NIIT - Bangalore - India

WWE - John Cena

John Cena



John Cena talks about his new belt, new album, and his first week as WWE Champion

By Anthony Cali

John Cena kicked off RAW by appearing as the first pick in the Draft Lottery, and Paul Heyman's ECW faction brawled with Eric Bischoff's anti-ECW crusaders to conclude a wild and shocking RAW.

CHICAGO – The All State Arena roared upon hearing John Cena’s new theme music, “My Time is Now,” fill the air. As the new WWE Champion made his way to ringside for his championship coronation – now a week-and-a-half into his championship reign – it was quite obvious that Cena is on cloud nine.

Complete with a new rendition of the WWE Title – a “spinner belt” – wrapped around his waist, the young athlete from West Newbury, Mass. appears ready to usher in a new era of World Wrestling Entertainment. Thursday night, WWE.com caught up with the champ to get the inside scoop on his first week as WWE Champion, his customized championship, and his upcoming hip-hop album.

WWE.com: What has your first week-and-a-half as WWE Champion been like? John Cena: It’s been great. WrestleMania 21 was a dream come true. At SmackDown! in San Diego, it felt like I was still dreaming. And right from there, we got to go overseas [to Australia] and tear it up, so it’s been unbelievable.

WWE.com: Where did the inspiration for the new WWE Championship belt come from? Cena: Just like the United States Championship, the WWE Championship needed a makeover. When I won the U.S. Championship, that was everything to me, and I remade it accordingly. And if the U.S. Championship was everything, this is ten-fold. I had to come out real big on this, because everybody already saw what I did to the U.S. Championship, and it had people thinking, “what else can he do?” But this is what I’d want a title to be – anything and everything – and there’s some crazy stuff on here.

WWE.com: Can we expect more modifications to be made? Cena: Like I said, I’m definitely adding more shine to it. Rest assured, I’m still gonna kick this thing up a few notches. It’s gonna be even nicer.

WWE.com: Why create a new belt, and not keep with tradition by retaining the old WWE Championship belt – the one worn by JBL? Cena: I ain’t about doing things the traditional way, I’m about doing things my way. And just the fact that JBL had that belt all that time makes me want to change it up, ‘cause I’m sure it pissed him off. But of course, some people may not agree with my modifications, but this is my vision of what a World Championship should look like, and I think it’s class.

WWE.com: Can you tell me a little bit about the new WWE Championship? How long it took to make? How much does it weigh? What kind of jewels are on it? How much did it cost? Cena: First and foremost is the glaze. This things got all kinds of diamonds on it. You got round clear and pale yellow diamonds, round rubies. There are over 2,800 mini square Princess Cut diamonds, plus there are clear triangular and marquise cut diamonds, Marquise cut emeralds, clear Baquette [rectangular] cut diamonds, and one big 16mm clear diamond on the side plate. Altogether, there’s a 3,484 diamonds and gems. Then of course, you have the gold – 14K. My belt’s got more carrots than Bugs Bunny. And you know, it’s got to have the platinum. I mean this thing’s got so much shine on it, it weighs like 12 pound. And it’s worth so much loot, that I’m actually considering hiring two armed bodyguards to escort me and the championship around.

WWE.com: Do you have any preference as to whom you’d like to see win the SmackDown! Championship Series and become the number-one contender for your WWE Title? Cena: It’s like I always say, you want some, come get some. Of course I’d like to have a rematch with JBL and show him that my win over him at WrestleMania 21 wasn’t just a fluke, and that I’m not the Buster Douglas of WWE. But I also wouldn’t mind having some different competition, like Kurt Angle, Big Show, or Booker T. Honestly, it really doesn’t matter who wins the Triple Threat in the U.K., ‘cause your boy will be ready.

WWE.com: Can we expect your title reign to be like JBL’s, or will this one be different? Cena: I’ll take my hat off to JBL, he did have one of the longest championship reigns in WWE history, but I don’t agree with how he kept it. JBL was all about finding shortcuts, and having people help him win matches, whereas I’m all about doing things myself – I don’t need nobody’s help. So while I’d like to hold the WWE Championship as long, if not longer, than JBL, you can definitely expect a very different type of reign, and this masterpiece sitting right here in front of you is just the beginning.

WWE.com: Your new album, “You Can’t See Me,” will be coming out on May 10th. Can you tell me a little bit about this? How long it took to make? Who produced it? Cena: Well the album was produced by Sony, and it’s something I’ve been working on for quite a while now, but I think that the timing for this release is perfect for me, and if you noticed, the cover of the album looks very similar to my new WWE Championship.

WWE.com: How do you think the final copy turned out? Cena: I think that a lot of fans are going to be pleasantly surprised when they pop in the album and listen to it. It’s got a lot of great tracks, and a lot of different beats. I think that even people who like this type of music, but aren’t necessarily wrestling fans will enjoy the album, and hopefully when they listen to it, and they’ll want to tune in to SmackDown! to see what their boy’s doing.

WWE.com: Can we find your new theme music, “My Time is Now” featured on this upcoming release? Cena: Absolutely, it’s the first track – the album also has my original theme music, “Basic Thuganomics,” which was also really popular. And it’s funny, because when I cut “My Time is Now,” I hadn’t even won the WWE Championship yet, but now that song couldn’t be any truer. And it’s not even like WWE had to promote it, or acknowledge it I any way. The song speaks for itself, so they just popped it in a few weeks ago, and it’s gotten nothing but a great response.

WWE.com: What do you feel your future in the hip-hop industry? Cena: Making music is something I love doing, Don’t get me wrong, I love this business like nobody else, and this is my thing – I live, eat, sleep, and breathe this – but whenever I have some time away from the ring, you’ll find me in the studio. So will I continue making music? Of course. Do I have a future in the hip-hop industry? Who knows, we’ll see how things go.


ECW VIP-only autograph session

This special autograph session is exclusive to the fans who bought the Top Priced seats ($400 ticket holders. On Sunday, June 12, from 3:00-4:00 p.m. in the Hammerstein Ballroom, ECW VIP guests will be able to meet:

RVD
Tazz
Spike Dudley
Dawn Marie
Balls Mahoney
Axl Rotten
and others (talent subject to change)
This special VIP-only autograph session is not open to the general public.

ONE NIGHT STAND MATCHES

Lance Storm with Dawn Marie vs Chris Jericho

Extreme luchador action:

Rey Mysterio vs Psychosis

A three way dance:

The insane luchador Super Crazy vs Tajiri with Sinister Minister vs Little Guido

Eddie Guerrero vs Chris Benoit

Tommy Dreamer and The Sandman vs Bubba & D-Von Dudley

ECW One Night Stand will feature special appearances by:

Paul Heyman

The return to PPV of Rob Van Dam with Bill Alfonso

Tazz
Spike Dudley
Al Snow with Head
Sabu
Balls Mahoney
Danny Doring and Roadkill
CW Anderson
Rhyno
Joel Gertner
Axl Rotten
Justin Credible
Kid Kash
Masato Tanaka


Mikey Whipwreck with Sinister Minister

The BWO - Big Stevie Cool, Hollywood Nova, and The Blue Guy

ECW crowned its first champion in April 1992 when Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka defeated Wildman Bellomo in Philadelphia. Since that time, some of ECW's biggest names went on to stake claim to the championship, including The Sandman, Sabu and Terry Funk.


Wrestlers Real Names

Al Snow - Allan Sarven
Big Bossman - Raymond Traylor
Billy Gunn - Monty Kip Sopp
Bob Holly - Robert William Howard
Bradshaw - John Hawk
Brian Christopher - Brian Lawler
Chris Jericho - Christopher Irvine
Christian - Jason Reso
D'Lo Brown - A.C. Connor
Dok Hendrix - Michael Seitz
Edge - Adam Copeland
Faarooq - Ron Simmons
Gangrel - Dave Heath
Gerald Brisco - Gerald Brisco
HHH - Jean Paul LeVesque
Jacquelyn - Jacquelyn Moore
Jeff Jarrett - Jeff Jarrett
Kane - Glen Jacobs
Mark Henry - Mark Henry
Owen Hart - Owen Hart
Pat Patterson - Pierre Clemont
Paul Bearer-William Moody
Paul Wight - Paul Wight
Road Dogg - Brian James
The Rock - Dwayne Johnson
Shane McMahon - Shane McMahon
Shawn Michaels - Michael Hickenbottom
Stone Cold Steve Austin - Steve Williams
Taka Michinoku - Takao Yoshida
Undertaker - Mark Callaway
Val Venis - Sean Morley
Vince McMahon - Vincent McMahon Jr.
Viscera - Nelson Frazier
X-Pac - Sean Waltman


THE TOP 22 MATCHES IN WRESTLEMANIA HISTORY



“Macho Man” Randy Savage vs. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat for the Intercontinental Championship – WrestleMania III What most people remember most from WrestleMania III is Hulk Hogan summoning up super human strength to bodyslam and defeat the previously undefeated Andre the Giant to retain the WWE Championship. According to some, however, it was Randy “Macho Man” Savage and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat who stole the show in their Intercontinental Championship matchup.

Savage was the Intercontinental Champion and defended his championship against Steamboat in November of 1986. During the match Savage used the ring bell and seriously injured Steamboat, crushing his larynx with the foreign object. Steamboat put all of his focus and energy into rehabbing from the injury and the two met to settle score at WrestleMania III with the Intercontinental Championship on the line.

The end result was one of the greatest matches of all time, which in turn became the gold standard of WrestleMania matches. Savage looked like he had everything going for him for most of the match. At one point Savage had Steamboat down and landed the famous flying elbow drop, but referee Earl Hebner was knocked out. Frustrated with the turn of events, Savage went for his weapon of choice, the ring bell. George “The Animal” Steele, who was in Steamboat’s corner, cut him off and wouldn’t allow him to use the foreign object. Savage became frustrated and as the referee was coming back to his senses, Savage hit a bodyslam, but Steamboat turned it into a small package for the win, shocking Savage and sending the fans into a frenzy as they gave him a standing ovation.

This match was fast-paced with a good mix of brawling, technical and high-flying maneuvers. The action was absolutely seamless, and it’s no wonder that this match is still talked about today as perhaps the greatest ever in WWE and WrestleMania history.

“Macho Man” Randy Savage vs. Ric Flair for the WWE Championship – WrestleMania VIII Not only was this match for the WWE Championship, it was also about as personal as a match could get. Upon hearing the news that Randy “Macho Man” Savage would be his opponent at WrestleMania VIII, Ric Flair announced to the world that before Savage was Miss Elizabeth’s boyfriend, the Nature Boy was seeing the first lady of professional wrestling. Elizabeth denied the accusation and Savage became a man possessed. To egg Savage on even more, Flair and his associate Mr. Perfect proclaimed that they had a revealing centerfold-style picture of Elizabeth that they would show the world after the match.

After a brief early advantage for Flair, Savage gets the upper hand and brutalizes Flair, beating him to a bloody pulp. Savage eventually hits the flying elbow, but Mr. Perfect pulled him out of the ring at the count of two. An irate Savage chased Mr. Perfect around the ring allowing Flair to recover. When Savage tried to get back into the ring, Flair nailed him with a foreign object. With the ref’s back turned, Mr. Perfect smashed Savage’s knee with a steel chair. Flair then pounced on his fallen foe and attacked the leg with vigor.

As Flair locks in the figure four leg lock, Elizabeth runs down to ringside to provide Savage with support. Savage reverses the hold, so Flair lets go, but he stays on the knee. After Savage tries a desperation small package, Flair taunts Elizabeth and works on the knee some more. Flair continued to taunt Elizabeth instead of focusing on Savage, and the Macho Man was able to roll him up with a handful of tights for his second WWE Championship.

WATCH THIS MATCH NOW*

Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle in an Interpromotional Match - WrestleMania 21 When Kurt Angle was representing the United States and winning a gold medal at the 1996 Olympics, he claims he couldn’t escape the imposing shadow of Shawn Michaels. Nine glorious years later, all of that changed. Mr. WrestleMania tapped out.

After weeks of mocking HBK’s career on SmackDown and a pair of brutal surprise attacks on RAW, Angle finished the job Sunday when a marathon ankle lock finally forced Michaels to give in.

The match featured both Superstars at their best. Angle connected with a ferocious suplex and worked HBK over with some painful mat maneuvers. Angle worked mercilessly on HBK’s back, ramming Michaels into the ring post with an angle slam and then avoiding an HBK elbow drop from the top rope as Michaels landed hard on his back.

HBK would come back with a corkscrew moonsault off the apron, sending both legends onto the announce table. HBK would go on to hit an elbow drop and began to warm up the band for Sweet Chin Music, only to have Angle reverse the famous move into an ankle lock. HBK escaped a pair of ankle locks and then kicked out of the angle slam.

A frustrated and bleeding Angle then went for the kill with a moonsault, only to have HBK crawl forward, sending Angle crashing to the mat. Angle then connected with an Angle slam from the top rope with HBK amazingly escaping again.

HBK would finally hit Sweet Chin Music, but Angle, not to be outdone, barely kicked out. With both men exhausted, Angle somehow managed to apply the ankle lock one last fateful time for the victory.

Shawn Michaels vs. Bret “Hit Man” Hart in a WWE Iron Man Match for the WWE Championship – WrestleMania XII Shawn Michaels and Bret “Hit Man” Hart have one of the most storied rivalries in WWE history, and this match showcased the best of both Superstars. The WWE Championship was on the line in this 60-minute WWE Iron Man Match. Whoever scored the most pinfalls or submissions by the end of the 60 minutes would win, but with two Superstars the caliber of HBK and the Excellence of Execution, 60 minutes just wasn’t enough.

Both Superstars showed incredible endurance and perseverance throughout the entire match. In the beginning of the match, Michaels works on Bret’s arm and Bret’s point of attack is HBK’s neck. As time wore on, both Superstars took turns with the advantage as neither could get over the hump. Then, with about a minute left, Hart locked in the Sharpshooter. HBK stuck it out, though, and the bell rings at the 60 minute mark as, neither man had picked up a pinfall or submission.

President Gorilla Monsoon came down to the ring and ordered that the match be restarted. Bret went to work on HBK’s back, but Michaels hit the Sweet Chin Music from out of nowhere. Michaels was too out of it to make the cover, but as both Superstars got to their feet, the Showstopper hit his patented move once again for the win and the WWE Championship.

Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon in a Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship – WrestleMania X While Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat is highly regarded as one of the best ever pure wrestling match in WWE history, the Ladder Match between Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon at WrestleMania X for the Intercontinental Championship has to be the most innovative of its time, and ranks among the most exciting of all time. This was the first-ever televised Ladder Match in WWE history, but with the way Michaels and Ramon performed, you would think they had been in countless Ladder Matches together over the years.

This match ended up being one of the most brutal and physically taxing of its time. The Ladder Match has evolved over the years, but this set the bar at an amazingly high level right off the bat. Michaels and Ramon took turns using the ladder as a weapon in new and painful ways. Michaels performed the flying elbow from on top of the ladder and used a baseball slide to ram the ladder into Ramon’s body as well. Ramon, meanwhile, sandwiched HBK between the ladder and the ring post and also slingshot the Showstopper into the ladder. Then in the breathtaking finale, with Michaels nearing the championship high above the ring, Ramon tipped the ladder over, sending HBK crotch-first onto the ring ropes. Michaels got tangled up in the ropes and was writhing in pain long enough to allow Ramon to grab the championship to become the undisputed Intercontinental Champion.

Bret “Hit Man” Hart vs. Owen Hart – WrestleMania X

On any other night, the classic between Bret “Hit Man” Hart and his brother Owen Hart would have been considered the match of the night. While the Ladder Match between Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon may have stolen the show, the Hart brothers put on a memorable clinic in their opening match of WrestleMania X.

In the weeks and months leading up to WrestleMania, it became clear that Owen was tired of living in Bret’s shadow. Owen felt that he didn’t get the respect he deserved, and he was going to stop at nothing to gain that respect. At the 1993 Survivor Series, Bret and his brothers Owen, Keith and Bruce took on Shawn Michaels and his Knights in a classic Survivor Series Elimination Match. The Harts dominated, but Owen was the only brother eliminated. He took exception to this and his anger began to mount. Then at the Royal Rumble, Bret and Owen had a chance to win the World Tag Team Championship from The Quebecers. Bret injured his leg during the match, and Owen blamed the loss on Bret being too selfish to make the tag.

Owen demanded the chance to face his brother in a one-on-one match, but Bret kept refusing, until he couldn’t take it any longer. Bret finally gave in and agreed to face his brother at WrestleMania X. Owen had an early advantage and worked on Bret’s injured leg for much of the match, but Bret looked to have things going his way as the match progressed. Bret connected with a bulldog, piledriver and a superplex, but nothing could keep Owen down. Bret tried to send Owen into the corner with an Irish whip, but Owen countered and followed him in. Bret went for a victory roll, but Owen reversed into his own pinning combination and scored the major upset. Bret went on to win the WWE Championship later that night, but it couldn’t change the fact that his baby brother Owen got the best of him at WrestleMania X.

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock for the WWE Championship – WrestleMania X-Seven When one thinks of memorable rivalries during the course of WWE history, the classic encounters between Stone Cold and The Rock have to come to mind. Although the two Superstars have met on several occasions, they took their games to a whole new level at WrestleMania X-Seven in front of a packed house at the Astrodome in Houston, TX.

The Rock came into WrestleMania as the WWE Champion, but the Texas crowd was clearly behind Stone Cold. This was a No Disqualification match, so things got ugly awfully quick. Almost immediately, the action spilled to the outside as The Rock and Stone Cold battled through the crowd and then back to the ring.

After using any foreign object they could get their hands on such as the ring bell, steel turnbuckles and chairs, it was no wonder that The Rock and Stone Cold both ended up being busted wide open. Despite the loss of blood, both competitors continued battling at a grueling and punishing pace. Just as The Rock was gaining the upper hand, Mr. McMahon came down to ringside and foiled a Rock pin attempt. The Rock chased after Mr. McMahon allowing Stone Cold to take advantage.

Stone Cold nailed The Rock with a chair for a two-count, but then got frustrated and absolutely pummeled his nemesis with a serious of excruciating chair shots, followed by the pin. The sold-out crowd was happy Austin had won, but little did they know that he sold his soul with devil in an evil partnership with Mr. McMahon in order to get his fifth WWE Championship.

Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant for the WWE Championship – WrestleMania III Andre the Giant vs. Hulk Hogan may will go down in history as the most anticipated match of all time. This incredible clash of the titans may not have featured any moonsaults or hurricanranas, but the whole world was wondering if Hulk Hogan would be able to overcome his biggest challenge to date.

Hogan and Andre the Giant had been the best of friends. When Hogan first defeated The Iron Sheik for the WWE Championship, Andre was the first one there with the champagne. While Hogan was basking in the limelight of being the new champion, Andre went about his business and also continued to dominate as he came out on top of his rivalry with Big John Studd and won the famous Battle Royal at WrestleMania 2, which included several NFL players. In fact, Andre the Giant was undefeated, but never had a shot at the championship.

Andre became sick and tired of Hogan overshadowing his accomplishments, so finally, on an edition of Piper’s Pit, Andre challenged Hogan for his WWE Championship and ripped Hogan's shirt and cross from his body. Andre went on to add Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, a long-time Hogan adversary, as his manager. WWE fans flocked from all over to break the indoor attendance record at the Pontiac Silverdome, as 93,000-plus were on hand to see if the unstoppable force, Hogan, could overcome the immovable object, Andre.

Hogan let his adrenaline get the best of him early on as he went for a quick bodyslam, but Andre’s massive frame was too much to get up, as the Giant fell on top of Hogan, getting a near-three count in the process. Andre simply overpowered Hogan throughout the early goings of the match and wore him down at a slow and deliberate pace. Hogan attempted a comeback, but it was squashed by Andre and a massive bearhug. Hogan tried to comeback again, but Andre tossed his former friend to the outside and followed him out. With Hogan leaning against the ring post, Andre went for a big headbutt, but Hogan moved causing Andre’s massive head to meet the steel. Hogan was overzealous again, though, and attempted a piledriver on the exposed cement floor. Andre reverses it into a backdrop, doing further damage to Hogan’s back.

When the action returned to the ring, though, Hogan somehow summoned up every ounce of strength that he can, and in one of the most memorable moments in professional wrestling history, Hogan lifted the mighty Giant in the air and executed a bodyslam. One big leg drop later, and Hogan had defied the odds and successfully defended the WWE Championship against Andre the Giant.

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Bret “Hit Man” Hart in a Submission Match – WrestleMania 13 This is the match where WWE fans really started to get behind the Texas Rattlesnake. Bret “Hit Man” Hart had started to become increasingly upset that the WWE fans were starting to get behind Superstars that defied authority and didn’t follow the same strong moral code that he did. Hart felt the Superstars that fit that description were going to ruin WWE, and no one fit that description more than Stone Cold.

The rivalry had been taken to a new level over the previous weeks, and a simple match wouldn’t be enough to settle the score. A Submissions Match was signed and UFC legend Ken Shamrock was brought in as a special referee. The match started out as a vicious brawl right from the outset, however, as Hart and Stone Cold battled on the outside.

Once the action returned to the ring, Hart began to work on Stone Cold’s knee, softening him up for the Sharpshooter. Bret continued to go to work on the leg and locked in a figure four leg lock around the steel ring post. Austin somehow comes back with a slurry and locks in an armbar and a Boston Crab trying to make Hart submit. Austin then tried using Hart’s own move and locked in the Sharpshooter, but the Excellence of Execution was able to counter out of it.

Hart and Austin continued brawling using the ring bell and cables to try and wear each other down. Austin became busted wide open and was bleeding profusely. Hart was able to lock in his Sharpshooter on Austin’s already softened up leg. In a classic WWE moment, Austin is screaming in pain from the Sharpshooter as blood is pouring from his face and onto the mat. Austin refused to give up, but he eventually passed out, and Shamrock declared Hart the winner. Although he had already won, Hart begins beating on Austin even more before Shamrock put an end to it. After seeing such a heroic effort from Austin, the formerly pro-Hart audience became pro-Stone Cold and they never really looked back.

“Macho Man” Randy Savage vs. Ultimate Warrior in a Retirement Match – WrestleMania VII With their careers on the line, Randy “Macho Man” Savage and Ultimate Warrior definitely meant business in this WrestleMania classic. Further illustrating the significance of the match, Ultimate Warrior slowly made his way to ringside as it was one of the only times he didn’t sprint to the ring and shake the ring ropes.

Warrior continued his focus and intensity throughout the match, as he went with a startling slow and methodical pace, absolutely punishing Savage. Warrior slipped up, though, and missed a charge into the corner that sent him to the floor. Sensational Sherri took advantage of a distracted referee and laid in some more punishment. Savage followed the Warrior to the floor and sent him into the ring post. The action soon returned to the ring and Savage stayed on the offensive. After a couple of near falls, Savage went to the top rope and hit his patented flying elbow. To make sure he had the Ultimate Warrior down, Savage hit an amazing four more flying elbows!

Any mortal man would not have survived such an onslaught, but the Warrior drew power form all of his Warriors in the crowd and shockingly kicked out of the five elbow drops. The Warrior then rode his momentum and went on the offensive hitting his Gorilla Press Slam and splash, but then Savage inexplicably kicked out at two.

After a brief comeback attempt by Savage, the Warrior sent Savage out to the floor twice with two huge spears, sent him back in, hit a flying shoulder block, sending Savage into retirement in an instant classic.

Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho vs. Chris Benoit in a Triple Threat Match for the European and Intercontinental Championships – WrestleMania 2000 Anytime Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho or Kurt Angle are in a match, you’re likely to witness an instant classic, but when you put the three of them in the same match, an instant classic is guaranteed. This was a very unique match in that both the European and Intercontinental Championships were on the line in a Triple Threat Match. It was a two-fall match, and the first fall would decide the Intercontinental Championship and the second fall would decide the European Championship.

Benoit ended up utilizing his swan dive headbutt to pin Chris Jericho to win the first fall and thus became the new Intercontinental Champion. The action continued and Angle went on the offensive, taking out both Benoit and Jericho, but then missed a moonsault. Jericho locked in the Lion Tamer on Angle, before Benoit broke it up. As the match progressed, Jericho hooked in the Lion Tamer on Benoit this time, but Angle came back and knocked Jericho out with the European Championship. Benoit then suplexed Angle, but missed the headbutt. Jericho took advantage and hit the Lion Sault for the pin and the European Championship. Kurt Angle walked in with both championships and lost both championships without even being pinned once.

Edge & Christian vs. The Hardy Boyz vs. The Dudleys in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match for the World Tag Team Championship – WrestleMania X-Seven They say that the original is always better than the sequel but Edge, Christian, The Hardy Boyz and The Dudleys proved that theory wrong when they met for the second year in a row in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match for the World Tag Team Championship. Their first encounter in this type of match stole the show at SummerSlam 2000, and the same was the case at WrestleMania X-Seven. While the first TLC Match may have set the bar extremely high, the sequel took it to a whole new level that has yet to be matched.

The Dudleys came in as the champions, but not only would they walk out without the championship, they and the other four competitors found it difficult to just walk out period. Just some of the memorable moments during the match include Edge spearing Matt Hardy off a ladder, Christian falling off a ladder all the way out to the floor and Jeff Hardy walking across the tops of four ladders only to end dangling in mid air and speared to the floor by Edge. The match also featured interference from Spike Dudley and Rhyno, and Rhyno played a huge role in the outcome.

After Edge speared Jeff Hardy to the floor, Bubba Ray Dudley and Matt Hardy started to climb a ladder, but Rhyno threw them out of the ring sending them crashing into a double stack of tables. Then with a little more help from Rhyno, Edge and Christian beat D-Von to the top to regain the World Tag Team Championship for the seventh time.

Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior for the WWE Championship and Intercontinental Championship – WrestleMania VI This classic encounter was billed as the Ultimate Challenge. Hulk Hogan came in as the WWE Champion and Ultimate Warrior came in as the Intercontinental Champion. Both championships were on the line in this winner-take-all match. The raucous Toronto SkyDome crowd was clearly torn, as they couldn’t seem to make up their mind on which Superstar to root for.

After a couple of stare-downs and tests of strengths, Hogan had the first major advantage in the match. After a backbreaker, a rear chin lock and a suplex, the Warrior started to make his comeback. He fought back with a series of power moves before going to the mighty bearhug. Hogan managed to fight out of it, but the Warrior eventually came back with the Gorilla Press Slam and the splash, but Hogan became the first person at that time to kick out of the Warrior’s finishing maneuvers.

Hogan then made another comeback and managed to hit the big boot, but his patented leg drop missed as the Warrior moved out of the way. Ultimate Warrior hit a second splash, and this time Hogan coudn ’t get up, as the Warrior became both the Intercontinental and WWE Champion. After the match, in a showing of good sportsmanship, Hogan handed over the WWE Championship as the two Superstars embraced in the center of the ring capping off another WrestleMania classic.

Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Benoit in a Triple Threat Match for the World Heavyweight Championship – WrestleMania XX This match marked the first time the main event of WrestleMania was a Triple Threat Match. After years of critics saying he could never win the big one, Chris Benoit entered the 2004 Royal Rumble at No. 1 and outlasted 29 other men to earn a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XX. Benoit had been a member of SmackDown! but chose to jump ship to RAW so that he could face Triple H.

Shawn Michaels, however, still had an axe to grind with Triple H. So, during Benoit’s contract signing, HBK knocked Benoit out with Sweet Chin Music and signed the contract himself. To clear things up, the match was then declared a Triple Threat Match.

The end result was an action-packed bloodbath with a happy ending. Benoit, Michaels and Triple H beat each other to the point of exhaustion. As the match progressed, all three competitors found it difficult to merely stand on their own two feet. As Michaels went for the Sweet Chin Music on Benoit, the Crippler tossed the Showstopper to the outside. As he turned around, Triple H tried to execute the Pedigree, but Benoit countered it into the Crippler Crossface in the center of the ring. Triple H almost made it to the ropes, but Benoit pulled him back, and The Game tapped out as Benoit’s 18 years of hard work finally payed off. In a classic moment, Benoit celebrated in the middle of the ring afterwards with one of his best friends, Eddie Guerrero, and then later his family, as confetti filled Madison Square Garden.

Hulk Hogan vs. “Macho Man” Randy Savage for the WWE Championship – WrestleMania V It was the night The Mega Powers exploded. It was two former best friends turned into the worst of enemies. It was the classic scenario of a beautiful woman coming between two men. It was Hulk Hogan vs. Randy “Macho Man” Savage. It was for the WWE Championship, and it was at WrestleMania V.

It was just a year before this match that Hogan helped Savage win the WWE Championship in a tournament at WrestleMania IV. After the win, Hogan and Savage united to form the Mega Powers, one of the most powerful teams in WWE history. Then, on an edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event, the Mega Powers faced The Twin Towers, Akeem & Big Boss Man. During the match, Savage was thrown out of the ring onto Miss Elizabeth, knocking her out. As Savage struggled to recover, Hogan scooped up Elizabeth in his arms and rushed her to the back for medical attention. Instead of going back out to help Savage, Hogan remained by Elizabeth’s side. After the match Savage became consumed with jealousy, thinking that Hogan was going after his woman. Savage stormed to the backstage area where Elizabeth was receiving medical attention and attacked Hogan. The two continued to brawl, tearing the place apart. That set the stage for this classic confrontation.

Elizabeth was so torn on which side to be on, that she ultimately stood in a neutral corner and cheered on both Superstars. From the outset, it was obvious that her presence would be more of a detriment than anything as Savage used her to ward off an attack from Hogan. After that Savage used every trick in the book to try and take out Hogan. Savage shoved Hogan into the steel ring post, busting his head wide open. Savage also utilized the tape around his wrists to try and choke the life out of Hogan. With Hogan gasping for air on the mat, Savage climbed the ropes and landed the flying elbow, but Hogan somehow kicked out.

Hogan completed the comeback by hitting the big boot and the mighty leg drop for the win and his second WWE Championship.

Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit – WrestleMania X-Seven There weren’t any championships on the line in this one, but with two great mat technicians like Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit, all you really need is the ring and they will deliver a stellar match. These two Superstars immediately went into a couple of mat wrestling sequences, illustrating to the crowd their sound, technical backgrounds. Angle was an NCAA and Olympic champion, and Benoit was a graduate of the famed Stu Hart Dungeon.

Angle and Benoit also showed they can back up their mat wrestling with some intense brawling as the action spilled to the outside. Benoit and Angle used the announce tables, the steel steps and everything but the kitchen sink to soften each other up. The two then put on a suplexing clinic before showing the world their array of submission maneuvers. Angle hooked in his ankle lock, but Benoit was able to counter into his own version of the hold. Then Benoit hooked in his Crippler Crossface and Angle was able to counter in his own version of the hold. After Angle missed a moonsault, Benoit hit his diving headbutt. Both men slowly got to their feet, but Angle hit a low blow and rolled up Benoit for the win. This match definitely had something for everyone.

Bret “Hit Man” Hart vs. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper for the Intercontinental Championship – WrestleMania VIII

This will go down as one of the greatest Intercontinental Championship matches in WWE history. Bret “Hit Man” Hart and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper came into the match as good friends. They even grew up together. In fact, in an interview shortly before the match, Piper reminisced about Bret’s mother Helen making them bologna sandwiches when they were kids. But the Intercontinental Championship was on the line, so that was all thrown out the window.

The crowd was clearly torn in this match, as both Hart and Piper were big fan favorites. This was Piper’s first, and what turned out to be his only, championship in WWE, so he was going to stop at nothing to hold onto the belt. Well, almost nothing.

With the referee knocked out, Piper contemplated using the ring bell to further beat down an already bloodied Hart. After listening to the crowd, however, Piper thought better of it and tried to win the match fair and square. Piper hooked in the sleeper hold, but Hart was able to back Piper up, walk the ropes and roll him up for the pin and the Intercontinental Championship. In a great show of sportsmanship, Piper raised Hart’s arm in victory.

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Shawn Michaels with Mike Tyson as the Special Enforcer for the WWE Championship – WrestleMania XIV Known for his unpredictable behavior in and out of the ring, no one knew what to expect from special enforcer Mike Tyson. In the weeks leading up to WrestleMania XIV, though, Tyson sided with Shawn Michaels and D-Generation X. But that didn’t bother Stone Cold. Nothing bothered the Texas Rattlesnake.

Triple H and Chyna escorted HBK to ringside, but they were soon sent to the back to ensure that there would be no outside interference. Stone Cold took control early on and began tossing Michaels around from pillar to post and ultimately sent him to the outside where he landed on a table. Michaels soon recovered, however, and sent Stone Cold into the crowd with a back body drop before hitting him with the ring bell. Michaels then went to work on Austin’s leg, wrapping his leg around the ring post before going for the figure four leg lock.

Michaels hit the flying elbow and went in for the kill with the Sweet Chin Music. Stone Cold reversed it into what looked like would be the Stunner, but then Michaels reversed it into what looked like would be the Sweet Chin Music. Then finally, Stone Cold reversed it again into the Stunner as Tyson shocked the world and counted to three as Stone Cold won his first-ever WWE Championship. It also marked Michaels’ last match until his historic comeback of 2002.

Undertaker vs. Triple H – WrestleMania X-Seven Undertaker came into WrestleMania with an unprecedented record of 8-0. Undertaker had beaten the best of the best at WrestleMania. He had taken out his monstrous brother Kane, Hall of Famer “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and he beat Sycho Sid for the WWE Championship. Now, he had the Cerebral Assassin, Triple H in front of him.

The Deadman wasted no time in getting to work and put Triple H through the Spanish announce table to start the match. Undertaker hit Old School, but The Game came back with a neckbreaker. After getting frustrated with not being able to pin the Phenom, Triple H went for his trusty sledgehammer, but the ref was able to stop him from using it.

The action soon spilled out to the arena floor as an all-out brawl ensued. Triple H gained the upper hand, using a steel chair to take down Undertaker. The action ended up going to a scaffolding area where Undertaker recovered and chokeslammed Triple H down to the floor. The sledgehammer came into play once again as Undertaker went for the Last Ride. Undertaker got Triple H up, but he nailed the Deadman with the sledgehammer while the ref was knocked out. Triple H pounded on Undertaker in the corner, but he battled out and hit a powerbomb as the ref was revived and counted the 1-2-3.

The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan in an Icon vs. Icon Match – WrestleMania X8 When The Rock challenged Hollywood Hogan in an Icon vs. Icon Match, everyone knew it would be a great match. But no one could have expected the match to provide one of the most electrifying moments in sports-entertainment history. It was a dream match for WWE fans everywhere, as most people thought these two Superstars’ paths would never cross.

At the time, Hogan was still the leader of the nWo, the biggest rule-breakers in the game. Leading up to the match, the nWo even tried to take out The Rock in a car crash. But even with all things considered, the raucous Toronto SkyDome crowd thought back to Hogan’s days as the real American and started cheering for him.

Hogan gained an early advantage, but with the ref knocked out, The Rock hit a spinebuster and locked Hogan in the Sharpshooter. With no ref, though, Hogan couldn’t submit. Hogan bounced back executing The Rock’s own Rock Bottom and used his belt as a foreign object. The crowd didn’t care about his illegal tactics, and seemed to cheer Hogan on louder and louder as the match wore on. After a brief comeback from The Rock, Hogan hit the big boot and a leg drop, but The Rock kicked out at two. Hogan hit another big boot, but The Rock avoided the leg drop. The Rock came back with two Rock Bottoms and a People’s Elbow and won the Icon vs. Icon Match.

Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship WrestleMania XIX

This was one of the most highly anticipated main events in recent memory. Both Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar came from amazing amateur wrestling backgrounds and clearly knew their way around the ring. Brock Lesnar had the clear size advantage and possessed more power, but Angle had far more experience and was a better mat technician.

The match went back and forth as predicted with both men utilizing their strengths. As the match wore on, Angle went for the Angle Slam. Lesnar was able to escape and went for the F5, but Angle countered and hooked in the ankle lock. Brock powered out and started to mount a comeback, but Angle hit the Angle Slam. Lesnar kicked out at two to stay in the match. Lesnar then hit the F5, but Angle somehow kicked out at two as both men were being pushed to the limit. Angle hooked in the ankle lock again, but Lesnar persevered and came back with another F5. Instead of going for the pin, Lesnar went to the top rope and tried a Shooting Star Press, but he didn’t get enough rotation and landed on his head, while also hitting Angle with a glancing blow. Lesnar somehow shook it off and hit the F5 for the win and the WWE Championship.

Undertaker vs. Kane – WrestleMania XIV

WrestleMania XIV was the first time Undertaker faced his monstrous brother Kane. The Big Red Monster first appeared on the scene when he attacked his brother during his Hell in a Cell Match against Shawn Michaels at Badd Blood in October. Kane took it to another level in January at the Royal Rumble when he and Paul Bearer locked Undertaker in a casket and set it on fire. Miraculously, Undertaker survived and finally got his chance at revenge at WrestleMania XIV.

Pete Rose was the ring announcer for the match, and soon found himself in the clutches of Kane who delivered a Tombstone. Little did Rose know, that he would go on to suffer that same fate at the next two WrestleManias as well. Undertaker made a breathtaking entrance, as druids filled the entrance way and lit the path with torches, holding them high above their heads.

As expected, this was not a clinic in scientific wrestling. Instead it was one of the most brutal brawls you will ever see. After taking the early advantage, Kane hit a chokeslam, but picked up Undertaker to dish out some more punishment. Kane later hit a Tombstone as well, but Undertaker somehow kicked out and mounted a comeback. The comeback was capped off with an unmerciful three Tombstones as Undertaker won the war of the brothers in this WrestleMania classic.