Chicago Sun Times - Looks at imp matches this weekend.

The Chicago Sun-Times has an article up as well taking a look at some of the important matches at WrestleMania this Sunday. Original article can be found here.



Melodrama is main event

March 31, 2006

BY LUCIO GUERRERO Staff Reporter


One story line revolves around a female rivalry that includes undertones of lesbianism.

Another involves an employee fed up with the boss who has been blatantly cheating him out of a promotion.

And one is just a good old-fashioned bout of jealousy between two women -- arguing who looks better naked.

The latest episode of some daytime soap? No, it's the drama that's taking place inside the wrestling world.

On Sunday, it's going to all be settled -- with the help of some steel chairs, a chain and probably a host of other weapons. And in one case, pillows.

Chicago will become the center of the wrestling universe Sunday when the WWE brings its Super Bowl of wrestling, WrestleMania 22, to the Allstate Arena. Millions are expected to watch the show -- more than 1 million people have purchased the $50 pay-per-view event in the past -- and tickets are being scalped for upward of $1,000 each. The event was sold out in less than two minutes after tickets went on sale in October.

"From its beginnings in 1985, WrestleMania has always been able to capture the imagination of the public at large. For WWE, it's the annual showcase that is the culmination of significant story lines," said Vince McMahon, CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment. "It is part of pop culture. It's something that you talk about at the water cooler the next day, guaranteed."

Indeed. The event has drawn plenty of attention, with many non-wrestling celebrities taking part. Stars like Donald Trump, Pamela Anderson, Sylvester Stallone and Regis Philbin have appeared in past WrestleManias. The WWE is keeping the names of any celebs who may be in this edition under wraps, but singing stars Michelle Williams and thrash group POD are scheduled to perform.

"Everything is stepped up a notch for WrestleMania," McMahon said. "It is a live extravaganza of epic proportions."

And that includes the story lines.

Over the years, with wrestling becoming more "scripted," the action has moved more toward story lines. They have become elaborate and involved. Viewers tune in every week to watch the evolving stories. Gone are the days where it's just the bad guy vs. the good guy. Now, there is always a backstory.

Here are some of the story lines that should be resolved Sunday:

*Trish Stratus vs. Mickie James: This fight has been brewing for months with these two former best friends. The friendship has torn in recent weeks, however, as James has become a little too clingy -- bordering on infatuation. She has become overly "friendly," and Stratus took offense to some of the more suggestive forms of affection. James has tried to kiss the lovely ladies champ but has been rebuffed. They are now going to fight it out -- for Stratus' title -- at WrestleMania.

*Shawn Michaels vs. Vince McMahon: Michaels has been angry with the boss over a match from years back where another wrestler, Bret Hart, was cheated out of his title. Michaels voiced his opposition to the way it was handled to McMahon, and the boss didn't like Michaels' tone or appreciate his advice. Since then, McMahon has interfered in Michaels' matches, costing him numerous possible title shots.

*Torrie Wilson vs. Candice Michelle: They are going to do battle at WrestleMania after a little jealousy sprouted up between the two WWE divas. Both have appeared on the cover of Playboy but they can't quite agree which is the most worthy cover girl. They will settle their differences -- how else? -- in a Playboy pillow fight.

Those stories can help keep fans interested, even if the action slows down.

"WWE has always been about the stories, the drama, the entertainment and the charismatic characters," McMahon said. "Because we are scripted, we can guarantee that those elements will always be present at every event to the benefit of our fans."

This is the third time WrestleMania has taken place in Chicago, and McMahon said it's not a coincidence.

"Wrestling and Chicago have a long history together," he said. "The first wrestling programs on television originated from Chicago. Some of the biggest wrestling events before the creation of WrestleMania took place at Comiskey Park."

And as much of an event as it is for the fans, it's also a thrill for the wrestlers to participate in the big show.

"All of our live events are awesome, but WrestleMania is the best one," said Stratus, who has participated in seven of them. "It's a huge production and everyone is watching. It's like a Hollywood event.

"And for the wrestlers, they grew up watching WrestleMania, so it's a big deal for them."

For McMahon, the show is just another piece of his wrestling empire. After more than 20 years with his signature event, they all hold a special place to him.

"Every WrestleMania has been special, and each one has its own set of favorite memories and stories," he said. "You don't have enough space in the newspaper to print them all.

"I'm looking forward to a new set of stories from WrestleMania 22."

*How to watch: Although the event is sold out, there are a few tickets available, but they are going for a premium. A check on stubhub.com found tickets selling for well over $1,000. The event is also available live on pay-per-view for cable and satellite subscribers for $49.95. More information about the event can be found on the Web at www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania.