I also had the same thought RE: Taker. I haven't watched any of the build up on the shows so I assumed Rock must have cut a promo saying "WrestleMania belongs to the Rock" or something of that ilk. If he didn't then it doesn't really make sense to have a fuming Undertaker suddenly appear and take him out, whilst leaving the rest of them.

Meh. First of all, that gong got one of the biggest crowd pops I think I've ever heard at literally anything, ever. Second of all, Austin was obviously their first choice and he couldn't do it for whatever reason. Third of all, it's not lake Taker hasn't shown up to absolutely wreck an authority figures shit when they're getting too out of line.

Also, you know, Roman being the one to initially retire Taker

I was wondering if Brock was the first choice. He has all sorts of history with Rock even back to winning his first title from him at Summerslam (01?).

Brock also raised Cody’s hand when their feud ended. Kinda like Cody had proven himself.

He did get more money from AEW. Not sure if it also was an extension and if so for how long

Also calls back to the Taker kept his fists tapped until Shawn did the right thing for business and dropped the belt to Austin at WM14.

Taker also made Vince go talk to Bret Hart (and get punched) after the Montreal Screwjob.

He’s always been the leader in the lockerroom.

I still think Brock was the original plan. All sorts of ties to Heyman, Roman, and Rock. Sure seems to make a ton of sense. Also, an obvious explanation as to why they went another way.

2nd night much better than the first....was a bit surprised that it was Taker to appear.

Was really good to see Damian Priest cash in on McIntyre so that can lead to more Drew whining which makes him an even better heel. Although not looking forward to a Punk-McIntyre match.

Expected the Bayley win...and I am guessing we haven't seen the last of the feed with Iyo Skye.

Not sure where they go next with Rollins...

Who is the first to challenge Rhodes after finally beating Reigns? Will it be the Rock or Reigns?

My guess, Cody's first opponent will be Jacob Fatu. Rock is going to destroy Reigns tonight for failing and send him off for a long time and bring in his own representative while he still heels it up.

That would be a pretty big jump for someone brand new to the company.

I am predicting that Roman and maybe Jimmy are going to catch a beat down and be kicked out of the bloodline by Rock with at least Jacob Fatu debuting. Cody will go through the bloodline members and face Rock at Summerslam.

Tama Tonga could be part of the bloodline or start teaming with AJ against the Good Brothers.

I agree, but Jacob Fatu may be a special case. And The Rock will ultimately be the real kingpin of the whole thing. He's what they want Solo to be.

I’m getting Wrestlemania 14 vibes from Roman.

Next night Triple H says Shawn Michaels dropped the ball and brings X Pac/New Age Outlaws into DX. Michaels retires for awhile, but comes back in a non wrestling role.

I think Roman is out for awhile. Rock buries him tonight. Builds to a match at Mania next year with Roman returning as a face against heel Rock.

I also wonder if we might be done with Cody vs the Bloodline for a bit.

Maybe we see Gunther vs Cody or something.

Nah. He still needs a month or two of dealing with Rock after Reigns gets booted from the Bloodline.