Feature: Ringside Mosh

We ask the music world to give us their thoughts on WrestleMania 32

The Alternative music world and Pro Wrestling have had a long history of intertwining with one another. Often considered “counter-culture”, both have ebb and flowed of being accepted amongst the mainstream media. Nevertheless for the past 32 years World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) have continuously bridged the gap with their annual WrestleMania event. Every year the biggest names in WWE have competed against each other whilst the likes of Motörhead, Limp Bizkit, Drowning Pool, Run-D.M.C., Travis Barker and erm… Flo Rida have performed at the big event.

Over the coming days wrestling fans from around the world will be heading to Dallas, Texas, as the “sport entertainment” spectacular is set to take place at AT&T Stadium. With our 80,000 wrestling fans set to attend, WrestleMania 32 could be the biggest event WWE have ever held.

With a selection of the Already Heard team being longtime fans of all things WWE; we’ve spent many hours delving through the WWE Network, we thought we’d combine our love of wrestling and music by asking a selection of grapple-loving bands about their love for wrestling, their WrestleMania memories and predictions.

Mark Andrews (Junior)

Why do you like wrestling?
It’s the only socially acceptable way for me to wear spandex!

All time favourite wrestler?
Shawn Michaels

All time favourite WrestleMania moment:
Jeff Hardy’s ladder dive at WrestlemMania 2000.

Predictions for WrestleMania 32:
Shane-O-Mac makes my pants brown… again!

Adam Carroll (ZOAX)

Why do you like wrestling?
It has delivered so much entertainment for me from such an early age. As a kid watching it, all the characters such as Austin, Rock, Undertaker and many more, came across like superheroes to me. One of all time favourite things is how I experienced the attitude era from start to finish, a time that was so on top of it’s game delivering the most amazing and most exciting moments of the business.

All-time favourite wrestler?
Stone Cold Steve Austin will always be number 1 for me. But of the current roster right now, I am a huge Brock Lesnar and Sasha Banks fan.

All-time favourite WrestleMania moment:
If I could just say WrestleMania 17 from start to finish as one big flawless moment, then that please. But one moment I will never forget was Undertaker losing at WM 30. I was genuinely speechless after that.

Predictions for WrestleMania 32:
Out of what we know on the card so far, everyone needs the main event to be something seriously special. I’m still so baffled as to why it’s Reigns vs HHH, it’s just not what we want to see. But it’s Mania, so let’s hope magic happens.

Shane vs Taker should be interesting, but I can’t see Taker losing again which also means Shane not taking over Raw.

It is the biggest time of the year for wrestling and regardless if the card is weak, I always love WrestleMania and always have my fingers crossed for a strong PPV.

Matt Rebeiro (Cheap Meat)

Why do you like wrestling?
Jim Ross’ commentary. Straight up. He is such a dude. Every time I hear “As god is my witness he is broken in half” my spine tingles. He brought wrestling to life, made it cool, and most of all made it matter. If it weren’t for him, I don’t think i’d love Wrestling half as much.

All-time favourite wrestler?
Stone Cold Steve Austin. And that’s the bottom line…

All-time favourite WrestleMania moment:
WrestleMania XIV – the one where Mike Tyson turns on D-Generation X, knocks out Shawn Michaels and helps Stone Cold win the belt. It was incredible seeing the two biggest badasses on the planet – at the time – unite to drink beer and flip the finger! Plus as a kid it was the first WrestleMania I ever saw – my buddy had it on VHS. We wore it out.

Predictions for WrestleMania 32:
Um… for it to underwhelm? Bless him, Vince is trying to nail the ratings by bringing back The Rock and Shane O’Mac, as well as wheeling out the Dead Man… but the PG era wrestlers just don’t cut it. That said, I’d love to see Brock put over Dean Ambrose… but I doubt they’d want to harm the Lesnar brand. Ah, fuck it: Ambrose to beat Lesnar. There, I said it!

George Phillips (Sad Blood)

Why do you like wrestling?
I started watching when I was a kid. Then stopped when my sister told me it was “fake”. Then I started watching again when I was a teen. Backlash 2000 was the PPV that got me hooked again. Then I got into all the backstage stuff, which I kinda like more that the wrestling!

I’ve been to WrestleMania three times and I’ve met some really good friends through it. Wrestling brings people together and it’s amazing to watch.

All-time favourite wrestler?
Jeff Hardy (current fav Seth Rollins)

All-time favourite WrestleMania moment:
Randy Orton’s mega RKO on Seth Rollins. I was there live for that one!

Predictions for WrestleMania 32:
Predictions for WrestleMania 32: Anyone but Reigns. AJ Styles to steal the show.

Jamie Carrington (KidBrother)

Why do you like wrestling?
I have loved wrestling for as long as I can remember, sitting on the couch with my dad and brother skipping through Monday Night Raw and eating a bowl of cereal before I went to school is one of my earliest memories. Now the high energy and entertainment of this show keeps me at the edge of me seat religiously week in week out.

All-time favourite wrestler?
I’ve always been torn between HBK and HHH because of how these guys changed, adapted and stayed relevant for such a long time. I think I’ll change my mind in a few more years because of how good NXT is but right now I lean towards The Heartbreak Kid.

All-time favourite WrestleMania moment:
I think the Undertaker, HHH and HBK matches were just on another level. The way they told a story and how unpredictable it became was incredible.

Predictions for WrestleMania 32:
It has to be the turning point in the WWE. I think the new stars need to win because at the biggest events they have fallen short over the last few years. I think it’s obvious Regins will win, Ambrose to pull off a shock and I feel like Shane O’Mac has a plan to beat Undertaker.

Ian Perry (MC iPod, Aaahh!!! Real Records)

Why do you like wrestling?
’ve been watching since 1991 and I’m not quite sure what exactly drew me in. Maybe just the over-the-top pageantry of a basic good-vs-evil storyline? Obviously, wrestling’s moved on since then, but those superhero-looking dudes with colourful outfits were a huge part of my childhood!

All-time favourite wrestler?
Can I pick two? Rowdy Roddy Piper and Macho Man Randy Savage. If I have to pick just one, then let’s go with Piper.

All-time favourite WrestleMania moment:
Even though looking back, it wasn’t an amazing show, WrestleMania IX really stood out to me as a kid. I was nine years old, and it had an ancient Rome theme, it made the show look so different from usual.

Favourite particular moment? Probably Bobby Heenan struggling to ride a camel. Heenan would always make me laugh, and watching him ass-backwards on a camel still makes me smile.

Predictions for WrestleMania 32:
Roman Reigns gets shit on by the crowd, but still beats Triple H for the title. John Cena is involved in the show in some way, possibly in the Undertaker/Shane match. Ambrose/Lesnar will be incredible, and both guys will look great, but Lesnar will ultimately win.

Marshall Smith (Elegies)

Why do you like wrestling?
Always been a fan since I was a kid. It’s just pure entertainment. Plus who doesn’t want their bands song as someone’s entrance music?

All-time favourite wrestler?
Jeff Hardy

All-time favourite WrestleMania moment:
Got to be Brock Lesnar breaking The Undertaker’s streak at WrestleMania 30. I don’t think a single person called that result.

Predictions for WrestleMania 32:
Undertaker’s last match? Big win against Shane McMahon in his hometown could be a huge send off.

Lewis Chappell (One Man Boycott)

Why do you like wrestling?
When I was a kid I was literally obsessed with it, I loved the drama and the storylines back in the day were always so entertaining. I guess that’s what you could say I love the most, its always entertaining.

All-time favourite wrestler?
My all-time favourite wrestler is very difficult to pick, I used to love Triple H back when he was in DX but since that ended years ago I’m not a huge fan. I would have to go with The Undertaker I think.

All-time favourite WrestleMania moment:
The Rock And Stone Cold have had some classic clean matches at WrestleMania which are awesome.

Predictions for WrestleMania 32:
I’d like to see Triple H win in his match and also see Undertaker destroy Shane McMahon in the Hell In A Cell Match.

Jakers Aitman (Better Than Never)

Why do you like wrestling?
I’ve always loved the high flying crazy stuff they all did, the more insane the better, anything to do with TLC or Hell in the Cell matches and ECW. My top moments being when Mick Foley was chokeslammed through the ring or when Jeff Hardy jumped onto Edge from the ladder at WrestleMania 23.

All-time favourite wrestler?
My all-time favourite has got to be Jeff Hardy.

All-time favourite WrestleMania moment:
WresleMania X-Seven where Edge speared Jeff Hardy from a ladder! BRUTAL!

Predictions for WrestleMania 32:
Triple H to keep Heavyweight Belt, Undertaker to destroy Shane McMahon in the Cell and Brock Lesnar to destroy Dean Ambrose in the No Holds Barred Fight, which should be the best match of the evening.

Ross Jenkinson (The Ever Living)

Why do you like wrestling?
I think it can be really entertaining. When it’s done properly, like any good drama, it can be highly engrossing with characters that you become emotionally invested in. There are people you cheer for and want to succeed, and conversely, people you love to hate. Plus, it’s always good fun watching someone jump off of a 20ft ladder and go through a table. I wouldn’t, but I’m happy to watch other people do it for my amusement.

All-time favourite wrestler?
Aside from “the greats,” I was always a massive Jeff Hardy fan. I used to love the “high-flyers” when I was younger (The Rockers, Blue Blazer etc) and when Jeff and Matt came on the scene, they took that style to a whole other level. The fact that Jeff is still willing to take those risks, even today, is a testament to just how much he is prepared to give to the fans. I have to say though, I’ve been an AJ Styles fan for a good long time too and the reaction he received at (the Royal) Rumble genuinely warmed my heart. He’s probably up there with Jeff.

All-time favourite WrestleMania moment:
Run DMC singing the “WrestleMania Rap” at WrestleMania V?? In all seriousness though, if you’d asked me a year ago, I would have said Hulk Hogan v Randy Savage at that same event. That match seemed to go on for days and was as exhausting and thrilling to watch as it probably was to take part in. However, Hogan kind of spoiled that memory a few months back so I’d have to say either, the TLC match at WrestleMania 17 or Daniel Bryan winning the title at WrestleMania 30. To see the little fella finally hold that belt was very special.

Predictions for WrestleMania 32:
This is tricky as I am normally terrible at predictions. I reckon Reigns will finally turn heel. 90% of the fans seem to hate him as it is so it would make sense to do it at ‘Mania. My guess, it will involve Dean Ambrose and then set up Seth Rollins for a triumphant return further down the line. I think my main concern though, is I just hope that nothing happens to ‘Taker. As soon as saw the words “Undertaker” and “Hell in a Cell” I thought, “that is bonkers, but please Mark, take it easy. You know what you’re like.” As long as he makes it out relatively unscathed after putting on a great match with Shane, I’ll be happy.

Ste Mahoney (The Dead XIII)

Why do you like wrestling?
It’s like watching a soap opera made for guys with added chair shots and fireworks! What’s not to like???

All-time favourite wrestler?
For me (and pretty much everyone of my age), it would have to be Jeff Hardy. Just because he found a different way of doing things and created some of the most exciting matches of the “Attitude Era”. There have been some absolutely great wrestlers since and some massive innovators, but i don’t feel anyone quite captured the magic that Jeff have in the early 2000’s era.

All-time favourite WrestleMania moment:
It’s a tough one, I’d say the one moment that really stands out to me as a lasting WrestleMania memory was Triple H’s entrance at WrestleMania 21. For anyone who doesn’t remember it, instead of the usual pre-recorded ring entrance they had Motorhead playing his entrance theme live. I just remember as a kid thinking how cool that was and how it really felt like they had done something special by having a live band. Triple H has done some pretty awesome ring entrances, but for me that was definitely one of my all time favorite WWE TV moments.

It’s worth also pointing out my all time least favourite moment was The Undertaker losing his win streak. I know its all planned entertainment etc and it helped create a lot of heat. But in my view they should have left The Undertaker with that legacy.

Predictions for WrestleMania 32:
I think the match everyone’s talking about is the Shane McMahon vs The Undertaker match. This all seems to have pretty much come from nowhere but is now picking us some real steam. I think this is gonna set the tone for something much bigger in the WWE, particularly now that icons such as Sting are involved. Maybe The Undertaker will be defeated and this could mark his retirement? I’m not quite sure! but I reckon this will definitely go down in the history books.

Aside from that, maybe we will see a return from John Cena? Or Maybe Seth Rollins might show up to steal some of Roman Reigns thunder?

It would be great to see some of the younger talent really making an impact. Maybe something big like a ladder match to really put their names on the map?

Adam Falkor (Ashestoangels)

Why do you like wrestling?
Good wrestling is like good punk rock. It’s over the top, it’s intense and it’s emotional. Sometimes it’s pure drama, sometimes it’s artistic and sometimes, just sometimes it’s very real.

All-time favourite wrestler?
The Undertaker needs no explaining; he’s just the greatest ever. His 21 year winning streak at WrestleMania was testament to that, plus the dude wears black, leather and eyeliner. He just looks cool.

CM Punk is my second choice and I think deserves mentioning because during his time at the top, he broke the forth wall and quit whilst champion. He ruffled so many feathers that the WWE seemingly is never going to be the same again. He backed up everything he had to say with repeatedly being the best performer in the company. AND; he’s always had fantastic entrance music (AFI, Killswitch Engage, Living Color.)

All-time favourite WrestleMania moment:
My greatest WrestleMania moment is WrestleMania 24 HBK vs Ric Flair – the ending to Ric Flair’s retirement match with Shawn Michaels, the final Sweet Chin Music ended an incredible match, and arguably the greatest ever career in a truly emotional fashion. Or Edge spearing Jeff Hardy 20ft up a ladder at WrestleMania X-Seven.

Predictions for WrestleMania 32:
Reigns to beat Triple H (unfortunately), Brock Lesnar will nearly kill Dean Ambrose and will steal the show, and the Undertaker will come up 23-1 by beating Shane McMahon in Hell In A Cell.

Ben Reynard (Summer City)

Why do you like wrestling?
It’s all out, high-octane entertainment from start to finish! Those guys are unbelievable athletes and it’s awesome to get the guys round for beers and watch the show.

All-time favourite wrestler?
t has to be between Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson or Hulk Hogan. I remember always choosing them on the PS2!

All-time favourite WrestleMania moment:
The huge match-up between The Rock and Hogan at WrestleMania 18 – Icon Vs Icon. One of the biggest events (in my opinion) in Wrestlemania history – so good!

Predictions for WrestleMania 32:
Dean Ambrose will beat Brock Lesnar. I said it! Dean Ambrose is going to walk – or crawl – out of WrestleMania with a victory over Brock Lesnar to his name. Watch this space.

Tony Dunn (Blackwork)

Why do you like wrestling?
The fact that it caters to all ages, allows people to bond through their love of their favourite wrestlers, and the ones they love to hate! It’s also great when you follow it for a long time and watch the progression of young wrestlers into headliners, Daniel Bryan being the perfect example. It’s a journey that literally spans a lifetime, during which you laugh, cry, boo and cheer! What’s not to like!?

All-time favourite wrestler?
The Rock, closely followed by Stone Cold Steve Austin.

All-time favourite WrestleMania moment:
The Rock vs Hogan. Icons from different eras in a one-off battle!

Predictions for WrestleMania 32:
Hopefully someone other than HHH or Roman Reigns winning the title. Ambrose and/or Rollins somehow winning would be awesome.

Tank (Chasing Dragons)

Why do you like wrestling?
I’ve always enjoyed the anticipation that builds in the audience before a match and the enthusiasm and characters of all the different wrestlers. Entertainment at it’s best!

All time favourite wrestler?
The Rock (of course) although I always had a thing for Lita…

All time favourite WrestleMania moment:
I like how The Rock, Hulk Hogan and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin opened WrestleMania XXX back in 2014. It was a culmination of three huge icons throughout the history of WrestleMania and I just thought it was really cool how they brought it all together. They all seemed to spin off each other!

Predictions for WrestleMania 32:
Hmmm… well so far there seems to be a lot of hype hanging on Kevin Owens as a titan for 32 but to be honest, after The Big Show had his win in 31, anything could happen! I’m excited to see the matches unfold…

Si Paton (Selectric)

Why do you like wrestling?
It’s the one glimmer of hope in my otherwise meaningless life!

All time favourite wrestler?
Raven

All time favourite WrestleMania moment:
I’ll tell you what it wasn’t. It definitely wasn’t when Chris Benoit won the world title at WM20. Definitely not that! Not at all! Nooooo wayyyyy!

Predictions for WrestleMania 32:
Roman Reigns wins every match on the card, smiles, says Sufferin’ Succotash Magic Beans” and wonders why everyone boos him.

Thom Matthews (Hang Dai)

Why do you like wrestling?
Nothing like grown-ups in Lycra sorting out their problems in a ring. It’s fun, when wrestling is bad, it’s awful. When they get it right there is nothing like it.

All-time favourite wrestler?
Bret Hart

All-time favourite WrestleMania moment:
Bret v Austin – WrestleMania 13.

Predictions for WrestleMania 32:
Undertaker to beat Shane. I’m looking forward to this match the most.
Still hoping for Owens v Zayn. Charlotte to retain her championship title. HHH to retain – because I’ll be the only person to say this and it still feels that would be “best for business”.

WWE WrestleMania 32 takes place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas this Sunday, April 3rd.

It is available to watch on the WWE Network or on Sky Box Office live from Midnight.

Hell in a Cell match
Shane McMahon vs. The Undertaker
If Shane wins, he will get control of Raw and Undertaker will no longer compete at WrestleMania.

No Holds Barred Street Fight
Dean Ambrose vs. Brock Lesnar (with Paul Heyman)

Ladder match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
Kevin Owens © vs. Sami Zayn vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Zack Ryder vs. Sin Cara vs. The Miz vs. Stardust

4-on-3 Handicap match
The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) vs. The League of Nations (Sheamus, Alberto Del Rio, Rusev and King Barrett)

Pre-Show Match
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey) vs. The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von)

20-man Battle Royal for the André the Giant Memorial Trophy Pre-Show Match

Words by Sêan Reid (@SeanReid86)