Why Might ‘Mania Be So Long + Where Was Aleister Black?

-We’ve been hearing for several weeks about the possible length of WrestleMania. As we are now less than three weeks away, we are getting even more information about the potential run time of the show, along with a likely explanation for why.

Forbes covered this topic in order to provide some insight.

For perspective, fans should recall that each of the recent WrestleManias has been clocking in at a marathon length. The last few were over 5 hours long. When you factor in the often long-winded Hall of Fame Ceremony (which has reportedly been dealt with this year) and the TakeOver show as well, WrestleMania can be a very long weekend.

With that in mind, reports are out that we can expect seventeen matches on the show, and that we could approach seven hours of total show time when it is all said and done. This is approaching Super Bowl levels of coverage, to keep it into perspective.

However you feel about the length, WWE could at least have a decent reason for trying to cram as many matches into the card. Many outlets are referring to this as the AEW impact. Simply put, WWE recognizes it has a lot of talent, and it’s a sure bet that every single Superstar has his or her dreams of working a match at WrestleMania. In an effort to appease as many Superstars as possible-inevitably to keep them happy and away from AEW-the card is swelling.

We already know of a good portion of the matches, with a United States Title match and Kurt Angle’s farewell opponent being confirmed this week. There are still plenty of matches yet to be confirmed, however. Especially if we really are going to get seventeen matches on the show.

-On RAW this week, recent call up Aleister Black was notably absent from the show. It turns out that the dark Superstar was simply enjoying a late honeymoon with bride Zelina Vega, per the various reports.