Here we go folks, on with the countdown
Moment # 30 - Return, Raise Hell, Leave
Returns are a staple at any WrestleMania. The surprise of a legend or injured star, that could pop up at any time. We already covered Ultimate Warrior's return and we move onto a bigger and better return. Stone Cold Steve Austin's last match was at WrestleMania 19 in Seattle against The Rock, in a losing effort. Austin would stay with WWE as a co-GM, and other duties, like special guest refs and sometimes just an appearance at the Show of Shows. Of course the reason Austin did not get back into the ring was due to his injured neck, that stemmed from all the way back to SummerSlam 1997 and Owen Hart. But rumblings started to come back that one or more matches might be possible, then came the loud-mouth from Canada Kevin Owens. Owens challenged the Rattlesnake to a match, that was eventually accepted, then turned into a "Talk Show Appearance" on The KO Show.
Night One came to a close at WrestleMania 38 with Kevin Owens in the ring with his special guest Stone Cold Steve Austin. The two threw barbs at one another until it finally happened. Owens admitted that he lied about just wanting to interview Austin, and instead challenged him to a No Holds Barred Match which Austin agreed to. The two would beat the crap out of each other, in the ring, outside the ring, and even in the crowd. Owens would grab a chair and swing for the Rattlesnake, but miss and have the chair bounce back and nail himself in the head instead. Stone Cold would capitalize with a Stunner, and ending the bout. Austin would drink some beer and throw out some more stunners to end his return and end the night.
Austin's return was overdue, and actually maybe way overdue. I do believe that this taking place 19 years in between, hurt it on the listing of our countdown. But this moment needed to be here and needed to be on this list. And I totally understand that Austin really never needed to come back, and never needed to risk a worse injury, and that probably factored into his long long long awaited return. But that is why it is at number 30 today, as it was something we needed and we finally got it on that night. Oh and yeah it was great to see him on Night 2 give McAfee, and Theory stunners (not Vince's, that was hard to watch and still is).
Moment # 29 - LT Goes the Distance
Here we go again with Celebrities at WrestleMania, but like I said before it helps alot more when that Celebrity is apart of the fun, and mixes it up in the ring. LT did one better, and Main Evented a WrestleMania, which was the first time a non-wrestler had done that since Mania 1 with Mr. T. Mr. T was TV star, and LT was one of the most fearsome players in football history and showed his grit at Mania 11.
This story started at the Royal Rumble that year, with LT in the crowd, laughing at a losing Bam Bam, which caused Bigelow to shove LT and thus it had begun. I was not watching WWF when this was going on, so I did not have a dog in this race, but my hunch would be that I would of backed Bigelow. LT would come to the dance with a handful of NFL greats like Reggie White, and future horseman, Steve "Mongo" McMichael. Bam Bam would have members of the Million Dollar Family in his corner like Kama and King Kong Bundy. LT would give it all with Bulldogs, Clotheslines, and Tackles. After one devastating shoulder block from the second rope (the most dangerous rope) and got the win. Afterwards LT could barely stand and celebrate, being helped by his NFL cohorts.
LT paid the price of stepping into to the ring, and felt what wrestlers go through everyday, so the hats are off for Mr. Taylor. I won't go over all points about celebrities at WrestleMania, so I will instead point out that the business was at its lowest when you do have a non-wrestler closing out a WrestleMania, but this match and moment did save the Mania from being the worst of all time, just almost the worst (And in all seriousness Diesel and Michaels had a great match, that should of main-evented but LT got more money and the spotlight).
Moment # 28 - The Ultimate Challenge
The venue was the SkyDome in Canada. The match is Hulk Hogan defending the WWF Championship against an Ultimate Challenger in The Ultimate Warrior. We come to our second moment that included Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior, but this time a little bit different. This time we are looking at the Epic Clash at Mania 6, which at the time had rumors swirling around the match. Those who had their ears perked up at the time had an inkling that Hulk Hogan would actually be retiring after this match, as Hollywood was starting to call Hogan's name away from the ring. No adays we know that is far from the truth, as Hogan would be back later in the summer of 1990, but that's a story for later.
This match was teased at the 90 Rumble as the two would do that epic staredown, that was just pretty much a barometer for Vince and Co. to see if the crowd would be itching to see a match between two stars. Well the Intercontinental Champion at the time, Warrior, would get his shot and the first Babyface vs. Babyface Mania Main Event was on. These two big men would have a beefy bout, as neither man really truly gained control in the match. Warrior would clinch in a strong Bearhug, but Hogan would power out. The two would get their usual schtick in with Running of the Ropes, or Hulkin' Up. The end came after a Gorilla Press from Warrior to Hogan, followed by the "Big" Splash, for the 1-2-3, then Hogan kicked out. But it was too late and the match was over (Hogan had to save face and never look bad, thus the after 3 kickout). After the match Hogan took the Title away and pondered what to do with it, eventually getting in the ring and crowning the new champion and "passing the torch"
The moment we are looking at is kind of tow fold, as we examine the hype and fever pitch the crowd got into at the beginning of the match and the ending. Before the bell even sounded the crowd was electric, as they were seeing two good guys face off for once at Mania, and no one could guess which of the two titans would walk out of Toronto as champion. Then we get to the emotional ending as like I said before, many thought this may be the farewell to the Immortal Hulk Hogan. Hogan would later say he came back because he knew he passed the torch to the wrong guy (for once being right and not just hot-dogging), so it gets it's moment docked a bit and lands at 28.
Moment # 27 - The Return of the Deadman
Depending on who you ask, the Biker Undertaker is the worst version of Mark Calloway's Undertaker history. Well I started watching when he was driving his Motorcycle down the aisleway, and taking unfortunates souls down with The Last Ride. So when The Undertaker faced Mr. McMahon at the 03' Survivor Series in a Buried Alive Match, it was a shock when Kane cost his brother the match and seemingly ended Big Red. But slowly, and at the worst possible times for Kane, it became apparent that the dead was not at rest. Gongs would toll and messages would relay to Kane that his brother still lived and would see the Big Red Machine at WrestleMania 20 (followed by lightning and a shaking ring).
Kane would come out to face someone he knew to be dead, and could in no way arrive at Madison Square Garden. However, the lights dropped, and an ominous but recognizable voice rang with an "OHH MYY". Paul Bearer, "father" of Kane and The Undertaker, made his entrance, leading druids down the aisle, until it was time for the dead to rise once more. The gong hits, the lightning strikes, and the "old school" style Undertaker had arrived back in the WWE. No longer in biker gear, but not with the laughably large gloves, but instead with a wide brim hat and a trench coat, the new and improved Undertaker would stride (slowly) down the entrance ramp. The match itself would be nothing special, as Undertaker would defeat his "brother" quickly and easily with a Tombstone. But the New/Old Deadman had arrived.
The moment still gives me goosebumps as I rewatch it on Youtube. The gong, the updated music, the ambiance of smoke and druids, it all makes for a special return of a special wrestler in The Undertaker. This would become the most used of all his gimmicks as he would carry this look for the rest of his run, until maybe the Graveyard match at WrestleMania 36, where he returned to his Biker persona. It was also great to see Paul Bearer back again until you know...The Undertaker killed his in concrete, then him returning long down the road for yet another Taker/Kane feud. And on a side note this would take The Undertaker to 12-0 if you are keeping track.
Moment # 26 - The Battle of the Billionaires
Gonna start this one off by saying, not gonna talk politics, or talk about atrocities (That is for another time). We are gonna focus on Mania and the moment. Donald Trump and Mr. McMahon. Two Billionaires that think they are better than everybody else. Well the two would have a match at WrestleMania 23 for supremacy of top Billionaire, and oh yeah their hair was also on the line (even though Trump was with wig at the time). Mr. McMahon would choose Umaga (pronounced You-Mang-Ah if your William Regal), and Mr. Trump would choose ECW Champion Bobby Lashley to represent his interests. And all in the middle of this, Stone Cold Steve Austin would serve as the Special Guest Referee.
The match in itself was not really anything to write home about, as it had its twists and turns, from Trump actually attacking McMahon (with the worst punches ever), to Shane McMahon reappearing in WWE for the first time since Unforgiven 2006. Actually Shane would reveal a Referee shirt under his blazer after Umaga struck Austin with a Samoan Spike. Coast to Coast would be hit, and still wasn't enough to finish Lashley. Austin would return, stun some gents, Lashley would hit the spear and the match would be won for Don. Mr. McMahon reluctantly got in the chair (after some Austin encouragement) and the 3 men would take turns shaving the "Boss" bald in front of the world.
This moment is a fun and goofy one, with no real huge standings on the actual product itself, however this would set things down the road as McMahon would harass Lashley for his ECW Tittle, which he would win and lose, which led to the infamous moment of McMahon "dying" in a Limo explosion, which would all be undone the next week with the Benoit terror happening. But back to Mania, as we have another celeb making a moment on our list, and I give Donald SOME credit as he did get a tad physical, and committed to the bit, so hats and wigs off to you sir.
Moment # 25 - The Future is Now!
It is not very often that two talents show up at the same time and fight for the limelight, but it has happened. Michaels and Hart, Austin and Rock, and then Cena and Batista are part of the very few. I mean you could really add Orton as the true rival to Cena's reign on top, but Orton was not crowned on the same night as Mr. Cena. Coming into the 2005 Royal Rumble, both Cena and Batista had rockets attached to them and it was just a guessing game on who would reach the top first. After the memorable botch at the end of the Rumble (causing VKM to blow both his quads in the process), Batista was left standing with the guaranteed shot at gold. However a month later Cena would be victorious in a tournament to fight for the other gold in the company. Both men had a date with destiny at WrestleMania 21.
John Cena would strike first as he would battle the behemoth JBL (John "Bradshaw" Layfield) for the WWE Title. JBL would make fun of the "thuggish" Cena, and also having Cena arrested before the bout. But, the writing was on the wall and Cena FU'ed JBL for Cena's first World Title. Next would be Big Dave's shot, as he took on old mentor Triple H. Hunter had begun to fear what Batista was becoming (Over with the Fans), and seeked to send Batista to SmackDown, but with one gesture of the thumb Dave told Triple H that he was set to play the Game. The match was full of tomfoolery with Ric Flair getting involved, but it wasn't enough. Triple H recieved a Batista Bomb, and The Animal collected the World Heavyweight Title to end the night. The future was bright.
The moment of one future star starting their ascension to Main Event status is a rare one, so seeing two in one night is even rarer. Like I said Orton probably would be considered the rival to Cena's time, as Dave would move onto movies after being sidelined with multiple injuries. But Randy was still dealing with his attitude problems, thus Dave was the guy. Nothing against Batista, as he was big, bulky, and a star in the making, but he just didn't have the career. The two men would eventually face off in a feud about being the Face of the Company, which was a good feud overall with a true background. But that is a story for another time. Cena and Batista ruled the Night at WrestleMania 21 and that moment will stand forever.
Moment # 24 - The YES! Movement
Alright this moment is bittersweet to me, as I was never a huge fan of Bryan, and still don't go out of my way to care what he is doing in AEW. This spot really was supposed to be CM Punk's but he took his ball and went home for 10 years. But I digress, we move onto WrestleMania 30. The build up to this Mania was a fickle one. At the Rumble, Bryan lost to Wyatt in the undercard and never even sniffed the Rumble match, to the fan's dismay. Batista would go on to win the Rumble, yet again to the fan's dismay. Elimination Chamber would come and go, and Bryan would lose his chance to go to WrestleMania. Then the YES! Movement took over and forced the hand of the powers that be, and plans changed.
Bryan came into WrestleMania with one more step to make it to the Main Event. Triple H of the Authority, the same Authority that costed him the Title back at SummerSlam. Daniel Bryan had beaten John Cena for the World Title, when The Viper appeared to cash-in his Money in the Bank. Special Guest for the previous bout, Triple H would Pedigree Bryan and Orton would become the first golden boy to the Authority. But back to Mania, Bryan would fight back and fight back, until he got Hunter to tap, and Mission 1 was accomplished.
Moving onto the Main Event, Daniel Bryan vs. Batista vs. Randy Orton. The match played out like 2 guys upset at that some douche who forced his way into the Main Event. The two Evolution stable mates would beat down Bryan, Triple H would show up with his crooked ref Mr. Scott Armstrong, and Triple H himself would get involved. All to make it that more important and special when Bryan defied the odds and made Batista tap to win the World Title...again.
This moment is put in here at this point against my will, because I don't see it as a big moment, but it is here because I was complying this list as unbiased as I could. Daniel Bryan lost the title 2 years earlier to Sheamus in under a minute, and like I said he had won the title many times before, so it really takes the gleam out of the moment. The other point I made earlier was that this was Punk's moment since he was slated to face Triple H and the Authority at Mania, but was tired of everything and left what could of been the Main event at Mania he had been chasing for so long.
Moment # 23 - 3 Women and a Main Event
Here we go with another convoluted 3-way Main Event that took a weird booking to get to. Becky Lynch had become the Man at the previous year's SummerSlam, by turning on Flair, by not putting up with Charlotte's shit anymore. The true push came after the worthless wonder Nia Jax punched Lynch in the face, giving her a real concussion and bloodying Lynch's nose. Lynch still fought on, and came out looking like a legend. Now we get to the real tricky part on this Road to WrestleMania. We start at TLC, where Rousey would cost Lynch the title, and Flair a chance at winning the title, letting Asuka win it. At the Rumble Lynch would fail at regaining the Title, but would replace an injured Lana in the Women's Rumble match and win the whole thing. Lynch would choose Rousey as her Mania opponent, but with some dumb storyline, Stephanie McMahon and Triple H would question Lynch's ability to wrestle due to an "injured" knee. Lynch would attack the two, leading Mr. McMahon to removing Lynch and adding in Flair instead. Rousey, who seemingly legit hated Lynch, begged for Lynch to get her chance again, which brings us to FastLane. Rousey would attack Lynch in a match with Flair, which would cause a DQ, thus adding Lynch to the match. breath in, breath out Okay one last thing, Flair beat Asuka, and both titles became part of the Main Event, is that it? Anything else? Oh yeah, the tree got in to it, making a memorable scene of the three getting arrested, yet still kicking the shit out of one another.
Good lord that was a chore to get through, but we are finally here at WrestleMania 35. All three ladies got a huge entrance (Flair taking a whole Helicopter ride over New Jersey it seemed), and the three were off to the task at hand, Win it all! Now I will tell the tale of my watching this match. I can't remember a thing and I watched the whole thing from beginning to end, but one reason might be that I write down all major cards down in a huge almanac I have created, and while I was doing the results for this whole night, I wrote down this match at the end of the night and filled in the winner and losers before the match was truly underway, as I was so certain of the finish, and guess what? I was correct. And all the while the 3 women were having a good enough match, though Rousey's inexperience did pull it back a bit, and the "botch" ending did leave some doubt that the true winner was crowned, but the winner was decided and "The Man" left Mania as "Becky Two Belts".
Like I said, I didn't really fully pay attention to this match, as it was sort of obvious who was going to win, just as it was at WrestleMania 30 with Daniel Bryan (You know, yesterday's moment, are you following along?). But it was a historic moment, and Becky holding both titles up at the end of the night will be a lasting image of a rather forgetful night overall (This Mania made it apparent they needed to have 2 nights to fit everything in, even though it was just a scheduling conflict due to COVID that caused the 2 Night format in the first place) We move on!
Moment # 22 - The Spectacle of WrestleMania
Today's moment, is one that started all these moments. The first WrestleMania was the biggest gamble for the "young" company. A big event to rival Jim Crockett's Starrcade event, and to set off a now 40 year tradition. WrestleMania 1 had everything from big Wrestling matches, to celebs, to athletes, and everything in between. Tito Santana faced off against Playboy Buddy Rose under a mask in the first ever match, which was followed by such bouts as the squash job of Special Delivery Jones by King Kong Bundy. Then Andre the Giant defeated Big John Studd in a Bodyslam Challenge. Then the Main Event was star studded with the likes on Billy Martin, Liberace, and Muhammad Ali as guests to Hulk Hogan and Mr. T vs. Paul Orndorff and Roddy Piper. The evening was a major success and was just the beginning of a tradition we still celebrate to this day. I didn't have a real one moment for this one today, but the fact that it was the "moment" that started it all seemed appropriate to be included in this one.
Moment # 21 - The Greatest RKO Ever
Your argument is invalid. This is hands down the greatest RKO of Randy Orton's career. You want to say it was the one against Evan Bourne, but you are yet again wrong. And I'm not gonna spend too much on this debate because, like I said, you're wrong.
At WrestleMania 31, Seth Rollins, the new shiny toy for The Authority, faced off with the old toy, Randy Orton (See Moment # 34 for more background). Seth Rollins, who was Mr. Money in the Bank at the time, battled The Viper in a standard match until the finish occurred. Seth went for his patented Curb Stomp, but when he tried to step down, Randy instead popped him in the air and hit the greatest RKO of all time. Orton was so astonished with his feat, that he almost forgot to pin Seth. Don't cry for Seth though, his moment is coming (hint, hint).
I know, another short one today, but there is no debate, take that debate somewhere else. This moment is so fun, and definitely will stand the test of time, so it more than deserves to be on this list. The only thing holding it back is its historical significance, as it happened and did not really bring anything else with it.
With that another 10 are down, don't forget to leave a vote on your favorite moment in this batch. Stay Tuned!
Moments 30-21 What's Your Favortie?
#30
#29
#28
#27
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