WrestleMania 31 Predictions

The show of shows, WrestleMania is here. I am writing this blog 1 hour & 30 minutes away from the kick off show for WrestleMania 31 and only 3 hours & 30 minutes till the main show. I am so excited and as you read this I want you to give me a HELL YEAH if your excited as well. We have got incredible matches for tonight like the icon Sting Vs The game Triple H, The phenom returns to take on the 'new face of fear' Bray Wyatt and many more exciting matches. I'm sure we are going to see some awesome entrances as well. Below will be my predictions for this years WrestleMania.

Tyson Kidd & Cesaro Vs The New Day (Big E & Kofi) Vs Los Matadores Vs The USOs - Fatal Four Way Tag Team Match for the Tag Team Championships.

Kidd & Cesaro are looking to be an incredible tag team as they hold the tag team titles going into this match. The WWE Universe seem to have took a liking to them anyway so let's see what they are like on the grandest stage of them all defending their titles. The New Day don't seem to have caught many fans attentions yet but maybe they can change that by winning the titles tonight and earning some respect. Los Matadores seem to be focusing more on the wrestling side of their gimmicks now rather than the fun and games side which is what we like to see, maybe they can have some fun and games if they win the titles. As for the USOs, they have always been excellent performers and also have been tag team champions numerous times maybe they can become champions again.

Predicted Result: Tyson Kidd & Cesaro 

I feel that the WWE want to give Kidd & Cesaro some more time to show how good of a team they can be holding the titles. It will be a real negative to have them lose after a short period of them having the titles. I feel like they can bring the tag team division more excitement.

Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

The announced participants are: The Miz, Curtis Axel, Ryback, Fandango, Adam Rose, Zack Ryder, Jack Swagger, Titus O'Neil, Darren Young, Big Show, Kane, Erick Rowan, Damien Mizdow, Sin Cara, Goldust, Heath Slater, Mark Henry, Konnor, Viktor, and NXT's Hideo Itami. There are many Superstars in this match that could really use the win to boost their career but the thing is, Cesaro won it last year and his career didn't really take off. The only thing I remember Cesaro doing was becoming a Paul Heyman Guy and that didn't go anywhere. So, who ever wins in this match I don't expect their careers to take off unless WWE want to make this Andre the Giant Battle Royal to actually mean something. NXT Superstar Hideo Itami gets a shot in this match which he earned ina matchup in WrestleMania Axxess. Hideo would be the only guy whose career would rocket off by winning in this match, a rookie beating the main roster guys would mean so much and be very memorable. I will be rooting for Hideo Itami especially if he hits his finisher... GTS!!!!

Predicted Result: Hideo Itami

It's very unlikely for Hideo to win being just and NXT guy but if WWE want to focus on the future of superstars then now can be a start. Literally anyone can win this and so many storylines could build from this as well but I'm just going to take a crack and say Hideo Itami.

Bad New Barrett Vs R-Truth Vs Dean Ambrose Vs Luke Harper Vs Dolph Ziggler Vs StarDust Vs Daniel Bryan - Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship.

I absolutely love Ladder matches and I feel that this one will be awesome. Bad News Barrett in my opinion doesn't really make the IC title feel as important as it used to back in the day but with superstars like Ziggler, Ambrose & Bryan it could be an incredible title again. There is many things that will be happening in the match, I won't go through everything but it sure will be a good match and hopefully we will see some OMG moments.

Predicted Result: Daniel Bryan

I feel like the WWE Universe have been so upset that Bryan isn't in the main event picture that WWE will have Bryan win the IC Title. WWE know how popular Daniel Bryan is and with him holding the title it will bring focus on the title again. I think that Ambrose & Ziggler could be targeting eachother too much in the match that they will forget about actually grabbing the title which will lead to Bryan coming out on top. Who knows Barrett could retain and the Title will mean nothing still.

AJ Lee & Paige Vs The Bella Twins

For many people the Divas aren't importNt to watch but for me I actually admire how talented they are and with the whole #GiveDivasAChance they could surprise us tonight by giving us an incredible match. Now AJ & Paige always impress me together (against or teaming up) and with this little feud between AJ & Paige this last week it could lead to another match between them two at the next Pay Per View. The Bella Twins seem to have made up after the whole storyline between them hating eachother but I guess we are just forgetting about that. Anyway this match has the potential to be awesome but the divas will have to work for it to be awesome.

Predicted Result: Bella Twins

I have a strong feeling that AJ & Paige could fall out and this may cost them the match. Im sure we will hear the boring old chants of 'CM Punk' which annoys me because AJ Lee is an excellent performer and she should be remembered without people knowing her as CM Punks lover. Getting back on topic, I hope this match can be as awesome as I think it can.

RUSEV Vs John Cena for the United States Championship.

Cena is my all time favourite superstar and I'm sure some of you may hate me for saying that, but as much as you love him or hate him you cannot ignore how good a performer he is and how much he loves the company. RUSEV came into the main roster last year and he has shocked many people with how dominant he actually is. He has held onto the US Title for a while now and many superstars have failed to take it away from him including the challenger tonight, John Cena. Cena is determined to take the US Title away from RUSEV tonight but RUSEV is determined to carry on his title reign. I'm sure we will hear many Cena Boo Boys tonight but that has never stopped Cena. This could be a really good match, weather RUSEV wins or loses his career is going places but if Cena loses I'm heartbroken saying this but what's next?

Predicted Result: John Cena

I fell that the US Title is another title that used to mean something and has slowly faded over the years but RUSEV has got some focus back on it. If John Cena wins the title it will give the title more meaning again and maybe have bigger names fight for it. Like I said I think this will be a really good match.

Sting Vs Triple H

This is a match that not many people thought would ever happen but it is happening on the grandest stages of them all. The WCW soldier, the Icon, the Vigalante Sting made his debut in WWE at survivor series in 2014 helping team Cena take out the authority from power, only that didn't last long as the authority gained power again but since then Triple H & Sting have not seen eye to eye. Sting stayed silent for a while until he eventually spoke out to say that he is not here to fight for WCW but to take down Triple H. This match will be a match to remember.

Predicted Result: Sting

I think that to have Sting join and in his first match at the grandest stage lose will be very pointless. What will happen after this match weather sting or Triple H wins I don't know but I'm sure it will be something really interesting. I'm really looking forward to this match, not just because of Sting but I enjoy watching Triple H's matches as well.

Undertaker Vs Bray Wyatt

This is the match to decide if Bray Wyatt will be next generation Undertaker or if Undertaker is not ready to step down just yet. It shocked the whole world when Taker's streak came to end at last years WrestleMania at the hands of Brock Lesnar and since that day we haven't seen the deadman but this year Bray Wyatt wants to wake the dead. Bray Wyatt is another guy who came from NXT not long ago but since being in the main roster he has caught the attention of many superstars and now he wants to take on the challenge against Undertaker. It will feel really strange to know that the streak is now at 21-1 but I still can't wait to see the Undertaker in action. Everyone is thinking this but will Undertaker be physically fit enough, I mean he is getting old now and he didn't seem himself at last years mania but maybe he will come back in brilliant shape.

Predicted Result: Undertaker

It will really ruin Undertakers reputation if he comes back after losing his first WrestleMania last year and lose again, I mean that's just harsh. But maybe Undertaker may have come to an agreement that his wants to pass on his torch to the next guy, who knows?

Even if Bray loses he is still got so much time to become the Face of Fear and to be honest he is already the new creepy guy. On the other hand If Bray wins it will boost his career by miles. Who ever wins it will be another incredible and memorable match, but I am rooting in The Undertaker.

Randy Orton Vs Seth Rollins.

This is an interesting one because Randy Orton used to be known as the future of the WWE but now that is what people call Seth. Orton has had one of the best careers in the company and he still has plenty left in him. Seth Rollins come into the company as a group known as 'the shield' and with them he was incredible but since he betrayed them, sold out to the authority and become one of the top heels in the company at the moment he has been even more impressive. Both of these superstars are incredible performers and I'm sure that this match will be one not to miss!

Predicted Result: Randy Orton

With Rollins holding onto the Money In The Bank Briefcase still, I think that tonight could be the night that he cashes in. So if Seth loses then he will go on to focus about the WWE title and Orton can go onto another storyline. I'm sure we will see some cool moves in this match and maybe an RKO Outta No where.

Brock Lesnar Vs Roman Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

Many fans still are not happy that Roman is in this main event and feel like he is not ready for this, but I think otherwise. Roman Reigns is another dominant superstar, I know he isn't the greatest on the mic but he can practise that stuff. I mean Lesnar doesn't even talk on the mic he gets Heyman to do it for him. Anyway Lesnar signed a new deal with the WWE and with that new deal I think that Lesnar could be holding on to that title for a little while longer.

Predicted Result: Brock Lesnar

Like I was saying, with Lesnar's new deal I think that he will be holding on to the title for a little longer which could lead to Lesnar retaining Tonight and then Seth cashing in. Who knows but both Reigns & Lesnar will put up a hell of a fight.

Well there are my predictions for WrestleMania 31. I hope you all enjoy the show and make sure you follow me on Twitter, I will be doing LIVE Twitter coverage of the whole show so join in with me by giving me a follow. Thanks!

Curtis Axel's Current Gimmick Is Reviving His WWE Career

Not getting a chance to enter the Royal Rumble has turned out to be the elixir for Curtis Axel's WWE ailing career. Who would have thought that getting clubbed from behind would lead to rejuvenation? 

Axel stumbling into a new gimmick that has him more over than he ever has been is a testament to the unpredictable nature of wrestling success.

After his alliance with Paul Heyman wound down, Axel found himself at the bottom of the tag team division with Ryback. When The Big Guy went out with injury, the spotlight did not often touch Axel's skin. He was lucky to appear on Superstars and battle some other struggling midcarder.

Then came the Royal Rumble, the impetus for the most unexpectedly entertaining angle in 2015 so far.

Axel contends that because Erick Rowan ambushing him that night prevented him from being in the Rumble that he should be the winner of that bout and headline WrestleMania. He will tell anyone who will listen, online or onscreen, that he was never eliminated:

Beyond him being delusional, he has taken to being exuberantly boastful. His shtick is more over the top than when he was claiming to be "better than perfect."

It's like a wrestler doing an impression of a wrestler. 

He tries to get fans to chant "Axelmania." He provides a running clock for how long he has been in the Rumble match. 

Most recently, he has taken to borrowing Hulk Hogan's signature colors and poses to add depth and ridiculousness to the act. The WWE Universe Twitter account showed him in full-on Hulkstermode:

Whether WWE came up with this for him or Axel created this version of his persona himself, someone deserves kudos. This is the most entertaining Axel has been.

He's never been strong on the mic. His promos always sounded too rehearsed. This gimmick doesn't require him to be a good actor. Instead, it demands that he play a single note—but loudly and with great passion.

His severe overvaluing of his own worth invites ridicule and laughter. While that may not sound like what a performer wants, the key to rising in wrestling is a getting a reaction. And Axel is getting more of a reaction now than he did even when he was under Heyman's wing.

The last year has been home to surprising takes on the heel role.

The Miz is a D-lister who believes himself to be an A-lister. Tyson Kidd is a jerk to his wife and loves his cats to the point of audience discomfort. Add Axel to that list of odd villains.

He has found a vehicle for him to connect with the crowd. He has found a path out of blandness.  

Mick Foley, for one, believes that big things are ahead for the third-generation Superstar:

That's not something many folks would have said a few months ago. There also would be no basis to the argument that Axel was the most entertaining part of an edition of Raw. On Monday night, though, by tearing his shirt and tooting his own horn, he made a case for himself to be in that discussion.

The key to keeping this going will be finding a way to adjust this act so that it can live past WrestleMania. 

Perhaps he can channel Chris Jericho and claim a conspiracy kept him off the marquee for that event. He can create petitions to get a title shot or continually bug whoever is champ.

Maybe he gets cheated out of entering the Andre the Giant Battle Royal and a new "I was never eliminated" campaign begins.

Whatever path WWE takes, it would be wise to find a way to keep this fire going. It's rare that a wrestler's supply of momentum changes so quickly and with such little effort.

There is more fun to be had with Axel; WWE can't let the surprise hit of the year just fade away.

WWE Fastlane 2015 Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights

Animosity brimmed at WWE Fastlane 2015, the last major pit stop before WrestleMania.

John Cena looked to end Rusev's undefeated streak and pay him back for an injured cornea. Goldust and Stardust battled, despite being brothers. Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns squared off to decide who headlines WWE's premier event, just days after attacking each other like two rabid dogs.

The first-ever Fastlane show laid the groundwork for WrestleMania by turning up the volume on its marquee feuds.

The event also marked Sting's second-ever WWE pay-per-view appearance. He confronted Triple H in a showdown designed to build toward the next.

Did the night's matches just feel like warm-ups for a bigger event, or did they make their mark on their own? Who stood out most in Memphis? How well did the pay-per-view entice fans to keep shelling out for the WWE Network?

The following is a look at how Fastlane's stories and performers answered those questions, complete with letter grades.

The Authority vs. Ryback, Dolph Ziggler and Erick Rowan

Seth Rollins and Dolph Ziggler kicked things off for their respective teams, the two foes seeing each other's moves coming. 

When it was Erick Rowan's turn to do battle, he quickly found himself in trouble. After cracking his leg against the ring post, Rowan suffered the wrath of Rollins, Big Show, J&J Security and Kane, who all pounced on his injury. 

The heels beat on Rowan until he finally tagged in Ryback, allowing The Big Guy to go on a rampage.

The match turned chaotic, its pace picking up. A knockout shot from Big Show and a chokeslam from Kane did Ziggler in.

During the beatdown of the babyfaces that followed, Randy Orton charged out. He handed out RKOs like candy on Halloween. Rollins escaped, though, slipping out of the arena.

Result

The Authority wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Big Show and Kane stand on the entrance ramp clapping for Rollins.

Fans chant, "We want Ziggler!" and "Feed me more!" while Rowan was in the match.

Big Show pulls out the Haas of Pain again.

Rollins kicks Ziggler off the ring apron.

Ryback catches Rollins in midair, transitions into a vertical suplex and then into Shell Shocked. 

Grade

   B+

Analysis

Buzzing energy helped this turn out to be a surprisingly fun match, despite it lacking in buildup.

Its success is in spite of the commentary, however. There was too much rambling discussion of The Authority's tyranny over the WWE. Of course, this is a key narrative element to this bout, but Michael Cole and company too often ignored the action in the ring.

Orton's return was expected, but it makes perfect sense. He and Rollins can now restart their feud, just in time for WrestleMania. 

Stardust vs. Goldust

A shirtless Stardust hissed at the crowd before he and his brother collided.

They hesitated to lock up, but once they did, it was Goldust who took charge early. He slapped Stardust, tossed him around the ring and evaded much of his offense. Eventually, though, the younger brother grabbed the reins of the bout.

Stardust was vicious as he worked on Goldust.

However, Goldust picked up the win. He rolled up Stardust. Confused and frustrated, Stardust walked away from the ring.

Backstage, Stardust attacked Goldust and barked at his father. The feud just increased in temperature. 

Result

Goldust wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Fans egg on Stardust by chanting, "Cody! Cody!"

"Cody's taken to wearing his paint at home."—Jerry Lawler.

"Who's your daddy?"—Stardust to Goldust.

Grade

   C+

Analysis

Kudos to Stardust for a convincing performance as a man going mad, becoming more beastly in the process. He didn't have much time for that performance, though. It was a short bout with an anticlimactic ending.

The backstage attack was better than the bout itself, the in-ring action clearly just a setup for what happens next. Expect things to get nastier en route to WrestleMania.

Fastlane, meanwhile, offered a tepid appetizer.

The Usos vs. Cesaro and Tyson Kidd (Tag Team Championship)

Cesaro quickly made things difficult for Jimmy Uso. The King of Swing chop blocked Jimmy, creating a target for him and Tyson Kidd to aim at. The challengers then punished Jimmy, leaving him struggling to stand.

Jey Uso tagged in to relieve him.

The pace quickened at this point. Near-falls aplenty followed, thanks to everyone saving their partners.

Kidd attacked Jimmy just as he was in the middle of superkicking Cesaro. Kidd drove his foe into the mat to get the win.

Result

Cesaro and Kidd win via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Cesaro delivers a one-legged Cesaro Swing.

Cesaro hits a superplex; Kidd follows up with a springboard elbow drop.

Jimmy nails Kidd against the guardrail with a Samoan Drop.

Grade

   A-

Analysis

The tag teams sought to steal the show, and they did a tremendous job. A great pace and the feeling that both teams were desperate and hungry to take home the titles powered the bout. 

Cesaro and Kidd are plenty talented enough to make this a compelling reign going forward.

They are going to need some rivals other than The Usos, though. Following a fun series between these squads, WWE will need to find more competition for the new champs in what is a thin division.

Sting and Triple H Confrontation

In his street-fighting attire, Triple H called out Sting once more. He got him. Sting sauntered out, soon staring down The Game from across the ring.

Triple H sold Sting's arrival as him trying to make up for the Monday Night War. He said that if Sting walked away from the situation, his legacy would live on, and they could do business, teasing that a Hall of Fame spot would be waiting for him.

Sting said nothing.

Triple H looked to sucker-punch Sting, but The Icon was ready. They slugged it out, a skirmish Triple H won. He beat down Sting and went for his sledgehammer under the ring.

Sting had a baseball bat ready, which he used to point to the WrestleMania sign. He laid out Triple H, not uttering a word.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"I feel sorry for you. You backed the wrong horse."—Triple H to Sting.  

"My legacy is putting your legacy out of business."—Triple H to Sting.  

Sting slugs Triple H in the ribs with his baseball bat.  

Grade

   B-

Analysis

The segment had no theatrics, making it a letdown compared to Sting's mesmerizing acceptance of the confrontation. It's smart to keep Sting silent and to make him plenty powerful.

There is, though, no indication of Sting's motivation yet. 

Add that to only a touch of fireworks here and it felt like something that belonged on Raw, not on the first-ever edition of Fastlane. The build that will follow is sure to top this.

Paige vs. Nikki Bella (Divas Championship)

Paige pounded on the champion early. She issued a series of fists to Nikki Bella's head, but the champ responded by knocking Paige off the ring apron.

Domination followed. Nikki went on the attack, grounding Paige, stunning her with power moves.

When Paige began a comeback, Nikki halted it with a hold of the tights as she rolled up Paige. 

Result

Nikki wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Nikki hits a nasty Alabama Slam.

Nikki counters a potential superplex and smashes Paige to the mat with a powerbomb.

Grade

   B-

Analysis

This is the best Nikki has ever looked. The engaging match had good momentum, but it ended several beats too early.

It appears, not surprisingly, that WWE is saving the best for WrestleMania. The two foes could pull off a high-quality match together at that event if the company lets them go on longer next time.

That's not something one often says about Nikki, but her steady improvement showed at Fastlane.

Dean Ambrose vs. Bad News Barrett (Intercontinental Championship)

Dean Ambrose's title hopes didn't look good early. Bad News Barrett beat on him, clubbing him with forearms and making him taste the bottom of his boots.

It took a gutsy effort to fight back, to start issuing strikes of his own.

The Lunatic Fringe and Barrett slugged it out before the champ decided things were getting too intense. He tried to take his title and run, but Ambrose dove out of the ring at him.

Ambrose later had Barrett in the corner, stomping on his sternum. The referee called for the bell when Ambrose wouldn't let the champ out of the corner.

The challenger then stole the title as Barrett recovered in the ring.

Result

Barrett wins via disqualification.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

Barrett kicks Ambrose off the top turnbuckle and out of the ring.

Barrett counters Ambrose's rebound clothesline with Wasteland.

Ambrose later lands that clothesline, and it was a thunderous one.

"Ambrose may have been disqualified, but Barrett has been destroyed."—Jerry Lawler.

Grade

   C

Analysis

Ambrose is going to make this feud fun going forward. The spotlight promises to be on him as he holds tight to that title.

The matches these two have later will be excellent as seen by these two foes' chemistry. This night, though, WWE served up just a sampling. This was more setup than stellar.

Bray Wyatt Poses as Undertaker

Fans thought Undertaker was in Memphis. Druids with torches in hand led the way as they brought a casket out to the ring.

It certainly looked and smelled like Undertaker's entrance.

Bray Wyatt, though, was hiding in that casket. He called out The Deadman, by name this time. With a grin, he promised to take Undertaker's soul.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"He has become just like everyone else—weak, broken."—Wyatt.

"I am pain. I am suffering. I am Bray Wyatt"—Wyatt.

Grade

   A-

Analysis

WWE put together a memorable moment here. Teasing Undertaker's arrival had the fans on edge. Wyatt using Undertaker's brand of theatrics was an excellent way for him to poke fun at the legend.

All the teasing that came before this helped make it more powerful. Suspense swelled over the past weeks, and now we're finally getting the rumored WrestleMania showdown.

It's easy to get excited about the buildup that is coming and to see what Wyatt can do against a future Hall of Famer. 

John Cena vs. Rusev (United States Championship)

Cena opened things up with a powerful right hand.

Moments later, he was clutching his ribs, dizzy, stunned. Rusev went on a flurry that had Cena reeling.

The match was heavy on brawling going forward. The champion controlled the pace, utilizing a methodical approach.

Cena kept charging back, but Rusev played the brick wall that he ran into. 

The challenger survived Rusev's power moves, countering with a DDT and a pair of shoulder blocks. He had Rusev in the STF, but The Bulgarian Brute tore out of it.

Rusev also kicked out of the Attitude Adjustment.

It was then Cena's turn to suffer Rusev's signature move. He powered out of The Accolade, but a low blow out of the referee's sight had him right back in the hold. Cena passed out, allowing Rusev to retain.

Result

Rusev wins via submission.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"I'd be talking to myself after that clothesline."—John "Bradshaw" Layfield.

Rusev superkicks Cena as he bounces off the ropes.

Rusev shoves his way out of the STF.

"John Cena has hit Rusev with everything, and he still hasn't beat him."—John "Bradshaw" Layfield.

Rusev catches Cena in mid-flight, turning a would-be leg drop into a powerbomb.

Grade

   B+

Analysis

The bout's biggest drawback was that Cena was too obvious and too loud while calling spots. It took away from the crowd's ability to suspend disbelief.

As the match got rolling, that became less of an issue. Their chemistry got better as the action went on.

Rusev displayed some fine heel work. His facial expressions were especially good. The same goes for his level of aggression.

The loss by passing out has been overused in Rusev's matches. That made Cena's trip to dreamworld less powerful. It's an ending we have seen already with Sheamus, Jack Swagger and others.

Roman Reigns vs. Daniel Bryan (Winner Headlines WrestleMania)

With a chance at Brock Lesnar's world title on the line, Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns approached each other cautiously. 

Bryan tried to make this a mat-wrestling clash. He went for dropkicks and drop toeholds; Reigns responded with pure power.

To try and slow the big man, Bryan focused on his left leg. The strategy didn't work. Reigns simply plowed through him with suplexes and clotheslines.

It was a shot to the liver that finally slowed Reigns. The injury allowed Bryan to gain momentum.

Bryan was in control, leaving Reigns hurting. The powerhouse fought back, though, as each warrior stuck hard in a thriller.

Bryan clamped on a variety of submission holds and drummed his boot against Reigns' chest. He tried to end things with a flying knee, but Reigns hammered him with a spear for the win.

Reigns and Bryan shook hands after the bell, the bearded babyface encouraging his opponent to take down Lesnar.

Result

Reigns wins via pinfall.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

"Brute force makes for good counters."—John "Bradshaw" Layfield.

Reigns hurls Bryan into the ring apron and then the guardrail. 

Reigns flips Bryan over with a clothesline.

Bryan counters a Superman punch with a kick to the gut.

Reigns hits a powerbomb from the top rope.

"I've never seen Roman Reigns hurting like this."—JBL.

Reigns catches Bryan on his third consecutive suicide dive, suplexing him outside the ring.

"These two are going to destroy each other."—Jerry Lawler.

Grade

  A+

Analysis

An excellent story made for a great match that allowed both men to look good.

The in-ring story and the announcers portrayed Bryan as a submission specialist and a wise strategist. It painted Reigns as a juggernaut.

This was everything WWE could have hoped for. It was an instant classic, for one. Secondly, it launches Reigns into WrestleMania at his peak.

This is the best Reigns has looked in a singles bout. Asked to perform under bright lights, he flourished. Now the lights get brighter and the stage gets bigger and he has to step up once again.