasing and tear-inducing bow out as an in-ring performer.

Wrestlemania XXVII is available now on 3 disc DVD and 2 disc Blu-ray.

Priced £29.99 (DVD) and £34.99 (Blu-ray), visit www.silvervision.co.uk for more information or check out your local retailer.