WrestleMania dreams realized and reborn

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ORLANDO, Fla. – There is still something to be said for being able to reach a dream. In an age of compromise filled with hardships and hurdles; mountain after endless mountain; realizing your greatest desire is an honor beyond words. Nevertheless, WWE.com went on a search for those words, catching up with several Superstars preparing for WrestleMania, some for the first time, others after a long road back.

Being asked about her first appearance on The Grandest Stage of Them All, Women’s Champion Beth Phoenix showed an uncharacteristic soft side. Taking a moment to pause before answering, she explained, “It’s a really emotional time for me … winning the Women’s Championship was one thing, but to walk into WrestleMania wearing the gold, that’s probably the most highly anticipated moment of my life.”

However, her change of attitude was short-lived. When asked what she thought of her BunnyMania opponents, her arrogance quickly returned. Her face went cold as she commented simply, “I’m looking to make my WrestleMania record perfect, and I’m going to start on March 30.” If The Glamazon’s record leading to the Citrus Bowl is any indication, she is sure to reach her goal.

When asked about his first involvement, one half of the World Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes was hardly able to contain his excitement. “It is the be-all, end-all of pro wrestling and … what a pro wrestler dreams of. What a sports-entertainer dreams of is being in that main event, and personally, for me, I’m 22 years old and I couldn’t be more excited!” With any luck, Rhodes will be able to capitalize on that excitement during the 24-Man Battle Royal and earn himself an ECW Championship opportunity.

But, what about those who have already experienced the big dance time and time again? Well, for two main event Superstars who have made comebacks from major injuries to reach The Granddaddy of Them All, a return to WrestleMania is that much sweeter. Triple H described his frustration about being out of action, explaining, “You sit behind the curtain and you’re watching the main event, knowing that was your spot and you wonder, ‘Am I ever going to get there again?’ ” After getting a taste of his beloved championship at No Mercy and reigning supreme at Hell in a Cell, the answer is clearly a resounding “yes.”

The Game didn’t limit his comments to himself, attempting to put into words the importance of a post-injury WrestleMania to his fellow challenger as well. “Cena’s a mutant, basically. I mean to tear your pec and be back 100 percent … John was hell bent on not missing WrestleMania and came back earlier than doctors ever thought he could — probably earlier than anybody ever has. Hats off to John Cena.”

Whether you are walking down that aisle for the first time, or after you thought you might not walk down it again, WrestleMania is truly the stuff that dreams are made of.

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