Hey guys, my name’s Nathan and for some godforsaken reason, I like my fake underwear fighting to make sense.

My desire for lucid pro-wrestling goes beyond “no gaping plot holes, thanks” — I also like recognizable human motivations and characterization! Failing all that (and wrestling usually fails all that) I at least like when matches have some sort of compelling, logical hook. Assuming you’re not just rage-reading Brandon’s Best And Worst columns every week, I bet you feel the same way.

Well, I’m happy to say the build-up to WrestleMania 29 has made a shocking amount of sense! Nearly every match feels like it exists for a reason, and yet I can’t remember a year when I’ve been less excited for the show. Let’s take a stroll through this solidly assembled, yet totally sleep-inducing card, shall we?

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Punk was at -100 before he decided to desecrate the Undertaker's urn. Or, uh, whatever.

You guys know I love pro wrestling right? Yeah, pro wrestling’s not real. It’s not a sport. It’s a television show. Performance art, whatever. I’m not revealing some grand carnival scam when I note that people get together and decide who should win which match and how it should all go down before the fights happen, because they want it to be entertaining or accomplish some weird purpose or sell a specific guy’s t-shirts. You get that, right? Sports elements, competition elements, sports presentation, but not a sport.

If you read that and still want to bet on WrestleMania, the biggest show of the year for people who are not really trying to amateur wrestling pin each other, you have a gambling problem. But hey, it’s not my job to come down on you about your hang-ups … if you think CM Punk being +700 against the Undertaker is a steal, by all means, lay your money down.

Here are the betting odds for WrestleMania 29, courtesy of Bovada:

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Pre-show notes:

- If you’re wondering what I’m up to this weekend, make sure to stick around after the Top 10 Comments of the Week for a handy “Brandon At WrestleMania And Assorted Things” guide. I want to hang out with you and be friends in real life!

- The With Leather Bad Wrestling Theme Lyrics March Madness Tournament has reached its final four, so if you haven’t voted in that yet, please hop over and do so now. Worst case scenario, you’ll get to listen to Funaki’s music.

- Comments, shares, likes, and anything else that gets people to come here are appreciated.

- Follow us on Twitter @withleather, follow me personally @MrBrandonStroud and like us on Facebook.

- IMPORTANT REMINDER: I”M MAKING A MOVIE AND COULD SURE USE YOUR HELP. Me, Dustin Rhodes (!) and a bunch of other crazy talented folks are making a horror movie in Austin this May called Meet Me There, and it’s gonna be rad. It also sorta needs your help, so if you read the report and you want to be kind (or you’re just rich) (either way works) please consider hopping on over to our IndieGogo fundraiser and chipping in. We’re almost to the 3K mark, and if you put us over, e-mail me about it and I’ll give you a special perk. MY EVERLASTING LOVE.

Please click through to enjoy the Best and Worst of WWE Raw for April 1, 2013.

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Tonight, on the “go home” edition of the pre-WrestleMania WWE Raw open discussion thread:

It’s almost here. The biggest event in all of WWE and the moment millions of WWE Universe members have been waiting for. With emotions and adrenaline at an all-time high, what will unfold when Superstars come face to face one last time before WrestleMania? Here are five reasons this week’s Raw is must-see at 8/7 CT on USA Network. (via WWE.com)

Our five-point preview:

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Pre-show notes:

- Comments, shares, likes, and anything else that gets people to come here are appreciated.

- Follow us on Twitter @withleather, follow me personally @MrBrandonStroud and like us on Facebook.

- GIFS courtesy of Jerusalem at Punchsport Pagoda.

- IMPORTANT REMINDER: I AM MAKING A MOVIE AND COULD SURE USE YOUR HELP. Me and a guy you’ve probably heard of (Goldust) (no, seriously) are making a horror movie in Austin this May called Meet Me There, and it’s gonna be rad. It also sorta needs your help, so if you read the report and you want to be my friend forever (or you are ridiculously rich), please consider hopping on over to our IndieGogo fundraiser and chipping in. There are a lot of cool perks, and it’s a great way to say “hey, I appreciate this wordy-ass wrestling column you write every week. LIVE YOUR DREAMS.”

Please click through to enjoy the Best and Worst of WWE Raw for March 25, 2013.

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Tonight, on the With Leather WWE Raw open discussion thread:

The City of Brotherly Love is about to get its biggest dose of electricity since Benjamin Franklin: WWE Champion The Rock is back in town. With the various WrestleMania matches set, the Superstars are frothing at the mouth to get a piece of their rivals, from The Undertaker’s hunt for CM Punk (still at large with Paul Bearer’s urn) to Team Hell No’s quest to humble Dolph Ziggler & Big E Langston. But the faceoff the WWE Universe is most anticipating is that of Rock and John Cena, who will surely have words when The People’s Champion confronts his No. 1 contender. Here are five things to look forward to on this week’s Raw. (via WWE.com)

Our five-point preview:

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