WrestleMania season is the most exciting time of year for the WWE. Even in down years, there is always buzz surrounding the "Show of Shows," but in 2016, things are a bit different.
Thus far, with less than three weeks to go until the biggest show of the year, the buildup -- much like the card -- has been disjointed. The problems were only exacerbated this week on "Monday Night RAW," as it was mostly a chore to slog through the three-hour flagship show.
Here are the major problems causing WrestleMania 32 to lack the usual excitement:
1) Undertaking McMahon Family Drama
The WWE is giving so much screen time to the rivalry between Vince McMahon and his son Shane McMahon that you'd almost believe Shane-O Mac's Hell in a Cell clash with The Undertaker was the main event. The storyline still doesn't make a whole lot of sense as it's still hard to figure out why exactly "The Deadman" is a de facto heel working with Vince McMahon -- even if he did try to attack the boss.
At this point, it wouldn't be surprising if this match does go on last at WrestleMania. The buzz from Shane McMahon's return isn't quite holding up -- mostly because the feud with The Undertaker appears to be shoehorned in and most fans can see that. The bout itself has some potential, but 'Taker vs. Shane McMahon still just seems completely out of place.
2) Boos Reign Down
To say there is a lack of interest by the WWE Universe in Roman Reigns as the top babyface would be a massive understatement. The former Shield member still doesn't have the support of the majority of the WWE Universe despite the company constantly shoving him down everyone's throats and pushing him as its next great star.
Will they ever learn? Luckily, they avoided a crisis last year with the Seth Rollins cash in, but there doesn't seem to be a hero waiting in the wings this year.
The desperation to get him over was clearly evident on Monday as he returned to "RAW" after two weeks (!!!) off to attack Triple H. This is your WrestleMania main event, folks, and one of the parties missed TWO WEEKS of the buildup. That is a microcosm of the struggles this card has faced. "The Game" of course was back in 2002 form, taking out everyone's favorites -- Dean Ambrose and Dolph Ziggler -- in a 48-hour period only to get shown up by Reigns.
Triple H will be a babyface by proxy at AT&T Stadium in Dallas as 80,000 fans may turn things into a nightmare for the leader of the Roman Empire.
3) Disorganized Divas
The WWE has a chance to finally deliver the goods on a real Divas Revolution at WrestleMania. The Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch match truly has a chance to steal the show. Yet, here we are, with just three episodes of RAW to go before the biggest event of the year and the "Lass Kicker" and "The Boss" are held off of the show entirely.
Charlotte, the reigning Divas Champion, at least made an appearance to talk down her opponents in a brief backstage segment, but this is just another sign of the WWE not taking its ladies seriously enough. Yet Brie Bella's storyline with Lana, which has nothing to do with the title all the ladies should be making a priority, received plenty of screen time. It's vexing.
4) Midcard Mania
The Chris Jericho and AJ Styles rivalry along with Kevin Owens' feud with Sami Zayn have at least led to two potentially exciting midcard matches at WrestleMania, even if the Jericho and Styles have already clashed multiple times on the main roster.
Brock Lesnar vs. Dean Ambrose should also be a nice showcase for the "Lunatic Fringe," but given the way he's been booked, it's hard to imagine him having a prayer against "The Beast."
The rest of the midcard feuds shaping up for WrestleMania leave a lot to be desired. The New Day is awesome, but the WWE should have built up another team (possibly from NXT) to take them out instead of throwing the League of Nations out there. The New Day has already survived against all four members of the faction, but Monday's beat down suggests this is far from over.
Kalisto's opponent for the United States Championship at WrestleMania remains unknown, but if it ends up being Ryback, it isn't anything to get excited about.
WrestleMania 32 emanates live from AT&T Stadium on April 3 and the WWE has a few weeks left to turn things around. For now, the biggest show of the year is shaping up like a dud.
