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(WARNING – cliché late January WWE pun about to be made)

 

Well, it’s finally time take the on-ramp and start on the road to WrestleMania!!!!!

 

All joking aside, this is the start of the best part of the WWE year and my personal favorite event – the Royal Rumble!

 

Thinking of a way to take a look at one of WWE’s longest standing traditions, we have to do something more than just ranking the best matches or the most exciting moment, etc. So I give to you … (drum roll please – preferably from the drummer that HHH fired this past Monday which in turn made a kid cry in the front row…but much respect to HHH for his reaction to it!) … THE ULTIMATE RUMBLE!!!!

 

I went through and took a look at the order that everyone entered every Royal Rumble match and decided who was the best #1, the best #2, the best #3 etc. Only rule is that everyone could only be entered once (Stone Cold can’t be entered at #5 <1997> AND #24 <1998>).

 

So, channeling my inner-Howard Finkel, let’s all find out…who drew…number 1!

 

#1 – Two men have entered the Rumble at the number one spot and went on to win it. However, the first time it was done, it was in the shortest and possibly most unentertaining Rumble in history (plus the winner had a better performance that we’ll see later in the Rumble). AAAAAAAAAND the second decided that a strong legacy and great career were second to the thought of a double-murder/suicide decision…so…yeah he won’t be in this Rumble.

So with several other options to look at, the Ultimate Rumble will start with the swan song of CM Punk in 2014. Punk hung around for nearly 50 minutes before being eliminated by the already eliminated Kane. The elimination started a great storyline that took us to WrestleMania 30. That story involved Daniel Bryan since Punk didn’t come to work the next day, but a great story nonetheless.

 

#2 – Mr. McMahon won from this spot in ’99, but he did so by spending most of his time out of the ring. In contrast, Rey Mysterio set the record that still stands today by being in the Rumble for over 62 minutes en route to winning the 2006 match.

 

#3 – The 1992 Royal Rumble is arguably the most star-studded Rumble in history. With the impending induction of the Macho Man and the obvious eventual induction of The Undertaker, HALF of the participants in this match are in the Hall of Fame! It takes a big name to come out on top of this one. It doesn’t get much bigger than the Nature Boy Ric Flair. Flair was in the match for over an hour en route to winning the WWF Title the only time the title was up for grabs in the match.

 

#4 – In one of the first dominant performances in his career, The Rock entered the 1998 Rumble at the #4 spot and stayed until the end when he was the last one eliminated by Stone Cold Steve Austin. He didn’t win, but he definitely showed that he can hang in there for the long run. Rock would win his first WWF title less than a year later.

 

#5 – While I have just an unlimited amount of respect for Drew Carey and his performance in 2001, I’m going to have to go in a different direction. Just like The Rock started a strong 1998 with his Rumble performance, Stone Cold Steve Austin did the same the year before. Eliminating The Undertaker, Vader and Bret Hart to win in a controversial fashion, Austin would use 1997 to launch his career en route to becoming one of the biggest stars in history.

 

#6 – Rick “The Model” Martel set the record in 1991 by staying in the match for about 52 minutes (though the record would only last one year). While this was an impressive performance, Kane gets the nod here for his dominance in 2001. The Big Red Monster would be the last man eliminated after eliminating 11 superstars himself – a record that would stand for 13 years.

 

#7 – The 1994 Rumble was the first, and only, to give us two winners. Neither of the winners were nearly as dominating as Diesel was that year though. Big Daddy Cool, who was still sporting a fantastic mullet, eliminated seven men before he was eliminated by a joint effort of five men. This was the first of many impactful performances for Kevin Nash as the big man would start one of the longest title reigns of the modern era later in 1994.

 

#8 – Randy Orton punted the owner of the company in the head. Less than a week later, he won the 2009 Royal Rumble match. Something to think about, folks. (Legal disclaimer – I am not suggesting you punt your boss in the head)

 

#9 – This is not exactly the most exciting number in the Rumble’s history – some big names, but no real memorable performances. So we’ll put Hall of Famer Yokozuna's time in the 1996 match here. At least he had a confrontation with the debuting Vader which still makes me wonder why Vince didn’t have a massive monster vs monster match at WrestleMania that year!

 

#10 – The 1993 Rumble was the first to give the winner the championship match at WrestleMania. Though the match itself was a bit ho-hum, the crowd went crazy when Mr. Perfect came down. Perfect had a short stay in the match but did manage to eliminate the hated Ric Flair from the Rumble…and then from the WWF all together the next night in the memorable Career Ending match the next night on Raw.

 

#11 – While I would have loved to have put Mil Mascaras jumping from the top rope to the outside which eliminated himself from the match, we’ll put one of the most memorable eliminations (not on themselves) here instead. In 2002, The Undertaker had eliminated both Hardy Boyz who were still distracting the American Bad Ass outside of the ring. Jumping on the situation, Tough Enough champion Maven hit The Undertaker in the back with a dropkick knocking him out. Taker would head back into the ring, eliminate Maven, take him to the concourse area and throw him through the window of a popcorn machine…but that’s besides the point.

 

#12 – What’s a Royal Rumble without surprise entrants? In 2001, the Honky Tonk Man made a surprise appearance. It was good to see Honky and hear him sing again…and then pretty entertaining to see Kane grab the Honky Tonk Man’s guitar and smash it over his head before eliminating the legend. Thanks for coming!

 

#13 – Everything starts somewhere! It may not have been that exciting compared to what the Rumble is now, but Hacksaw Jim Duggan was the first Royal Rumble winner back in 1988. Can’t take that away from him!

 

#14 – Through my research I have come to the conclusion that #14 is the least exciting number there has been! So, because I want to, from 1993, I’m putting in The Berzerker! Give me one good reason not too!! HUSS!! HUSS!!

 

#15 – 11 eliminations was impressive for Kane – but as they say in the wrestling world…12 is a bigger number than 11. Roman Reigns set the new record in 2014 and laid the ground work for what could be an impressive career. An injury delayed what was set to be a smooth push at the end of last year. It just makes you think what is in store for Reigns this year.

 

#16 – So in 1996, Squat Team #2 was on his way down to the ring as the recently eliminated Squat Team #1 was walking to the back. The two identical twins decided that since no one could tell them apart they would both just go back in the ring! How smart was that?!?!? So what if their gear looked obviously different and the face paint was a little off on one, just look past that! Also look past that they were eliminated very shortly after coming back to the ring.

Yeah…#16 was a pretty boring number.

 

#17 – A year after making history as the first woman in the Rumble, Chyna entered the 2000 Rumble and became the first woman, and only since, to appear in the Rumble twice. I wonder what she’s been up to since … … …

 

#18 – Playing off of an injury return angle, Shawn Michaels went into the 1996 Rumble as the clear fan favorite. After single handedly eliminating 1,100 pounds of Vader and Yokozuna and a Superkick to knock his best friend, Diesel, out to win, ol' HBK went on to win one of the most memorable WrestleMania matches in history against Bret Hart and had a pretty good career thereafter.

 

#19 – In 2012, The Rock and John Cena had a match that was billed as “Once in a Lifetime” at WrestleMania 28. In 2013, Cena won the Rumble and started the story for the rematch against The Rock. You know – “Once Twice in a Lifetime.”

 

#20 – Kurt Angle snuck his way into the 2005 Rumble by stealing Nunzio’s number after losing the WWE Title match that night. Angle came in and made an big impact including eliminating Shawn Michaels – which began the program for their five-star WrestleMania match that year.

 

#21 – One of the earliest “big moments” in the Rumbles history came in 1990 when fans got the first face to face confrontation of Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior. The moment was quick, but laid the foundation for one of the biggest WrestleMania matches in history.

 

#22 – Sheamus won the 2012 Rumble after entering at #22…but that Rumble was horrible. A much better Rumble was the first after the WCW merger in 2002 in which Triple H came back from his first career threatening quad injury to win the match.

 

#23 – Lex Luger is the only person to win a Rumble (1994 co-winner with Bret Hart) entering at #23 so he gets to be here.

 

#24 – Stone Cold won from #24 in ’98…but he’s already in. Rock won from #24 in 2000…but he’s already in. Both were more impressive than Hulk Hogan was with his win in 1991. But, process of elimination, Hulk gets the spot here.

 

#25 – In another surprise entrant spot, Rob Van Dam made a surprise one night appearance in the 2009 Rumble and received a HUGE ovation. He didn’t really have that impressive of a showing – but neither did anyone else that came out at #25.

 

#26 – Please don’t be fooled by multiple people from the 2000 Rumble being on the list, it wasn’t that good. But Big Show had a dominant run and was the last one eliminated so he gets a spot here.

 

#27 – This has been regarded as the ‘magic number’ of the Rumble as a record four men have won from this spot – Big John Studd in ’89, Yokozuna in ’93, Stone Cold in ’01 and our #27 man Bret Hart in 1994. Hart had his leg taken out by his brother Owen in a match earlier in the night but managed to still make it to the Rumble and was the co-winner as he and Lex Luger both hit the floor at the same time.

 

#28 – It would be fun to have Dude Love in ’98 here (the third Face of Foley in the match that year) or even Santino Marella in ’09 (eliminated in a record :01). But it’s hard to pass up the fact the Batista won the Rumble match from the #28 spot TWICE – once in 2005 and again in 2014. Since Batista winning in 2014 really did not make too much sense creatively, we’re going to go with 2005 for The Ultimate Rumble.

 

#29 – Brock Lesnar won from this spot in 2003 but a surprise return from an ACL tear to win the 2010 match gives Edge the spot here. Plus, he eliminated John Cena last, so that gets him some extra points.

 

#30 – I consider 2007 to have the most exciting ending to a Rumble match when we were given several minutes and false finishes from two of the industries greats – Shawn Michaels and the winner and our #30 entrant, The Undertaker. Pretty hard to come up with anything wrestling related that doesn’t include The Dead Man.

 

#31 - #40 – In 2011, the Rumble expanded to 40 people. Instead of putting those last 10 entrants in by default, we’ll just put Alberto Del Rio in since he won that year after entering at #38.

 

So who wins the Ultimate Rumble you ask? Well…you tell me! Leave a comment here! Let me know on Twitter @Tadigity24 and tell me who you think wins the Rumble of all Rumbles!

First and foremost – Happy WrestleMania season everyone!

 

FastLane is now in our rearview mirror and WrestleMania is now just on the edge of the horizon. These next few weeks are set to be the most exciting of the year.

 

The excitement doesn’t seem to be contained to inside the ring. With so much going on, and potentially going on behind the scenes, I just wanted to take some time to throw my two cents in on some of the topics that have made their way to the public.

 

THE BUSHWHACKERS ENTER THE HALL OF FAME

 

For a few years in the late 80s-early 90s, Luke and Butch marched and whacked their way into the hearts of the WWF fan base. When their music it, almost everyone in the arena, and probably some watching at home, would join the two superstars from down under in waving their arms…which symbolized whacking bushes I guess. Those who are my age might also remember their performance on an episode of Family Matters as well (A CAWP??? WE HATE CAWPS!!!!!!). Simply put, The Bushwhackers were one of the more memorable teams of that era.

 

That being said, I could blink and come up with three teams more deserving of the Hall of Fame call off the top of my head – and if you give me a few minutes I’m sure that I could come up with a few others!

 

The Bushwhackers are no Fabulous Freebirds, no Demolition, and no New Age Outlaws – all teams that are clearly more deserving of a Hall of Fame bid. It’s decisions like this that have me starting the question the legitimacy of the Hall of Fame.

 

I understand that there are some wrestling legends that just have a problem with WWE and/or Vince McMahon in particular and just don’t want to be associated with the company. That’s fine. I personally don’t agree with them. Why not be recognized for your achievements?

 

That’s not the case, though, for at least two of the previously mentioned three teams. Both of the Outlaws, Road Dogg and Billy Gunn, along with the last living member of the Freebirds Michael Hayes work for company. Hard to think they have an issue with Vince now. I don’t know for sure what the mindset of Demolition is, but I can’t say I have heard a negative interview given by Ax and Smash.

 

At least Koko B. Ware now has some company in the “Most Undeserving Member of the Hall” conversation.

 

HOPE FOR CESARO?

 

At FastLane, Cesaro and Tyson Kidd long and eventful journey in the tag team division finally culminated with a win over The Usos and capturing the elusive tag team titles!

 

OK, that’s not the hope that I’m talking about for the Swiss Superman – but at least it’s something.

 

I was thinking of the situation that Cesaro has been in since WrestleMania 30 and was trying to think of a comparison of such an epic drop off after what seemed to be the start of a star in the making.

 

Then it hit me – and THIS is where the hope for Cesaro comes in. This situation is very similar to that of a situation we saw play out in 2008.

 

Figure it out yet?

 

This could be CM Punk 2.0.

 

At WrestleMania 24, Punk won a very entertaining Money in the Bank match. A few months later, he cashed in and pinned a nearly knocked-out Edge to become the World Heavyweight. To say that Punk’s first title run was uneventful was an understatement. He never headlined a pay per view as champion and ended up losing the belt by being knocked out before the match started.

 

After that, Punk went back to having nothing to do for a long time until he had a cup of coffee with the Intercontinental Championship and the tag belts with Kofi Kingston.

 

A year after winning his first Money in the Bank, Punk went into WrestleMania 25 was won the Money in the Bank match for the second year in a row. This time, Punk cashed in on top face Jeff Hardy and very quickly became one of the most hated men on the show. Punk never looked back and became one of biggest names in the business before his unceremonious departure in early 2014.

 

I’m not saying that Cesaro will be as big a name as CM Punk became, but the road traveled has been pretty similar to this point. Cesaro won the Andre the Giant battle royal last year – had a run as the new “Paul Heyman Guy” until he seemingly fell off the face of the wrestling Earth. The tag title win with Kidd is similar to Punk and Kofi.

 

Now with WrestleMania right around the corner, with WWE recently announcing that the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal will indeed be an annual event much like the Money in the Bank match was, having Cesaro win the match for a second year in a row and a character turn for Cesaro much like Punk saw in 2009 could be the start of a new star.

 

That is as long as Cesaro realizes that there are only three ropes, not four.

 

THE BIGGEST FREE AGENT IN THE BUSINESS

 

TNA, or Impact Wrestling (whatever they are this week) has never really been seen as stiff competition for WWE. A majority of the success that they have seen over the course of the last decade has come from aging WWE and WCW stars such as Sting, Hulk Hogan and Kurt Angle.

 

However you have to give them credit where credit is due – TNA has been able to help build a few stars whose only claim to fame is from their time in the Asylum and the Impact Zone. Guys like AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels, Kazarian and Chris Saban rose to the top of a TNA card but never really seemed to be a fit for WWE – at least not during their prime run.

 

One guy that had always stood out to me as someone I would like to see in WWE has recently hit the market – Samoa Joe. Joe has been a staple down in Orlando for the better part of the last decade and has created a strong fan base.

 

The reports are out there that Triple H is interested and Vince is not. Now may be a perfect time for a “let’s see what he can do” situation. With the recent wave of Indy stars that have been added to the NXT roster as of late, Joe could fit right in with that group without Vince worrying about bringing him on to Raw right away.

 

The decision is ultimately his, but if the WWE has ever been in Joe’s 5-year plan (and why wouldn’t it be) it may be now or never.

 

THE FUTRE OF THE BEAST

 

Well this is just something that keeps getting more interesting by the minute.

 

When I first started writing this piece my intent was to just talk about Brock Lesnar, contrary to every report that had been out there for the past year, was thinking about staying with WWE and not go back to UFC once his contract was up around WrestleMania.

 

That news in itself was big. To me, that opens up the main event for WrestleMania. Ever since the articles started coming about Lesnar leaving, the assumption was that whoever he was facing for the title would win. The thought of Lesnar still being with the company post-WrestleMania adds, and really creates, the element of the unknown of the match outcome which just leads to a more exciting finish for the show of shows.

 

Since then, the reports have come out that Lesnar walked out on Raw before the show ended and before he was supposed to make an appearance on the show. Word is that there was a backstage meeting with Lesnar that left the WWE World Heavyweight Champion with a bad taste in his mouth and he just left.

 

Word is that it is a business situation and not a creative situation. Unfortunately the narrow-minded internet bookers that I have talked about before decided to start a rumor that Lesnar was upset that Vince had decided not to suspend Roman Reigns for a failed drug test.

 

Thankfully those whose opinions and insights matter in the business quickly dismissed and thought of Reigns failing a test – but the question remains, what was Lesnar upset about and will it have an effect on this year’s WrestleMania main event?

 

Ah you have to love the drama before the drama!

 

What do you think? Did The Bushwhackers deserve the Hall of Fame nod? Does Cesaro still have a chance? Will we see Samoa Joe in WWE or NXT? What the hell is going on with Brock? Let me know on Twitter @Tadigity24.

We’re getting closer folks!

 

The Bay Area is getting ready to be taken over for WrestleMania week!

 

Some can say that the show is only as good as its main event. Some will also say that some of the “main events” weren’t the real main event of the show (i.e. WrestleMania 18).

 

As we get ready to see Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns close out this year’s version of The Granddaddy of Them All, let’s take a look back and find out what was the best main event (last match of the night) out of the first 30 WrestleMania’s.

 

#30

MATCH – Lawrence Taylor vs Bam Bam Bigelow

TITLE/STIPULATION – None

WRESTLEMANIA – XI

LOCATION – Hartford Civic Center – Hartford, Connecticut

 

For those of you that are relatively new to the wrestling world – yes, I am referring to THAT Lawrence Taylor!

 

The countdown starts with the worst main event on what many (including me) consider to be the worst WrestleMania.

 

Credit where credit is due though. The match itself was not all that bad. The fact that THIS match was the main event of the show was bad though. Diesel and Shawn Michaels put on a great WWF title match earlier in the night – simply having that match last would have made this show look a little better.

 

Having an outsider in the main event of the biggest show of the year is just wrong.

 

#29

MATCH – Hulk Hogan & Mr. T vs Rowdy Roddy Piper & Paul Orndorff

TITLE/STIPULATION – None

WRESTLEMANIA – I

LOCATION – Madison Square Garden – New York, New York

 

For the same reasons as the previous match, the inaugural main event finds itself towards the bottom of the pack. The fact that this was the main event in the very first WrestleMania give it a leg up on the LT/Bam Bam match. Having Muhammad Ali on the outside is a big help as well.

 

#28

MATCH – Bret Hart vs Yokozuna/Yokozuna vs Hulk Hogan

TITLE/STIPULATION – WWF Championship (both times)

WRESTLEMANIA – IX

LOCATION – Caesars Palace – Las Vegas, Nevada

 

This probably would have been a little higher had the event ended with the Bret Hart/Yokozuna match. However, they decided to continue the show and make people realize that the WWF wasn’t ready just yet to move on from the 80s and randomly give the belt to Hogan.

 

One year later WrestleMania ended with Bret Hart lifted up in a ring full of new stars as the WWF started what they called “The New Generation.” Much smarter move.

 

#27

MATCH – Hulk Hogan vs King Kong Bundy

TITLE/STIPULATION – WWF Championship/Steel Cage Match

WRESTLEMANIA – II

LOCATION – LA Sports Arena – Los Angeles, California

 

The main event of an event that technically had three main events – one for every city the event was held in. The event itself was on part with the aforementioned WrestleMania 11. Three times the cities and about one third of the excitement.

 

#26

MATCH – The Miz vs John Cena

TITLE/STIPULATION – WWE Championship

WRESTLEMANIA – XXVII

LOCATION – Georgia Dome – Atlanta, Georgia

 

The Miz was in the main event of WrestleMania…that’s really all that needs to be said for this one.

 

If it wasn’t for The Rock’s involvement this match would be a lot closer to the bottom - more so than it already is.

 

#25

MATCH – Hulk Hogan vs Sid Justice

TITLE/STIPULATION – None

WRESTLEMANIA – VIII

LOCATION – Hoosier Dome – Indianapolis, Indiana

 

A few “why”’s come out from this event.

 

1 – After nearly a decade of debating who is the biggest star in the industry, Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair were FINALY in the same organization. Why not make that the main event for WrestleMania?

 

2 – It ended up being Flair/Randy Savage for the title – why not have THAT be the main event?

 

#24

MATCH – The Rock vs John Cena

TITLE/STIPULATION – WWE Championship

WRESTLEMANIA – XXIX

LOCATION – MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey

 

Do you remember the movie Airheads with Adam Sandler and Brenden Fraser? One of the running jokes was that the band’s name was The Lone Rangers – how can you plural The Lone Ranger? Well, on that note, the biggest reason that this match is this low on the list is the fact that it was a rematch for a yearlong match labeled as “Once in a Lifetime.”

 

#23

MATCH – Triple H vs Shawn Michaels vs Chris Benoit

TITLE/STIPULATION – World Heavyweight Championship

WRESTLEMANIA – XX

LOCATION – Madison Square Garden – New York, New York

 

This match was great! A whole lot of back and forth…and forth…action from start to finish ending with the culmination of a man’s long journey to the top of the industry. How could a match with all of that find its way this low on the countdown?

 

…

 

…oh yeah…

 

#22

MATCH – Triple H vs Big Show vs Mick Foley vs The Rock

TITLE/STIPULATION – WWF Championship

WRESTLEMANIA – XVI

LOCATION – Anaheim Pond – Anaheim, California

 

Nothing really worthwhile to say about this match. The match had plenty of star power plus the additional element of “A McMahon in Every Corner” but really didn’t provide a memorable moment. The best takeaway from this one was The Rock hosting Saturday Night Live and the other three competitors making cameos a few weeks prior to the event.

 

#21

MATCH – John Cena vs Shawn Michaels

TITLE/STIPULATION – WWE Championship

WRESTLEMANIA – XXIII

LOCATION – Ford Field – Detroit, Michigan

 

Same situation here. Cena and Michaels put together a solid match but it was on a show that had too many other memorable moments.

 

#20

MATCH – Yokozuna vs Bret Hart

TITLE/STIPULATION – WWF Championship

WRESTLEMANIA – X

LOCATION – Madison Square Garden – New York, New York

 

The second of two title matches on the show, WWF basically righted the wrong it made the year before at WrestleMania IX. So much so that Vince himself was quick to exclaim that THIS was the start of “The New Generation” as Razor Ramon and Tatanka hoisted Hart on their shoulders.

 

#19

MATCH – Sycho Sid vs The Undertaker

TITLE/STIPULATION – WWF Championship

WRESTLEMANIA – XIII

LOCATION – Rosemont Horizon – Chicago, Illinois

 

Bret Hart’s involvement aiding his heel transition added some intrigue to this one. Really though, the main, and possibly only, reason this match is remembered is the image of The Undertaker with the belt to close a WrestleMania. LONG overdue!

 

#18

MATCH – Triple H vs Randy Orton

TITLE/STIPULATION – WWE Championship

WRESTLEMANIA – XXV

LOCATION – Reliant Stadium – Houston, Texas

 

Decent match but really The Game and The Viper had no chance. The two had the unenviable task of following what many, including me, consider to be the greatest match in WrestleMania history with The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. They tried, but the crowd was just too blown up.

 

#17

MATCH – Chris Jericho vs Triple H

TITLE/STIPULATION – Undisputed WWF Championship

WRESTLEMANIA – XVIII

LOCATION – SkyDome – Toronto, Ontario, Canada

 

Same exact situation here. The Toronto crowd was electric for The Rock and Hulk Hogan earlier in the night. Both Triple H and Jericho has said that The Great One and the returning legend should have ended the show knowing how worn out the crowd would be. They were right, and it showed.

 

#16

MATCH – Randy Savage vs Ted DiBiase

TITLE/STIPULATION – Finals of WWF Championship Tournament

WRESTLEMANIA – IV

LOCATION – Trump Plaza – Atlantic City, New Jersey

 

This was a solid way to end the first ever WWF Championship tournament as Savage won his fourth match of the night to become the champ. If anything, it was nice to see a change after Hulk Hogan’s four year run with the belt. A change indeed … even if Hogan was in the ring to help Savage celebrate … and then win the belt back at the next WrestleMania. Gotta love change!

 

#15

MATCH – Sgt. Slaughter vs Hulk Hogan

TITLE/STIPULATION – WWF Championship

WRESTLEMANIA – VII

LOCATION – LA Sports Arena – Los Angeles, California

 

For a guy that had been back with the company for less than a year after a seven year absence, Slaughter held his own. A bloody Hogan, very taboo for the time, added a lot to this match that ended what was built as the most patriotic WrestleMania. And go figure – the American hero beat the Iraqi sympathizer.

 

#14

MATCH – Triple H vs Batista

TITLE/STIPULATION – World Heavyweight Championship

WRESTLEMANIA – XXI

LOCATION – Staples Center – Los Angeles, California

 

The beast was indeed unleashed. The classic student vs teacher battle was fantastic way to end a jam packed card. The first title win for Batista ended up being the start of a spring full of great matches between the two.

 

#13

MATCH – John Cena vs Triple H

TITLE/STIPULATION – WWE Championship

WRESTLEMANIA – XXII

LOCATION – AllState Arena – Chicago, Illinois

 

This may be a little local bias. The match was good, don’t get me wrong. But what made this match fun to watch was the atmosphere created by the Chicago crowd. I credit this event as being the start of all of the Cena hate. On behalf of the Windy City…you’re welcome!

 

#12

MATCH – Edge vs The Undertaker

TITLE/STIPULATION – World Heavyweight Championship

WRESTLEMANIA – XXIV

LOCATION – Citrus Bowl – Orlando, Florida

 

Just like WrestleMania 13, it is always a plus to have WrestleMania end with the image of the conscience of the WWE in the middle of the ring with the belt. I think that this was one of the more underrated WrestleMania’s and it was capped with a very entertaining way to keep The Undertaker’s streak alive.

 

#11

MATCH – Kurt Angle vs Brock Lesnar

TITLE/STIPULATION – WWE Championship

WRESTLEMANIA – XIX

LOCATION – Safeco Field – Seattle, Washington

 

A great match from two of the best ring generals in the business. This match had plenty of action in it. It says a lot to how entertaining this match was when the memorable moment involves Lesnar nearly breaking his neck on a botched shooting star press.

 

#10

MATCH – The Rock vs John Cena

TITLE/STIPULATION – None

WRESTLEMANIA – XXVIII

LOCATION – Sun Life Stadium – Miami, Florida

 

Once in a Lifetime…when we thought it would be seen once in a lifetime. The match was set the night after the previous WrestleMania and the match lived up to the hype. The crowd was intense and the two icons of their respective eras kept everyone on the edge of their seat from bell to bell.

 

#9

MATCH – Shawn Michaels vs The Undertaker

TITLE/STIPULATION – Career vs Streak

WRESTLEMANIA – XXVI

LOCATION – University of Phoenix Stadium – Glendale, Arizona

 

These two had a lot to live up to in the rematch of their instant class a year before. It didn’t quite make it to that level, but the added intrigue from a possible Shawn Michaels retirement added to the excitement. It was odd to see a WrestleMania end on such a somber tone, but it worked.

 

#8

MATCH – Randy Orton vs Batista vs Daniel Bryan

TITLE/STIPULATION – WWE World Heavyweight Championship

WRESTLEMANIA – XXX

LOCATION – Silver SuperDome – New Orleans, Louisiana

 

(Any chance I can get to bring up Hogan calling it the SilverDome I am going to take!)

 

I have mentioned before about matches that had to deal with going on after phenomenal matches/moments. These three had to follow what many consider to be the most shocking moment in WrestleMania history when The Undertaker’s streak came to an end. The match was really good but the reason that the crowd stayed as with it as they did was the fact that there guy, Daniel Bryan, was finally getting his due! YES! YES! YES!

 

#7

MATCH – The Rock vs Stone Cold Steve Austin

TITLE/STIPULATION – WWF Championship

WRESTLEMANIA – XV

LOCATION – First Union Center – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

 

The two biggest stars of arguably the biggest era in the industry collided for the first time with the top prize on the line. The match kept everyone on the edge of their seats until Austin reclaimed his title. If it weren’t for a lackluster rest of the card this match may have even been higher.

 

#6

MATCH – Randy Savage vs Hulk Hogan

TITLE/STIPULATION – WWF Championship

WRESTLEMANIA – V

LOCATION – Trump Plaza – Atlantic City, New Jersey

 

The Mega-Powers exploded a year after the two celebrated Savage’s WWF Championship tournament win. The two biggest names in the WWF in the 80s created a really intense back and forth match that really had you guessing who would win. At least at the time you would be guessing. Looking back, hard to think Hogan would lose.

 

#5

MATCH – Shawn Michaels vs Stone Cold Steve Austin

TITLE/STIPULATION – WWF Championship

WRESTLEMANIA – XIV

LOCATION – Fleet Center – Boston, Massachusetts

 

“The Austin Era Has Begun!” Jim Ross at it again to help create the atmosphere surrounding this match. The build-up itself was memorable with Mike Tyson getting involved as the special guest enforcer. Above all, the fact that Michaels put on this match with a back that forced him out of the ring for over four years is just inspiring!

 

#4

MATCH – Hulk Hogan vs The Ultimate Warrior

TITLE/STIPULATION – Title for Title

WRESTLEMANIA – VI

LOCATION – SkyDome – Toronto, Ontario, Canada

 

Two guys that would never really be considered the best in-ring performers put on a match that fans still talk about as one of the best. This was the first time that two fan-favorites locked up in such a high profile match up. Some thought that it would create a negative split in the crowd. Well it created a split, but that split just helped egg each side on to outdo to other side.

 

#3

MATCH – Hulk Hogan vs Andre the Giant

TITLE/STIPULATION – WWF Championship

WRESTLEMANIA – III

LOCATION – SilverDome – Pontiac, Michigan

 

Most say that the success of the WWF was based on the first WrestleMania – I say it was due to this match. The first WrestleMania planted the seed and Hogan/Andre was the blooming flower. An indoor attendance record of 93,173 people was set which was just unheard of for that time! They all came to see that match.

 

#2

MATCH – Bret Hart vs Shawn Michaels

TITLE/STIPULATION – WWF Championship/Iron Man Match

WRESTLEMANIA – XII

LOCATION – Anaheim Pond – Anaheim, California

 

Hour long matches were really a thing of the south. You hear more about NWA title matches that went an hour, but not in the WWF. Pat Patterson came up with the idea of putting Bret and Shawn in an hour long match and was flat out told it would never happen – especially at WrestleMania. “It would be impossible to keep the crowd’s attention for that long” was the reason given.

 

Something changed Vince’s mind and, in my humble opinion, I think it worked out pretty well. Not only did this turn out to be one of the most talked about matches in WrestleMania history, but it is so without a fall until an impromptu overtime period. Hard to think of two other stars in that era that could have pulled that off.

 

#1

MATCH – The Rock vs Stone Cold Steve Austin

TITLE/STIPULATION – WWF Championship

WRESTLEMANIA – XVII

LOCATION – Astrodome – Houston, Texas

 

Many consider this to be the best WrestleMania in the event’s 31 year history so it would need to top notch main event. Add together two of the biggest stars of the company’s history (both as fan favorits), the action starting before the bell rang, 68,000+ people going crazy, a very underrated commentary team of Jim Ross and Paul Heyman on the call and the unlikeliest of unlikely association of Stone Cold and Mr. McMahon and you have pure entertainment in your hands.

 

So there you have it! What do you think of the list? Should a match be higher? Lower? Where do you think this year’s probable main event of Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns fall? Let me know what you think on Twitter @Tadigity24 .

Boy am I glad I waited until now to write this!

 

First off, and I’ve said this before, I am not the type of fan that seems to be the norm for people my age. By that, I mean I don’t just hate everything that happens. I like to let things play out before I make my decision.

 

Well I have let the WrestleMania buildup season play out…and it was just bad! Aside from a few moments scattered here and there, Raw’s have failed to produce moments that I would deem worthy of a WrestleMania build.

 

The last two days have actually produced moments that got me more excited for the Granddaddy of the All more than almost anything that we’ve seen on Monday nights. Roman Reigns was a guest on ESPN’s SportsNation and was interrupted by Paul Heyman…who went on to give a typical Paul Heyman type promo.

 

This came after WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar went on SportsCenter in prime time to announce that he was done with MMA and had officially signed a new deal with WWE. This was a HUGE announcement for WWE and HUGE for the Showcase of the Immortals. So much so that I am starting to get that WrestleMania fever that I am so used to this time of year.

 

So let’s take a look at the card this year and make some predictions. Looking at the card, yeah, I’ve seen better. But like I said before, let’s let things play out.

 

Pre-Show

Tag Team Championship

Cesaro & Tyson Kidd (c) vs The Usos vs The New Day vs Los Matadores

 

Just like last year, the pre-show gets a four-way tag title match to get the crowd ready for the main show. And once again, based on the teams involved, this should get the crowd going. This match is eight solid performers that I am sure will take it up an extra notch since their match got bumped to the pre-show.

 

With the recent injury to one of the Usos, I was holding out hope that they would be removed from the match. Nothing against Jimmy and Jey, but ever since the surprise we got at the Royal Rumble, I have been very anxiously awaiting the return of the Dudley Boyz! The tag team division needs a boost…or a 3D!

 

Until then, I see Cesaro and Kidd walking out still the champs.

 

AJ Lee & Paige vs The Bella Twins

 

In a perfect wrestling world, this match could create one of the biggest moments in WrestleMania history. Imagine it – after the match, all four are still going at it. John Cena and Daniel Bryan come down to help separate and hold back their respective significant other. While doing this, they shove away AJ – nothing too hard, just a nudge. That’s when Living Colour hits the speakers and AJ’s significant other comes down to her rescue. We have the return of CM Punk!

 

Well, that won’t happen, but this match will. We’ll give the nod to The Bellas in this one.

 

But if this match is what ends the show on Sunday…well…

 

Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship

Bad News Barrett (c) vs Dean Ambrose vs R-Truth

Vs Dolph Ziggler vs Luke Harper vs Stardust vs Daniel Bryan

 

A lot of people have had a problem with how this match has been built. I disagree – I like what they’ve done. Over the last month we have seen nothing but chaos from these seven competitors and the belt itself.

 

That’s what this match is going to be – chaos! From WrestleMania 21-26 the money in the bank ladder match was consistently the most chaotic and exciting match on the card. Expect more of the same with this match.

 

I really don’t have a problem with any of the competitors wining this match as long as their name doesn’t rhyme with scar-ruth. With the way they he has been made a bit of a fool, I can see Bad News grabbing his belt back here.

 

Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

 

This is the match that should have been the launch to a great career last year. Well that didn’t happen. So let’s try this again.

 

Based on the entrant list, there really aren’t too many names that would make sense winning. Kane and Big Show dominated the Royal Rumble in January…WWE better not make that mistake again!

 

This one is simple. Based on the crowd reactions over the last few months and the eruptions at the face turn teases, its time to finally light the fuse and watch Damian Mizdow explode!

 

Randy Orton vs Seth Rollins

 

This has the potential to steal the show. Orton and Rollins have done a great job building this match up (something you can’t really say too much this year). Rollins showed us at the Royal Rumble that he is ready to put on amazing matches with the top tier talent

 

We should see an exciting back and forth match here. But after a few years of doing jobs on the grandest stage of them all,

 

I can see Orton come out on top here.

 

US Championship

Rusev (c) vs John Cena

 

I would have nothing but praise for the buildup for this match…had the buildup not included a match at Fastlane. I still don’t agree with the fact that this is a rematch. The Fastlane match should not have happened.

 

With that being said, this still should a good match. The obvious logic is that Cena wins since Rusev won at Fastlane.

 

That can’t happen!

 

The fact that Rusev is still undefeated should mean something. Beating Rusev should be something that is done by someone that is ready for a career boost, not someone who has already had one of the biggest careers in history. It doesn’t make sense. While it would give the US Championship a much needed shot of credibility, Rusev needs to walk out with the title.

 

Bray Wyatt vs The Undertaker

 

By far the best build up this year…and it was ALL done by one man!

 

Bray Wyatt is a legit star. He is ready and needs to be placed firmly at the top of the card. No better way to take that place than by beating the Deadman at WrestleMania – worked pretty well for Brock!

 

But can that really happen? After 21 straight wins, could the Undertaker lose two years in a row? I can see it happening which would actually lead to the dream matchup we have all waited for next year with The Undertaker vs Sting.

 

So can it happen? Sure it can. WILL it happen? … yep! Bray Wyatt wins!

 

Triple H vs Sting

 

I just got a a little giddy typing Sting when talking about WrestleMania.

 

I started watching Survivor Series a little late and was lying in bed watching the end on my computer about 85% asleep. When the lights went out and the crow sounded, I shot up! FINALLY! The biggest name to never enter a WWE ring was entering a WWE ring!

 

All that being said, this won’t be the five-star technical wrestling match that it could have been when WCW was bought in 2001…but it will still be an entertaining match to see.

 

The end won’t be a surprise at all – Sting wins.

 

WWE World Heavyweight Championship

Brock Lesnar (c) vs Roman Reigns

 

When Roman Reigns won the 2015 Royal Rumble, the immediate crowd reaction showed that WWE had to spend the next two months doing nothing but building Reigns up to being the badass needed to beat the Beast.

 

Yeah…that didn’t happen.

 

It started off solid. A win over Daniel Bryan at Fastlane and a few solid Raw performances. But the fact that the WrestleMania title match participants weren’t in the same ring until the Raw before WrestleMania was a head-scratcher. Hopefully you had stopped the head scratching before the face to face meeting last Monday because the tug of war that ensued probably would have made you dig to your skull.

 

But oh what a difference a day or two makes.

 

On Tuesday, Brock Lesnar went on SportsCenter and announced that he signed a new contract with WWE. If not for that announcement, the end of the match was a foregone conclusion. Obviously Vince would not have someone not under contract hold the title…just ask Bret Hart!

 

But that simple announcement has added the intrigue needed to aid this match. But that alone may not be enough.

 

(To take a page out of my confidence pool posts) Here is my BOLD PREDICTION for WrestleMania. To give us the WrestleMania moment that this show needs – we will see a double-turn. Paul Heyman, upset that Brock seemingly held his job up, aligns himself and helps Roman Reigns win the title. Reigns goes heel with Paul Heyman in a much needed boost for him. And Brock becomes a face, which has we saw during the Royal Rumble build, the fans are more than ready for. Do you remember the reaction when Brock came out and beat the holy hell out of Seth Rollins? Electric!

 

If that happens, the lack of solid build for the match will be forgiven.

 

It’s WrestleMania! What do you think will happen at the Show of Shows? Let me know on Twitter @Tadigity24.