In light of WrestleMania 31 this Sunday I decided to write a little something about my favorite WrestleMania ever and that is WrestleMania XX. WrestleMania holds a special place in my heart not just because of what went down in the show, but because it was my first pay-per-view to watch ever. My mom ordered it especially for us and I remember being at a family gathering that Sunday and having to leave early so that we could watch it, but we couldn’t tell anyone why were leaving. I want to take a look back at a few of the matches to occur at this WrestleMania and the memories I have of them. It was WrestleMania XX that marks the peak of my interest in wrestling, because before WrestleMania XX my viewing of professional wrestling was only sporadic.
John Cena vs. Big Show for the United States Championship
Before he became the face of the company and was the Dr. of Thuganomics, John Cena had his sights set on the United States Championship. So it feels a little like Déjà vu now that Cena will be facing Rusev this Sunday for the same title. Can Cena repeat history? Will Cena repeat history? Let’s not forget how Cena won the US title the first time. McMahon’s super hero actually cheated his way to the top when he punched Big Show in the face with brass knuckles before hitting Big Show with an FU. The audience was behind Cena 100% that night, maybe he should go heel. Given what happened the last time Cena and Rusev fought in a match, Cena might want to consider cheating again.
Christian vs. Chris Jericho
Everyone has to remember this match. Two men fighting over a woman and instead of her leaving with the good guy, it turns out that she’s with the bad one. This marked the beginning of Trish Stratus’ most villainous heel roles before retiring. Even though I didn’t watch wrestling that much at this point I was still shocked when Trish slapped Jericho and walked up the ramp with Christian. I actually miss Trish and Christian’s relationship.
The Rock n Sock Connection vs. Evolution
Now this was a match that I was disappointed with but that could be because I’m not an Evolution fan. I so badly wanted The Rock n Sock Connection to win this one but it just wasn’t in the books. I also want to point out how Mick Foley represented all three of his characters that night with the shirt he was wearing. It reminds you of when he entered the Royal Rumble three times in one night. Like I said, it was the members of Evolution who win and leave Mick Foley sitting in the ring disappointed at himself.
Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar
Everyone can agree that this is one of the worst matches to ever take place at WrestleMania. The crowd was booing both competitors out of the building. The only good thing about the match was Stone Cold Steve Austin as referee. With all the heat that Roman Reigns has been getting let’s hope his match against Lesnar doesn’t turn into this.
Molly Holly vs. Victoria- Hair vs. Title
Of course every title has to be on the line. I remember watching this match as clear as yesterday. That could be because it was the first time I ever cheered for a heel. I was sitting there on the living room floor next to my brothers and started rooting for Molly Holly to win the match. My brothers turned to me and go “No Bridgit! You don’t root for her!” So then I started cheering for Victoria to win. This was when the wrestlers really sold the show. Molly Holly gets knocked out and stays knocked out long enough for Victoria to start shaving her head. If only we had more female hair matches these days.
Eddie Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship
I was on my feet throughout this entire match. I wanted nothing more than for Eddie Guerrero to win and keep the WWE Championship. I cringed every time Kurt Angle had Eddie in the Angle Lock. The wrestlers these days don’t endure submission holds that long anymore. I remember laughing at Kurt Angle because he was so angry at losing. I loved Eddie's victory dance and limping out of the ring with the belt.
The Undertaker vs. Kane
Even though I didn’t watch that much wrestling before this pay-per-view, I still knew that Undertaker was THE guy. I also thought that his Deadman look had been his look for a while before this night. No joke, I just recently found out that Wrestlemania XX was when Undertaker started doing his Deadman look again. I loved this match. The entrance, the fight, and Undertaker sitting straight up after laying flat on his back. I knew there was no way that Kane was going to win this match. It was wise of them to have this match take place between the WWE and World Heavy Weight Championship matches. I knew Kane would lose so I didn’t have to be anxious about it as I was for the other matches. This allowed me to settle down for the main event.
Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Benoit for the World Heavyweight Championship
When this match started there was only one guy who I wanted to win and that was Chris Benoit. This would be the first time I’ve spoken highly of Benoit in a while and real fans will know why. I was so happy to see him win the championship. I knew Triple H was a bad guy so there was no way I was going to root for him. Yes I was a sheep ten years ago. I knew Shawn Michaels was a good guy but he just didn’t have my vote. I wanted Benoit to win.
The energy I felt that day is why I’m glad I didn’t have Internet. Spoilers get leaked all the time and would have just ruined the moment I had when the match was over. My favorite wrestling moment ever is when Benoit and Guerrero stood next to each in the center of the ring, arms raised, holding their belts in the air while the confetti fails all around them. Two best friends, who were now at the top together. I will never forget that.