Here we are Raw #996, just inching to that ever so golden 1000th episode that we have been on the receiving end of the ads for, for about a month now. Episode #996 seemed to be the blossom of a new direction, but still with some residue from the past storylines. Monday Night Raw has lately been a painful example of either the joys of the being the sole company on the top of the mountain or it’s the summer and writers are on vacation and Episode #996 was no exception.
Ha! Lets see those summer assholes top my Brock Lesnar angle I just got done doing. Ahhhhhh….
Raw opens up with showing the manipulative AJ talking to herself in the mirror and working on what she will say to Kane, CM Punk and Daniel Bryan which turns to be her way of breaking it off with them. I had to double check the guide channel to make sure that I was on the right channel because for a second I thought I was on the CW watching a bad episode of Gossip Girl.
Wrong Channel, but spot on in terms of quality.
After this segment we get a triple threat elimination match with Daniel Bryan, Kane and WWE Champion CM Punk. Yeah, once again the WWE Champion is opening Raw. In addition to that, with the exception of the elimination rules, this is the match that we just had at the No Way Out PPV from last Sunday. I’m starting to ask what exactly is the point of purchasing a PPV when we are going to get the main event matches on Raw anyway in the next week or two? People save your $49.99 and just wait.
Wait, you mean to tell me that If I pay this $50 to watch these matches tonight, I will see the same thing within the next 7-8 days? For Free? SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!
We have 3 ring generals wrestling in this match and they give us something decent, but ends with a bit of foolishness of AJ distracting Kane, him getting pinned and Daniel Bryan head kicking CM Punk and gaining the victory. The finish was all in 12 seconds.
Bigger than the WWE Championship…yeah. Lil ol me. HeeHee
I have a problem with this. I have a problem that the WWE has watered down their #1 championship in the company. The WWE Championship has not been the closing match at a PPV since December of 2011 for the “TLC” ppv. We are going into July, this means that every ppv this year has not closed with the WWE Championship being defended.
Spoiler Alert: NOT closing the show.
And I truly believe that the only reason why the title was defended at TLC was because John Cena had the night off from that PPV. However, John Cena has that luxury of being the closer of PPV’s and Raw.
Yeah. Pretty great being me.
Help me understand what is going on with that belt. When the WWE made the Intercontinental title lose its worth, it was disappointing, but somewhat expected. Same goes with the WWE Tag Belts. Too much history is embedded in those belts life lines, but expected. WWE Championship. Kind of a hard pill to swallow when they are making that belt a prop in the middle of a storyline that should be on Jersey Shore.
Oh wait…I damn near did.
I guess from a new age viewer stand point, their focus is on AJ since the attention has been on her and not necessarily the title. She embodies what is the flavor on media in general. Wrestling fans who appreciate the lineage of the title and the history, this doesn’t bode well at all. Wrestling fans who were brought up on the latter, were programmed to believe that the WWE Championship title is indeed the richest prize in the game. But in 2012, the richest prize of the game is…
Its either ME alone or ME in a title match! That’s all it can be!
From all areas of media, whether it’s the internet, phone calls, TV ads, text messages, email alerts, smoke signals, messages in a bottle, Morse Code, WWE has taken the liberty to make sure that all walks of life are aware of the 1000th episode of Monday Night Raw that is happening on July 23rd 2012, live from St. Louis, Missouri. Taking nothing away from this crowning achievement, because this is an accomplishment that is rarely seen in today televisions standards. Gone are the days when a family sitcom can average about 8-10 years on television. Now shows are struggling to have 10 episodes filmed for them. But above all of the episodes of M*A*S*H, The Simpsons, Gunsmoke, Seinfeld, we see the most unlikely underdog grab that heavyweight crown and we are reminded (or grinded with) that Monday night Raw is the longest weekly episodic television program in TV history and continue they shall.
This “fake” stuff actually works, huh?
Raw has provided us with some unbelievable viewing. Television that made those Tuesday morning talks with your buddies on the bus or Tuesday water cooler talk at the office about the happenings that took place the night before on Raw.
So….about that Katie Vick segment from last night….
Whether it be a solid IC title match between The Rock and Triple H. Or an interview that Mankind delivered. Or even a Diva Segment that held our attention. And could be seeing an actually title change occur on live TV. The smorgasbord of happenings was endless and Raw never failed (for the most part) in giving us something memorable.
*Sniff* I swear…I’ll never forget this episode of Raw. *Sniff*Sniff*
Leading up to this 1000th episode of Raw, we have been seeing some great Raw Moments in its history. Whenever I see the visual bumper for it, I always get Goosebumps in me, knowing that I’m about to indulge in some nostalgic goodness. But what tires me is that whenever they do these “Raw Flashback”…I GET THE SAME THING! Not taking anything away from the moments we have all shared together, but sometimes, the WWE wants to act as if Raw did not exist before 1998. With the exception of showing the quick highlight clips of the inaugural episode and the infamous “1-2-3 kid upset”, between Jan 11th 1993 and January 19th 1998, the WWE forgets that Raw was even on the air because we never get any highlights during that 5 year span. And not only that, many moments get over looked beyond that 5 year span.
1993-1998??? Bitch Please!!!
When WWE gives us our “Raw Moment of the Week”, I got $20 that says that we are going to see one of the following:
–McMahon in the hospital, Austin attacks him
-the Austin Beer truck before wm 15
-something involving the 200 guest hosts that they had
-John Cena coming to Raw per the draft
-Mike Tyson/Stone Cold Scuffle the night after the 1998 Royal Rumble.
But what about those key moments that NEVER get mentioned. I at times hold on to a sliver of hope, hoping that one day, one of these will be mentioned and/or highlighted on a broadcast of Monday Night Raw.
Lets see what treasures are beyond…
10.) Howard Finkel vs Harvey Wimpleman in a tuxedo match. (January 10th 1994)
Yeah, lets just get this one out the way. (Thank the lord none of them wear a thong)
This has been an slow burn of an issue with both the veteran ring announcer and the manager. They have always had a passive aggressive relationship where Howard Finkel would not give Harvey the appropriate introduction, according to Harvey’s standards. This got to a point where a Tuxedo match was appropriate for the two and the match would take place on the 1 year anniversary of Raw on Jan 1994.
Aftermath: The Fink wins; but in theory, we all lose due to seeing both of them in their draws.
9.) -WWE IC contender battle royal for vacant IC belt/Rick Martel vs Razor Ramon (Oct 11th 1993)
Machismo > Arrogance
This was a significant Raw moments to me, because this was one of the first times when it was evident that Razor Ramon was indeed a ring general. He and Rick Martel opened the show on Oct 11th 1993. This coming off an announcement made by Jack Tunney that Shawn Michaels has been “stripped” of the Intercontinental title due to not defending it in 30 days. Due to the ruling, that coming up Monday night Raw will hold a 20 man battle royal. The last two men in the battle royal will face off in the next episode of Raw in a 1 on 1 match and the winner will be the new IC champion. Martel and Razor were the last two, and wanted to go at it instantly. The next week, both men put on an excellent match, which told a stellar story. In the end we would see Razor Ramon win his first Intercontinental Championship.
Aftermath: Unbeknownst to the fans, this would actually be a connecting storyline to Wrestlemania 10, where Shawn and Razor would face each other in a ladder match. Shawn claimed he was the real IC champ since he never lost the title. Razor would go on to win the latter match to be the undisputed IC champion.
8.) The Steiner brothers vs The Quebecers for the WWF Tag Team Championship; Under Québec Province rules (Sept 13th 1993)
Yup! Thats right. Dont adjust your sets. It really is a WWF Tag Team Title Match on Raw that had Meaning! o.O
The Steiner Brothers have been having a very strong title reign for months now, really being the cornerstone of tag team wrestling in the WWE. The Quebecers were an obnoxious tag team making up of Jacques’ and Pierre, managed by Johnny Polo. This episode of Raw the Quebecers were challenging the Steiner Brothers for the WWF Tag Team Titles, however, the stipulation was what was called “Quebec Province Rules”. These rules were No moves can be executed from the top rope, throwing your opponent over the top rope was illegal and the title can change hands on a DQ or Count out. The Quebecers claimed that these are the official rules in said province. With said rules this would rule out the possibility of the bulldog from the top rope, that the Steiner’s have made theirs and any “Stiner-Lines” over the top rope in which the Steiner’s use to gain momentum. Due to the nature of the match, the Steiner’s found themselves cornered as they were not used to these rules and with Jonny Polo being the obvious distraction, call of this could cause frustration. Leading Scotty Steiner to that brink as he brought in the Hockey Stick of Johnny Polo and used it on the challengers. Per the rules, the Steiner’s were DQ’d and the Quebecers were the new WWF Tag Team Champions.
Aftermath: The Steiner’s never won back the Tag Titles, as the Quebecers went on to hold those belts for another 6 months.
7.) Edge and Lita have “Live/Torrid” Sex!!! (January 9th 2006)
Oh shit. I forgot my moms in row 7, Lita.
January 2006 was the beginning of a half year of some memorable overall WWE moments. The first PPV of the year was WWE New Years Revolution. The night before the Jan 9th edition of Raw, Edge cashes in his Money in the Bank contract to face John Cena for the WWE Championship immediately after John wins the Elimination Chamber. Edge pin Cena to win the WWE Championship for the first time. To celebrate this feat, Lita decides to give Edge a reward he’ll never forget. She will reward him with live sex, live on Raw in the middle of the ring. (Bow-Chicka-Wow-Wow!). The time comes for this segment to begin and in the middle of the ring is a large heart shaped bed. This segment quickly turned into the first 5 min of the TV show, “Silk Stalkings” that used to come on immediately after Raw, where we saw a lot of skin from the two and Lita in a very revealing bra and panties set. And for the added enjoyment of the male audience, there actually was a live boob slip on Litas behalf which brought the crowd to their feet. Making this segment, that much more legendary.
Aftermath: The ending of the segment ended with Shenanigans
6.) Gorilla Monsoon Ejects Bobbie Heenan from Raw…and the WWF (November 29th 1993)
I’m telling you bud, Schivone sucks.
The pairing of both Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan goes back to the early years of the Golden Era of WWF. So, we’re talking about a good 5-6 years of these two giving us some of the best back n forth commentary. Monsoon and Heenan were welcomed into our homes and their relationship was unlike anyone else’s. The two would spend hours debating back n forth with each other about the state of pro wrestling and the athletes. Heenan would justify his dubious ways as Gorilla had no problems at all, calling his wrong ways out. Bobby Heenan was on his way out the door to leave for WCW, but Gorilla had the honor to physically “throw him out the building and out the WWF”. It was only fitting that it would happen this way on an episode of Raw in late 1993. Before the show went dark, we would see Bobby Heenan giving a final salute to Raw and the WWF.
Aftermath: Heenan would go on to WCW, but never really captured that magic that he had in the WWF. Nothing lacking on his part, but due to WCW not pairing him with the right personality. We would see Heenan once again in the WWF at Wrestlemania 17, where he called the Gimmick Battle Royal with Mean Gene Okerlund.
5.)” The Nature Boy “ Ric Flair vs Mr. Perfect (Retirement Match) (January 25th 1993)
If you would’ve told me that WCW was going to try to recreate this in 4 years…yeah, I’d believe it.
This was a very unique and very exciting match due to the history of both Flair and Perfect. When Ric Flair came into the WWF in 1991, he was soon paired with Mr. Perfect with Perfect being his “Executive Consultant”. In Nov. 1992 at the Survivor Series, Macho Man and Ultimate Warrior were booked to take on Ric Flair and Razor Ramon. The Warrior was no longer with the WWF and live on Primetime Wrestling (the Monday night show, before Raw), Macho Man announced that replacing The Warrior, he wanted Mr. Perfect as his partner. While Perfect and Bobby Heenan had a laugh over it, Perfect thought that it would be a good opportunity to step aside and remove him from being the shadow of Ric Flair. Flair and Heenan were not fond of this and Perfect took it upon himself to no longer be affiliated with Flair. The WWF was not big enough for the two of them and someone had to go. And we were given this incredible match which told the story of a lifetime. In the end it would be Mr. Perfect to reign victorious. Good Bye and Thank you Ric Flair.
Aftermath: Ric Flair would go back to WCW and win 6 more world titles. Ric would be back in the WWF in late 2001.
4.) Brian Pillman is armed as Stone Cold invades his home.
I don’t Call 9-1-1!
On an episode of WWF Superstars, Brian Pillman has an in ring interview with Stone Cold Steve Austin. To wrestling enthusiast, this was an interview worth watching as this would be the first time we’d be seeing the former members of “The Hollywood Blondes” (WCW Tag Team) in the ring together. But in the WWF, they were billed as being “Long Time Friends”. At the end of the interview, Pillman called Austin “The Best Was, the Best there is and the Best There Will Be”, and Austin attacks him. At the tail end of the attack, Austin “breaks” Pillmans ankle by placing his ankle in-between the top and base of a folded up folding chair and jumped off the top rope and onto the chair “Shattering” the ankle. The next week on Raw, Vince McMahon was interviewing Pillman via satellite while Pillman was at home nursing his injury. During the interview, commotion stirs up as they hear that Austin is on his way to Pillmans house to “finish the job”. In the interest of protecting his home and his family, Pillman announces on Raw that he has a loaded 9mm hand gun and if Austin comes in, he’s going to blow his brains out. This was one of the most intense segments ever on Raw as Austin was nearing closer and close, Pillman was cocking that weapon more and more just ready to pull the trigger. At the defining moment when Austin actually broke in the house and was in Pillmans living room, the camera shot over to Brian pointing the gun at Austin and then the live satellite feed was lost.
Aftermath: According to Vince, Pillman was restrained and the gun was taken away. Both him and Austin were restrained and pulled away from each other. Vince McMahon received A LOT of heat from the USA network regarding this segment, claiming it be “too real”. McMahon had no idea what the difference was between this and a movie having the same kind of scenario happening. Good point.
3.)WWF Monday Night Raw gives us WCW Monday Night Nitro; ON RAW!
I want to watch, but Mark Madden is talking on my TV? Where is the Cyanide tablet when I need it?
On an episode of Raw in May of 2001, all I remember hearing from Jim Ross was this, “After this next commercial break we will be giving you Monday Night Nitro. WHAT?!?! And Nitro they gave us for a couple of segments. The house lights changed the little “WWF” logo in the corner of the screen changed to the “WCW” logo. Ross and Heymans mics went down and Arn Anderson and Mark Madden’s mics went on. Out came Booker T and Buff Bagwell for a one on one match. This was weeks after the World Wrestling Federation purchased World Championship Wrestling. All rights belonged to the WWF. It looked as if this was going to be a regular segment on Raw until Nitro had its own show again, but this lasted very short. But this would be the first that we see Nitro on Raw.
Aftermath: This and about 1 or two more segments would be the only time this plan was done. Moving forward was the invasion storyline.
2.) Fatal 4 Way Tag Team Ladder Match: Hurricane and Kane vs. Chris Jericho & Christian vs. Jeff Hardy & Rob Van Dam vs. Bubba Ray & Spike Dudley (7/10/2002)
Arrive. Become Match of the F’n Year. Leave.
What a gem this was! I know the placement of this, may be a bit questionable, but going into this match, you’re really not thinking too much of what it could be, but when you watch it, this is one of the best matches ever seen on Monday Night Raw. Historically the Triple Threat ladder matches have always been something memorable, as we saw them happen at Summer Slam 2000 and Wrestlemania 17. Those matches were of the Dudley Boys, Edge and Christian and The Hardy Boys. And in this match, (with the exception of Kane and Hurricane) each team had 1 represented from those two matches on each team. The match truly was art and they seriously tore the house down. Combining Psychology with amazing spots, told a story that you could never forget and giving us the match of the year in 2002. Outstanding!!!
This took place in the latter part of 1993. Earlier in the year Yokozuna faced Crush in a one on one match on Raw for the WWF Championship. Yoko went on to win the match via the Bonzai Drop, but Yoko had more plans for the native Hawaiian. Yoko would deliver 3 banzai drops onto Crush and it took those three to happen for finally, Crush’s “best friend” Macho Man Randy Savage comes to Crush’s aid and pulled him out the ring. Crush has been on bed rest for the entire time while out and on Raw, Crushed called into Raw to have a conversation with Savage. McMahon and Heenan saying he will be on Raw the next week and he has something to say. Crush comes onto Raw and enters the ring with Mr. Fuji. Crush cuts a harmful promo on Macho Man, blaming him for what happened to him. And the only one that had Crushes best interest in mind was Master Fuji. Macho Man cannot hear anymore and enters the ring to confront Crush and to knock some sense into him, that he is better than siding himself with Fuji. Macho’s words of wisdom looked to have made Crush rethink his decision of his alignment with Fuji. Macho asked for Crushes hand in forgiveness and Crush shakes it, bringing the friendship back. But this would be short lived as Crush attacks Savage. Crush would go on to Gorilla press Macho Man on the outside of the ring and dropping him to have Savages teeth land on the steel guard barrier, busting him up. And on top of that bringing Yoko down to give Savage the Banzai drop. Completely laying Savage out and giving us a heartbreaking ending to Raw.
Aftermath: Macho Man would return a couple months later and challenge crush to a match at Wrestlemania 10. Macho Man would gain the victory at Wrestlemania concluding and winning the war.
And the Number 1 Overseen and Never Mentioned Moment of Monday Night Raw…
1.) ECW Invades Monday Night Raw! Live from the Manhattan Center!
G*D DAMN RIGHT!!!!
In 1997, WWF started working directly with ECW to give their talent some more exposure. ECW was this renegade wrestling promotion stationed in Philadelphia, PA that had a major cult following and was the hottest indy promotion, possibly on the planet. The week before, Jerry Lawler put out a challenge to the ECW to come onto Raw and bring their best and WWF will have their best available. The next weeks Raw was in the Manhattan Center where Raw Originated. With this wild crowd that came out and packed the Aragon Ballroom expecting to see something memorable, no one went home disappointed. After the first match, a Jobber entered the ring awaiting his opponent. As Raw was in-between segments, Vince McMahon was addressing the home audience but suddenly a monster rumble came from the crowd and all you see are two large men in the ring with said jobber giving him their finishing move, Total Elimination. The Eliminators (Saturn and Kronos) were in a WWF Wrestling Ring! But to make the situation even more deafening, on the microphone was a determined mad man to make sure that world hears him as he stands with the eliminators, takes the mike, points to Jerry Lawler at ringside and with every drop of emotion in him says the infamous words, “YOUR CHALLENGE HAS BEEN ACCEPTED! ECW IS IN…THE…HOUSE!” We have Mr. Paul Heyman standing in the middle of a live WWF Ring Live on Monday Night Raw! The top of the mountain top he has reached. Paul was the single match to light the fuse of dynamite to make this episode of Raw one of the greatest episodes of raw to ever be broadcasted. That night we saw the Eliminators, The Dudley Boys, The bWo, Little Guido, Taz, 9-1-1 and Sabu. Never has this been done on wrestling before where a rival promotion would be on the air with that promotion. But it was done that night. And after that, Monday Night Raw and the WWF overall would never be the same again.
Aftermath: This would be ECW’s launch pad as ECW went on to being bigger and better than it ever has been before. Their First PPV was in April of 1997 and excelled from there. Due to some internal financial issues, ECW would close its doors in 2001. WWF would buy the rights to ECW and would resurrect the promotion as a WWE Brand. Having a reunion show in 2005 and 2006 and launching the brand in June 2006. ECW would be put to a permanent rest in Feb 2010.
Hall of Fame: “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, Mr. Perfect, Jerry “the King” Lawler, Nick Bockwinkel, Mr. Fuji, The Sheik and Jim Ross.
Wrestlemania is back in a stadium, this time Wrestlemania goes back to the state where they broke the all time indoor attendance record of 93,173 fans. Wrestlemania 23 will take place from the Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Like mentioned before, WWE broke the world indoor attendance record, and that record stood strong until Feb 2010 when Dallas hosted the NBA All Star game, which drew in over 100,000 fans at the new Dallas stadium. If the rumors are true about WM 30, Vince is looking to break that record with Mania. This would also be the first Wrestlemania with the Tri Brand Extension. Raw, Smackdown and ECW matches would be represented on the card. The ruthless aggression era is making a solid landing and the WWE is just about to transition over into its next era.
Going into this Mania, The Undertaker would be victorious at the 2007 Royal Rumble and would earn the right to face a champion of his choosing. The Undertaker had a choice to choose between John Cena (WWE Champion), Dave Batista (World Heavyweight Champion) and Bobby Lashely (ECW Champion). The Undertaker made it known that it would be Him vs Dave Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship. Bobby Lashley would be set to face Umaga (IC Champion) in a non-title champion vs champion hair cut match. However, it wouldn’t be the wrestler getting his hair cut, it would be the man in their corner. Donald Trump would be in Lashleys corner and Vince McMahon would be in Umagas corner. This match would be officiated by Stone Cold Steve Austin. To determine the WWE Title match, Shawn Michaels wrestled in a triple threat match against Edge and Randy Orton and was victorious. The feud built when Cena and Michaels were not only opponents, but also tag team champions but did not trust each other. Something had to give at Wrestlemania 23.
Wrestlemania 23 started out HOT with the MITB Ladder match. This match would consist of Mr. Kennedy, Edge, CM Punk, King Booker, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Finlay and Randy Orton. MITB continues to grow and get better and better. During the match, Edge is carted out, due to being the recipient to a leg drop from Jeff Hardy while laying on the ladder. The ladder broke in half and so did Edge. Mr. Kennedy would go on to be victorious in this match.
Chris Benoit would successfully the defend the United States Championship against MVP. This would be the last Wrestlemania Chris Benoit would be a part of before his suicide.
This would be the first Wrestlemania with ECW representation. The “New Breed” consisting of Elijah Burke, Marcus Cor Von, Matt Striker and Kevin Thorn would face off against The ECW Originals: RVD, Tommy Dreamer, Sabu and The Sandman. The ECW Originals win.
Undertaker Note: The Undertaker challenges Batista for his World Heavyweight Championship. Batista showing no fear and no signs of intimidation against The Dead Man and would set to be one of his toughest opponents yet. Taker and Batista were hard hitting on each other and brought a new meaning of smash mouth wrestling. Both of these giants pulled nothing as they mounted a feast of tough offense on each other. But even with the spine buster and Batista Bomb, that wouldn’t be enough to put Taker away. Undertaker would lock Batista up in the Tombstone piledriver and pin him 1, 2, 3 and win The World Heavyweight Championship for the first time. The Undertaker is 15-0 at Wrestlemania.
The “Battle of the Billionaires” match. This match would be between Donald Trump vs Vince McMahon, but with both men having representation as stated earlier. Bobby Lashley vs Umaga. This match was all shenanigans, but in good fun as Austin was the ref. Accompanying with Umaga and McMahon would be Armando Alejandro Estrada, and with Bobby Lashley and Donald Trump would be Tara Connor. Through the match, Umaga attacked Austin and Shane tried to interject himself as the ref of the match in Austins place. But after being blatantly biased, Austin regained his composure and took Shane out with a Stunner. Lashley got the spear on Umaga and was declared the winner. As a result, Lashley, Austin and Trump shaved Vince McMahons hair in from of the massive crowd.
The Headlining Main Event would be for the WWE Championship. Shawn Michaels would challenge John Cena for the title. Continuing his over the top entrances, Cena would enter the arena in an impressive manner via a Ford Mustang, grabbing the attention of the audience. Not sure if this made it on TV (I was there in person), a streaker would interrupt the very beginning of the match, which was a little off setting, but you could tell that it didn’t even phase Shawn Michaels, as this would be his first WWE Championship title match at Wrestlemania in 9 years. And just like in Anaheim at the Pond in 1996, this could once again be his moment. The match went into a feeling out process and then some hits to remind each other who the other man was. The match transitioned over into more of a ground game where they were both wearing down each other. Cena had to know that even with the steady tempo, it would sure pick up eventually, and the only thing to do, is to anticipate it and defend as much as he could and away we go! The match contained several notable spots, including Michaels hitting a Piledriver on Cena onto steel steps outside the ring. Cena was unable to execute an FU during the match, and Michaels also failed to execute Sweet Chin Music several times. Later in the match, Cena managed to place Michaels in the STFU submission hold, with Michaels reaching the ropes to break the hold. Cena then managed to place Michaels in the STFU again, and as a result, Michaels tapped out and Cena retained the WWE Championship.
There were reports that Shawn was in disagreement before the match, to lose to Cena, and he was adamant against this. We (as fans) do not know if this is actually true or false, but one thing that cannot be denied, both of them gave a helluva match and gave us something to talk about for years to come.
Match Card
Dark- Ric Flair and Carlito defeated Gregory Helms and Chavo Guerrero
PPV
-Mr. Kennedy defeated Edge, CM Punk, King Booker (with Queen Sharmell), Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Finlay and Randy Orton in the money in the bank ladder match
-The Great Khali defeated Kane
-Chris Benoit (c) defeated Montel Vontavious Porter to retain the WWE united Stated Championship
-The Undertaker defeated Batista (c) to win the World Heavyweight Championship
-The ECW Originals (Rob Van Dam, Tommy Dreamer, Sabu and The Sandman) defeated The New Breed (Elijah Burke, Marcus Cor Von, Matt Striker and Kevin Thorn) (with Ariel)
-Bobby Lashley (with Donald Trump) defeated Umaga (with Vince McMahon and Armando Alejandro Estrada) in a Hair vs Hair match with Stone Cold Steve Austin as the special guest referee.
-Melina (c) defeated Ashley to retain the WWE Women’s Championship
-John Cena (c) defeated Shawn Michaels to retain the WWE Championship
Here we are, Wrestlemania’s 20th anniversary! And we are bringing Wrestlemania around full circle back to where it all started, Madison Square Garden. In What possibility could be the last wrestlemania to be held at Madison Square Garden. Currently, Vince McMahon has stated that holding Wrestlemania in normal arenas, days are done. Wrestlemania now belongs in stadiums. That, I do agree with, where Mania has grown to be bigger than even anticipated. And if Wrestlemania 20 knew that it would be the last time they perform in this house, they tore the roof off. This would be the first Wrestlemania billed as being “Inter-promotional”. This would have a match where someone from Raw would face someone from Smackdown in a match.
Just like 19, there were many stories going into Mania 20. Not as detailed and long lasting as some of the feuds for 19, but 20 followed up with some excellent matches. Chris Benoit won the 2004 Royal Rumble. But entering in at #1 and out lasting 29 other men to be crowned the winner and set to face his brands champion at Wrestlemania. In this case he is set to wrestle Triple H, the World Heavyweight Champion. At the contract signing of the title match at Mania between H and Benoit, Shawn inserted himself in this situation by stating that since his match was a draw against Triple H at the Rumble, he needs to have his shot at Triple and finish it all. Benoit denied Shawn this request and Shawn superkicked Benoit and signed his name on the contract instead. The next week, Comissionr Stone Cold Steve Austin announced that the WHC match at Wresltemania would be a triple threat between Triple H, Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit.
At No Way Out 2004, Eddie Guerrero defeated Brock Lesnar and won the WWE Championship. Kurt Angle defeated The Big Show and John Cena in a triple threat match at the same PPV to earn the right to face the WWE Champion at Wrestlemania. Weeks of the feud built up to bring the WWE Championship to life at Wresrtlemania.
Madison Sqaure Garden is the hub and the center stage of Wrestlemania 20 and the audience is going ballistic. The show opens up with a match for the US Championship. The Big Show vs the man making his Wrestlemania PPV Debut, John Cena. They’ve been feuding since the triple threat at No Way Out. The Big Show was the distinguished veteran in this match, but wasn’t too much for the fairly new and very popular John Cena. Cena had enough in him to hit The Big Show with the F-U and pin him to win his first WWE Title, we have a new United States Champion.
This Wrestlemania would also hold a “Dream Match” (forgettable). Brock Lesnar vs Goldberg. The majority of the match was just both men arguing back n forth and a lock up here and there and a push off here and there. Both men were leaving the company and didn’t give this match their all, which was a major flop in my opinion. The fans have been wanting to see this match for the longest ever since Brock entered into the WWE, but both men didn’t care enough to give more into the match. Understandably, the fans turned on both wrestlers by booing the match. Goldberg won the match via the Jackhammer. Deservedly so, referee Stone Cole Steve Austin stunned both of them out the ring.
Undertaker Note: The Undertaker returned to the WWE this night. He has been gone since being “buried alive” by Vince McMahon at the Survivor Series 2003. Not only would this be the return of The Undertaker, this would be the return of The Dead Man. No more American badass. And who better to fight, than his brother Kane. Taker looked like he never lost a step during his time off and dominated his brother. The Undertaker is now 12-0 at Wrestlemania.
The WWE Championship match would be between The Champion Eddie Guerrero vs Kurt Angle. They both put on a solid wrestling mat classic. Excellent match, very good reads from both of the wrestlers. Lots of physchology. During the match, Guerrero used a DDTand Frog Splash on Angle that would result in a pin attempt; Angle then recovered and put Guerrero in the ankle lock. However, Guerrero escaped the hold by rolling through it and throwing Angle out of the ring. As Angle was outside, Guerrero loosened his ring boot to relieve the pain. As Angle returned to the ring, he applied another ankle lock on Guerrero that would end up being unsuccessful with Guerrero escaping the hold by pushing Angle off with his other foot leaving Angle holding the Guerrero’s loosened ring boot. With Angle confused, Guerrero executed a Roll-up pin maneuver leading to a successful pinfall, thus winning the match and retaining the WWE Championship.
The Show would close out with the World Heavyweight Championship, triple threat match. Triple H vs Shawn Michaels vs Chris Benoit. The match started out as your normal Triple threat style of a match between three men; odd man out rule. After a while the match escalated into something a little more special than what we are generally used to as we saw a variety of holds that included the three together. Even at one point, Shawn and Triple H gave a familiar look to each other to give Chris Benoit a double suplex through the announcers table trying to eliminate Benoit. The two continued to wrestle until Benoit made his return to action to have Michaels then attempt to hit Benoit with Sweet Chin Music but Benoit countered it, throwing Michaels out of the ring. As this occurred, Triple H attempted to execute the Pedigree again on Benoit, but was countered and was locked into the Crippler Crossface Triple H to submit. As a result, Benoit won the match and the World Heavyweight Championship. After the match, Eddie Guerrero came to the ring and the two embraced while confetti dropped for the emotional ending of WrestleMania XX.
Celebrities: Limp Bizkit and the “Bud Light Girls” (smh) and Ashanti
Wrestlemania 19 was live from Seattle, Washington. Depending either how you look at it or who you are, you can say this was either the 2nd outdoor wrestlemania or the 1st semi outdoor wrestlemania. Either way, it was a fully eventful mania.
This would be the first Wrestlemania where both of the company’s main championship titles would be defended. Since the Undisputed title was born a year prior (the physical belt), the idea of the champion bouncing back between the Raw and Smackdown Brand just wasn’t enough. And there was no way in the world that the IC title would be parallel as the main title on Raw, next to the Undisputed Championship on Smackdown. To remedy this situation, Eric Bishoff brought back the World Heavyweight Championship belt on an episode of Raw in September 2002 and awarded the title to Triple H. Triple H was the Champion on Raw and Brock Lesnar was the champion on Smackdown (which was now the WWE Championship). Brock lost the title at the 2002 Survivor Series to The Big Show, after being betrayed by Paul Hayman. Kurt Angle defeated The Big Show at Armageddon 2002 to win the WWE Championship. Brock Lesnar goes on to win the 2003 Royal Rumble, but there is a fall out between him and Angle. Angle is dead set on making sure that Brock is in no condition to wrestle for the title at Mania. Paul Heyman (no aligned with Kurt) Awards him with two wrestlers who are known as “Team Angle” Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin. Each week, both Haas and Benjamin try to take out Lesnar, but the plans never work out. After a series of matches between the three, this leads us to the final solution, Angle has to face Brock and defeat him himself, and this brings us to Wrestlemania. In the meantime, Triple H has been defending the title left and right against many competitors. Between RVD, Bubba Ray Dudley, Kane, Shawn Michaels and more, it’s been a nonstop battle. Booker T, wins a Raw battle royal to see who will wrestle the champ at Mania, and this leads to Triple H’s next opponent, Booker T.
Wrestlemania 19 is one of the most stacked Manias ever and loaded with top tier main event caliber matches. It’s hard to determine where to start since it seems as if every match on the card is worthy enough to close the show. An intense mania this is, indeed.
Undertaker Note: The Undertaker was originally involved in a tag match, teaming up with Nathan Jones to take on The Big Show and A-Train. Nathan Jones suffered an “injury” and could not compete, leaving the dead man to fend for himself. Undertaker took on both giants and defeated them both. The Undertaker is 11-0 at Wrestlemania.
Shawn Michaels vs Chris Jericho goes down as one of the top 10 greatest wrestlemania matches of all time. This would be Shawn Michaels Wrestlemania return to the ring. He has not been at a wrestlemania since WM 14 when he dropped the belt to Austin. The story leading into this Mania was about Chris Jericho’s (legitimate) childhood obsession of HBK. Hair like his as he’s coming up, style like his, build like his. Jericho admired Shawn to the fullest extent and naturally when you’re obsessed with someone, the best thing to do is take them out. This match was almost like a mirror match watching these two men go at it with each other. It was move after move, hold after hold, bump after bump that was a mimic of the other. But Late into the match, Michaels attempted to hit Jericho with Sweet chin music, however, Jericho countered it into a Walls of Jericho. After Michaels freed himself from Jericho’s submission hold, Jericho attempted a suplex that Michaels countered into a roll-up that gave Michaels a successful pinfall, thus Michaels won the match.
Triple H would successfully defend the World Heavyweight Championship belt against Booker T, but Booker T definately took Triple H to the absolute limit. With the exception of losing the WHC championship in the elimination chamber to Shawn Michaels, Booker legitimetly looked as if he was going to take the championship belt off the waist of Triple H.
Hulk Hogan faced off against his former employer, Vince McMahon in a street fight. Vince made the claim that he was the one that created Hulkamania, and that Hogan should acknowledge it. Hogan was hell; bent on the fact that the FANS were the ones who created Hulkamania. Due to Hogan’s defiance, Vince stated that he is going to kill what he created, and that would be Hulkamania. Both Hogan and McMahon tested each other’s strength in the beginning of the match, until McMahon tossed Hogan onto ringside. Hogan then countered a chairshot by McMahon into several of his own, that caused McMahon to bleed from the head. Late into the match, Roddy Piper interfered in the match as he hit Hogan with a pipe. Hogan however, later retaliated by hitting McMahon with a Big boot into a Leg drop and successfully pinned McMahon, thus Hogan won the match.
The next sharing the main event was the impeccable; Rock vs Austin Part 3. Never in the history of the WWF or WWE, has there been two men who main evented 3 wrestlemanias against each other. That just tells you a lot about the impact of influence that both Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock have on the business. They wrestled at both WM 15 and WM 17, on both occasions Stone Cold Steve Austin would leave victorious. This match proved that this was The Rock’s destiny to win. The match was a nonstop brawl between the two as they engaged in a heated exchange with each other. Austin was suffering from complications from his neck and looked as if he may not be able to compete, but he did indeed and gave a helluva match. Throughout the match, Rock worked over Austin’s leg, which included Rock applying a Sharpshooter on Austin. Rock then began to taunt Austin, as he put on his vest and imitated his taunts, which led to The Rock running into a Rock Bottom by Austin. Rock then retaliated by hitting Austin with a Stone Cold stunner. Earlier, The Rock cut a promo in which he stated that in Hollywood, it’s not about Act 1 nor Act 2; everyone goes home and remembers Act 3. And Act 3 is what they remembered. Because after he failed to pin Austin with the People’s elbow, Rock then hit Austin with three Rock Bottoms that led to the Rock successfully pinning Austin, thus The Rock won the match.
The final main event was a WWE Championship match between Brock Lesnar and the champion, Kurt Angle, with the stipulation that there would be no Champion’s Advantage (in other words, the title could change hands on a disqualification or a count out). Both men put on a clinic! The match began with Lesnar and Angle wrestling back and forth, until Angle countered a shoulder block into a German suplex. Lesnar would then attempt to retaliate by attempting to F-5 Angle, however, Angle countered it into an Ankle lock, that Lesnar was able to escape out of. As Lesnar escaped, Angle would attempt to deliver an Angle slam, however, Lesnar countered it into an F-5. Instead of covering Angle, Lesnar climbed to the top rope and hit a botched Shooting star press on Angle, which Angle covered for by going for the pin attempt and getting a two count. After Lesnar kicked out, Angle picked up Lesnar only to be hit with another F-5, Lesnar then successfully pinned Angle, winning the match and the WWE Championship.
Match Card
Heat- Lance Storm and Chief Morley (c) (with Dudley Boyz) defeated Kane and Rob Van Dam to retain the WWE World Tag Team Championship titles (First time a title match was on a Wrestlemania pre show)
PPV
–Matt Hardy (c) (with Shannon Moore) defeated Rey Mysterio to retain the WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Celebrities: Michael Clark Duncan, Dustin Diamond, Martin Short, Pete Rose, Carrot Top
This was a very unique Wrestlemania. Wrestlemania, for the 2nd time is back in the Arrowhead Pond, where it was for Wrestlemania 12 (4 yrs earlier). Making up for what they missed out on 4 years earlier, the WWF made sure to bring a solid celebrity feel to the event and show all together. After all….it IS in California. So no excuse this time. Another factor that made this event interesting was, this was the first wrestlemania without 1 one on one match. (with the exception of the “catfight”) All matches has multiple people involved. Not sure if this was a concentrated effort or if it just happened to work out this way with the booking, but every match had 3+ people involved. Looking on the horizon of this show, the action should be hot and heavy.
The backdrop of the main event started at The Royal Rumble, where The Rock wins the Rumble and earns the right to Mania. Triple H retains the WWF title that same night against Cactus Jack. So at the time, the main event at Mania will be Triple H vs The Rock for the WWF Championship. The next month at the No Way Out PPV, The Big Show faced The Rock for the right to wrestle in the main event at Wrestlemania, and he defeats the Rock now earning him the championship match against Triple H. W few weeks later, The Rock defeats The big Show on Raw to earn back his title shot with the help of Vince McMahon. Not taking away Show’s title opportunity, the match is now a Triple Threat Match. The next week on Raw, the triple threat match came early and the three fought it out that night. Triple H went on to win the match, but now the title match at mania has been altered as Linda McMahon announced that Mike Foley would be in the match as well. Making it a Fatal Four Way for the WWF Title, with a McMahon in each corner of each wrestler. Triple H – Stephanie McMahon; The Rock – Vince McMahon; The Big Show-Shane McMahon and Mick Foley – Linda McMahon.
During the PPV, we witnessed the Triangle Ladder Match for the WWF Tag Team Championship. Edge/Christian vs The Dudley Boyz vs The Hardy Boyz. This match was shades of Shawn Michaels vs Razor Ramon Ladder match for the IC belt at Wrestlemania 10. The reason why I say this, is because we saw moves and situations in this match that at this time were completely unheard of. We have seen ladder matches since WM 10, but they were more grounded, were as this match was half the time on the ground and half the time in the air. They gave some incredible moments and unforgettable spots. One spot that will not be forgotten was then Jeff Hard set up a 20 foot tall ladder in the middle of the aisle way, and Bubba Ray Dudley laid on the tables in front of the ladder and Jeff commenced to do a swan dive from the top of the 20 foot ladder. Unreal. Edge and Christian constructed a self made structure using 2 ladders and a table in the middle of the ring, and used it to grab both the belts and went on to victory.
There was also a very unique match for both of the mid card titles. It was a two fall triple threat match for the WWF IC title and WWF European title. Kurt Angle was holding both belts entering into this match. The first fall was for the IC belt and Chris Benoit won that fall to win the IC belt. The next fall was for the European title and Chris Jericho won that fall and the belt. Both men left with a championship, Kurt Angel let beltless.
Undertaker Note: The Undertaker did not particpate in this Wrestlemania. Undertaker is 8-0 at Wrestlemania.
The Main event was for the World Wrestling Federation Championship. Triple H, the defending champion is facing off against The Rock, Mick Foley and The Big Show. This was an elimination match, so it would be 3 falls.
The match went very intense from the sound of the bell. The Big show was the first man to be eliminated after a chair shot to the back by Foley and a Rock Bottom by The Rock. Mick Foley was the next to go down after two pedigrees (the latter being on a chair) which “retired” Mick Foley.
The next 16 min would be between Triple H and The Rock, going all into the crowds and brawling everywhere. But not only did it take the current champion, but also the chairman of the board who turned on The Rock (after being in his corner) and gave The Rock two chair shots to the head. Triple H goes for the pin and obtains the victory. This would be the first time the WWF title was retained at Wrestlemania since WM 11.
Match Card
– The Big Boss Man and Bull Buchanan defeated The Godfather and D’Lo Brown (with Ice-T and The Godfather’s hos).
– Hardcore Holly won by last defeating Crash Holly (c) in a Hardcore Battle Royal for the WWF Hardcore Championship
– T & A (Test and Albert) (with Trish Stratus) defeated Head Cheese (Al Snow and Steve Blackman) (with Chester McCheeserton).
– Edge and Christian defeated The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von) (c) and The Hardy Boyz (Matt and Jeff). To win the WWF Tag Team Championships in a Triangle Ladder Match.
– Terri Runnels (with The Fabulous Moolah) defeated The Kat (with Mae Young). In a Catfight
– Too Cool (Grand Master Sexay and Scotty 2 Hotty) and Chyna defeated The Radicalz (Eddie Guerrero, Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko) in a 6 person intergender tag team match.
– First fall: Chris Benoit defeated Kurt Angle (c) and Chris Jericho.
Second fall: Chris Jericho defeated Kurt Angle (c) and Chris Benoit. In a two fall triple threat match for the WWF Intercontinental championship and WWF European championship.
– Rikishi and Kane (with Paul Bearer) defeated D-Generation X (X-Pac and Road Dogg) (with Tori).
– Triple H (c) (with Stephanie McMahon) defeated The Rock (with Vince McMahon), Mick Foley (with Linda McMahon) and The Big Show (with Shane McMahon) to retain the WWF Championship.
Celebrities: Eric Esch, VinnyPazienza, Kevin Rooney, Pete Rose, Boyz II Men,
Arguably, this was the absolute hottest time in pro wrestling in the history of the business. We are in the core of the Attitude Era, and we are now at the grandest show of the year, Wrestlemania 15 live from Philadelphia, PA. Earlier in the year, Monday Night Raw once again shifted the power of influence and the power of product, but reclaiming the throne as the top wrestling company in the world, by knocking out WCW from the top of the mountain. The WWF at this time had the touch of Midas and could not do any wrong. The poster of WM 15 just boldly showed it all. The poster of the show has Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mankind, Triple H, The Rock, The Undertaker and The Big Show. When you have a roster of that kind of talent, the only thing that you can do is win.
The road to Wrestlemania15 really started at the 1998 Survivor Series. The PPV had a tournament to crown a new WWF Champion after the title was vacated. The outcome of the tournament saw The Rock winning the title, but at the same time, joining forces with the chairman of the WWF; and joining the “Corporation” by aligning himself with Vince McMahon. The Rock and the rest of the Corporation run rampant through the WWF and he has back n forth battles with Mankind for the title. The tile went back n forth between him and Mankind, but both were not short in giving us quality in the ring. The 1999 Royal Rumble occurs Stone Cold enters at #1; Mr. McMahon comes in at #2. They were the first two in the ring, and the last two in the ring and Mr. McMahon wins the 1999 Rumble. McMahon is going to Wrestlemania! By the looks of this, it makes you wonder why would occur at Mania. At St.Valentines Day Massacre in Feb 1999, Vince faced Austin in a steel cage. If Austin wins, Austin gets McMahons title shot, and Austin wins. Austin is now going to Wrestlemania to face the Corporate Champion, The Rock.
The Event started with Owen Hart and Jeff Jarrett, the WWF Tag Team Champions faceing off against D’Lo Brown and Test and retaining those titles.
One treat of the night was the conclusion to the WWF’s experiment, “Brawl for All” where there have been a series of “shoot fight” Boxing style matches on Raw. Many wresters were involved in these matches, such as Marc Mero, JBL, Tiger Ali Singh, etc. This match would pit the man who won the WWF Brawl for All tournament; Bart Gunn. Bart Gunn would face Boxing’s #1 competitor, Butterbean. The prep for the match was longer than the match itself, because Butterbean knocked out (cleanly) Bart Gunn in less than 40 seconds. Wow. The one part of this match that I wanted to make note of was that this would be Gorilla Monsoon’s last wrestlemania and last public appearance before passing. Gorilla was a judge at ringside for the boxing match. Gorillas was at Wrestlemania 1-10; on tape for 11, there for 12 and took absence 13-14 and came back at 15. An emotional standing ovation Gorilla received from the sold out crowd in Philly.
Taker Note: The Undertaker faced The Big Boss Man in a Hell in a Cell match. The Undertaker defeats Boss Man to go 8-0.
The Main Event was for the World Wrestling Federation Championship in a No Disqualification match; The Rock vs Stone Cold. The birth of what is to be (arguably) the greatest rivalry in pro wrestling. The build that was created for these two, had bad blood written all over it. The Rock is looking to defend the honor and the strength of the Corporation and Austin is looking to win his 3rd World Title and hopefully put an end to the Corporation. One piece of the puzzle that was a pleasure was that this would be Jim Ross’s return, and return he did, to call the main event along side with Jerry the King Lawler. Originally, Mankind would be assigned to ref the match, due to the match that he won earlier in the night against The Big Show, but The Corporation made little work of Mankind after his match to send him to the “hospital”. Vince McMahon took the liberty to referee the main event. However commissioner Shawn Michaels had a word to say to that, and removed McMahon from his ref position and told him to beat it, and Mike Chioda took over as ref. The two enter the ring and the match is hot instantly. Both men went back n forth and even took the match into the crowds, and even threw Austin into the WM structure.
The Spanish announce table was taken out; nothing was safe when it came to these two. Even referee Mike Chioda was a casualty as he took a chair shot, Tim White comes out to take the place and to count the shoulders down. When Austin was building up momentum, The Rock, out of desperation, Rock Bottoms Tim White. This give Austin wind and hits The Rock with the Stunner. Earl Hebner comes out to count the Rock out, but The Rock kicks out. McMahon makes his presence back at ringside and both him and The Rock take out Hebner and put work on Austin. But the original ref comes down, Mankind, throwing McMahon out the ring and having the two really see who the better man is. Rock is hit with the Lou Thez press by Austin, but Rock retailates with the Rock Bottom. Going for the Peoples Elbow, Austin moves out the way and goes for the stunner, Rock catches it, spins him around, goes for another rock bottom, blocked by Austin and hit with the stunner and pins the Rock, 1-2-3 to win the WWF Championship
Celebrities: Mike Tyson, Pete Rose, Gennifer Flowers and Chris Warren.
This Wrestlemania was a loud and emphatic scream of “Welcome to the Attitude Era”. This would be the Wrestlemania to officially usher in the new day and age of the World Wrestling Federation. This was no longer your dads WWWF, this was OUR WWF. A WWF that was a mirror image of the current times where Alternative and Rap music were mainstream, where people, who at one time had no voice, could express themselves to the entire world via the world wide web. Where expressionism was not just a mere idea, but was a mandatory way of life. The new WWF would be immediately embraced due to the worlds youth movement. This came at the perfect time as World Championship Wrestling was continuing to blaze the television and wrestling world. But gone are the days where the WWF would just be regarded as a wrestling punch line, the boys were ready to fight. And if the Wrestling war between both companies was that, then this wrestlemania was a missile from a B-52 Bomber.
The background of Wrestlemania can be tracked back to the formation of Degeneration X in the fall of 1997. After Bret Hart left the WWF after the Montreal Screw job, the WWF was treated as a frat boy’s playground via the likes of Shawn Michaels (WWF Champ), Triple H and Chyna. Every week, Monday Night Raw would be graced with antics (some not suitable for television) by the 3. Although most of them inappropriate, they still drew people to their TV sets to see what else they would be up to (me included). At the 1998 Royal Rumble, Shawn Michaels defended the WWF title against The Undertaker in a casket match. On hand to witness the main event was The Baddest Man in the World, Iron Mike Tyson. Tyson watched as HBK retained the title and also witnessed and celebrated as Stone Cold Steve Austin won the 1998 Rumble. The next night on Raw was supposed to be an announcement of some sort from the Chairman of the WWF, Vince McMahon with Tyson as his guest, but that was short lived as Stone Cold Steve Austin came unannounced and “ruined” the party, by getting into a scuffle with Tyson. As the weeks went on, the championship match at Mania was announced as it will be The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels defending the title against Stone Cold Steve Austin, with Mike Tyson as the special guest ref. When this was announced Shawn was irate and wanted to confront Tyson one on one in the ring. When Shawn confronted Tyson in what looked like it would be a heated verbal exchange between the two, Shawn grabs Tysons shirt, rips it off his back, just to reveal a “Degeneration X” T-shirt on him. Tyson was the newest member of DX. The odds were definitely stacked against Austin going into Wrestlemania.
Wrestlemania 14, live from Boston. The opener of the ppv, would show a 15 team tag team battle royal. This would be the purpose of the long waited return of the LOD (Legion of Doom). But with a new look. Not only a new look of half way shoulder spikes and a helmet, but also managed by Sunny. And on top of that, a new name LOD 2000. LOD 2000 would go on to win the match.
This would be the first Wrestlemania where the WWF European Championship would be defended. Triple H would defend the title against Owen Hart. Triple H defeats Hart to retain the title.
For the WWF Intercontinental Title, The Rock (for the 2nd year in a row) would defend the Intercontinental title against Ken Shamrock. Ken Shamrock and The Rock had a very hard hitting match, and Shamrock did in fact make the Rock tap with the ankle lock. Shamrock Wins! Not so fast. Shamrock, never relinquished the hold and it took a band of referees to make him unlock the move. Due to his insubordination, the decision was reversed, Ken was disqualified and the Rock retains the IC title.
The WWF Tag Team Titles were on the line as Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie (Terry Funk) would face The New Age Outlaws (champions) after dumping both the men in the trash, Funk and Jack win the match and win the WWF Tag Team titles.
Undertaker Note: The Undertaker faces his brother Kane in, at that time was The Undertakers toughest opponent to date. Kane was too strong and too much of a machine to be stopped. But the Deadman showed incredible resilience and with the tombstone, The Undertaker was able to defeat his younger brother Kane. The Undertaker is 7-0 at Wrestlemania.
The WWF Championship Match is now on hands. Shawn Michaels comes in with a blaze glory (and a bad back), and then enters the challenger, Steve Austin. With fellow DX member, Mike Tyson on the outside of the ring, anything was possible in this encounter. Austin and Michaels went at it, just like two ring veterans. Just one year before, Austin was in the ring giving a clinic with Michaels’s #1 adversary, and now it was Shawn’s turn to dance with the Texas Rattlesnake.
The match went beyond the ring as Austin and Shawn brawled out by where the band was playing and even used some of their equipment as weapons. The match was brought back to the ring and slowed down a bit with a few submission holds and additional back n forth exchange. Eventually, Austin would be put in the figure four leg lock and then hit with Shawn’s flying elbow. But that wasn’t enough, Austin was ready for another comeback, when Shawn went for his sweet chin music, Austin grabbed the leg and reversed it, and hit Shawn with the Stone Cold Stunner. This would take Shawn out and due to referee Mike Chioda being knocked out; Mike Tyson came into the ring and counted HBK’s shoulders down for the 1-2-3. Stone Cold Steve Austin was the new World Wrestling Federation Champion, ushering in and leading the new Attitude Era.
April 4th 2011; The day after Wrestlemania 27; in Atlanta, GA. The Rock addresses the crowd. Giving his take on what happened in the night before WWE Championship match between John Cena and The Miz. The Miz walks away with the victory over Cena; but this night was not about The Miz, this was about Cena. The Rock was not focused on the man who was (at that time) proudly holding the WWE championship and coming off the victory of the lifetime, but rather the attention of The Rock was on the man who in fact lost the championship title fight in the headlining main event. The Rock; before a sold out crowd in the Philips Arena, made an unprecedented announcement, where be put out a challenge to John Cena, in a one on one match at Wrestlemania 28 in Miami, Florida. With the exception of Mr. Kennedy (with an asterisk) in 2007; never has there been a wrestler to make a challenge to another wrestler, exactly 1 year from the date. A very bold, brash and calculating risk that the WWE is taking in scheduling a match 1 year in advance.
Dream Match...Check!
Who’s to say what will take place in one year? Who’s to say where the wrestlers will be? Who’s to say where the company/business would be? Would this be able to hold the attention of the audience and keep them interested? So many questions and so many red flags can be raised when doing this. But knowing how the WWE is when it comes to what the present to their fans, this was a risk that was worth taking and was executed perfectly. Between promoting the film “Fast 5”; to being involved with “The Summer of Punk”, to shooting “G.I. Joe: Retaliation”, to the WWE Title triangle, to Survivor Series Tag Match main event; to promoting Disney’s “Journey 2”, to Kane trying to make Cena “Embrace the Hate”, here we are at the end of February/ beginning of March, just 4-5 weeks away from wrestlemania, the journey is close to coming to a close and our final destination will be the dream match between The Rock and John Cena.
The Rock came back a year ago to the WWE, in what is being looked at as one of the biggest and most astounding comebacks in wrestling history. The buzz that The Rock created was absolutely uncanny. Between The Rock being the #1 trend worldwide on twitter to every facebook status (at his return) on FB that night, being in relation with The Rock. Fan or no fan, you were talking about the return of the peoples champion (See my issue of Proffits Piledriver from 2-3 weeks ago that talks more about this…*link*). The Rock said one line in that promo, that seems to be like an STD, it just keeps looming its ugly head over and over again periodically. The Rock gave a memorable 20 min promo and he stated “I am never ever going away”. Yes, hearing that was comfortable and hearing that from him felt great knowing that The Rock was back.
Honey, Guess who got fired?
But let’s be real…
I would hope that anyone with a half a brain would know that, he would NOT be wrestling full time the way he did back in 1998. No, Rock still had films to promote, we all knew about G.I. Joe, so how would it be possible for him to wrestle full time again?
Duh!!! I need to fulfill contract obligations by kicking Cobras ass, prick!
I had a lightly heated discussion with someone after The Rocks comeback where I was explaining to them, that he’s not back full time. He will be back on a legends contract but not full time, he doesn’t need to. But there is a percentage of fans that feel that he is supposed to be in the ring wrestling full time, and that is what confuses and bothers me.
Yeah, this is just the scheudle for the 2nd week of May. You didnt have anything planned now, did you?
If indeed The Rock came back and wrestled on a full time basis, he would then be deemed as “boring” or you’ll hear people crying saying “he’s taking up a roster spot”, also “The Rock is old.” Any of those variations, we would be flooded with all of those comments.
I have nothing to do but cry about something that's awesome! (In your Nancy Kerrigan voicce) Why! Why! Why!
So, The Rock doesn’t come back immediately the next week on Raw, and he goes back to fulfill his Hollywood obligations. We see The Rock on a very sporadic basis due to his schedule. But fast forward to right now, fans are pissed off at The Rock for leaving! Fans…WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT??!?! Do they want to see The Rock vs Tyler Reks on a weekly basis? Is this what you want?
Whoaaa Dude. Im relevant again? Gnarly!
Really? C’mon. American Wrestling fans who expect the world from everyone, calm down and relax and just enjoy what we are getting. The Rock does not need to wrestle on a full time basis at all. This man is arguably one of the greatest entertainers pro wrestling has ever seen. He was one of the leaders of the Attitude Era (the WWE’s most financial successful years in the companies existence) to help propel the WWE into competing ranks with other top outlets of entertainment. The Rock has toured the world, headlined several wrestlemanias, sold out arenas all over the world. Sold a gaudy amount of merchandise and is a constant hit on the media circuit. He is the man that Access Hollywood, Extra, Entertainment Tonight, The Tonight Show, Conan, Letterman, all go to, to appear on their shows. There is a reason behind this and it’s not that The Rocks name keeps getting pulled from a hat, that’s for sure. But it’s because he is the right man to choose from when it comes to mainstream media.
This over taking bumps, injuries, living out a suitcase and politics? Yeah, I chose right.
The Rock still at the moment, still holds the segment for the highest rated segment in the history of professional wrestling, with “The Rock; This is your life” segment, with him and Mankind (Rock and Sock Connection). The Rock main evented three…excuse me, I don’t think you heard me….THREE Wrestlemanias wrestling Stone Cold Steve Austin. And two of those matches were for the WWE Championship. When has that ever happened in the history of the WWE? Never! The Rock has won every major title in the company from the WWE title, the World Heavyweight Championship, The IC championship to the Tag Team Championships. Arguably, he has made the company more money than any other superstar. So please help me in understanding where it is a mandatory that a wrestler who is THIS accomplished, HAVE to work a full time schedule like he did his rookie year within the WWE? Where does it say that he has to fulfill these obligations? But I guess according to many of these current disgruntled fans, this is obviously a requirement. An odd requirement, but a requirement never the less.
But the most common heat is “The Rock Leaving” in the first place. Fan are besides themselves that The Rock pursued a Hollywood career. How dare he make an independent adult decision to take advantage of an opportunity.
Let me just ask this first. You are a young professional; mid to late 20’s, in your ideal career. Within your department, you are a hot shot and your work speaks for itself. You work hard and you have a great respect and admiration of your peers. One day, someone approaches you and informs you of a wonderful opportunity that is available. The work is not as strenuous, still in a similar field, but the pay is out of this world. Here you are, with a long time girlfriend, whom you’re looking to propose to soon. And you know down the line you two will be speaking of starting a family as well. What would be the logical move? Turn down the opportunity because you are Mr. Office Funny Guy, and what would the department do without your presence? Or seize this opportunity so you can set up a better life for you and your family?
Do I take the new offer and provide for my family or do i stay so I can continue being the office douche?
Exactly. So why is The Rock being crucified for making the same decision that we would all make as well? Why is it ok for us to seize better opportunities, but he’s not allowed to. I think that is a massive imbalance that I would need clarity on.
Becuase if I tweet my anger and frustration, then it must hold some merit. (Mom. can you let me know when its time for my show?)
Survivor Series 2011; live from Madison Square Garden in New York City. The main event was a tag match between The Miz and R-Truth vs John Cena and The Rock. This would be the first time The Rock would be in the middle of the ring wrestling, for the first time in 7 ½ years (since wrestlemania 20). The Rock stood in the middle of the ring next to John Cena and (at the risk of sounding like I want to rape him) The Rock looked like a Greek god.
This aint gonna tickle.
The Rock was in the best shape that he’s ever been in, in his life. Rock looked like an exaggerated characterture of himself, because he really did look like he was chiseled out of stone next to everyone else. Nothing against John Cena, because Cena is in amazing shape, but standing next to The Rock, Cena looked like he was no where even near his league. Cena looked pale compared to him. He looked very short and small next to The Rock. Cena did not look strong at all next to The Rock. There was an obvious contrast between the two, and I’m sure that if an average Joe fan like myself could notice it, you know the boss; Vince McMahon; noticed it more than ever. The Rock looked flawless in the ring that night, and even though Cena did most of the work, The Rock looked better than the entire WWE Roster, easily. Physically and how smooth his ring work was. Lord, if wrestlemania was that night, and Cena went over, there wouldn’t be a soul in that arena who would’ve bought that.
What Cena looks like Next to the Rock.
Lets fast forward to 2012. The John Cena/Kane storyline was MUCH needed. Some people thought the storyline was a waste of time, I on the other hand felt it was extremely necessary because Cena needed to go through a slight transformation and embrace a more aggressive side of his. If Cena is going into Mania as the happy go lucky, “Awwwww shucks” wrestler that we know him as, he’d be laughed at. Vince needs for this dream match to look as credible as it can. The last time we had this match of this caliber was Hogan-Rock at Wrestlemania X8 (18). Those were two guys you can put in the middle of the ring, both of them look like they belong, and they will give you something memorable.
Veteran Status In Da Hooooouse!!!!
Yes, Cena IS the right man to be in this spot. Yes, Cena IS whom we want to see in the middle of the ring with The Rock. But we all know that Cena just needed more of an edge to make this match credible. So with the storyline with Kane and how that evolved and what it resulted to, Cena has his edge. But he needs more of a direct edge with The Rock. Enter The Monday night raw edition of 2/20/2012. John Cena cuts a very intense promo against The Rock…
And the Buzz around the world was. How will The Rock respond to something so strong and passionate from Cena. Finally Cena gave us something that wasn’t full of clichés, potty humor, gay jokes (which I have a true problem with) and of course the ONE joke he’s been leaning on ALLLLLL YEAR “Being Via Satellite” or “He’s not here”. We didn’t get Robo Cena, where he comes out and is just reciting the memorized promo that was written for him by Brian Gerwitz team, in the back. We actually got a John Cena that channeled a legit emotion and brought out to the television audience. JOHN, THIS IS WHAT WE WANT FROM YOU!!!!! THANK YOU!!! He has finally arrived.
Cena now has a credible and almost meanacing edge to him, but one more piece of the puzzle needs to be added on, The Rock needs to scale back.
On the Feb 27th edition of Raw, The Rock was live in Eugene, Oregon. He cut a promo…but…it….just….wasn’t…Rock….like….
Huh? #1.) Was The Rock NOT intense? #2.) Was he frazzled and thrown off? #3.) Did he have blatant notes on his arm? HUH?!?!?!?
What was the over/under of some fan boy going through thr trouble to make this pic and post it online. Mr. Internet Hero! WoooHooo!!!
Since when has The Rock NOT been intense? It could be for a 45 sec promo, The Rock always brings it. Since when does The Rock needs noted to help him know what to say next??? Since when does The Rock look thrown off? Dude, you’re a professional actor, you…wait….you’re a professional actor.
"Ha! Yeah, you forgot. Im a professional actor, Moron!"
What better way to control the crowd in a direction that you want them to go in? Yes, YOU direct them yourself. Makes all the sense in the world. I see many many many comments of people bashing The Rock for what he did. I see many comments that are damn near filled with vile hate for him. People wishing death upon him. I’m sorry are these fans of pro wrestling or is this a lynch mob?
It’s odd, how one year ago, the electricity and the buzz of The Rock returning brought a resurgence back to professional wrestling that is has been missing for so long; suddenly turns into this hostile hate for someone, who is on a part time schedule with the WWE. But to me, it was obvious that this was done all on purpose. The scaled back promo, the stumbling and bumbling, the written notes. All of this has to be a work in order to make Cena look like the more superior. If The Rock is The Rock every week going into Mania, Cena will look so insignificant in that match, that the match would no longer look like money the way it once did. So, in other words, all of these angry wrestling fans that are having an aneurism over this, guess what kids…you’ve been worked.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
And it doesn’t just take one for that promo to work, it took 2…maybe 3. It took The Rock; John Cena and possibly an agent. That promo was systematically done a certain way to move the crowd. The plan worked. So if you think that you’re getting one over on The Rock because you jump on a Facebook page or twitter and leave disparaging comments about The Rock, guess again genius, because you’re only doing what he wanted you to do in the first place.
Now don’t get me wrong. This isn’t a piece for me to write so I can say “You have to choose The Rock! What’s wrong with you?!?!” Not at all. I understand that there are Rock Fans and I understand that there are Cena fans. And it should be that way. I love the emotion that is going through people right now. There is such a vested interest in both of these men, that you cannot help but select a side. There hasn’t been this kind of emotion since WWF vs. WCW (during the hay day years, not the Invasion Angle).
Ahhhhh, the glory days of war...
You had to choose a side and it’s that I love. But I can seriously deal without the ignorant hate that I see coming from other “fans” (and I use that term loosely with them).
I can admit that Cena had the upper edge once again on the 2/27 edition of Raw, in terms of promos. And that is fine. But something stood out tremendously in his 2/27 promo. The Rock’s influence. The Rock mentioned something that I felt was very significant. Last year, when he did his first promo on his comeback, he called Cena a “bowl of fruity pebbles”. Cena response to that insult by a quiet video shot of him eating a bowl of fruity pebbles. About a good 6-9 months later, boom, John Cena is on the front of the box of Fruity Pebbles. As funny as that sounds on paper, the numbers are even better. We’re talking about a multimillion dollar endorsement with Post Cereal, for John Cena to be on the box of cereal. A one liner for The Rock turns into a mega bank role with a billion dollar company. Good for The Rock, Great for John Cena, Tremendous for The WWE.
I just paid BEEEEOTCH!!! Thanks Rock!
Add this to his existing endorsement deals with Subway and with Gillette. In addition to this, When The Rock speaks, people are going to be all ears; whether they like him or not. But people will tune in to see and hear what he is going to say. He has the crowd just eating out of the palm of his hands on Monday in Eugene. And the last time he spoke, and the last, and the last, and the last. The Rock has been controlling the crowd for many years before his semi retirement to Hollywood, and he knows the ring and knows the culture. The Rock knows what the do’s and don’ts are in pro wrestling (which is why it’s laughable that people really bought the writing on the arm). The Rock has been around this business for literally his entire life. But overall, The Rock understands and respects the time honored tradition of pro wrestling. Which is why The Rock will indeed put over John Cena at Wrestlemania 28.
Haha!
He did it before with Brock Lesnar at Summer Slam 2002. The Rock put over Lesanr and dropped the WWE Undisputed Championship to him. Pretty much passing the torch that was passed to him by Hulk Hogan 4 months earlier. And now it is time to do it once again, but this time to Cena. When we think of the greatest of all times we automatically think of Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, The Rock, Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart. That is a very elite class of men to be a part of. John Cena is a tremendous worth and a great man to have represent your company. But he’s just not in that class yet. But with the assistance of The Rock, and with him putting Cena over at the grandest stage of them all at Wrestlemania 28, it will be at moment in the middle of Sun Life Stadium where The Rock will then endorse John Cena as the true leader of this current era of pro wrestling and from there and so on, Cena will then be a part of that upper echelon of legends that were mentioned earlier, to make him immortal.
Maurice D. Proffit
proffitspiledriver 