The Pittsburgh Tribune spoke to WWE Legend Bruno Sammartino this week about this weekend’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony and having his first contact with Vince McMahon since 1988. Here are some highlights of what he said about:
Returning to Madison Square Garden:
“My God — Madison Square Garden. I keep thinking of all the things that happened to me there,” Sammartino said. “Fifty years ago I became champion there for the first time. I picked up Haystacks Calhoun and thought the roof was going to pop off, it was so loud. I lost my championship there and I regained it there. I broke my back fighting in Madison Square Garden. So much history. And to think, at this stage of my life, that I get to make one more appearance there. How great is that?”
Meeting With Vince McMahon:
“We will talk privately, face to face, in Madison Square Garden, but not until then,” Sammartino said. “It’s better face to face, eye to eye. So we can discuss whatever needs to be discussed.
Fandango appeared on the Opie & Anthony radio show on Wednesday morning in New York City to promote WrestleMania 29. During the interview, comedian Jim Norton applies oil to FAN-DAN-GO as they attempt to pronounce his name correctly before they can interview him.
– Internal from this weekend’s WWE live event matches between WrestleMania 29 opponents Ryback and Mark Henry were not good. There is concern about how the match will come off on pay-per-view this weekend.
– While the Undertaker and CM Punk closed the show on Monday’s “go home” RAW, we’ve heard that their match at WrestleMania 29 is scheduled to take place approximately half-way through the PPV.
– Here is the official synopsis for WWE’s upcoming Payback pay-per-view on Sunday, June 16th:
“WWE reinvigorates its pay-per-view line up with a fresh new concept that will serve as the perfect stage for all the top Superstars to settle their long simmering grudges and set the stage for the sizzling road to SummerSlam. All major championships will be on the line including the revamped WWE Championship, plus the World Heavyweight Championship and much more. From the clashes for the ultimate prize, to fierce heavy-hitters with scores to settle, WWE fans will want to relive the historic debut of this riveting new event.”
Rosa Mendes, along with her #MuscleMania initiative, prepares for WrestleMania 29 with an epic, muscle building workout. Of course, this video has been posted solely to educate our readers about how to live a healthy lifestyle.
“5 Star Wrestling” Announced Exclusively For PlayStation 3 (For Immediate Release)
Dundee, Scotland – April 2013
The wrestling game world is long over due a shake up. The same development studio has dominated the genre for well over a decade with little to no competition. Well as the saying goes, ‘Enough is enough and it’s time for a change!’
Introducing ‘5 Star Wrestling’ the first PlayStation 3 wrestling game made out of pure passion for the art form of professional wrestling. This is not a Sports Entertainment game, it’s a Professional Wrestling game! The stories aren’t told through badly dubbed cut scenes, they’re told in the ring with truly genre enhancing gameplay!
Wrestling Psychology
Everything in wrestling is done for a reason. Have you ever noticed that technically gifted wrestlers will focus their attacks on an opponent’s legs if they are outmatched in size and strength? The reason that’s a popular strategy is because if a man can barely support his own body weight, he’s going to struggle to lift you above his head and send you crashing down to the mat.
In 5 Star Wrestling, the way you attack an opponent can significantly limit their offensive arsenal. If your opponent is faster than you and is constantly running around, attack their body to drain their stamina and slow them down. If your opponent is stronger than you, injure their legs and next time they try a lift up move like a Powerbomb, their knee will buckle and you’ll be left on your feet while they roll around crying like a baby.
Putting The Rules Back Into Wrestling
Wrestling has referee’s for a reason. Groin shots and eye pokes are dangerous weapons that have ended many matches and they will not be tolerated in a 5 Star Wrestling ring. If you want to kick a man in the crotch, by all means go for it but IF THE REF CATCHES YOU, it could be game over. Of course if he doesn’t catch you, you might just be on a winner!
Finishing Moves Galore
Finishing Moves are a huge part of a professional wrestling and 5 Star Wrestling revolutionizes finishing moves in wrestling games. Tired Finishers, Power Finishers, High Risk Finishers, Quick Finishers, Finishers that come from nowhere, 5 Star Wrestling has it all. There’s no robotic formula of 2 finishers per wrestler because 5 Star Wrestling is aiming to be as close to the sport of wrestling as possible. Some wrestlers utilize devastatingly powerful finishers, while others stringing multiple finishers together to end a match and some of the best wrestlers can perform their finishing moves from virtually any position making them incredibly dangerous. That’s the same approach 5 Star Wrestling takes and the end result is characters that are fun master. It’s The Moves That Make The Man It won’t surprise you to learn that the most highly praised wrestling games of all time were the ones where wrestlers could utilize the most amounts of moves and the most heavily criticized wrestling games were the ones where wrestlers didn’t have many moves at all. Not only does 5 Star Wrestling feature more Moves Per Wrestler than any other wrestling game in history (nearly 200 per wrestler) it also has the most character specific move sets of any wrestling game, making each character feel incredibly unique.
Styles Make Fights
In 5 Star Wrestling, each character has strengths and weaknesses but they also fit into certain archetypes. Brutes are powerful but slow and stupid. Ring Technicians are cunning with tactical move sets but are weaker than your average wrestler. Risk Takers are fast and can perform dare devil type moves but they hurt themselves in the process and Showman are highly resilient wrestlers with lots of finishing moves but they aren’t the strongest, fastest or smartest wrestlers in the mix. Heels (bad guys) have access to devastating (but risky) cheat moves, Faces (good guys) don’t cheat but they can receive huge momentum swings that allow them to perform amazing comebacks. The bottom line is, each character in 5 Star Wrestling feels unique and that means players will need to come up with different strategies if they want to be successful.
Follow 5 Star Wrestling on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest developments.
SEScoops.com is proud to introduce another new exclusive weekly podcast for our readers titled, “The Breakdown” with Steve Perry. Each week, Steve will break down (get it?) a current topic in the pro wrestling and attack it from many different angles. As always, these things are a work in progress – so check out the show and leave your in the comments section below.
The Breakdown – Episode 1: WrestleMania 29
The debut of the Breakdown podcast, exclusive to SEScoops.com! On the premiere show, just a few days away from WrestleMania, Steve breaks down the four main event matches and what it means when either side wins. Steve also clarifies a few points from Because Wrestling and introduces the world to the show itself!
East Rutherford, NJ – On Sunday, April 7th MetLife Stadium is pleased to welcome WrestleMania 29! All guests are encouraged to arrive early and allow extra travel time in coming to the MetLife Sports Complex.
The team at MetLife Stadium would like to encourage anyone attending WrestleMania 29 to review the following important information:
Ticket Information
Will-Call Orders
– Tickets held at will-call will be available for the week leading up to the event during the following times:
Monday, April, 1st to Friday April, 5:
MetLife Stadium Box Office located inside the MetLife Gate from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 6th
Ticket window labeled “MetLife South” at the MetLife Gate from 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
Sunday, April 7th
Any open ticket window at the large white trailer outside the MetLife Gate beginning at 12:00 p.m.
Stadium Information
– The Stadium parking lots will open at 11:30 a.m. The Stadium gates will open at 4:30 p.m. and the event begins at 6:30 p.m. Please note that this event is rain or shine. The Stadium Carry-In Policy is listed below.
– Guests are encouraged to enter at the gate listed on their tickets for the easiest route to their seats. Alternatively, guests may enter at any gate and use the Plaza to access the gate area listed on their ticket.
– Exit and re-entry into MetLife Stadium is not permitted
All guests at MetLife Stadium are asked to:
– Respect each other as well as our stadium team members
– Consume alcoholic beverages in a responsible manner
– Refraining from fighting, throwing items or using foul/abusive language or gestures
– Keep MetLife Stadium SMOKE-FREE by only smoking on the plaza near the stadium gates
Guests are encouraged to report any inappropriate behavior to the nearest Guest or Safety Services Representative, any Guest Services Booth or through our text messaging service. Guests should address the text message to 78247 and type the word MLS followed by the request and location.
Carry-In Policy Information
Guests MAY carry-in the following items:
– Bags or purses that are 12″ x 12″ x 12″ or less in size, all bags and other carried items will be subject to search
– Food contained in a clear plastic bag
– Factory-sealed, plastic bottles of water or soft drinks that are 20 oz. or less in size (caps will be removed by Safety Services team members).
– Still-photography cameras with a lens that is 6″ or less in length
– Jackets or blankets after being patted down or searched
– Handheld banners, signs and flags without being attached to a pole or stick and no larger than 2′ x 6′.
All permitted items will be inspected at the gates prior to entry
Guests MAY NOT carry-in the following items:
– Umbrellas
– Strollers
– Bags larger than 12″ x 12″ x 12″ in size or hard-sided containers or bags
– Cameras with a lens longer than 6″ in length
– Single-purpose video cameras
– Alcoholic beverages of any kind
– Balls of any kind, laser pointers, noisemakers, flashlights or fireworks
– Banners, signs or flags that are larger than handheld or those that are attached to poles or sticks
Guests traveling via public transportation to MetLife Stadium are strongly encouraged not to carry any prohibited items, such as umbrellas, large bags or cameras.
Guests attending WrestleMania Axxess on Sunday, April 7th, are strongly encouraged to return items purchased or received during the Axxess back in their vehicles prior to entering MetLife Stadium for WrestleMania.
Getting to the Stadium
Parking lots at MetLife Stadium open at 11:30 a.m. The parking fees are $30 per car, $75 per bus/RV. Pre-paid parking permits are NOT required and not available for purchase. Please note guests parking in the IZOD Center lots can access MetLife Stadium via a pedestrian walk-over bridge or guest shuttles.
If driving to the event:
– DO pay attention to the message boards en route to the Stadium
– DO NOT rely on GPS devices as routes may be adjusted and diverted to accommodate traffic congestion
– Tailgating is permitted in all lots. Please be considerate of your fellow ticket holders when tailgating: ONE CAR = ONE SPACE.
– The saving of parking spaces will not be permitted. Groups desiring to tailgate together should arrive together.
– There is no overnight parking permitted
– The drop off area for limousine or car services is located on the roadway between lots D & E adjacent to the Verizon Gate
Public Transportation
NJ Transit is pleased to provide service from New York City and points throughout New Jersey to WrestleMania Week activities, including WrestleMania 29, WrestleMania AXXESS and Monday Night RAW. Please visit njtransit.com/wrestlemania for details using “Meadowlands Sports Complex” as the final destination. Be sure to purchase your transportation tickets in advance! If you are traveling from NYC, purchase your tickets online. From all other locations, purchase your round-trip ticket from a Ticket Vending Machine or Ticket Window. Train service from Secaucus Junction to the MetLife/Meadowlands Sports Complex begins at 2:30p.m. The train will drop guests off in front of the SAP Gate.
Bus Service is available to MetLife Stadium. Coach USA provides the 351 Meadowlands Express bus service from the Port Authority to the MetLife/Meadlowlands Sports Complex. Please visit 351express.com or call (800) 877-1888, Ext. 3 for more information. The first bus is scheduled to depart at 3:30p.m.
Here’s Part 23 of our WrestleMania Retrospective series, looking back at past WrestleMania events as we march towards WrestleMania 29 on April 7th
WrestleMania 23 (2007) Tagline: All Grown Up Sponsor: 360 OTC Date: April 1, 2007 Venue: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan America the Beautiful: Aretha Franklin Attendance: 80,103 The Undertaker’s Streak: 15-0 (Def. Batista)
WrestleMania 23 was the twenty-third annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It was presented by 360 OTC and took place on April 1, 2007 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan.The event was the first WrestleMania at Ford Field and the second to take place in the Detroit metropolitan area (following WrestleMania III, at the Pontiac Silverdome, in Pontiac, Michigan).
The event was a joint-brand pay-per-view, featuring performers from the Raw, SmackDown!, and ECW brands. Eight professional wrestling matches were featured on the event’s supercard, a scheduling of more than one main event. The main match on the Raw brand was John Cena versus Shawn Michaels for the WWE Championship, in which Cena won.The predominant match on the SmackDown! brand was Batista versus The Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Championship, in which The Undertaker was victorious.The primary match on the ECW brand was an Eight Man Tag Team match between The ECW Originals and The New Breed; The ECW Originals claimed victory in the match. The featured matches on the undercard included Bobby Lashley versus Umaga and an interpromotional Money in the Bank ladder match.
Tickets for the event went on sale on November 11, 2006. WrestleMania 23 grossed US$5.38 million in ticket sales, breaking the previous record of $3.9 million held at WrestleMania X8. WWE estimated that $25 million was pumped into the Detroit economy. The all-time Ford Field attendance record of 80,103 consisted of people from all fifty states, twenty-four countries, and nine Canadian provinces With 1.2 million buys, the event had the highest WWE PPV buyrate in history,
WrestleMania returned to Detroit 20 years after WrestleMania III
Money In The Bank
The third annual Money in the Bank ladder match was the first match that aired on pay-per-view, featuring eight participants; Edge, Jeff Hardy and Randy Orton from Raw, King Booker (with Queen Sharmell), Mr. Kennedy, Matt Hardy and Dave Finlay from SmackDown!, and CM Punk from ECW. The match featured many notable spots, including points where Edge performed the Spear on all the other opponents, followed by Randy Orton doing the same by leveling many of the participants with his RKO later in the match. Mr. Kennedy missed a Kenton Bomb and landed on a ladder on the back of his neck. He instead received a Swanton Bomb from Jeff Hardy. Several dangerous ladder spots were also featured, including Orton performing an RKO on CM Punk whilst standing on the ladder, and King Booker hitting his Book End to Orton from the top of the ladder as well. Midway through the match, Jeff Hardy climbed a fifteen foot-high ladder inside the ring and on his brother, Matt Hardy’s urging, he performed a leg drop off of that ladder onto Edge, who was lying prone on another ladder outside the ring, set-up on the ring apron and the barricade. Due to the impact, the ladder on which Edge was placed, broke in half and he, along with Jeff, were severely injured. They were carried off on stretchers by the paramedics. Later, when Booker was about to retrieve the contract briefcase, Matt Hardy held Booker’s wife, Queen Sharmell as a hostage, threatening to perform his Twist of Fate on her. Booker went to her aid and received the Twist of Fate from Matt. Finlay fought Matt for sometime in the ring, and also performed his Celtic Cross to Matt onto a ladder. Finlay’s associate Hornswoggle emerged from under the ring and attempted to retrieve the briefcase for Finlay. He was stopped by Kennedy, who performed his Green Bay Plunge on Hornswoggle. Kennedy went on to win the match, only after knocking CM Punk off a ladder by hitting him with another ladder.
Mr. Kenedy Wins The Money In The bank ladder match at WrestleMania 23
Battle of the Billionaires
The main rivalry heading into WrestleMania 23 was between WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and Donald Trump. On the January 8 edition of Raw, Trump faced off against his real-life rival, Rosie O’Donnell. Trump won the contest, although local wrestlers portrayed Trump and O’Donnell. During McMahon’s “Fan Appreciation Night” on the January 29 edition of Raw, Trump interrupted and dropped large sums of money into the arena. The following month, the two came up with a match for WrestleMania, where the stipulations for the match were that they each had to choose a representative to wrestle for them and the loser would have his head shaved bald. This match was then billed as the “Battle of the Billionaires”. McMahon picked Umaga as his representative, while Trump picked Bobby Lashley. After successfully defending his ECW World Championship against Hardcore Holly in a Steel Cage match, a match in which the ring is surrounded by a steel cage on an edition of ECW on Sci Fi, Lashley charged at the cage, slammed through it, and landed atop of Umaga, who was at ringside. On the March 5 edition of Raw, Steve Austin was appointed as special guest referee for the “Battle of the Billionaires” match at WrestleMania 23. On the March 26 edition of Raw, McMahon faced off against Lashley in a No Disqualification match. In the match, several people interfered on McMahon’s behalf, including Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch, Chris Masters, Johnny Nitro, and Umaga. This interference allowed McMahon to win the bout.
Vince McMahon Shaved Bald at WrestleMania 23!
The match that WWE billed as the “Battle of the Billionaires” was next, as Umaga (representing Vince McMahon) fought Bobby Lashley (representing Donald Trump), with Steve Austin serving as the special guest referee. Umaga was accompanied to the ring by Vince McMahon and by his “handler” Armando Alejandro Estrada. Lashley was being managed by Donald Trump, who was attended to by Tara Connor. Midway through the match, Austin was attacked by Umaga, causing him to become incapacitated and was taken out of the match for several minutes. Shane McMahon, who attempted to replace him as referee, called the match while being biased towards Umaga. After Umaga got a near-fall on Lashley, Austin pulled Shane out of the ring, gave him a Stunner, and continued refereeing the match. Lashley won the match after a Stunner from Austin and a Spear.After the match, Trump and Lashley shaved McMahon’s head bald, followed by Austin executing a Stunner on McMahon.
The Undertaker goes to 16-0
The Undertaker vs Batista
The main feud on the SmackDown! brand was between Batista and The Undertaker over the World Heavyweight Championship. Undertaker won the 2007 Royal Rumble match to earn a championship match against any one of WWE’s three world championships (WWE, World Heavyweight, or ECW). On the February 5 episode of Raw, Undertaker chose to challenge Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship when he chokeslammed him at the center of the ring. In the weeks leading to WrestleMania 23, Batista and Undertaker partook in tag team matches. In the beginning of the feud, Batista claimed to have great respect for The Undertaker; however, after several attacks by The Undertaker, Batista claimed to have lost all respect for him especially at No Way Out when Batista gained some payback by delivering a Spinebuster over The Undertaker, allowing Raw’s WWE Champion, John Cena & Shawn Michaels to deliver their signature moves on The Undertaker for the victory during their interpromotional WrestleMania 23 tag team main event.
The next match featured Batista defending the World Heavyweight Championship against The Undertaker. The match started with Batista performing a running tackle, as known as a Spear, which he had recently adopted as a secondary finisher, to Undertaker as the bell sounded. The match went back and forth, with both men countering each other and performing their finishers. Undertaker thought he had the match won after he hit the Chokeslam, but Batista kicked out of the pin attempt. The Undertaker was then able to perform an Last Ride to Batista. Batista was also able to execute his finisher, the Batista Bomb, a sitdown powerbomb. Midway through the match, Undertaker vaulted over the top rope and onto Batista. At one point, Batista was able to perform a running powerslam on The Undertaker through an announce table. Back in the ring, Batista executed a Spinebuster by grabbing The Undertaker by the waist and slamming him down to the mat back first, followed by a Batista Bomb. Undertaker then pinned Batista following a Tombstone piledriver to become the World Heavyweight Champion and emerge from WrestleMania with his winning streak intact. The Undertaker’s win made him the first wrestler to have won both the World Heavyweight Championship and the WWE Championship at WrestleMania.
John Cena beats HBK in the Main Event at WrestleMania 23
Shawn Michaels vs John Cena
The main rivalry on the Raw brand was between John Cena and Shawn Michaels over the WWE Championship. After The Undertaker, the winner of the 2007 Royal Rumble match, made his decision to face Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania, a match to determine the next challenger to the WWE Championship was announced. Michaels defeated Randy Orton and Edge in a match involving three wrestlers to win a chance to face Cena at WrestleMania. On an edition of Raw, Orton and Edge, who were tag team partners as Rated-RKO, attempted to attack Cena, but Michaels ran-in and attacked them with steel chairs. Before a scheduled tag team match between Rated-RKO and Cena and Michaels, Orton played a video that highlighted the past friendships that Michaels was involved in, before turning on the friend. In the match, Michaels nearly superkicked Cena after Orton moved. Due to a later disagreement, Edge left Orton and walked off backstage, which allowed Cena and Michaels to win the match. The following week, Michaels responded to the video set-up by Orton, and made comments regarding Cena.
I will have your back until WrestleMania. I’ve turned against all my partners and more importantly, I’ve stabbed all my friends in the back. But with you, John, it’s different.
—Shawn Michaels commenting on his future WWE Championship match against John Cena.
After Michaels defeated Orton, Cena ran-down to the ring and saved Michaels from an attack by Edge and Orton. On the final Raw before WrestleMania, Cena and Michaels would team up to face Batista and Undertaker in a rematch from their match at No Way Out. Cena and Michaels looked set to win after performing a synchronized Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Michaels turned on Cena and superkicked him, which allowed Batista and Undertaker to win the match.
In the WrestleMania 23 main event, which saw John Cena defend his WWE Championship against Shawn Michaels, 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.
Vince McMahon on the Losing end at WrestleMania 23
WrestleMania 23 Results
• Ric Flair and Carlito defeated Gregory Helms and Chavo Guerrero Tag team lumberjack match
• Mr. Kennedy defeated CM Punk , Randy Orton , Finlay , Matt Hardy , King Booker , Jeff Hardy and Edge Money In the bank ladder match
• The Great Khali defeated Kane Singles match
• Chris Benoit (c) defeated Montel Vontavious Porter Singles match for the WWE United States Championship
• The Undertaker defeated Batista (c) Singles match for 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) Hair vs. Hair match with Stone Cold Steve Austin as Special Guest Referee . The match’s alternative’s title is a “Battle of the Billionares” match.
• Melina (c) defeated Ashley Lumberjill match for the WWE Women’s Championship
• John Cena (c) defeated Shawn Michaels Singles match for the WWE Championship
Here’s Part 22 of our WrestleMania Retrospective series, looking back at past WrestleMania events as we march towards WrestleMania 29 on April 7th
WrestleMania 22 (2006) Tagline: Big Time Sponsor: Snickers Date: April 2, 2006 Venue: Allstate Arena, Rosemont, Illinois America the Beautiful: Michelle Williams Attendance: 17,159 The Undertaker’s Streak: 14-0 (Def. Mark Henry)
WrestleMania 22 was the twenty-second annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It was presented by Snickers and took place on April 2, 2006 at the Allstate Arena in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois.
The event was a joint-promotion pay-per-view (PPV) featuring performers from the Raw and SmackDown! brands. There were two main events which were the main matches for each brand. The main match on the Raw brand was John Cena versus Triple H for the WWE Championship, which Cena won after forcing Triple H to submit to the STF.The predominant match on the SmackDown! brand was a Triple Threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship between champion Kurt Angle, Rey Mysterio, and Randy Orton. Mysterio won the match and the World Heavyweight Championship after pinning Orton following a 619 and a West Coast Pop.Featured matches on the undercard included a No Holds Barred match between Shawn Michaels and Vince McMahon, a Casket match between The Undertaker and Mark Henry, a WWE Women’s
Championship match between Mickie James and Trish Stratus and an interpromotional Money in the Bank ladder match featuring six participants.
WrestleMania 22 was the third WrestleMania to take place in the Chicago metropolitan area (following WrestleMania 2, and WrestleMania 13). Tickets sold out in under two minutes, grossing US$2.5 million for the event, making it the highest grossing one-day event at the Allstate Arena.
Shawn Michaels vs Vince McMahon
Another primary feud from Raw was between Shawn Michaels and Vince McMahon. On the December 26th edition of Raw, McMahon and Michaels had words ending with McMahon threatening that he could screw HBK just like he did Bret Hart anytime he wanted. During the following couple of weeks on Raw, Vince has inflicted some humiliation on Shawn Michaels esp.on the January 23rd edition of WWE Raw when it was between Shawn Michaels and Shelton Benjamin with Mr.McMahon
declaring that if Shawn Michaels were to lose, he would also lose his spot in the Royal Rumble match. Shawn Michaels won the match and kept his spot in the Rumble but a few moments later, Vince met Shawn backstage then stated that lady luck was on his side. He also said that he wanted to turn back the clock to the days of sex, drugs, & rock n’ roll then he asked Shawn to join him but got turned down, however, and Vince last stated that HBK’s luck would run out at
the Royal Rumble. At the Royal Rumble, during the Royal Rumble match, Vince distracted Michaels as his music started to play. During that time, Shane McMahon, who was not an official entrant in the match, eliminated Michaels after attacking him from behind. One month later, on the February 27 edition of Raw, Shane hit Michaels with a steel
chair and forced him to “kiss” Vince’s ass, thus joining Vince’s “Kiss My Ass Club.” Vince then announced that he and Michaels would face off against each other at WrestleMania. On Raw two weeks later, Vince forced Michaels to take a public drug test all due to Michaels being deceived and drugged by Vince’s daughter, Stephanie McMahon on the March 6th edition of Raw. During the test, however, Michaels threw his urine on both Vince and Shane. Later that night, Michaels faced off against the Spirit Squad in a Steel Cage match. The Spirit Squad won the match by pinning Michaels after Shane interfered and slammed the cage door on Michaels. After the match, Shane continued attacking Michaels, causing him to bleed in the process, and executed a Coast 2 Coast. At Saturday Night’s Main Event,
Michaels faced off against Shane in a Street Fight. Near the end of the match, Shane locked Michaels in the sharp shooter, and Vince ordered the match to end. Vince screwed Michaels, claiming he submitted to the move, and declared Shane the winner via submission. On the March 20 edition of Raw, Vince announced that his match against Michaels at WrestleMania would now be a No Holds Barred match.
The Undertaker goes 14-0 at WrestleMania 22
The Undertaker vs Mark Henry
One of the featured matches on the undercard was a Casket match between The Undertaker and Mark Henry. On the March 3 edition of SmackDown!, Undertaker challenged Kurt Angle for the World Heavyweight Championship. During the match, after Undertaker executed a Tombstone piledriver, Henry came out and attacked Undertaker, causing the match the end via disqualification. Undertaker won the match, but since a championship cannot change hands via countout or disqualification, he did not win the title. The following week, on SmackDown!, Undertaker challenged Henry to a Casket match at WrestleMania. On the March 18 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event, Henry, along with his manager Daivari, called out The Undertaker. Undertaker came out, accompanied by Druids carrying a casket, and the two started attacking each other. Shortly after, Undertaker performed a chokeslam, followed by a Tombstone piledriver, on Daivari on the casket.
In the Casket match between The Undertaker and Mark Henry, The Undertaker took the advantage and hit Henry with a Last Ride. While Henry was out of the ring, Undertaker hit him with a suicide dive over the top rope. Undertaker then performed a Tombstone Piledriver on Henry and pushed him into the casket to win the match and improve his WrestleMania record to 14–0.
During the match at WrestleMania 22 Shawn was about to perform Sweet Chin Music on McMahon, but instead he got a trash can and a table. He put McMahon on a table and put a trashcan over McMahon’s head. Michaels then climbed on the top of the ladder and executed a diving elbow drop. Michaels then hit McMahon with Sweet Chin Music and pinned McMahon to win the match.
Edge Spearing Mick Foley into a flaming table at WrestleMania 22
Edge Vs Foley
At WrestleMania 21 there was a hardcore match between Edge and Mick Foley. Near the end of the match, Foley had Edge in control and pulled out a table. Lita then hit Foley in between the legs with a barbed wire bat and lit the table which then allowed Edge to perform a spear on Foley through the ring ropes through the flaming table on the outside. He then pinned Foley for the victory. The fifth match was a handicap match where Booker T and Sharmell faced The Boogeyman. Boogeyman executed a Falling Chokebomb on Booker and pinned him to get the victory. The sixth match was a Divas match between Trish Stratus and Mickie James for the WWE Women’s Championship. At the end of the match, Mickie hit a Mick Kick on Trish’s head which knocked out Trish, allowing Mickie to win the match and the WWE Women’s Championship.
Hall of Fame
Howard Finkel introduced the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2006. First of all, he announced that Bret Hart would not be coming to attend the event because he did not feel comfortable. “Mean” Gene Okerlund, “Sensational” Sherri Martel, Tony Atlas, Verne Gagne, William “The Refrigerator” Perry and The Blackjacks (Blackjack Mulligan and Blackjack Lanza) attended the class while Eddie Guerrero was represented by his wife Vickie Guerrero who was supported by Eddie’s nephew Chavo Guerrero.
Rey Mysterio vs Kurt Angle vs Randy Orton for the World Heavyweight Championship
Kurt Angle vs Rey Mysterio and Randy Orton
The predominant feud on the SmackDown! brand was between Kurt Angle, Rey Mysterio, and Randy Orton over the World Heavyweight Championship. Mysterio won the 2006 Royal Rumble match, last eliminating Orton, to earn a World Championship match at WrestleMania.At No Way Out, Orton defeated Mysterio to win his WrestleMania 22 world championship match. Five days later, on the February 24 edition of SmackDown!, SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long announced that the World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania 22 would be a Triple Threat match involving Mysterio, Orton, and champion Angle. 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.OD. performed Mysterio’s music entrance live. At the end, Mysterio performed a 619 on Orton followed by a West Coast Pop for a successful pinfall victory. As a result, Mysterio
became the new World Heavyweight Champion. After the match, Mysterio celebrated with Chavo and Vickie Guerrero. The tenth match was a Playboy pillow fight between Torrie Wilson and Candice Michelle. Wilson pulled Candice’s dress and pinned her with a roll-up to get the victory.
John Cena makes Triple H Tap out for the WWE Championship.
Triple H vs John Cena
The main feud heading into WrestleMania on the Raw brand was between John Cena and Triple H over the WWE Championship. After failing to win the Royal Rumble match, Triple H participated in the 2006 Road to WrestleMania Tournament, where the winner would become the number-one contender to the WWE Championship at WrestleMania. In the final match of the tournament, held on the February 20 edition of Raw, Triple H faced Rob Van Dam (RVD) and The Big Show in a Triple
Threat match. Triple H won the match after pinning RVD following a Pedigree. 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” 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 STF. Triple H got to the ropes and went for another Pedigree, but was countered into the STF again by Cena. Triple H tapped out, and as a result, Cena retained the WWE Championship.
Rey Mysterio celebrates his World Heavyweight Championship with Chavo and Vicki Guerrero.
WrestleMania 22 Results
Dark Viscera won by last eliminating Snitsky. an 18-man Interpromotional battle royal
• Big Show and Kane (c) defeated Carlito and Chris Masters Tag team match for the World Tag Team Championship
• Rob Van Dam defeated Shelton Benjamin, Ric Flair, Finlay, Matt Hardy and Bobby Lashley Money in the Bank ladder match
• John “Bradshaw” Layfield (with Jillian Hall) defeated Chris Benoit (c) Singles match for the WWE United States Championship
• Edge (with Lita) defeated Mick Foley Hardcore match
• The Boogeyman defeated Booker T and Sharmell Handicap match
• Mickie James defeated Trish Stratus (c) Singles match for the WWE Women’s Championship
• The Undertaker defeated Mark Henry Casket match
• Shawn Michaels defeated Vince McMahon No Holds Barred match
• Rey Mysterio defeated Randy Orton and Kurt Angle (c) Triple Threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship
• Torrie Wilson defeated Candice Michelle Playboy pillow fight
• John Cena (c) defeated Triple H via submission[2][20] Singles match for the WWE Championship
WWE superstars will be all over the NY/NJ area this week doing community service work and promoting WrestleMania 29:
WWE Champion The Rock will be on NBC’s The Today Show this morning.
A Military Meet & Greet will take place for 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy First Responders at the Lexington Avenue Armory.
Also today, WWE Superstars and Divas will visit sick kids at New York Presbyterian hospital, Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, the Hackensack University Medical Center’s Don Imus Building and Goryeb Children’s Hospital at Morristown Medical Center.
– WWE has posted the following video of Triple H asking fans for help with Hurricane Sandy relief:
With WrestleMania 29 just a few days away, the script is being finalized. Here’s a list of the amount of time that’s been allotted to various segments (not counting entrances), courtesy of f4wonline.com:
The Rock vs. John Cena has been given 25 to 30 minutes.
CM Punk vs. The Undertaker has been given 20 minutes.
Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar has been given 20 to 30 minutes.
Jack Swagger vs. Alberto Del Rio has been given 15 minutes.
The Shield vs. Randy Orton, Big Show and Sheamus has been given 15 minutes.
Ryback vs. Mark Henry has been given 12 minutes.
Chris Jericho vs. Fandango has been given 10 minutes.
Kane and Daniel Bryan vs. Dolph Ziggler and Big E Langston has been given 12 to 15 minutes.
The Diddy musical performance has been given 8 minutes.
The WWE Hall of Famers coming out to wave to fans has been given 7 minutes.
The show opener and National Anthem has been given 7 minutes.
Other assorted segments throughout the show have been given 10 minutes.
Paul Bearer’s son Michael posted a message on Facebook earlier this week saying he could not believe what he saw on this week’s RAW, with Paul Heyman dressing up as his deceased father and CM Punk dumping the urn’s ashes on the Undertaker. After Michael Moody’s Facebook post made the media rounds on Tuesday, he reached out to WWE to clarify his position. WWE, feeling that Moody’s feelings about the RAW angle were not being accurately portrayed in the media, sent out the following text message, with Moody’s permission:
TEXT FROM MICHAEL MOODY TO WWE:
Hey. I woke up in time to watch the tail end of the show. What you explained would happen happened. Which is fine. Just it was a little difficult to watch it play out. I put a message on Facebook last night saying that we approved it but it wasn’t what I envisioned. That I didn’t have anything to say. Well woke up this morning and that quote is being used all over “media outlets”. For the record. I was fine w it. Was hard to watch but y’all are professionals and I trust.
Here’s Part 21 of our WrestleMania Retrospective series, looking back at past WrestleMania events as we march towards WrestleMania 29 on April 7th
Tagline: WrestleMania goes Hollywood. Sponsor: Snickers Date: April 3, 2005 Venue: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California America the Beautiful: Lillian Garcia Attendance: 20,193 The Undertaker’s Streak: 13-0 (Def. Randy Orton)
WrestleMania 21 was the twenty-first annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It was presented by Snickers and took place on April 3, 2005 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
The event was a joint-promotion pay-per-view, featuring performers from the Raw and SmackDown brands. The main match on the Raw brand was Triple H versus Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship, which Batista won by pinfall after executing a Batista Bomb. The predominant match on the SmackDown brand was John “Bradshaw” Layfield versus John Cena for the WWE Championship, which Cena won by pinfall after performing an FU. Another primary match was an interpromotional match between The Undertaker versus Randy Orton, which Undertaker won by pinfall after performing a Tombstone Piledriver. The featured matches on the undercard were Kurt Angle versus Shawn Michaels and a Money in the Bank ladder match. The event also featured the return of Stone Cold Steve Austin who started his part-time appearances with WWE at this event.
WrestleMania 21 was the first WrestleMania held at Staples Center, but the fifth to take place in the Southern California metropolitan area (following WrestleMania 2, WrestleMania VII, WrestleMania XII, and WrestleMania 2000). Tickets sold out in less than one minute for the event, making it the fastest ticket sell-out in the company’s history as well as the fastest ticket sell-out at Staples Center.
Money In The Bank
Edge becomes the first winner of The Money In The Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 21
WrestleMania 21 was the site of the first ever Money in the Bank ladder match between Chris Jericho, Christian, Chris Benoit, Edge, Kane, and Shelton Benjamin. The idea for the Money in the Bank match was introduced by Jericho who proposed a six-man ladder match, for the event in which the winner would receive a contract for a World title match at the place and time of his choosing. Raw General Manager, Eric Bischoff, booked the match at WrestleMania 21 soon after.
The match contained many notable moments, including points where Jericho, Christian, Benjamin and Kane all jumped over the top rope to the outside of the ring to knock down multiple opponents. Another moment included Benjamin executing a T-Bone Suplex on Edge off the top of a ladder and later using an inclined ladder as a ramp to run up a standing and hit Jericho with a Clothesline maneuver. Benoit also executed a Diving headbutt from the top of a ladder onto Kane. In the conclusion of the match, Benoit climbed a ladder to attempt to retrieve the Money in the Bank briefcase hanging above the ring but was stopped by Kane who had also climbed the ladder. Benoit used repeated headbutts to knock Kane to the floor and attempted to retrieve the briefcase once more but was knocked down by Edge who hit him with a steel chair. Edge then climbed the ladder and successfully obtained possession of the briefcase to win the match.
Hulk Hogan makes an appearance at WrestleMania 21
Hulk Hogan Appearance
After the MITB match, Eugene entered the ring and shared his excitement about being at his first WrestleMania with the crowd in attendance. While attempting to recall his favorite WrestleMania moments, Muhammad Hassan and Daivari interrupted him with Hassan expressing his outrage for not being included in a match for the event. Hassan concluded that since he wasn’t scheduled to compete at the event and was therefore denied the opportunity to experience his own WrestleMania “moment”, he would have to create a “moment” of his own. Following this remark, Hassan and Daivari began to assault Eugene. With Eugene placed into a Camel clutch hold while Daivari verbally attacked him, Hulk Hogan came down to the ring to save Eugene from the assault, knocking Hassan and Daivari out of the ring. Hogan celebrated posing in the ring for the crowd.
The Undertaker vs Randy Orton During The Undertaker and Randy Orton match. Bob Orton, Randy’s father and ringside manager, interfered and attacked Undertaker with his arm cast resulting in Orton gaining control of the match. Undertaker attempted to chokeslam Orton, but Orton countered the maneuver with an RKO that led to a two-count. Orton then attempted to use Undertaker’s own finishing maneuver against him with the Tombstone piledriver, however, it was reversed by Undertaker into a Tombstone piledriver of his own which led to the definitive pin fall. The Undertaker won the match and continued his undefeated streak at WrestleMania with a 13–0 record.[1][38]
HBK takes on Kurt Angle at WrestleMania 21
HBK Vs Kurt Angle
A heavily promoted match for the event was an interpromotional match between SmackDown superstar Kurt Angle and Raw superstar Shawn Michaels. Their match stemmed from the Royal Rumble, the pay-per-view event two months prior to WrestleMania. At the Royal Rumble, Angle relentlessly attacked Shawn Michaels after Michaels had eliminated him from the Royal Rumble match. The next month at No Way Out, Angle lost a number one contenders match to John Cena, losing a spot in the SmackDown main event at WrestleMania. The next night on Raw, Michaels told SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long to inform Angle that he had challenged him to a match at WrestleMania. On the February 28 edition of Raw, after Michaels defeated Edge in a Street Fight, Angle attacked Michaels and accepted his challenge. On the next edition of SmackDown!, Michaels ambushed Angle in the ring, and the two of them brawled, until security broke it up. Angle claimed that he was better than Michaels, and said he would prove it by achieving everything that Michaels had, but doing it faster. He then won a ladder match, mocking Michaels match from WrestleMania X. He then challenged Marty Jannetty, Michaels former tag team partner to a match. He won after Jannetty tapped out. Angle also persuaded Michaels’ former manager, Sensational Sherri to do a spoof of Michaels’ theme song, “Sexy Boy”, calling his version “Sexy Kurt”. Michaels, however, interrupted and played a video highlighting all his accomplishments. When Sherri got emotional from watching the video, Angle put her in the Ankle Lock. Angle also interfered in Michaels’ match against Muhammad Hassan on the last edition of Raw before the pay-per-view, which resulted in Michaels defeating Hassan by disqualification.
The fifth match was the encounter of Shawn Michaels and Kurt Angle. It was a back and forth match between the two wrestlers in the beginning of the match. Mid-way in the match, Michaels hit Angle with a low blow, after he countered a suplex attack from Angle. Following the low blow, which was not seen by the referee, Michaels leapfrogged from the ring and laid out Angle onto the announce table. Angle would then gain control of the match, as he would apply the Ankle Lock on Michaels, forcing him to submit, thus Angle won the match.
Stone Cold Steve Austin and Rowdy Roddy Piper at WrestleMania 21
Stone Cold Steve Austin Appearance
“Rowdy” Roddy Piper confronted “Stone Cold” Steve Austin in Piper’s Pit until Carlito interrupted and began to insult them. This resulted in Carlito receiving a Stone Cold Stunner from Austin and Piper throwing him out of the ring. Both ended the segment celebrating with beer until Austin gave Piper a Stone Cold Stunner as well.
JBL Vs John Cena
The main feud heading into WrestleMania on the SmackDown brand was between John “Bradshaw” Layfield and John Cena, with the two battling over the WWE Championship. At No Way Out, Cena defeated Kurt Angle to earn a spot in the SmackDown main event at WrestleMania. During the latter event, JBL successfully defended the WWE title against The Big Show in a Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match.
The Champ Is Here! John Cena becomes WWE Champion
As a result of Cena’s win, he began a feud with John “Bradshaw” Layfield and his Cabinet. On the February 25 edition of SmackDown, Cena and The Big Show defeated JBL and Orlando Jordan. The following week, JBL cut a promo on Cena, and insulted him, while Cena defended his United States title against Jordan. Jordan won the match after the Basham Brothers distracted the referee, and JBL hit Cena with the WWE Championship belt. They then blew up Cena’s customized design of the United States Championship, and replaced it with the original one. Later that night, Cena brought a steel lead pipe to the ring with him and ordered JBL to come out to the ring and fight him, only to have the SmackDown General Manager, Theodore Long make his way to the ring and inform Cena that he had to wait until WrestleMania to get his hands on JBL. Cena then gave the ultimatum for Long to be part of a solution or part of the problem. Cena then stated “Since you’re not going to bring JBL out here, then you’re part of then problem.” Cena then nailed Teddy Long with an FU and was thrown out of the arena. During JBL’s match that night, Cena returned and attacked The Cabinet. The next week, Long announced that if Cena laid a hand on JBL, apart from in matches, he would lose his WrestleMania match. In a Six-Man Tag Team match that night, John Cena and the WWE Tag Team Champions, Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio defeated JBL and the Basham Brothers, but Cena had to stop himself from attacking JBL after the bell had rung. On a later edition of SmackDown!, Long clarified that if JBL physically provoked Cena, then Cena could retaliate. Cena then attempted to provoke JBL, by vandalising his limousine, and spray painting “FU” on JBL’s shirt. On the last SmackDown! before WrestleMania, however, JBL interrupted Cena’s match against Carlito and had Cena arrested for vandalism and, once Cena was handcuffed, JBL nailed him with a low blow and ended the show by leaving Cena laying defenseless.]
Former Evolution friends, Triple H takes on Batista for The World Heavyweight Championship
Triple H vs Batista
The main rivalry heading into WrestleMania on the Raw brand was between Triple H and Batista, with the two feuding over the World Heavyweight Championship. At New Year’s Revolution, on January 9, Triple H won an Elimination Chamber match to win the vacant World Heavyweight Championship. Triple H won the match by last eliminating Randy Orton following outside interference from Evolution members Batista and Ric Flair. Three weeks later at the Royal Rumble, Triple H successfully defended the World title over Randy Orton at the same event where Batista won the 2005 Royal Rumble match, by last eliminating John Cena, earning the right to participate in the main event of WrestleMania 21 against the champion of his choice. On the February 8 edition of Raw, Triple H defeated Edge to retain the World title due to Batista’s interference. Afterwards, as Batista raised Triple H’s hand and World Championship, Batista got a close look at the World Championship, then stared Triple H down, looking as if he was thinking about challenging Triple H for the World Championship. In an attempt to persuade Batista to challenge WWE Champion John “Bradshaw” Layfield rather than Triple H at WrestleMania, Triple H concocted a scheme to have Batista run over by a limousine resembling the one used by Layfield. Initially, Batista did not want help from Evolution and wanted to confront JBL by himself. Triple H insisted that Evolution accompany Batista anyway, saving him from the oncoming limousine. Batista became aware of the plot while eavesdropping on fellow Evolution members and signed a contract guaranteeing him a match with World Champion Triple H at WrestleMania, thus leaving Evolution and officially turning into a fan favorite. Batista pretended to sign with the SmackDown brand, giving Triple H and Flair the “thumbs up”, but turned it into a “thumbs down” (alluding to the way Randy Orton was kicked out of Evolution after winning the world title at SummerSlam 2004) before attacking the pair. This led to Batista’s departure from the stable.
At WrestleMania 21, Triple H entered to “The Game” performed live by Motörhead. 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 pin Triple H after a Batista Bomb to win the World Heavyweight Championship.
WrestleMania 21 Results
• DARK MATCH Booker T won by last eliminating Chris Masters in a 30-man Interpromotional battle royal
• Rey Mysterio defeated Eddie Guerrero
• Edge defeated Chris Jericho, Shelton Benjamin, Chris Benoit, Christian (with Tyson Tomko) and Kane[38] Money in the Bank ladder match
• The Undertaker defeated Randy Orton (with “Cowboy” Bob Orton)
• Trish Stratus (c) defeated Christy Hemme (with Lita) for the WWE Women’s Championship
• Kurt Angle defeated Shawn Michaels Singles match
• Akebono defeated The Big Show Sumo match
• John Cena defeated John “Bradshaw” Layfield (c)[38] for the WWE Championship
• Batista defeated Triple H (c) (with Ric Flair) for the World Heavyweight Championship
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com with his thoughts on Monday’s RAW the three top matches headed into Sunday’s WrestleMania 29 pay-per-view.
CM Punk vs. The Undertaker: Thought that the final segment of Raw involving Taker and Punk was controversial and dramatic and it made me want to see the match between the two even more. I can certainly see where some viewers were uncomfortable with the presentation but perhaps that was the intent. Mark my words, @CMPunk vs. Undertaker will be tougher than a $2 steak to follow.
The Rock vs. John Cena: The hay is in the barn for Rock vs. Cena. It;’s been over a year since this rivalry started and Sunday is the time for the talking to end and the show closer to deliver. Following everything on the card and attempting to engage the audience who has been at the stadium for hours is daunting but that comes with the territory. I have every belief that the two men that I signed to WWE contracts will rise to the occasion.
Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar: Thought the addition of HBK in HHH’s corner vs. Brock Lesnar was a timely touch and that Paul Heyman was excellent on the mic representing his client. Slobber Knocker time for the Cerebral Assassin and the former WWE and UFC champion without question. This one won’t be a Brisco vs. Funk catch as catch can masterpiece but it will be car crash-like. I see some sweet chin music in @HeymanHustle future in Jersey. Just saying.
– CM Punk will be appearing at two Wizard World Comic Con events later this year. He will be at the Chicago Comic Con from the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center on 8/10 from 12-7pm. He will also be appearing at the Nashville Comic Con in Nashville, TN on 10/20 from 12:30-3:30pm.
– The Washington Post has an article up featuring pictures of various WWE superstars with local professional athletes around the city before Monday’s RAW.
– Shawn Michaels is auctioning off a fishing trip that may air on his MacMillan River Adventures show at this link. Proceeds will benefit the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund. (Thanks to Carl Dantes)
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon announced on Twitter this evening that he will be inducting Donald Trump into the WWE Hall of Fame this Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York City:
Battle of the Billionaires revisited? I’m honored to be inducting @RealDonaldTrump into the @WWE Hall of Fame this Saturday. #WWEHOF
– As part of Make-A-Wish’s “World Wish Day” on April 29th, John Cena is starting a campaign to raise money and airline miles for the foundation. Cena has vowed to match every frequent flier mile donated up to 4.5 million miles. For more on this story, click here.
– Brock Lesnar has joined Twitter and can be followed at @brocklesnar.
– LoHud.com has an interview with Paul Heyman, who talks about wrestling’s popularity over the years, how he got into the business and of course, WrestleMania 29.
– WWEDVDNews.com reports that the following people were interviewed for the Mick Foley DVD, which will be released next month: Mick’s trainer Dominic Denucci, Shane Douglas, Michael Hayes, CM Punk, Vader, Terry Funk, Paul Heyman, Jim Ross, Joey Styles, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, William Regal, Big Show, ReganBooks founder Judith Regan, The Miz, The Rock, Mick Foley’s daughter and more.
Early ratings data is in for Monday’s WWE RAW, and despite a loaded show with appearances from The Rock, The Undertaker, Brock Lesnar, Shawn Michaels and Triple H, the show lost viewers from last week. The “go home” episode of WWE RAW did a 3.1 rating and averaged 4,305,000 viewers, which is down 7% (300,000 viewers) from last week.
Here are the hourly numbers:
Hour 1: 4.03 million
Hour 2: 4.48 million
Hour 3: 4.40 million
Overall, not a great sign of momentum headed into Sunday’s WrestleMania 29 pay-per-view.
Here’s Part 20 of our WrestleMania Retrospective series, looking back at past WrestleMania events as we march towards WrestleMania 29 on April 7th
WrestleMania XX (2004) Tagline: Where it all begins again.. Date: March 14, 2004 Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY America the Beautiful: Boys Choir of Harlem Attendance: 18,000 The Undertaker’s Streak: 12-0 (Def. Kane)
WrestleMania XX was the twentieth annual WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It took place on March 14, 2004 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The event was a joint-promotion pay-per-view event, featuring performers from the Raw and SmackDown! brands. The card for the event featured two main events. The main match for the Raw brand was a Triple Threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship between champion Triple H, Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit. Benoit won the match, making Triple H submit via the Crippler Crossface. The main match for the SmackDown! brand featured Eddie Guerrero versus Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship which Guerrero won after a small package. The event featured the return of The Undertaker, who defeated Kane after a Tombstone Piledriver. Also on the card was a match between Goldberg and Brock Lesnar with Stone Cold Steve Austin as the special guest referee. This was Goldberg’s final match with WWE, and Lesnar departed the company to pursue a career in the NFL, and later became a mixed martial artist with UFC before returning to WWE on April 2, 2012. After Goldberg won the match following a Jackhammer, both men were given a Stone Cold Stunner by Austin on their way out.
Madison Square Garden, the only venue to host 3 WrestleMania’s.
WrestleMania XX was the third WrestleMania at Madison Square Garden but the fourth to take place in the New York metropolitan area (following WrestleMania I, WrestleMania 2, and WrestleMania X). The event grossed US$2.4 million in ticket sales, making the Pay-Per-View the highest grossing event ever for WWE at Madison Square Garden. More than 20,000 people from 16 countries, 48 states attended the event, which was also televised in more than 90 countries. The event generated an estimated $13.5 million of economic activity for New York City and created an equivalent of 96 full-year jobs.
The first match that aired was a singles match between The Big Show and John Cena for the WWE United States Championship, the first time the title was ever defended at the event; the match started out with The Big Show beating down on the challenger, not giving him any room. Cena hit an early FU though only secured a 2 count. Cena grabbed his signature chain and tried to attack Big Show with it, however the referee saw Cena with the chain and confiscated it due to it being illegal in the match. With the referee securing the chain with his back turned to the match, Cena hit Big Show with hidden brass knuckles and hoisted The Big Show up onto his shoulders for his finishing move, FU. Cena then immediately pinned The Big Show to win the match and the United States Championship.
John Cena becomes the WWE US Champion
The next match was made at the request of Kane, who had been receiving threats from his storyline brother, The Undertaker. This would mark the 2nd WrestleMania event that the Undertaker and Kane would go one-on-one with the first being WrestleMania XIV six years prior. In November 2003 at Survivor Series, Kane defeated Shane McMahon in an Ambulance match then during the latter event, he interfered and buried The Undertaker alive in the Undertaker’s match with Vince McMahon. On the November 20, 2003 edition of SmackDown, Kane appeared to give the Eulogy for the Undertaker. Kane claimed that the man as the Undertaker the world knew, has been dead for a long time because they were monsters and lived to strike fear into the hearts of normal men until the Undertaker portrayed himself (in the American Bad Ass/Big Evil persona) and became one of the fans. Kane stated that he watched Undertaker show compassion by defending Stephanie McMahon (during her feud with Vince McMahon) and show weakness in losing to Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship at No Mercy. He then stated that Undertaker was not his brother nor a monster cause’ a monster shows no compassion nor has weaknesses. He referred to Undertaker as an impostor and a fraud that he buried alive and ended the eulogy by saying R.I.P. Two months later, Kane participated in the Royal Rumble match where he heard the bell toll from the Undertaker’s entrance music, distracting and distressing him and enabling Booker T to eliminate him from the ring. Over the following weeks, Kane repeatedly insisted that The Undertaker was “dead”, only to be met with various paranormal incidents such as a rainstorm localized over the ramp on which he stood. On the last edition of Raw, Kane appeared to the ring and saw an empty Casket standing in the ring but as he opened it, he saw an urn inside of it. He then grabbed the microphone and asked if that’s what he’s been looking forward to. He also stated it’s going to take more than an empty casket and an urn to intimidate and beat him. He then stated that the Undertaker’s legacy, his 11–0 WrestleMania streak and his life is coming to an end as he said “it’s back to the grave for you for good”. As he claimed that It’s over and that he’s not afraid of the Undertaker. The lights turned out but this time, the 10,000 pound wrestling ring lifted off the ground with Kane standing in it and tilted side ways, which would be the final message sent from the Undertaker before their match at WrestleMania XX.
Back to “The Deadman” gimmick. The Undertaker goes to 12-0 at Wrestlemania once again defeating Kane.
The eleventh match of the event was the encounter of The Undertaker and Kane, which would be Undertaker’s first match since he was buried alive at Survivor Series 2003. After Kane made his entrance, he was seen looking toward the entrance ramp saying, “You’re not coming back tonight. You’re not coming back, I buried you alive.” After this, the lights in the arena went out and Paul Bearer, Undertaker’s former manager and Kane’s (storyline) father, was heard screaming gleefully, “oh yes!”, as he had done so numerous times in the past with Undertaker as his charge. Blue light began to fill the arena as Bearer, carrying the Undertaker’s former trademark urn, and several chanting Druids entered the arena carrying torches. Bearer walked to ringside, turned and said to Kane, “you’re no son of mine,” then turned back to the entryway and raised the urn. Moments later The Undertaker returned in the guise of the “Deadman” he had portrayed for years, complete with a black trenchcoat and hat. Before the match officially got underway Kane refused to believe that The Undertaker had returned, shouting at him repeatedly, “you’re not real!”, while Undertaker simply stood staring stoically at Kane. Eventually Kane decided to see if Undertaker was indeed standing in front of him by slowly inching forward with his hand outstretched. Undertaker responded by punching Kane, knocking him down, and the match got underway. The two continued brawling until Kane delivered a Chokeslam to Undertaker, which he sat up from shortly afterward while Kane was taunting Paul Bearer. The Undertaker then retaliated giving a Kane a Chokeslam of his own and executing his deadly finisher Tombstone piledriver into a successful pinfall, thus winning the match and remaining undefeated at WrestleMania with a 12–0 record. This was the second time that Kane faced off against Undertaker at WrestleMania and losing again, like the previous effort at WrestleMania XIV.
Stone Cold Steve Austin Sends Bill Goldberg out of the WWE.
The seventh match featured Brock Lesnar and Goldberg with special guest referee, Steve Austin. The beginning of the match began with both men staring each other down, jawing back and forth, with no physical action for several minutes, causing an exasperated Austin at one point to coax them into locking up. The fact that they both were leaving the WWE immediately after the match, as well as the lack of effort brought forth by both Goldberg and Lesnar drew large heat from the fans throughout the match, with fans chanting, “You sold out”, “Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, goodbye”, “Austin”, “This match sucks”, “We want Bret”, “Boring”, “Goldberg sucks”, and “Hogan”. Goldberg then successfully took Lesnar down with a Spear, that would only draw a two count after a pin attempt. Lesnar then executed the F-5 maneuver on Goldberg, but also resulted in a two-count pin attempt. Afterwards, Lesnar missed an attempt to knock Goldberg down, allowing Goldberg to execute another spear and a successful Jackhammer powerslam that led to a three count for Goldberg, thus winning the match. After the match, Lesnar responded to the fans’ criticism by giving the crowd the finger, followed by a finger to Steve Austin. Austin then executed a Stone Cold Stunner on both competitors to the crowd’s delight and celebrated with beer in the ring.
Brock Lesnar also sent home with a stunner. He wouldn’t appear back in the WWE Until the Night After WrestleMania XXVIII
The seventh match featured Brock Lesnar and Goldberg with special guest referee, Steve Austin. The beginning of the match began with both men staring each other down, jawing back and forth, with no physical action for several minutes, causing an exasperated Austin at one point to coax them into locking up. The fact that they both were leaving the WWE immediately after the match, as well as the lack of effort brought forth by both Goldberg and Lesnar drew large heat from the fans throughout the match, with fans chanting, “You sold out”, “Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey, goodbye”, “Austin”, “This match sucks”, “We want Bret”, “Boring”, “Goldberg sucks”, and “Hogan”. Goldberg then successfully took Lesnar down with a Spear, that would only draw a two count after a pin attempt. Lesnar then executed the F-5 maneuver on Goldberg, but also resulted in a two-count pin attempt. Afterwards, Lesnar missed an attempt to knock Goldberg down, allowing Goldberg to execute another spear and a successful Jackhammer powerslam that led to a three count for Goldberg, thus winning the match. After the match, Lesnar responded to the fans’ criticism by giving the crowd the finger, followed by a finger to Steve Austin. Austin then executed a Stone Cold Stunner on both competitors to the crowd’s delight and celebrated with beer in the ring.
The Rock’s Last Match In The WWE until his return 8 years later against John Cena at WrestleMania XXVIII
Next up was a Handicap match featuring Evolution (Randy Orton, Batista and Ric Flair) against The Rock ‘n’ Sock Connection (The Rock and Mick Foley). Evolution won the match when Orton pinned Foley after successfully executing an RKO. This would be The Rock’s last match until April 2012 at WrestleMania XVIII
The main feud on the SmackDown! brand was between Eddie Guerrero and Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship. In the beginning of 2004, Angle and Guerrero were allies while Guerrero feuded with his nephew Chavo Guerrero. On the January 29, 2004 edition of SmackDown!, Eddie Guerrero last eliminated Angle in a 15-man Royal Rumble style match to earn a shot at the WWE Championship. At the prior pay per view, No Way Out, Kurt Angle defeated The Big Show and John Cena in a Triple threat match to earn himself a title shot at WrestleMania on the same event where Guerrero defeated Brock Lesnar for the WWE title. On the February 19, 2004 edition of SmackDown!, Angle was the special guest referee in a match between WWE Champion, Eddie Guerrero and WWE Cruiserweight Champion, Chavo Guerrero. As Eddie was about to close in on the victory, Angle stopped the 3 count and would turn on Guerrero. On the following week’s edition of SmackDown!, Guerrero was eagar to get his revenge on Angle while looking for him but when he finally saw Angle, he shoved SmackDown General Manager, Paul Heyman and his assistant Dawn Marie out of his way only for Heyman to have Guerrero escorted out of the arena by security. Guerrero was scheduled to team with John Cena to take on Chavo Guerrero and the Big Show in a tag team match on that night but due to Guerrero being escorted out of the arena, he was replaced by Rey Mysterio for the tag match, which Mysterio and Cena won. Later that night, Angle appeared and stated that he attacked Guerrero for the SmackDown! fans and for the WWE. He then referred to Guerrero as a former drug addict that shouldn’t represent SmackDown! as the WWE Champion and stated that one day people will be thanking him for a champion that they could be proud of. Guerrero then came back to the arena and assaulted Angle until he got arrested by orders of Paul Heyman. As Guerrero got taken out of the building in handcuffs, Angle made some insulting comments to him until the officers drove away with Guerrero in the Police car. On the March 4, 2004 edition of SmackDown!, during Guerrero’s match with Heyman (while he was handcuffed), Angle interfered and knocked him down a few times until Guerrero defended himself by spitting on Angle. As Guerrero begged Angle to nail him with the WWE Championship belt, Angle did so and raised title the belt over-head to show an example for their match Wrestlemania XX.
Kurt Angle Vs Eddie Guerro
The match between Eddie Guerrero and Kurt Angle over the WWE Championship, was centered around both men maneuvering around on the match. Guerrero used a DDT and Frog Splash maneuver on Angle that would result in a pin attempt; Angle then recovered and secured Guerrero with an ankle lock hold. 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 tried to apply the hold again. This time, Guerrero pushed Angle off with his other foot, allowing him to break free from Angle’s hold and leaving the challenger holding the champion’s 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.
Chris Benoit applying the Crossface to Triple H.
The main rivalry heading into the pay-per-view was on the Raw brand, with Triple H, Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit feuding over the World Heavyweight Championship. This would mark the third pay per view event that Triple H would defend a World Championship at Madison Square Garden. The first event was January 2000 at the Royal Rumble, where Triple H retained the then-known WWF Championship over Cactus Jack. The second event at the same arena was in November 2002 at Survivor Series, where Triple H defended the World Championship in the 1st ever Six man Elimination Chamber match, which was won by Shawn Michaels. Triple H was the champion heading into the WrestleMania XX event with the origins of the rivalry beginning on the December 29, 2003 episode of Raw, when Michaels challenged Triple H for the World title in Michaels’ hometown of San Antonio, Texas. As it looked like Michaels was going to win his 5th World title over Triple H, Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff got to the ring at the last minute and made the pinfall but stopped at a 2 count, thus screwing Michaels in the process. At the Royal Rumble event on January 25, Triple H and Michaels faced each other again in a Last Man Standing match for the title, which resulted in a draw, and, as a result, Triple H retained the title, leaving question on who was the better of the two. Also at the pay-per-view, in the Royal Rumble match, SmackDown!’s Benoit won the contest by last eliminating The Big Show. The following night, on the January 26 edition of Raw, Michaels and Triple H were involved in an in-ring confrontation when Raw’s authority figure (referred to as the “Sheriff”), Steve Austin, made his way to the ring. He stated that, although Michaels should have a rematch, he had to “enforce the law”. He stated that, in the rules it specifies that the winner of the Royal Rumble may face either the WWE Champion or World Heavyweight Champion.
Mr WrestleMania at WrestleMania XX
The winner of the Royal Rumble, Benoit, made his way to the ring, and stated that he would be challenging the World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania XX. On the February 9, 2004 edition of Raw, a contract signing took place between Benoit and World Champion, Triple H. As Triple H signed his name on the paper, Michaels came out to inform Benoit that the last thing he wanted to do is rain on his parade. He then stated that he more than anybody can respect Benoit’s effort to win the Royal Rumble match and earning a World title shot but suggested that Benoit could’ve stayed on SmackDown! to take care of business while Michaels, himself, was trying to finish his 10 year issue with Triple H on behalf of the Raw brand. He last stated that he is this close to finishing his rivalry and plans to do so at WrestleMania XX for the World title. Benoit responded by saying that it’s just not going to happen and stated that he’s the one who challenges Triple H for the World title, not Michaels. After Michaels responded by superkicking Benoit, he then signed his own name on the paper as the challenger to Triple H’s World Championship. On the following week’s episode of Raw, Michaels defeated Benoit due to interference by Triple H. Afterwards, Steve Austin appeared and announced that Triple H would be defending his World Championship at WrestleMania against both Michaels and Benoit in a Triple threat match. On the March 1, 2004 edition of Raw, after Michaels and Benoit lost to Randy Orton and Batista in a tag team match, World Champion, Triple H and the rest of Evolution attacked Michaels and Benoit, ending with Triple H nailing them with the Pedigree and rubbing his World title belt into their faces while they were laying motionless in the ring.
Chris Benoit becomes the World Heavyweight Champion
The main event was a Triple threat match over the World Heavyweight Championship between Triple H, Chris Benoit, and Shawn Michaels. This match marked the seventh title defense of the night, the most in WrestleMania history. The match started with Benoit and Michaels wanting to face the champion, but would wrestle each other, trying to gain an advantage before Triple H’s intervention leading to the match going back-and-forth between all three men, hitting their signature holds and maneuvers throughout. Benoit soon gained control over Michaels when he applied his signature hold the Crippler Crossface. As Michaels was about to submit, Triple H saved the match, attacking both men, and executing his own finisher, the Pedigree, on Michaels before Benoit halted his attempt to win the match. Triple H and Michaels would team up to suplex Benoit through the announcer’s table, trying to eliminate him from the match. The two continued to wrestle until Benoit made his return to action to save Michaels from getting pinned. Michaels then attempted to hit Benoit again with his signature kick, the 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 Benoit countered and locked into the Crippler Crossface, and Triple H submitted. 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.
Chris Benoit & Eddie Guerro celebrate at the end of WrestleMania XX
WrestleMania XX Results
• John Cena defeated Big Show (c) Singles match for the WWE United States Championship
• Booker T and Rob Van Dam (c) defeated Garrison Cade and Mark Jindrak, The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von) and La Résistance (René Duprée and Rob Conway) Fatal Four-Way match for the World Tag Team Championship
• Christian defeated Chris Jericho
• Evolution (Randy Orton, Batista, and Ric Flair) defeated Rock ‘n’ Sock Connection (The Rock and Mick Foley) Handicap match
• Torrie Wilson and Sable defeated Stacy Keibler and Miss Jackie 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 Cruiserweight Open for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship
• Goldberg defeated Brock Lesnar Interpromotional singles match with special guest referee Steve Austin
• 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) Fatal Four-Way match for the WWE Tag Team Championship
• Victoria (c) defeated Molly Holly Hair vs. Title match for the WWE Women’s Championship
• Eddie Guerrero (c) defeated Kurt Angle Singles match for the WWE Championship
• The Undertaker (with Paul Bearer) defeated Kane
• Chris Benoit defeated Triple H (c) and Shawn Michaels Triple Threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship
WWE announced on Tuesday that a 1-hour post-show will take place on Sunday night after WrestleMania 29. Here’s the official announcement:
Get more access to WrestleMania than ever before — for FREE — this Sunday night during the exclusive ONE-HOUR interactive Pre-Show and first-ever WrestleMania Post-Show! Tune in to WWE.com, the WWE App, Facebook.com/WWE, YouTube.com/WWE and Yahoo.com at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT, then immediately after The Showcase of the Immortals on Sunday for the most interactive pre- and post-shows in WWE history.
Expanded to 60 minutes of access and action inside MetLife Stadium, the live Pre-Show promises to pack a punch with backstage interviews, footage from around MetLife Stadium, and expert analysis from a unique panel of WWE Superstars and Legends. Plus, the WWE Universe will have the unprecedented opportunity to participate in the Pre-Show with polls and in-show featured tweets and Touts with your comments. Not to mention an Intercontinental Title Match between champion Wade Barrett and The Miz!
Be part of WrestleMania by Touting your all-time favorite moments from The Grandest Stage of Them All, using #ManiaMoments now.
Immediately after WrestleMania 29, hit WWE’s online channels to experience the fallout from The Show of Shows with exclusive interviews, celebrations and more in a live Post-Show, brought to you from inside MetLife Stadium. Tune in to see your WrestleMania reactions from Twitter and Tout broadcast live.
Visit WWE.com, the WWE App, Facebook.com/WWE, YouTube.com/WWE this Sunday at 6 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and immediately following WrestleMania 29 for an unparalleled interactive experience, all part of the festivities for WWE’s Biggest Spectacle.
ESPN.com has updated their weekly WWE Power Rankings, giving the spot to CM Punk this week. Regarding CM Punk’s tactics against the Undertaker on RAW, author Jon Robinson wrote, “So good at being bad, it’s crazy to think of him as anything else but the best heel in the business. He’ll go to any lengths to make you hate him, and the way Raw ended, it just goes to show that WWE now realizes Punk/Undertaker is the most intriguing storyline heading into WrestleMania.”
Here’s this week’s Top 10 list:
CM Punk
Dolph Ziggler & Big E. Langston
The Rock
Ryback
Jack Swagger
Brock Lesnar
Triple H
Randy Orton, Sheamus & Big Show
The Shield
John Cena
Robinson gave his prediction for the WrestleMania 29 main event, stating, “No way the WWE is going to let the Rock beat its top star on the biggest card of the year in back-to-back WrestleManias. It’s just not going to happen.” He suggested a scenario where The Rock shows Cena respect after a hard fought match, but then they are beat down by a newly formed faction of CM Punk, Brock Lesnar & The Shield.
