In the Summer of 1994, Chicago, IL open the doors for the first time of the new home of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks, replacing the Chicago Stadium is the brand new United Center. However, before Michael Jordan or Jeremy Roenick could step to the court of the ice, the World Wrestling Federation would be the first sporting event to take place in the brand new arena.
This Summer Slam would be the final conclusion to the mystery of The Undertaker. Back at the Royal Rumble, The Undertaker loss his match as he challenged Yokozuna for the WWF Championship in a casket match. Takers loss lead to him going into exile for a while. However, in the early part of the Summer, The Million Dollar Man, ted Dibiase would reveal that he actually has been in contact with The Undertaker and would produce the Undertaker. Sure enough Diabiase lived up to his word and brought the Undertaker back on Raw in early June. But Paul Barrer denied that that was the real Undertaker and the real Undertaker will be at Summer Slam. So if that’s not really Taker, then who is the man in the ring with Dibiase? Lets find out.
For a card with only 8 matches, these were 8 very meaningful matches, that all were coming to either a close or would be the start of a new beginning of new rivalries and storylines. To add to this, unbeknownst to the WWF audience, a title change occurred, the night before in Hammond, IN. Diesel and Shawn Micheals defeated The Headshrinkers to win the WWF Tag Team Titles. Diesel was now the Intercontinental Champion and one half of the Tag Team Champions. Like what he said in his promo, he had the touch of Midas. Diesel was defending his title against Razor Ramon and both him and Shawn looked absolutely electric with all of their championship gold they had draped on them. However, Razor did not allow that to obscure his vision, as he was dead set on taking one of those belts from the two. Razor had an answer for Shawn being in Diesel corner, and Razor had along with him, Chicago Bears legend, Walter Payton. Having a Superbowl legend in your corner is the advantage that is unanswered as Razor Ramon would overcome the 7ft monster and win the WWF Intercontinental Championship
The WWF Championship would be on the line, to follow up from their epic battle from earlier in the year from Wrestlemania 10, Bret “The Hitman” Hart would defend the World Wrestling Federation Championship against “The King of Harts” Owen Hart in a steel cage match. While Bret was dealing with The Flu, both men also had to deal with the fact that the entire hart family was sitting at ringside watching the match. Back at the King of The Ring, Bret brought back his old Tag Team Partner, Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, but it would be Owen that Jim would pledge his allegiance to. With the cage environment and Jim watching his back, Bret was in the disadvantage and Owen could taste championship victory happening very soon. Along with the rest of the Harts at ringside was The British Bulldog, returning, who happens to be their brother in law. Bret and Owen took it to each other and gave the cage a run for its money as both men tested every area of that cage to the limits and beyond. If we watched a clinic at Mania, we got the healthcare system at Summer Slam where we saw some of the best innovative moves. Bret was just one step ahead of his younger brother and gain him the escape and scored the win to retain the championship.
The night concluded with the mystery of The Undertaker finally being solved. Such a big issue that even super sleuth Leslie Neisen got involved to figure out the mystery! Ted Dibiase entered the ring and introduced The Undertaker. The man that we have been seeing for the last couple of months enters the arena/ring. Dibiase still doesn’t know who Berrer will produce as he has the real Undertaker. Paul Bearrer comes out with an over sized urn, which he opens in the ring and looks more like a glorified flashlight, to let us know that “the power” of the undertaker is among us and is here. After months of questions, months of speculation and months of doubt, the familiar tones of the “gong” ring ever so loud through the United, but it was a different tone though. With a different theme, a splash of color added and having a distinct height advantage, it was clear that this was the real Undertaker. The questions were no more and it was officially on. This match was complete short work for the real undertaker as he did not show any signs of being at the disadvantage to the fake Undertaker at all. A tombstone later, the fake Undertaker was done. And the Real Undertaker was back.
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.
Today, on this unforgivable 97 degree Chicago heat, I spent the afternoon at US Cellular field, watching the Chicago White Sox make an example out of the Cleveland Indians. I was with two of my long time best friends, Samuel Vaughn and Matthew Adams, and met a cool kat name Ricardo who came with Matt. In conversation, Matt and I were talking about our blogs. Matt has an amazing blog on http://southsideshowdown.com that he updates daily, sometimes twice a day. He had me thinking, that my wrestling blog hasn’t really made any traction in a few weeks. Giving it deeper though, I asked myself, what do I want to talk about? Since WrestleMania, we had the return of Brock Lesnar and that was white hot, but now since he is “fired”, the WWE tidal waves have slowed down considerably. However, one wrestling issue that has sprout up has really ruffled my feathers and really is worth a mention. A week and a half ago, we were presented with news that WWE Monday Night Raw will move to 3 hours. And I’m sorry to say, but if you are looking forward to this you really are a fucking moron.
WWE’s formula for Monday night raw usually goes as this:
8pm cst-8:17pmcst – In ring promo by either John Cena, Triple H, John Laurenitus and maybe the WWE Champion (emphasis on WWE CHAMPION) CM Punk.
8:20pm -8:26pm- Opening match, usually involves Kofi Kingston somehow
8:26pm-8:27pm- Backstage promo to set up the midway point match.
8:31pm cst- The WWE “Rewind”, Commercial for the new WWE Magazine, Product placement, another backstage segment.
8:36pm- Divas match begins
8:39pm- Divas match ends.
8:40pm- Backstage segment
8:42pm – commercial
8:46pm- Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler speak about what happened either earlier in the night or what took place last week, queue the over produced video package.
8:51pm- The midway point match begins.
9:07pm – the midway point match ends with a couple of commercial breaks.
9:08pm- quick backstage segment
9:13pm – back from commercial break
9:14pm- Broadus Clay match
9:19pm- DVD that is either on sale right now, on sale tomorrow or on sale next Tuesday
9:20pm- Commercial
9:23pm- The WWE Slam of the night.
9:24- WWE Tag match
9:36pm – Tag match ends
9:40pm- Special in ring promo cut by Jericho or someone.
9:46pm- Teaser for the Main event
9:52pm- Main event (or John Cena Promo and/or Contract Signing) begging.
10:08 pm cst- Raw Ends
I know what you’re saying, “well that looks like a lot of content”. Yes, it does, on paper, but Raw has become nothing more but paint by numbers.
Look what I painted all by myself! 😀
So, if this is what takes place in a 2 hours show, what in the hell is going to happen with the 3rd hour??? I know, you’re saying to yourself, “but they can showcase some of the younger, no name stars!” Yeah, I’d like that, I’d love that, but is WWE really going to give MNR air time to the likes of a Yoshi Tatsu, Tyler Reks or Darren Young? Ummmmm, no. Raw’s ideology is for at all seconds on the air, you must either have a big name superstar (is: Cena, Orton, or Triple H) a Diva (i.e.: Kelly Kelly, was The Bella Twins or Beth) or someone larger than life (i.e.: Kane, Big Show or Broadus Clay). So, they are not concerned with giving the younger guys any of the precious Raw airtime.
Its…Just…Not…FAIR!!! *wimper*wimper*sniff*sniff*
This is why they have WWE Superstars show, which only half the country gets on WGN America. That is designated for “them”. But when the announcement of Raw going 3 hours was made, the first thing that came to my mind was “WCW Monday Nitro”! Now when that show went 3 hours at first, I was happy and looking forward to it happening. More wrestling = More Good TV. Not in this case, it just meant more fluff. It meant tacking on another Lee Marshall 1800 Collect Road Report! Shit, I don’t need! So after thought, came when Raw has a gimmick night and need the extra hour; per USA Network’s deal, of WWE having to hold a certain number of Raw’s per year. So with that, WWE just makes up these gimmick filled shows. The Roulette, WWE All Stars Monday Night Raw, “Old School Night”. And while, the idea is good on paper (there goes the power of the p-a-p-e-r again), after the 2 hours 10 mark, the gimmick either wears thin or WWE forgets they’re doing it and it feels like as normal show. By this time, you’re looking at the clock saying “Jesus Christ, another 50 min of this?” At one time, the 3 hour raw only occurred once a year and it was for the WWE Draft and those shows were prime excellence, 2oo2 roster at the time was great as opposed to 10 years later.
HaHaHa! Our d*ck is bigger than yours!
So, with every complaint of mine, I have to provide some sort of a solution, and even though, I’m not on the booking committee, I can suggest this, give us an hour of WRESTLING. Do that for us on the first hour. Give us Yoshi Tatsu, Tyler Reks, Kurt Hawkins, Darren Young, Titus O’Neal, Heath Slater, Justin Gabriel, talent from FCW. No backstory, no pending drama, just two guys in the ring, and let the wrestling tell the story. Give that to us for an hour, hell even have Josh Matthews and Matt Stryker do the commentary. But make that 60 min mean something. To wrestling fans, and the next 2 hours can be paint by numbers.
And yes, true, that is very WCW Monday Nitro, but while the WWE, (sometimes) TNA and the wrestling world learned from WCW mistakes, it won’t hurt to learn from their triumphs either.
Whoa! Whoa! Wait….we did something right??? What was it again? So I can tell friends.
Celebrities: Snoop Dogg, Snookie, Keri Hilson, Pee Wee Herman and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Wrestlemania invades HOT-LANTA!!!!!!! The ATL!!!! What was once the official territory of World Championship Wrestling, was now being taken over and flooded by The World Wrestling Entertainment! This would be the final PPV to be under the “World Wrestling Entertainment” banner. A few days later the company name changed to just WWE. Wrestlemania 27 would once again be a duo brand show.
The road to wrestlemania started at the Royal Rumble. The 2011 Royal Rumble would be the largest Rumble in history, this time having 40 men. Alberto Rodriguez would win the Royal Rumble and would challenge the World Heavyweight Champion, Edge at Wrestlemania.
The WWE Champion, The Miz has been on a tare since Nov 22nd 2010 as WWE Champion, but he has yet to meet an opponent to pose a major threat to him, in John Cena. The WWE made the announcement, that Wrestlemania would have a “guest host”. The guest host was announced on the Feb 14th edition of Raw, when we found out it would be…THE ROCK! The Rock made his return to the WWE! Rock poked his attention toward the two men involved in the WWE Championship match, both Cena and Miz. We can assume that The Rock will be involved in the WWE title match in some way, shape and form.
The PPV started out, for the first time with one of the main title main events! The World Heavyweight Championship was on the line as Edge face Alberto Del Rio. Del Rio would be at the ring along side with Ricardo Rodriguez and Brodus Clay. Edge would be at ringside with Christian. During the match Del Rip put a lot of focus on Edge’s arm, looking to lock him in the cross armbreaker. Edge locked in the Edgeucator while Del Rio locked in the Cross Armbreaker. When both men got up, Edge hit the Spear for the win. After the match, Edge and Christian both destroyed the luxury car that Del Rio came out in.
Undertaker Note: After defeating The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels in two wrestlemanias in a row and retiring him, The Game Triple H felt he would be the only one that would be able to be fit to finish what Shawn couldn’t by defeating The undertaker. Triple H would bring nothing but intensity in the match against Taker. Triple H would make this one of his most physical matches of his career, even crashing Undertaker through Michael Cole’s “Cole mine” as well. The match was a back n forth exchange between the two from spinebuster, to chokeslam, to bodyslams. But no move was strong enough to put down undertaker. A gasp went through the crowd as Triple H, gave Taker the cut throat and then tombstone. When Triple H crosses Undertakers arms over his chest and even sticks the tongue out, but even that wasn’t enough to put away Taker. When Triple H went to his last resort, the sledgehammer, Taker caught Triple H in the “Hells Gate” and would make Triple H tap out.
The Undertaker is 19-0 at Wrestlemania
The last match was for the WWE Championship. It featured John Cena facing off against current champion The Miz (accompanied by Alex Riley). The first highlight of the match occurred when Cena hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle on The Miz. Cena then went for the Attitude Adjustment, but Miz countered with a DDT. There was a lot of back and forth action until The Miz hit the Skull Crushing Finale. That didn’t keep Cena down as he managed to hit the Attitude Adjustment; however, that didn’t keep Miz down either. Both men fought outside of the ring, but knocked each other out in the process. The match ended in a double count out, meaning The Miz would retain his title. The Rock came out to intervene, but the Raw GM made an announcement. The Rock went to read it, but then disregarded it. He called for a restart to the match with a no disqualification, no count out, no time limit stipulation. The match restarted and, with Cena dragging Miz back inside the ring and attempting to execute an Attitude Adjustment, wasn’t successful. In retaliation for the Attitude Adjustment that Cena gave him on the Raw episode prior to WrestleMania, The Rock stalked Cena from behind and hit a Rock Bottom on him. Taking advantage, The Miz then covered a fallen Cena for the win.
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 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.
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.
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
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 2nd 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 2nd 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
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 21st 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
Maurice D. Proffit
proffitspiledriver 