#10.) WWE SUMMERSLAM 2009

Yes, it is that time of the year once again, where we are counting down and building up to one of the WWE’s historic major PPV’s. We normally do this with Proffits Piledriver during the countdown to Wrestlemania, but now were are adding the WWE’s 2nd biggest PPV of the year, and that is Summer Slam. However, instead of counting down and illustrating each Summer Slam event, we are going to look at the top 10 Summer Slam’s, so this way we are only focusing on the best ppvs that were offered to us. Each day we will provide a different Summer Slam ppv, counting down from 10 to 1. This was not an easy list to compile, but the staff of interns did an excellent job in putting together a list that defines an era of great PPV. Without any further ado, let the Proffits Piledriver, Top 10 Summer Slam PPV’s begin

PROFFIT’S PILEDRIVER TOP 10 WWE SUMMER SLAM’S

#10

Summer Slam 2009

Date: August 23rd 2009

City: Los Angelas, California

Venue: Staples Center

Combined Attendance: 14,116

Sub-Theme: “The Biggest Event of the Summer”

 

Summer Slam has always been touted as the biggest PPV of the summer, and comparing to the smaller ones, it does ring true (however, Money In the Bank is quickly becoming that must see event). Summer Slam holds a lot of historic value in terms of the history of the company. Summer Slam 2009 would be the first Summer Slam to kick off the staple (no pun intended) of making the Staples Center in Los Angelas, California the home of Summer Slam. This year will be 4 years in a row that the show is in LA. Personally, I am fine with this idea. The embodiment of Summer Slam is supposed to be hot fun in the sun and equivalent with a beach lifestyle, and California defines that better than any other state. Im sure someone is asking, “What about Florida”? True, but August is hurricane season, not a good look for the biggest party of the summer. Plus, the ambiance of Summer Slam is built as a junior Wrestlemania, all around event in terms of the festival environment that the WWE brings to LA, so once again, this decision to hold it in California is fitting.

Summer Slam 2009 was a Tri Branded PPV consisting of Raw, Smackdown and ECW. This would actually be the last tri branded summer slam, as ECW was finalized as a WWE brand just 6 months later. This event would be shown to be an absolute stacked card, including 5 championships being on the line.
The PPV opened up with Rey Mysterio (Champion) vs Dolph Ziggler for the Intercontinental Championship. This match was the perfect way to start the show out as these two gave the audience, live and at home a helluva match to get the blood pumping in the show. This was the year when I became a fan opf Dolph Ziggler, stating that he was the future of the company and this match is what proved that to be. Dolph was so hungry to win the IC championship, that his match focus was to slow Rey down and bring another element of pain to the match. We even got a dose of old school Rey in the match, based on the moves he displayed. And from that, we get a victory from Rey Mysterio over the show off.
ECW Champion, Christian pinned William Regal in an 8 second match.

The WWE Championship would be on the line as Randy Orton would defend his title and would face off against challenger John Cena.7 years earlier, both John Cena and Randy Orton would debut in the WWE, setting their sights to reach the highest of the high in the sport. Many people, along with myself said that Orton/Cena would be the next Savage/Hogan, Flair/Rhodes, Hart/Michaels and Austin/Rock. Giving us one of those classic and legendary rivalries that will be sketched into the times of pro wrestling. Although we never got thier 1 on 1 match at Wrestlemania, we did get it at Summer Slam. In a way, this match was 7 years in the making. In 2008, Orton had a very successful and very impressive WWE Championship run, and after regaining it back in 2009, Orton was looking to repeat that run. In order to do this would be to get by the most decorated superstar in WWE, John Cena. This match was 20 min of solid exchange between the two. However, an odd ending.  Orton was the leader of his 3 man stable “Legacy” consisting of himself, Cody Rhodes (son of Dusty) and Ted Dibiase Jr. (son of the Million Dollar Man). Orton was handicapped, because the member of legacy were tied up in a De-Generation X reunion match, the match before. So Orton was on his own, or was he? After the match was restarted by the ref, due to Orton pinning Cena with both of his feet on the rope, Cena locked up Orton in the STF, but before Orton could tap out and hand the title back over to Cena, a “fan” from ringside jumps the barrier and pulls out the ref. After being “arrested” by LA’s finest, Orton capitalizes an gives Cena the 2nd rope DDT followed by the RKO to secure the win and retains the WWE Championship. We would find out that the “fa” was Brett Dibiase, Ted’s brother.

The World Heavyweight Championship would be on the line as CM Punk challenges the World Heavyweight Champion, Jeff Hardy in a ladder match match to close the show. I remember Punk giving a legendary pre match promo when he criticized some of Hollywood’s decisions to make films concentrated on teen vampires. So as the promo was hot, Punk went into the match on fire as he was determined to win the World Championship at one of the most prestigious ppv’s of the year. Before making this happen, he must go through the charismatic enigma, Jeff Hardy first. Hardy was argubly the most popular superstar in the WWE, with of a legion of fans behind him. However, for the “smart” fans, we knew that Hardy was on his way out the door as he was not looking to renew his contract with the WWE. To smart fans, it was a no brainier how this would conclude, but in the WWE nothing is ever certain until the final bell rings. The ladder match is Hardy’s specialty as he’s given us classics with this tool. This was a match that was not easy to watch as both men were not easy on each other at all. At one point of the match, Hardy set Punk on a table from the outside to hit him with the Swanton from the top of the ladder, but did not connect with Punk. Punk went to seize this moment by climbing the ladder while Hardy was being escorted out, but even when Hardy attempted the climb the ladder after recovering, Punk knocked him off to win the World Heavyweight Championship. However, Punk’s celebratory victory would be lived short as the lights were to go out and come back on, and appearing in the middle of the ring…The Undertaker. And he gives Punk a chokeslam to hell. Starting the building blocks of a new rivalry.

Wrestlemania XXVI (Written By: Maurice D. Proffit)

Wrestlemania XXVI (26)

 

Date: March 28th, 2010

City: Glendale, Arizona

Venue: University of Phoenix Stadium

Combined Attendance: 72,219

Sub-Theme: “Get All Fired Up”

Celebrities: Fantasia Barino

For the first time ever Wrestlemania culminates from the desert! Yes, Wrestlemania is taking place in Arizona. The land of the massive mountains, cacti and ranches will be the home of the greatest sports entertainment show of the year. Wrestlemania 26, produced by the World Wrestling Entertainment.

This would be the first Wrestlemania since 2005 where it would be a two brand presentation, as ECW is officially no more. The road to Wrestlemania actually started almost 1 year before; as Edge and Chris Jericho were an established tag team and they won the unified tag team championships at “The Bash” ppv. However, due to an injury received by Edge, the partnership died. During Edge’s absence, Jericho would make references about Edge and his injury, claiming he was the weaker force in the team. However, fast forward to the Royal Rumble 2010, we would see the return of the Rated R Superstar (Edge). And not only did he get a piece of Chris Jericho that night, he also won the Royal Rumble. Edge would earn a title shot at Wrestlemania against either the WWE or World Heavyweight Champion. Edge would chose Chris Jericho and the showdown will take place at Wrestlemania.

John Cena would defeat Shemus at the 2010 Elimination Chamber PPV, to win the WWE Championship in the chamber. However, shades of the 2005 New Years Revolution peered up when Vince McMahon would announce that Cenas night would not be over, and he would have to put the WWE Championship on the line and face Batista….NOW! Cena after going through a grueling 20 min+ battle of torture in the chamber, had nothing else left in the tank, and Batista would capture the WWE title from John Cena that night. John Cena would exercise his rematch clause and have it set for Wrestlemania 26. Cena vs Batista for the WWE Championship.

Wrestlemania 26 would start out with Fantasia Barrino singing American The Beautiful. Wrestlemania would start out hot with a victory by Show Miz over R-Truth and Morrison to retain the WWE Unified Tag Team Titles.

We would then go on to the 6th annual Money In the Bank Match between Jack Swagger, Christian, Matt Hardy, Evan Bourn, Kane, Drew McIntyre, Kofi Kingston, Dolph Ziggler, Shelton Benjamin and MVP, making this (up to that time) the largest MITB match in history. Some of the spots were undeniably impressive and all 10 men gave up a thrilling contest. Even Kofi had a creative spot by turning two ladders into stilts. But in the end it would be Jack Swagger to grab the briefcase and be declared the winner.

One of the most anticipated matches of the night was 13 years in the making. We would see the wrestlemania return of “Bret The Hitman” Hart facing Vince McMahon. 13 years ago, we all experience the Montreal Screw job at the 1997 Survivor Series; between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels for the WWF Championship. After it, Bret left to work for WCW. Bret was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and made a mini return to the WWE at the beginning of 2010; being the guest host of Raw. While back in the WWE, Bret made amends with Shawn Michaels, and their 20 year rivalry was officially dead. However, one chapter still wasn’t closed and that was the tension between Bret and WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. Vince wasn’t fully ready to make amends yet, instead wanted more. Vince would involve Bret in some screwball attacks to make a point to Bret as far as “who runs the show”. Being fed up with the antics, Bret would challenge Vince to a match at Wrestlemania and Vince would accept. At the match, Vince shooting for his “Wrestlemania Moment” would announce that he bought out the entire Hart family. And out with Vince came out Bruce, Keith, Diana, the Hart Dynasty and other members of the Hart family. However, the joke was on Vince as the Hart family turned on him. Bret viciously took Vince out and placed him in the sharpshooter to tap out.

 

The World Heavyweight Championship would be on the line as Edge challenged Chris Jericho for the title. Back n forth match as each man tried to get the better of each other only to be countered every time. The match ended when Jericho hit Edge with the championship belt and a Code breaker to win and retain his title.

The WWE Championship would be on the line as John Cena would challenge the champion, Batista. Batista dominated the first half of the match. Cena made a return after hitting a suplex. The match started to go evenly after that. One spot included Cena hitting the Five Knuckle Shuffle off the top of the turnbuckle. The match came to an end after Cena reversed a Batista Bomb into an STF. Batista eventually tapped out. Cena won the match and the WWE Championship, making him a nine-time World champion. The Next night on Raw, Batista would announce his “Retirement”.

 

Undertaker Note

The Final match of the night would be Streak vs Career. In a very anticipated rematch from last year’s wrestlemania, Shawn Michaels would once again face The Undertaker. If Wrestlemania 26 was a night that focused on closure, then this match would be no exception. The rivalry between these two men date back to 1997 when Shawn Michaels “screwed over” The Undertaker, as he lost the WWF Championship to Bret Hart at SummerSlam 1997. These two would go on to having the first Hell in a Cell match at Bad Blood 97. Shawn was a beaten, battered and bloodied mess, but overcame the Dead Man and won the match. Here we are 13 years later on the grandest stage. If Shawn loses, he will walk away from the business. This match meant more to Shawn than a title, this was his life. The match started hard early on with both men exchanging a fury of offense on each other. The match, Taker attempted to do “Old School” on Shawn, but was unsuccessful and injured his leg in the process. Shawn made it a point to go after the leg and put concentration on the area. Without the legs, Taker would be useless. But that didn’t stop him, even with Shawn hitting Taker with SCM, Taker wouldn’t die. Taker would give his own offensive retribution on Shawn as he delivered the choke slam and the last ride. But still unsuccessful to put HBK away. Shawn decided to switch his game up to a more ground base game of various submission holds; delivering the Ankle Lock, Figure Four leg lock and crossfire to Taker. Anything he could piece together to rid his worries of the Dead Man. After being unsuccessful with those Taker went for Hell Gate, but Shawn would counter that move as well. Taker would attempt the last ride through the announcers table, but Shawn would counter that. This really was an example of how much this match really meant to both men! Shawn hits SCM 3 times on Taker, but still nothing. Taker gives Shawn the 2nd Tombstone, nada! WHAT A MATCH!!!! But Shawn had very little left and that last kick out may’ve been his last effort. Taker would give us the “cut to the throat” and deliver a 3rd Tombstone piledriver to Shawn Michaels and pin him 1,2,3 and ending the greatest career in the history of Professional Wrestling. Shawn Michaels career was over. The Greatest of All Time, has left the building…for good.

 

The Undertaker is now 18-0 at Wrestlemania.

Match Card

Dark-  Yoshi Tatsu won by last eliminating Zack Ryder in a 26 man Battle Royal

PPV

– ShoMiz (The Miz and The Big Show) (c) defeated John Morrison and R-Truth to retain the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship.

– Randy Orton defeated Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase in a Triple Threat Match.

– Jack Swagger defeated Christian, Matt Hardy, Kane, Drew McIntyre, Kofi Kingston, Dolph Ziggler, Shelton Benjamin, Montel Vontavious Porter and Evan Bourne in the Money In the Bank Ladder Match.

– Triple H defeated Sheamus

– Rey Mysterio defeated CM Punk (with Luke Gallows and Serena). If Rey had won, then he would have had to haved joined the Straight Edge Society.

– Bret Hart defeated Mr. McMahon via Submission in the Sharpshiooter in a No Holds Barred Lumberjack Match.

– Chris Jericho (c) defeated Edge to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.

– John Cena defeated Batista (c) via submission to win the WWE Championship

– The Undertaker defeated Shawn Michaels in a Streak vs Career Match.

Wrestlemania XXV (Written By: Maurice D. Proffit)

Wrestlemania XXV (25)

 

Date: April 5th 2009

City: Houston, Texas

Venue: Reliant Stadium

Combined Attendance: 72,744

Sub-Theme: “The 25th Anniversary of Wrestlemania”

Celebrities: Mickey Rouke, Nicole Scherzinger and Kid Rock

Wrestlemania 25 is the 25th annual Wrestlemania PPV event produced by the World Wrestling Entertainment. Wrestlemania returns back to Houston Texas, the home of the critical favorite, Wrestlemania 17. However, this time, this event would take place next door to the Astrodome and would be held in Reliant Stadium.

We would get to this Wrestlemania starting at the 2009 Royal Rumble, where we would see Randy Orton, with the assistance of his fellow “Legacy” members, go on to be victorious and win the match. Orton would be given  the option of wrestling for either the WWE Championship, the World Heavyweight Championship or the ECW Championship at Wrestlemania. Randy made his choice clear, as to what direction he wanted to go in for the title, as he persisted brutal assaults against the McMahon family. Assaulting both Vince and Shane McMahon and taunts to Stephanie. Triple H would avenge his family’s honor by coming to the aide of his wife, father and brother in law by going after Orton. These attacks saw Orton locking Triple H up to a pair of hand cuffs in the ring and making inappropriate taunts to Stephanie, in front of H. This also lead to a “home invasion” where Triple H invade the Home of Orton and attacked him there. The only way to settle this score would be at Wrestlemania 25.

Edge and Big Show would sign contracts for a match at Wrestlemania 25 for the World Heavyweight Championship, until John Cena appeared and crashed the party. Vicki Guerrero (Smackdown GM at the time) eventually would announce that the WHC match would be a Triple Threat between Big Show, Edge and John Cena.

Wrestlemania 25 started out with one of the most popular matches in the company, this would be the 5th annual Money In the Bank match. Participants would include CM Punk, Kane, Mark Henry, MVP, Shelton Benjamin, Kofi Kingston, Christian and Finlay. Just like in the past, this match did not disappoint and to elevate the excitement, Shelton Benjamin stood out like a sore thumb when he executed a Senton Bomb from the top of the ladder onto his opponents. Unreal. The end of the match would see CM Punk kicking Kane off of the ladder, leaving him enough room and time to grab the briefcase. CM Punk is a (and the only) two time (besides Edge*) money in the bank winner.

One of the highlights of the event would be the match between Chris Jericho facing 3 WWE Legends; Ricky “the Dragon” Steamboat, SupaFly Jimmy Snuka and Rowdy Roddy Piper (accompanied by Ric Flair), in a 3 on One handicap elimination match. Jericho was able to take out both Snuka and Piper, but when it was time for Ricky Steamboat to come in, he gave us all a quick reminder as to why he is nick named “The Dragon”. The last time Steamboat Wrestled was in Nov of 1994 in WCW, so we’re talking an over 15 year absence from the ring. To be honest, Ricky looked like he never missed a beat. For many in the crowd, this was the first time they had a taste of seeing Ricky Steamboat perform and they were not disappointed. For those who are old school fans this was a bit of a dream match seeing Ricky Steamboat face off against Chris Jericho in an unbelievable back n forth exchange. In the end, Jericho would capitalize the situation and defeated Steamboat with the Codebreaker. Actor Mickey Rouke who was just nominated for an academy award for best Actor for “The Wrestler” was ringside for this match, and Jericho would challenge him to enter into the Ring. After some trash talk from Jericho, Rouke had enough and knocked out Y2J with a right hand.

Undertaker Note: The First Main Event we would see The Undertaker face off against The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels. Shawn would enter the arena, as if he was ascending from the heavens wearing all white. Hat, long coat, all white as if he was an angel. To artistically show that he is a direct contrast from The Dead Man. The match started out fast paced between these two legends. Both men, on the early onset went for their signature moves but were blocked by the other. Undertaker, lately had adopted the suicide dive as one of his signature moves, when attempting to do this to Shawn, Shawn would move out the way and throw the “cameraman” in front of Taker instead, avoiding the collision, but with Taker nearly landing on his head. Taker was able to get back into the ring. The match continued, in the match, Shawn was able to hit SCM twice on Taker, with Taker kicking out. Taker hit Shawn with the Tombstone piledriver, which has put many bodies away, but Shawn still kicked out. When Shawn was able to gain back momentum, he went to the top rope and attempted the moonsault, but Taker caught him and hit him with the Tombstone, putting Shawn Michaels away and Taker gaining the victory. The Undertaker is 17-0 at Wrestlemania. It was also declared, critically, as match of the year.

The World Heavyweight Championship was contested for in a Triple Threat match between the champion, Edge, The Big Show, and John Cena. The action started with some brawling and some early teamwork from Big Show and Edge before their alliance crumbled. The match spilled to the outside seeing Edge tackling Big Show through the guardrail with a Spear. Cena returned Edge to the ring before applying the STF before Big Show came to his senses, and broke up the action, leading to Cena and Edge teaming up to remove Big Show from the equation before turning on each other. Cena won the match by lifting The Big Show and set up the Attitude Adjustment, then dropping Edge onto Big Show with the same move before pinning The Big Show to win his second World Heavyweight Championship.

 

The third and final main event would be for the WWE Championship. match was contested between the champion, Triple H, and Randy Orton. As per a pre-match stipulation by Vickie Guerrero, if Triple H had been disqualified or had been counted out during the match, he would have lost the title to Orton. The match started out as a brawl with both men hitting their respective finishers to try and end the match quickly with both leading to only two-counts; the action continued immediately between the two with Triple H doing everything in his power to hurt Orton without being disqualified in the process. Orton tried to gain more advantage went out of the ring to pick up Triple H’s signature weapon, the sledgehammer. As Orton made his way back to the ring, Triple H ran to Orton, and delivered a punt kick across Orton’s face. The champion would defeat Orton hitting him with it and the Pedigree to retain the WWE Championship.

 

Match Card:

Dark- The Colóns (Carlito and Primo) defeated John Morrison and The Miz in a lumberjack match to unify the WWE Tag Team Championship and World Tag Team Championship into the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship

PPV-

– CM Punk defeated Kane, Mark Henry (with Tony Atlas), Montel Vontavious Porter, Shelton Benjamin, Kofi Kingston, Christian and Finlay (with Hornswoggle) in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

– Santina Marella won by last eliminating Beth Phoenix and Melina in the 25-Diva Battle Royal to crown “Miss Wrestlemania”.

– Chris Jericho defeated Roddy Piper, Ricky Steamboat and Jimmy Snuka (with Ric Flair) in a Handicap Elimination Match

– Matt Hardy defeated Jeff Hardy in an Extreme Rules Match

– Rey Mysterio defeated John “Bradshaw” Layfield (c) to win the WWE Intercontinental Championship. After this JBL would announce his retirement.

– The Undertaker defeated Shawn Michaels

– John Cena defeated Edge (c) and The Big Show in a Triple Threat Match to win the World Heavyweight Championship

– Triple H (c) defeated Randy Orton to retain the WWE Championship.

Wrestlemania XXIV (Written By: Maurice D. Proffit)

Wrestlemania XXIV (24)

 

Date: March 30th 2008

City: Orlando, Florida

Venue: Citrus Bowl

Combined Attendance: 74,635

Sub-Theme: “The Biggest Wrestlemania Under The Sun”

Celebrities: Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Snoop Dogg, Raven Simone, John Legend and Kim Kardashian

Hall of Fame: Nature Boy Ric Flair, “High Chief” Peter Maivia, “Soulman” Rocky Johnson, Mae Young, Eddie Graham, Gordon Solie,

Wrestlemania is back for more fun under the sun. This time resorting in the land of Mickey Mouse; Orlando, Florida. This would be the 3rd Outdoor Wrestlemania (or 2nd if you truly count 19) produced by the World Wrestling Entertainment. But this would be the first Wrestlemania taking place in Florida. Around this time is when the WWE announced that they wanted to place Wrestlemania in more tourist friendly/family vacation friendly locations. And what better place to start then being down the street from the Magic Kingdom.

Going into this Wrestlemania, John Cena made his epic return to the WWE after a 3 month absence of being “injured” (making a movie), at the 2008 Royal Rumble as the surprised #30 entrant in Madison Square Garden. Cena would get retribution against the man that he was last in the Rumble with in 2005; Batista. Him, Batista and Triple H were the last three in the ring, but this time it would be Cena who would be the victor. Cena earned the right to face the WWE Champion at Wrestlemania. In this case, it would be Randy Orton. Now, in a move that I still question to this day, Cena “cashes in(?)” his Wrestlemania Title match against Orton at the No Way Out PPV. In the match, Orton (being smart) got himself disqualified and retained the title. That same night, Triple H won in the elimination chamber, to make him the #1 contender for the WWE title at Wrestlemania. The Next night on Raw, Cena demands his rematch clause be exercised. This would bring us to this match now being a Triple Threat Match at Wretlemania for the WWE Title.

Almost one year ago, Edge pulled off one of the biggest swerves in the company history when he cashed in Mr. Kennedys MITB briefcase against The Undertaker to win the World Heavyweight Championship. And thanks to Mark Henry, “injuring” Taker, this would leave Undertaker on the shelf for the rest of the year. After Edge successfully defended the World title at No Way Out, it was now time for him to pay back what is owed. The Undertaker wants a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestlemania 24.

Wrestlemania starts off and starts off hot! One of the first matches on the card is the 3rd annual Money in the Bank Ladder Match. The contestants would be CM Punk, Shelton Benjamin, Chris Jericho, Carlito, MVP, Mr. Kennedy and John Morrison. We saw some unbelievable spots in this match between these men. Shelton, no doubt, showed out to be the most impressive, next to John Morrison. This may’ve been one of the most exciting ones to date, but in the end, it would be CM Punk to climb the ladder and obtain the briefcase to win the match.

In the return of the Inter-promotional matches, Batista (representing Smackdown) defeated Umaga (representing Raw).

In what is said to have been one of the most emotional matches in Wrestlemania History, Shawn Michaels faced The Nature Boy Ric Flair in a “Career Threatening Match”. Back in November 2007, Ric Flair made a strong return to the ring and was back for action. However, Vince McMahon said otherwise. Vince put a stipulation in his contract that if he were to lose one more match, then his career with the WWE would be over. Flair went on a very successful run, since November of defeating wrestler after wrestler. Winning match after match. But Flair, being the man that he is, lives by the phrase (that he made popular) “To Be The Man, You Got To Beat The Man!” This would only be true, if he were to beat “the man”, and that is Shawn Michaels, Mr. Wrestlemania. This match would be signed for WM 24. Flair came out in front of the sold out crowd in a breath taking brand new robe, for this would be the night where he would fight for his career. In the match, both men engaged in a series of counters with each other. We saw some classic HBK and of course some classic FLAIR! Later in the match, Shawn went for Sweet Chin Music but was stopped by Flair and wrapped in the Figure Four Leg Lock! Later Shawn actually HIT Sweet Chin Music on Flair, but he kicked out. Shawn locked him in his own version of the figure four, but Flair (being the dirtiest payer in the game) gave Shawn a thumb to eye to get out. After an exchange of moves, Shawn hits Flair one more time with SCM, but Shawn knew that if he was going to put him out, he had to take him out for good. Flair saw that it was coming, but he was not willing to go down without a fight. Urging and challenging Shawn to “come on”, Shawn whispered the words “I’m Sorry, I Love You” to Flair. Just as those words flowed from his mouth, it was almost like a poetic rhythm, when Shawn landed Sweet Chin Music on him, and just like that the historic career of the Nature Boy Ric Flair, came to an end, as the referee counted the mat, 1, 2 and 3. As the two men hugged in the middle of the ring, 70, 000 plus fans stood on their feet and gave him the most well deserved and emotional farewell standing ovation in the history of Professional Wrestling. Ric exited the Citrus Bowl to the sounds and chants of “Thank You Flair. Thank You Flair.” And yes…Thank you, Flair.

 

The WWE Championship would be on the line against 3 of the biggest stars in the business today. Randy Orton, defending the WWE title against Triple H and John Cena. This would be the first time in Wrestlemania History where the WWE Championship was defended in a scheduled triple threat match at Wrestlemania. This match was unique as the three of them displayed many moves which involved them together. It really was hard to tell who would be able to take this match and gain the victory as we have three of the best in the world in the ring at the same time. The ending of the match showed Cena having Triple H in the FU position, looking to hit it and regain the WWE title, but Triple H, falls out from it, counters it and hit Cena with the Pedigree. As Triple H is going for the pin fall, from out of nowhere, Orton punts Triple H in the head and it is Orton who covers Cena for the 1,2,3 victory to retain the WWE Championship.

The 2nd Main Event would be the highly publicized Big Show vs Floyd Money Maywheather. Boxer vs Wrestler in a no DQ match. The story with these two came about at the No Way Out PPV, where Floyd Maywheather, broke the nose of The Big Show with bare knuckles. Since Floyd wants to play rough, Big Show challenged him to a one on one fight in the middle of the wrestlemania ring. Maywhether came to the ring with his entire entourage, he needed all of the backup help he could get. Early in the match, Floyd tried exercising whatever tactics he could so he could escape from The Big Show, but nothing was working as Big Show kept catching him. Floyd was looking for any excuse to not do this match, even resorting to him and his crew leaving the arena, but Big show caught him. Floyd was able to get his hands on a steel chair, but even that wasn’t enough to put out the Giant. Floyd resorted back to what brought him to the dance in eh first place, he took off his gloves and put on a pair of brass knuckles and clocked Big Show with them across the face. The Big Show was knocked out and couldn’t answer the 10 count. Money Maywheather is declared victorious. Still undefeated.

 

Undertaker Note: The 3rd and final Main Event would be for the World Heavyweight Championship. This would also be the two men with undefeated Wrestlemania streaks going against each other. Someone will leave Mania with their streak broken. The early going of the match was slow-paced, in which both superstars countered each other’s maneuvers. During the match, Undertaker ran and leapt over the top rope from the ring onto Edge on the outside. Then throughout the match, Edge was able to counter Undertaker’s numerous signature moves, including the Chokeslam, Old School and the Last Ride, a variation of the powerbomb. Near the end, Edge hit Undertaker with a television camera while the referee was knocked down. When he proceeded to deliver a Tombstone Piledriver to Undertaker, the latter countered it into his own version and successfully delivered it to Edge for a two-count. Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder came to the ring for Edge’s aid, but Undertaker took them out. Because of their distraction, Edge was able to hit a spear on Undertaker, but was unable to pin him. When Edge delivered another spear to Undertaker, the latter caught him in his Hell’s Gate submission hold and forced Edge to tap out to become the new World Heavyweight Champion. The Undertaker is now 16-0.

 

This would bring Edges’ Wrestlemania undefeated streak to an end, as Edge would now be 5-1.

Match Card

Dark- Kane won by last eliminating Mark Henry. The other participants were: Elijah Burke, Lance Cade, Deuce, Domino, Tommy Dreamer, Jim Duggan, Festus, The Great Khali, Hardcore Holly, Jesse, Brian Kendrick, Kofi Kingston, The Miz, Shannon Moore, Trevor Murdoch, Jamie Noble, Chuck Palumbo, Cody Rhodes, Snitsky, Stevie Richards, Val Venis and Jimmy Wang Yang in a 25 Man interpromotional Battle Royal, to determine who would face the ECW Champion later on in the night.

PPV

-John “Bradshaw” Layfield defeated Finlay (with Hornswoggle) in a Belfast Brawl

– CM Punk defeated Shelton Benjamin, Chris Jericho, Carlito, Montel Vontavious Porter, Mr. Kennedy, and John Morrison in the Money in the Bank Ladder match.

– Batista (representing Smackdown) defeated Umaga (representing Raw) in a inter-promotional match.

– Kane defeated Chavo Guerrero (c) to win the ECW Championship

– Shawn Michaels defeated Ric Flair in a career threatening match.

– Beth Phoenix and Melina (with Santino Marella) defeated Maria and Ashley. In a Playboy Bunny Mania Lumber Jill Match.

– Randy Orton (c) defeated John Cena and Triple H to retain the WWE Championship

– Floyd Mayweather defeated The Big Show by knockout in a no DQ match.

– The Undertaker defeated Edge (c) (with Vickie Guerrero, Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder) to win the World Heavyweight Championship.

Wrestlemania XXIII (Written By: Maurice D. Proffit)

Wrestlemania XXIII (23)

Date: April 1st 2007

City: Detroit, Michigan

Venue: Ford Field

Combined Attendance: 80,103

Sub-Theme: “All Grown Up”

Celebrities: Aretha Franklin and Donald Trump

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

Wrestlemania XXII (Written By: Maurice D. Proffit)

Wrestlemania XXII (22)

 

Date: April 2^nd 2006

City: Rosemont, IL

Venue: The Allstate Arena

Combined Attendance: 17,159

Sub-Theme: “Big Time”

Celebrities: Michelle Williams

Hall of Fame: Bret “The Hitman” Hart, Eddie Guerrero, “Mean” Gene Okerlund, “Sensational” Sherri, Verne Gagne, “Mr. USA” Tony Atlas, William “The Refrigerator” Perry

 

Completing the major city Tri-Fecta, Wrestlemania returns to Chicago, IL! For the first time since 1997, Wrestlemania is back in Chi-Town! Wrestlemania 20, 21 and 22 took a break from being in monster stadiums and went scaled back to having Mania in an arena. The WWE wanted to focus on Mania being highlighted at the 3 major cities of the United States. Sort of like Wrestlemania 2 but in 3 years. After this wrestlemania, this just may be the last time Wrestlemania will be held in an arena. If this is the case, this is the way to fly as you put this wrestlemania in arguably the hottest crowd in North America. Personally, this was my 2nd Wrestlemania attending live and we ripped it that night.

Going into this Wrestlemania; Rey Mysterio would win the 1996 Royal Rumble. Entering in at #1 and outlasting 29 other men. He would join the likes of Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit doing this accomplishment. Due to this, Rey would challenge the World Heavyweight Champion, Kurt Angle at Wrestlemania. Due to Orton’s involvement with both wrestlers, Orton would be inserted into the championship match, making it a Triple Threat. To see who would challenge John Cena for the WWE title, Raw held a tournament to see who would be the number one contender. The finals would be Triple H vs RVD. Triple H would go on to be the victor and Wrestlemania 22 would be headlined by John Cena defending the WWE title against Triple H.

Early in Wresatlemania 22, we would see the 2^nd Money in the Bank ladder match, which has shown to be extremely popular now. Edge would be the first winner of the match, this year, the match included RVD, Shelton Benjamin, Ric Flair, Finlay, Bobby Lashley and Matt Hardy. RVD would go on to win the match and the briefcase.

Last year’s MITB winner would be in a one on one match with the hardcore legend himself, Mick Foley. This match may’ve rivaled Foleys 1998 Hell in a Cell classic against The Undertaker, because this match was pure violence, and fitting for the Chicago crowd. The match saw barb wire, barb wire bats, barb wire Mr. Socko, a million thumbtacks and if that wasn’t enough…FIRE! Lita lights a table outside the ring on fire and Edge spears Foley from the ring through the table, getting the pin and the victory.

Undertaker Note: The Undertaker would face Mark Henry in a casket match. Henry out muscled Taker, but Taker does not stop and the world strongest man could not stop the Dead Man. Undertaker would land Mark Henry in the casket and go on to victory. The Undertaker is 14-0 at Wrestlemania.

Shawn Michaels would face Vince McMahon in a street fight. Shades of WM 17 when Vince faced Shane. This was an exciting, remove your reservations, crash and burn type match which was enjoyable to watch. The match concluded with Shawn delivering a flying elbow off the top of a 20 foot ladder, crashing through Vince who was wearing a garbage can on top of the table. Mayhem after mayhem, Shawn would go on to be the victor.

The match that followed was the Triple Threat match between Kurt Angle, Rey Mysterio and Randy Orton for the World Heavyweight Championship. During Mysterio’s entrance, P.O.D. performed Mysterio’s music entrance live. At the end, Mysterio performed a 619 on Orton followed by a West Coast Pop for a successful pin fall victory. As a result, Mysterio became the new World Heavyweight Champion. After the match, Mysterio celebrated with Chavo and Vickie Guerrero.

The main event was for the WWE Championship between champion John Cena and Triple H. Triple H came out to the ring on a throne dressed as a Conan the Barbarian-type king, while Cena came out with a tommy gun and was accompanied by a group of “gangsters” (one of whom was future WWE Superstar CM Punk) in a 1940s Chicago-era vehicle. The match was evenly matched with both men getting the advantage over each other. Triple H tried to perform a Pedigree, but it was countered by Cena into an FU. After Triple H kicked out of a two-count, Cena locked him into the STFU. Triple H got to the ropes and went for another Pedigree, but was countered into the STFU again by Cena. Triple H tapped out, and as a result, Cena retained the WWE Championship.

 

Match Card

Dark- Viscera won by last eliminating Snitsky. The other participants were: Eugene, Goldust, Tyson Tomko, Rob Conway, Lance Cade, Trevor Murdoch, Matt Striker, Super Crazy, Psychosis, Funaki, Steven Richards, Johnny Nitro, Joey Mercury, The Road Warrior, William Regal, and Simon Dean in an 18 match inter-promotional battle royal.

PPV

-Big Show and Kane (c) defeated Carlito and Chris Masters to retain the World Tag Team championship

-Rob Van Dam defeated Shelton Benjamin, Ric Flair, Finlay, Matt Hardy and Bobby Lashley in the 2^nd annual MITB Ladder Match.

-John “Bradshaw” Layfield (with Jillian Hall) defeated Chris Benoit (c) to win the US title.

-Edge (with Lita) defeated Mick Foley in a hardcore match

-The Boogeyman defeated Booker T and Sharmell in a handicap match

-Mickie James defeated Trish Stratus (c) to win the WWE Women’s title

-The Undertaker defeated Mark Henry in a casket match

-Shawn Michaels defeated Vince McMahon in a No Holds Barred match

-Rey Mysterio defeated Randy Orton and Kurt Angle (c) to win The World Heavyweight Championship

-Torrie Wilson defeated Candice Michelle in a playboy pillow fight

-John Cena (c) defeated Triple H to retain the WWE Championship

Wrestlemania XXI (Written by: Maurice D. Proffit)

Wrestlemania XXI (21)

 

Date: April 3^rd 2005

City: Los Angeles, CA

Venue: Staples Center

Combined Attendance: 20,193

Sub-Theme: “Wrestlemania Goes Hollywood”

Celebrities: David Arquette, Motörhead, Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider, Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top, The Black Eyed Peas, Billy Corgan from The Smashing Pumpkins, Anthony Kiedis from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ice Cube, Carmen Electra, Sylvester Stallone, Marge Helgenberger, Matt Groening, Rick Rubin, and Will Sasso.

 Hall of Fame Inductees: Hulk Hogan, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Cowboy Bob Orton, Jimmy Hart, Mr. Wonderful Paul Orndorff, Nikolai Volkoff and The Iron Sheik

Back in California! Wrestlemania has returned to the golden state! First time in 5 years to celebrate the 21^st annual Wrestlemania produced by the World Wrestling Entertainment. WWE wanted to lean greatly on the Hollywood theme of this show. Leading into wrestlemania were many WWE vignettes of the WWE superstars doing parodies of some Hollywood classics. Some of the classics included Braveheart, Taxi Driver, A Few Good Men and more. Giving this Wrestlemania a very over the top feel with it being sensational eye candy for the media.

Going into Wrestlemania, Batista would be the winner of the 2005 Royal Rumble. In what looked like was going to be a replay of the 1994 Royal Rumble; since both Batista and John Cena went over the top rope eliminating each other since they were the final two men. However, per Vince McMahons order, the match continued and Batista won. Batista would go on and chose to face his former co-member of the stable “Evolution”, The World Heavyweight Champion, Triple H. This would be set to be the Main Event at Wrestlemania. The Royal Rumble ruling didn’t fall short in holding back John Cena. Cena would eventually go on to be at scheduled to face off against the WWE Champion John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL) at Wrestlemania.

Wrestlemania started off with the WWE Tag Team Champions facing each other in the opener contest. The historic rivalry of Eddie Guerreo vs Rey Mysterio would continue as they went head to head in a decent match with each other. Rey would go on to be the victor. This would be Eddie Guerrero’s last Wrestlemania, due to his passing in November 2005.

Shawn Michaels faces Kurt Angle and once again, Shawn displays why his nickname is “Mr. Wrestlemania”. These two put on a Wrestlemania classic that is still being talked about to this day amongst wrestling fans, as these two showcased some of the best most, counters and holds anyone could ever ask to see. This inter promotional match would bring out the best from these two men, especially from Kurt Angle who was hell bent on defeating the man who was been dubbed as the greatest in the world. Naturally the Olympic Gold Medalist thinks differently about this. At the end of the match, Kurt would block Shawn’s superkick and trap him in the ankle lock. Shawn would fight this hold for minutes (which felt like hours), but instead of dealing with the risk of not being able to walk, Shawn taps out and Kurt wins the match. Unreal.

Undertaker Note: The Undertaker would face The Legend Killer Randy Orton in the other Inter promotional Match of the night. Orton is motivated to be the man to end the Wrestlemania streak of the Undertaker. Orton has been trailblazing in taking out WWE Legends such as Jake The Snake Roberts, Hacksaw Jim Duggan even Harley Race. The Undertaker would be next on his list. Orton gave Taker hell in this match. Too young, too quick, too motivated. But the Deadman brought experience to the table and the Tombstone Piledriver would prove to be too much for young Orton as he was pinned 1, 2, and 3 in the middle of the ring. The Undertaker is now 13-0 at Wrestlemania.

The next match was John Cena Vs JBL for the WWE Championship. JBL controlled most of the bout. In the end, Cena would win the match after ducking a clothesline attempt from JBL, hits him with the FU and pinning JBL to become the new WWE Champion. This would be Cana’s first reign as WWE Champion. Ushering in the new era of the World Wrestling Entertainment.

The eighth and final match of the night was Triple H defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Batista. Triple H entered to “The Game” performed live by Motorhead, shades of Wrestlemania 17. The action was back and forth, with neither man in control for very long periods. In both the match’s and the event’s climax, Batista would hit Triple H with the Batista Bomb and pin him 1, 2, 3 to win the World Heavyweight Championship for the first time.

Match Card

Dark- Booker T won the 30 man interpromotional battle royal by last eliminating Chris Masters.

PPV

-Rey Mysterio defeated Eddie Guerrero.

-Edge defeated Chris Jericho, Shelton Benjamin, Chris Benoit, Christian (with Tyson Tomko) and Kane. In the first ever Money In the Bank Ladder Match

-The Undertaker defeated Randy Orton (with “Cowboy” Bob Orton).

-Trish Stratus (c) defeated Christy Hemme (with Lita). To retain the WWE Womens Championshop

-Kurt Angle defeated Shawn Michaels.

-Akebono defeated The Big Show. In a Sumo match (yeah…a Sumo Match)

-John Cena defeated John “Bradshaw” Layfield (c). To win the WWE Championship

-Batista defeated Triple H (c) (with Ric Flair) to win the World Heavyweight Championship

Wrestlemania XX (Written by: Maurice D. Proffit)

Wrestlemania XX (20)

 

Date: March 14th 2004

City: New York, New York

Venue: Madison Square Garden

Combined Attendance: 20,250

Sub-Theme: “Where it all Begins….Again”

Celebrities: Donald Trump

Here we are, Wrestlemania’s 20^th 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.

Match Card

– John Cena defeated The Big Show

– Rob Van Dam and Booker T (c) defeated Garrison Cade and Mark Jindrak, The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von) and La Résistance (René Duprée and Rob Conway) to retain the World Tag Team Championship in a Fatal Four Way match.

– Christian defeated Chris Jericho

– Evolution (Batista, Ric Flair and Randy Orton) defeated The Rock ‘n’ Sock Connection (The Rock and Mick Foley) in a Handicap Tag Match.

– Torrie Wilson and Sable defeated Stacy Keibler and Miss Jackie in a Playboy Evening Gown match

– Chavo Guerrero (c) (with Chavo Guerrero Sr.) defeated Último Dragón, Shannon Moore, Jamie Noble, Funaki, Nunzio, Billy Kidman, Rey Mysterio, Tajiri, and Akio in a Cruiserweirght Open for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship

– Goldberg defeated Brock Lesnar in an interpromotional singles match with Steve Austin as the Ref.

– Too Cool (Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty) (c) defeated The World’s Greatest Tag Team (Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin), The Basham Brothers (Danny and Doug) and The APA (Bradshaw and Faarooq) in a Fatal Four Way match to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship.

– Victoria (c) defeated Molly Holly in a Hair vs Hair match for thr WWE Womens championship

– Eddie Guerrero (c) defeated Kurt Angle to retain the WWE Championship.

– The Undertaker (with Paul Bearer) defeated Kane

– Chris Benoit defeated Triple H (c) and Shawn Michaels in a Triple Threat match to win the World Heavyweight Championship.

Wrestlemania XIX (Written By: Maurice D. Proffit)

Wrestlemania XIX

 

Date: March 30^th 2003

City: Seattle, Washington

Venue: Safeco Field

Combined Attendance: 54,097

Sub-Theme: “Dare to Dream”

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 2^nd 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

–The Undertaker defeated The Big Show and A-Train in a handicap match.

–Trish Stratus defeated Victoria (c) (with Steven Richards) and Jazz to retain the WWE Women’s Championship

–Team Angle (Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas) (c) defeated Los Guerreros (Eddie and Chavo Guerrero) and Chris Benoit and Rhyno to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship  (The Smackdown Tag Team Titles)

–Shawn Michaels defeated Chris Jericho

–Triple H (c) (with Ric Flair) defeated Booker T to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.

–Hulk Hogan defeated Vince McMahon in a street fight

–The Rock defeated Stone Cold Steve Austin

–Brock Lesnar defeated Kurt Angle (c) to win the WWE Championship

Wrestlemania XV (Written By: Maurice D. Proffit)

Wrestlemania 15

 

Date: March 28^th 1999

City: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Venue: First Union Center

Combined Attendance: 20,276

Sub-Theme: “The Ragin’ Climax”

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 3^rd 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

Match Card

Heat- Jacqueline (with Terri Runnels) defeated Ivory (with D’Lo Brown)

Heat – D’Lo Brown and Test won when Droz and The Godfather eliminated each other.

PPV

–Hardcore Holly defeated Billy Gunn (c) and Al Snow to win the WWF Hardcore championship

–Owen Hart and Jeff Jarrett (c) (with Debra) defeated D’Lo Brown

and Test (with Ivory)  to retain the WWF Tag Team Championship

–Butterbean defeated Bart Gunn in a “Brawl For All” Match

–Mankind defeated The Big Show by disqualification to earn the rights to referee the WWF title match

–Road Dogg Jesse James (c) defeated Ken Shamrock, Goldust (with The Blue Meanie and Ryan Shamrock) and Val Venis to retain the WWF Intercontinental Championship in a four corner elimination match.

–Kane (with Chyna) defeated Triple H by disqualification.

–Sable (c) defeated Tori to retain the WWF Women’s Championship

–Shane McMahon (c) (with Test) defeated X-Pac to retain the WWF European Championship

–The Undertaker (with Paul Bearer) defeated The Big Boss Man in a Hell In A Cell match.

–Stone Cold Steve Austin defeated The Rock (c) to win the WWF Championship.