wrestling / Columns
411’s Countdown to WrestleMania 24: Ranking The WrestleMania’s
Graphic by Meehan
Welcome to 411’s Countdown to Wrestlemania! My name is Dustin James and I will be your host for this lovely edition of “Ranking The WrestleMania’s!” Why did 411 choose me to rank the WrestleMania’s? Well, they didn’t! I asked. Besides, if you don’t like it, then I told you to stop reading my columns anyway, Dad.
Allow me to introduce myself to all the 411 reader’s who probably have no idea who I am. My name is Dustin James, I have been a wrestling fan since 1989, I use to write for numerous wrestling websites during the hey day of the “Monday Night Wars” but I quickly lost my interest in wrestling once DX reunited. I don’t know why, but seeing GOD in a WWE ring might have been the straw that broke the camel’s back, and I’m not even religious!
Either way, I feel as though I’m suited to rank the WrestleMania’s as I HAVE seen every Mania more then once, and not to mention I currently rank the best fighters in MMA for 411 every Thursday at 411’s MMA Zone! So check it out…..you won’t regret it.
Now for the guidelines in which I chose to rank the WrestleMania’s:
-I put a huge emphasis on ranking WrestleMania’s by work rate. Why do you guys go back and watch certain WrestleMania’s? Because of awesome matches, that’s why.
-I put a little bit of personal bias in here. It happens whenever something gets “ranked”.
-I boosted a couple of shows up due to historical meanings.
Now, here we go…411’s Countdown to WrestleMania: Ranking The WrestleMania’s:
Historical Information:
– Wrestlemania 9 was the first Wrestlemania held outdoors.
– Jim Ross made his WWF debut at Wrestlemania 9.
– A scheduled match between Bam Bam Bigelow & Kamala did not take place.
Best Match:
– Shawn Michaels vs. Tatanka – WWF Intercontinental Title
Worst Match:
– The Undertaker vs. Giant Gonzalez
Comments:
Easily the worst Wrestlemania ever. This Wrestlemania might be remembered more for Bobby Heenan trying to ride a camel or Jim Ross wearing a toga. Either way, shitty times all around. Crush vs. Doink was horrendous, Hulk Hogan came out and stole all the thunder once again, this time from Bret Hart & Yokozana. Just a horrible show all together. Only watch this show if you want to be entertained by the fact that Doink The Clown had a twin.
Historical Information:
– Wrestlemania 2 was the only Wrestlemania to be located at 3 different locations.
– This was the first Wrestlemania to be show on PPV.
– Jake “The Snake” Roberts & Bret Hart both made their Wrestlemania debuts at Wrestlemania 2.
Best Match:
– The Dream Team (Brutus Beefcake/Greg Valentine) vs. The British Bulldogs
Worst Match:
– Randy Savage vs. George Steele
Comments:
Ahhh yes. Good ol Wrestlemania 2. When I think of Wrestlemania 2 I think of the NFL/WWF battle royal that took place and how HUGE that would be if they did it now. Could you imagine 10 NFL players today in a battle royal with 10 WWE wrestlers? The NFL is way bigger now then it was back then, and I know plenty of people who would love to see Terrell Owens or Chad Johnson square off against MVP or John Cena. It’s just too bad the NFL would never let that happen today. Sorry for sliding off subject here……but yeah, Wrestlemania 2 blows ass.
Historical Information:
– Wrestlemania 4 contained 16 matches, the most matches out of any other Wrestlemania.
– Wrestlemania 4 & 5 are the only two WrestleMania’s to be held at the same venue two years in a row.
Best Match:
– Greg Valentine vs. Ricky Steamboat
Worst Match:
– Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant
Comments:
Ahhh, good ol Wrestlemania Bore. This Wrestlemania is best known for it’s WWF Championship Tournament which was just god awful. Randy Savage ended up winning the WWF Title which was huge at the time because he was basically the first WWF Champ not named Hulk Hogan since like 1985. Either way, just a crappy Wrestlemania with the biggest memorable moment for me happening to be Bad News Brown giving Bret Hart the heave ho after “co-winning” the battle royal with him. Man, do I miss Bad News Brown.
Historical Information:
– This was the much rumored Wrestlemania where Sycho Sid crapped his pants during his main event match against The Undertaker. The wrestling tights were never found to be checked for DNA evidence.
– Billy Gunn fought Flash Funk in the Free-For-All show that aired before the PPV.
Best Match:
– Steve Austin vs. Bret Hart
Worst Match:
– Rocky Maivia vs. The Sultan
Comments:
UGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH. I hate Wrestlemania 13. Not only because you can’t tell when Sid shits his pants because every single facial expression Sid makes it looks like he is pooping himself. But also because my favorite wrestler of all-time (The Rock) happens to be in the WORST MATCH OF THE NIGHT. It’s not Rocky’s fault too much though because his opponent (The Sultan/Rikishi) is not the best wrestler in the World, but still……The Rock improved miles after Wrestlemania 13. The only good thing about Wrestlemania 13 was Austin/Hart and the infamous “pass out instead of tap out” finish, & the Chicago Street Fight with the LOD & Ahmed Johnson taking on the Nation of Domination. You see, if Ahmed Johnson is in the 2nd BEST MATCH OF THE NIGHT……it’s not a good PPV.
Historical Information:
– Wrestlemania 15 featured the infamous “Brawl For All” match between Bart Gunn & Butterbean where Butterbean knocked Bart Gunn out in mere seconds.
– HHH turned his back on DX at Wrestlemania 15.
– The Hardcore Championship was defended for the first time at a Wrestlemania at Wrestlemania 15.
Best Match:
– The Rock vs. Steve Austin
Worst Match:
– The Undertaker vs. Big Boss Man – Hell In A Cell
Comments:
Yuuuuck. I hate Wrestlemania 15 for numerous reasons. Not only did I dislike the “Brawl For All” tournament all together, but also I will and STILL dislike Butterbean to this day. Plus, how can you make a Hell in the Cell match just plain horrendous? I know, I know!!! Throw the Big Boss Man in it! This Wrestlemania is most memorable to me due to the fact that HHH turned his back on DX because at the time it was a real shocker. Hell, I even remember some of my friends cursing HHH’s name after praising him just 5 minutes before the turn. Other than that, CRAP SHOW.
Historical Information:
– Ummm duh, it’s the first Wrestlemania EVER.
– Matt Borne (who lost to Ricky Steamboat on the card) would return to the WWF years later as “Doink The Clown”.
– Vince McMahon cross promoted with MTV to gain exposure and momentum for Wrestlemania.
Best Match:
– Mr. T & Hulk Hogan vs. Paul Orndorff & “Rowdy” Roddy Piper
Worst Match:
– King Kong Bundy vs. S.D. Jones
Comments:
This was not a great card by any means. There were no sort of “take your breath away” moments that Wrestlemania would become notorious for, but it is here at #18 because it was the first Wrestlemania ever, and Matt Borne wrestled on it! And in case you didn’t know…….I’m a huge Matt Borne/Big Josh/Doink The Clown mark. But ya, historical show…….nuff said!
Historical Information:
– Wrestlemania 11 was later broadcasted as a special one-hour event on FOX where they showed the title match between Diesel & Shawn Michaels, as well as Lawrence Taylor vs. Bam Bam Bigelow.
– Jerry Lawler & Vince McMahon had to re-record parts of the commentary at a later date due to Lawler accidentally unplugging certain microphone cards.
– Celebrities in attendance included: Reggie White, Ken Norton Jr, Pamela Anderson, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Jenny McCarthy, Nicholas Turturro, Salt-N-Pepa, & Larry Young.
Best Match:
– Diesel vs. Shawn Michaels
Worst Match:
– The Undertaker vs. King Kong Bundy
Comments:
Wrestlemania 11 didn’t have any real jaw dropping matches. It was basically banking on the name of Lawrence Taylor to sell the PPV……and it worked. Lawrence Taylor went out and performed what might have been the best “wrestler vs. celebrity” match to date. I’d highly recommend watching that match if you never have. It shows you that celebrities can “go” if called upon and they don’t HAVE to win your companies world title to make an impact.
Historical Information:
– As a teenager, Adam Copeland (Edge) attended Wrestlemania 6 live, and sat 11th row ringside. 12 years later he returned to the Skydome and wrestled at Wrestlemania 18.
– Future WCW champion, Diamond Dallas Page escorted the team of “Rhythm & Blues” to ringside as the driver of the team’s pink Cadillac. Page also returned 12 years later and wrestled at Wrestlemania 18.
– Wrestlemania 6 was the last Wrestlemania hosted by Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse Ventura. Ventura would leave the WWF later on in the year.
Best Match:
– Hulk Hogan vs. The Ultimate Warrior
Worst Match:
– Randy Savage & Sensational Sherri vs. Dusty Rhodes & Sapphire
Comments:
If it wasn’t for the Hogan/Warrior match……Wrestlemania 6 could very well have been the worst Wrestlemania ever. But glory days shined on the WWF and we were given Hogan & Warrior to entertain us. If you ask me, and if you go back and watch this card……it looks like the WWF was looking to bank the whole show on just that match alone. They obviously let a 12 year old with down syndrome book the rest of the card while the head guys booked the main event. Sometimes that Vince McMahon can be a real asshole.
Historical Information:
– Wrestlemania 18 was the last Wrestlemania before the brand extension.
Best Match:
– Triple H vs. Chris Jericho
Worst Match:
– Maven vs. Goldust
Comments:
Ahh yes, good ol Wrestlemania 18! What a time it was to be a wrestling fan around Wrestlemania 18. It was going to be the first Wrestlemania for Hulk Hogan since Wrestlemania 9 and he was going to face the Attitude era’s hero THE ROCK! I admit, I marked out massive for this match, it’s just that Jericho/HHH & Undertaker/Flair were better wrestling matches. Still, it’s awesome to go back and watch Wrestlemania 18 for Hogan/Rock, the nWo, Jericho/HHH, & Undertaker/Flair. Every thing else was just horrendous. Felt like big time filler and not Mania material.
Historical Information:
– The main event of Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels is the longest match in Wrestlemania history.
– The Wrestlemania 12 logo is a parody of the 20th Century Fox logo.
– Portions of the “Rowdy” Roddy Piper/Goldust “Hollywood Backlot Brawl” match used footage of the LAPD chase involving OJ Simpson.
Best Match:
– Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels
Worst Match:
– HHH vs. The Ultimate Warrior
Comments:
This Wrestlemania was built around 3 things, the Piper/Goldust match, the Ultimate Warrior’s return, & Bret Hart/Shawn Michaels. I remember as a kid personally enjoying Piper vs. Goldust as well as enjoying the return of the Ultimate Warrior. It just so happens the Warrior didn’t have an actual match he just went out and beat HHH in a scenario that would never happen today. Either way, this is a one match Wrestlemania so basically just pass on it and watch the Shawn/Bret match elsewhere.
Historical Information:
– This was the first Wrestlemania to not feature Jesse “The Body” Ventura as color commentator. Bobby “The Brain” Heenan replaced Ventura and hosted the show with Gorilla Monsoon. Ventura had left the WWF months before.
– Wrestlemania 7 was the last Wrestlemania appearance of Andre The Giant.
– Wrestlemania 7 was originally suppose to take place at the L.A. Coliseum, but due to security concerns related to the Gulf War, a decision was made to hold the show at the L.A. Sports Arena.
Best Match:
– The Ultimate Warrior vs. “Macho Man” Randy Savage
Worst Match:
– Jake “The Snake” Roberts vs. “The Model” Rick Martel – Blindfold Match
Comments:
Wrestlemania 7 holds a special place in my heart because it was around this time that I was enjoying the WWF like never before. I can’t even put into words how it was to be a 9 year old kid watching the WWF in 1991. However, if I go back and view the show again there are a lot of stinkers and just a few good actual wrestling matches. The “retirement” match between Warrior and Savage is REALLY good. But that’s just countered by how stupid it is to have the Legion of Doom squash the AWESOME team of Power & Glory. That was a team that never got respect! Either way, watch it if you enjoyed the WWF in 1991 as it was a good show back then.
Historical Information:
– Shawn Michaels and Big Boss Man made their Wrestlemania debuts at Wrestlemania 5.
– “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka made a surprise appearance at Wrestlemania 5. It was his first Wrestlemania appearance since Wrestlemania 1.
– Rick Rude defeated The Ultimate Warrior to win the Intercontinental Championship, it was the first pin fall loss for the Ultimate Warrior.
– The tag team of Strike Force (Rick Martel & Tito Santana) broke up at Wrestlemania 5.
Best Match:
– “Macho Man” Randy Savage vs. Hulk Hogan – WWF Championship
Worst Match:
– Bobby “The Brain” Heenan vs. “The Red Rooster” Terry Taylor
Comments:
I will be the first guy to admit that I was a huge Red Rooster fan. I only wish I still had my Red Rooster t-shirt! Either way, watching him get beat up by The Brooklyn Brawler soured me on that match. But still, I enjoyed Wrestlemania 5 just for “The Mega Powers EXPLODE”, and I don’t know why but I always enjoyed watching the Blue Blazer compete at a Wrestlemania. There was just enough historical stuff here for me to be happy with Wrestlemania 5’s ranking. Brainbusters vs. Strike Force anyone?
Historical Information:
– Due to the success of Wrestlemania 3, and to capitalize on the Hogan/Andre feud. The WWE created the Survivor Series PPV.
– The recorded attendance of 93,173 is the largest indoor attendance for any event in history according to WWE.com.
– Wrestlemania 3 did not have a Tag Team Championship Match.
Best Match:
– Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat – WWE Intercontinental Title Match
Worst Match:
– “King” Harley Race vs. Junkyard Dog
Comments:
Ahhh yes, Wrestlemania 3! When I was a kid growing up (I started watching WWE around Wrestlemania 6), Wrestlemania 3 was THE Wrestlemania you had to watch. It WAS the WWF at the time. I mean, Hogan slamming Andre! Savage vs. Steamboat! Midget wrestling! Billy Jack Haynes! If you have never seen the show you must watch it for historical reasons. If you have seen the show, then you know what I’m talking about.
Historical Information:
– The Ultimate Warrior made his return at Wrestlemania 8. He had been missing from the WWE for months.
– A scheduled match between the British Bulldog & The Berzerker never happened.
– In a dark match, The Bushwackers beat The Beverly Brothers.
– This was the first Wrestlemania where Hulk Hogan wasn’t involved in the World Title scene.
Best Match:
– Ric Flair vs. Randy Savage – WWE World Title Match
Worst Match:
– Money Inc. vs. The Natural Disasters – WWE Tag Team Title Match
Comments:
Wrestlemania 8 holds a dear place in my heart because of how enthusiastic I was at the return of the Ultimate Warrior. See, when I first started watching wrestling you were either a Warrior fan, or a Hogan fan. I happened to be a Warrior fan, while my little brother happened to be a Hulkamaniac. Needless to say I wasn’t too happy when Warrior bolted from the WWE, but when I heard his music come on while Papa Shango & Sid Justice gave Hogan a beat down, I jumped for joy! HE WAS BACK! Add that to the excellent Savage/Flair match, the Hart/Piper match, & of course a Wrestlemania appearance by the REPO MAN and you get a wonderful night of Wrestlemania action.
Historical Information:
– Wrestlemania 14 marked the first time the WWF European Championship was defended.
– Pete Rose was attacked for the first time by Kane at Wrestlemania 14.
– Wrestlemania 14 was suppose to be the last match ever for Shawn Michaels.
– The Rock debuted “If you smell what The Rock is cooking” during an interview with Gennifer Flowers at Wrestlemania 14.
– The day after Wrestlemania 14, X-Pac made his return to the WWE after a stint with WCW.
– Mike Tyson appeared as the special “ringside enforcer” for the main event title match between “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels.
Best Match:
– Steve Austin vs. Shawn Michaels – WWF World Title Match
Worst Match:
– The Undertaker vs. Kane
Comments:
Wrestlemania 14! The Wrestlemania that was slam dunked in the middle of the “attitude era” and showed. It was when the WWE was just becoming big time main stream. Just the day after Wrestlemania, X-Pac returned to the WWE and joined a “new” DX with HHH, Chyna, & the New Age Outlaws. That was a significant moment in WWE history. This to me, is just the Wrestlemania that set off the “Attitude era”. It was the first Wrestlemania without either Bret Hart or Hulk Hogan, but the WWF had faith in Steve Austin……especially when you throw in the Mike Tyson piece. Just a memorable Wrestlemania for me. Plus, any Wrestlemania that has the “New” Midnight Express on it is worth a view. Wow was that horrendous.
Historical Information:
– Wrestlemania 19 marked “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s final WWE match as an active competitor.
– Wrestlemania 19 was the first time that the World Heavyweight Title, WWF Tag Team Title, and WWE Cruiserweight Title were all defended at a Wrestlemania.
– Wrestlemania 19 broke the attendance record for Safeco Field.
– Lance Storm & Chief Morley beat Kane & Rob Van Dam to retain the WWF Tag Team Titles in a dark match.
– Wrestlemania 19 marked the long awaited WWE return of “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. Piper had not appeared in the WWE since 1996.
Best Match:
– Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar – WWE Smackdown World Title
Worst Match:
– A-Train/Big Show vs. The Undertaker
Comments:
Personally, I would love to rank Wrestlemania 19 first. Why? Well, it’s the only Wrestlemania I have been to live! And it was an experience I will never forget. Brock vs. Kurt! Jericho vs. HBK! Booker T vs. HHH! Team Angle vs. Rhyno/Benoit vs. Los Guerreros! Ok, I have to stop. But seriously. One of the greatest moments in my life was attending Wrestlemania 19, and what a weekend of drunken fun it was.
Historical Information:
– CM Punk played one of John Cena’s “gangsters” during Cena’s entrance. Punk was wrestling in the WWE’s developmental program at the time.
– Wrestlemania 22 was the first Wrestlemania to not feature the winner of the Royal Rumble in the final match of the night since Wrestlemania 15.
– Viscera won an Interpromotional Battle Royal in the dark match. The Battle Royal featured Eugene, Snitsky, Goldust, Tomko, Rob Conway, Lance Cade, Trevor Murdoch, Matt Striker, Super Crazy, Psicosis, Funaki, Steven Richards, Johnny Nitro, Joey Mercury, Road Warrior Animal, William Regal, and Simon Dean.
Best Match:
– Mick Foley vs. Edge – Hardcore Match
Worst Match:
– Candace Michelle vs. Torrie Wilson – Playboy Pillow Fight
Comments:
What’s not to love about Wrestlemania 22? Well, besides the Booker/Boogeyman & Michelle/Wilson matches. You had a great Money in the Bank match, a great Foley vs. Edge match, a great HHH vs. Cena match and hell….even Angle/Mysterio/Orton was decent enough. A pretty damn good card that in my opinion gets a little overlooked. But still, you can go back and watch Wrestlemania 22 and see just what solid wrestling is about.
Historical Information:
– A backstage skit involving Eugene & Cryme Time got a lot of WWE Legends involved. Some of the names involved were The Fabulous Moolah, Mae Young, Slick, Dusty Rhode, IRS, Sgt. Slaughter, Ricky Steamboat & Ron Simmons.
– Celebrities in attendance included, Donald Trump, members of the Detroit Tigers, Domink Hasek, & Reverend Run from Run DMC.
– In a dark match, Ric Flair & Carlito defeated Gregory Helms and Chavo Guerrero in a tag team lumberjack match. Some of the lumberjacks included Viscera, Shad, JTG, Chris Masters, Shelton Benjamin, Charlie Haas, Robbie McAllister, Rory McAllister, Super Crazy, Val Venis, Johnny Nitro, Jim Duggan, Eugene, Lance Cade, Trevor Murdoch, Kenny Dykstra, Daivari, Shannon Moore, Sylvain Grenier, Deuce, Domino, Paul London, Brian Kendrick, The Miz, Vito, Scotty 2 Hotty, William Regal, Dave Taylor, Jimmy Wang Yang, Jamie Noble, Funaki, Balls Mahoney, Little Guido, Hardcore Holly & Snitsky.
Best Match:
– John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels – RAW World Title Match
Worst Match:
– Melina vs. Ashley – WWE Women’s Title Match
Comments:
This Wrestlemania was so good, it feels like it just happened last year. Oh wait, it did just happen last year! Seriously, if you happened to miss this Wrestlemania then do yourself a favor and go out and rent it just for the epic Cena vs. Michaels match! Not only do you get that, but also you get the ALWAYS excellent Money in the Bank match, as well as a pretty good Batista vs. Undertaker match. This Wrestlemania is ranked pretty high due to how solid it was last year, it will just be interesting to see where it stands over time. Will it slide? Who knows.
Historical Information:
– Wrestlemania 21 was the first time the WWE Championship & World Heavyweight Championship changed hands on the same night at a Wrestlemania.
– Celebrities in attendance included David Arquette, Will Sasso, Motorhead, Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider, Black Eyed Peas, Ice Cube, Carmen Electra, Sylvester Stallone, & Matt Groening.
– Wrestlemania 21 marked the 4th time that HHH came out to a live rendition of his theme song at a Wrestlemania.
Best Match:
– Kurt Angle vs. Shawn Michaels
Worst Match:
– Akebono vs. The Big Show
Comments:
Wow, we have seen some of the best WrestleMania’s ever in just these recent years. Say what you will about today’s current WWE product, and trust me……I know the majority of it is horrible. But they seem to turn it up at Wrestlemania time, and Wrestlemania 21 was no different. Talk about “big time”. You had the epic match of Angle vs. HBK, as well as the INCREDIBLE Money in the Bank match and you have a PPV I can watch over and over and over again.
Historical Information:
– This was the first Wrestlemania to feature black ring ropes.
– This is the only Wrestlemania generally referred to as a year (Wrestlemania 2000) rather than a number (Wrestlemania 16).
– HHH’s win in the main event was the first time a fan favorite did not walk away with the WWE Championship at a Wrestlemania.
– Wrestlemania 16 is the only Wrestlemania to not feature a traditional one-on-one match.
Best Match:
– The Dudley Boys vs. Edge & Christian vs. The Hardy Boys – WWE Tag Team Title – Triangle Ladder Match
Worst Match:
– The Kat vs. Terri
Comments:
Not only was this the name of a pretty damn good N64 wrestling game, but it was also a pretty damn good Wrestlemania. You had the pretty good Fatal-4-Way WWF Title main event between HHH, Mick Foley, Big Show, & The Rock. Then the awesome three-way European/Intercontinental Title match between Kurt Angle, Chris Jericho, and Chris Benoit. Add those two things to the EXCELLENT triangle ladder match and of course the HARDCORE battle royal! What can I say, I’m a sucker for battle royals. A pretty damn good Wrestlemania indeed.
Historical Information:
– The Hall of Fame class of 2004 was inducted at Wrestlemania 20. They included Bobby Heenan, Tito Santana, Big John Studd, Harley Race, Pete Rose, Don Muraco, Greg Valentine, Junkyard Dog, “Superstar” Billy Graham, Jesse Ventura, and Sgt. Slaughter.
– The Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg match-up was intriguing due to both competitors leaving the WWE after this show. The WWE sent them packing with Stone Cold Stunners courtesy of Steve Austin.
– Paul Bearer made his return to the WWE at Wrestlemania 20.
– Molly Holly’s head was shaven due to a stipulation in a match involving Victoria.
Best Match:
– Chris Benoit vs. HHH vs. Shawn Michaels – World Heavyweight Championship
Worst Match:
– Torrie Wilson & Sable vs. Stacy Keibler & Miss Jackie – Playboy Evening Gown Match
Comments:
Wrestlemania 20, how it feels so long ago! When you think of Wrestlemania 20 you can’t help but think of the image of Chris Benoit & Eddie Guerrero holding up the titles they worked so long and hard for, and now they are both gone. For those of you who want to see Benoit and Guerrero at perhaps there happiest, this is an excellent show to do so. For those of you still impacted by the Benoit tragedy, I would stay far from this PPV. But, this PPV did have some other great things on it as well, believe me. We got to see The Rock N’ Sock Connection reunite and take on Evolution, we got to see Ultimo Dragon (!!!) make a Wrestlemania appearance during the Cruiserweight open, and let’s not forget the forgettable match between Brock Lesnar and Goldberg. Watching the fans in attendance mess with Brock’s mind is just AWESOME. Great, great, great PPV!
Historical Information:
– In a dark match, The Heavenly Bodies (Jimmy Del Ray & Tom Pritchard) beat The Bushwackers.
– This was the first Wrestlemania to not feature Hulk Hogan.
– Bret “The Hitman” Hart wrestled twice on the card. He fought against Owen Hart and lost in the opening match, but defeated Yokozuna to capture the WWE Championship in the main event.
– Jerry Lawler returned to the WWE at Wrestlemania 10 after taking several months off prior.
– Tickets for Wrestlemania 10 sold out fast that people got to view the event at the Paramount Theater that is adjacent to Madison Square Garden.
Best Match:
Tie – Owen Hart vs. Bret Hart
Tie – Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon – WWE Intercontinental Title Ladder Match
Worst Match:
– Earthquake vs. Adam Bomb
Comments:
This Wrestlemania has a lot of sentimental value to me. Not only does it remind me of one of my favorite feuds of all-time in Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart, but the PPV also featured the incredible Intercontinental Title ladder match between HBK and Razor Ramon. Also, when I was a kid I LOVED the Randy Savage vs. Crush Falls Count Anywhere match….it may not hold up today but back in the day I was “crushed” when Crush came back and started painting his face. What happened to KONA CRUSH DAMNIT!?!?! Not only that but you get an appearance from Doink, Dink, The Quebecers, Men on a Mission, Lex Luger, Bam Bam Bigelow, and of course Todd Pettengill! GREAT card that brings back tons of memories.
Historical Information:
– Wrestlemania 17 featured a dark match of X-Factor (Justin Credible & X-Pac) defeating Steve Blackman & Grand Master Sexay.
– Wrestlemania 17 holds the record for most title changes at a Wrestlemania, with 5.
– This was the first Wrestlemania to not feature Jerry Lawler as a commentator since Wrestlemania 9. Lawler had left the company a month earlier due to the sudden release of his girlfriend, The Kat.
– Steve Austin turned his back on the fans at Wrestlemania 17 and joined the side of Vince McMahon.
– Wrestlemania 17 featured a “Gimmick Battle Royal” featuring classic WWE gimmicks of the past. The participants included The Bushwackers, Duke “The Dumpster” Droese, Doink The Clown, Nikolai Volkoff, Tugboat, The Goon, Earthquake, The Gobbledy Gooker, Hillbilly Jim, Brother Love, Michael Hayes, One Man Gang, Kamala, Kim Chee, Jim Cornette, Repo Man, and Sgt. Slaughter. The match was won by The Iron Sheik.
– The WWE had purchased WCW just days before Wrestlemania 17. Rhyno and Spike Dudley both made surprise appearances at the show.
Best Match:
– The Dudley Boys vs. Edge & Christian vs. The Hardy Boys – TLC 2 – WWE Tag Team Titles
Worst Match:
– The Right To Censor vs. Tazz & APA
Comments:
Not only is Wrestlemania 17 the best Wrestlemania ever, it very well could be the best PPV ever. What was not to love about this show? You had Steve Austin have a great match with The Rock and then turn his back on the fans and join VINCE MCMAHON??! That was great stuff back in the day. Not only that, but you had the AWESOME TLC match between the 3 teams that I could watch wrestle any night. Add that to the sweet ass gimmick battle royal (REPO MAN!), and the excellent Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit match……it’s hard not to be impressed by the impact that Wrestlemania 17 left. By the time this Wrestlemania feature on 411 is over, you might get tired of hearing about the awesomeness that is Wrestlemania 17.
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