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Post by johnnyboombatz on Jul 29, 2024 21:02:16 GMT 1
WRESTLEMANIA XXIV
March 30, 2008 Citrus Bowl Orlando, FL
WRESTLEMANIA XXIV OPENING (90%)
The opening signature plays before a live shot of the Citrus Bowl is shown as an impressive pyro display goes off. Jim Ross welcomes the crowd into 'The Grandest Stage of 'Em All' WrestleMania! A shot goes into the ring where Lillian Garcia is standing. Tony Chimel announces that Lillian will sing the National Anthem. After Lillian does an amazing job, a video package using Rev Theory's “Hell Yeah” is shown. The video highlights almost every match for tonight and gives focus on a few main matches.
MATCH 1: JEFF HARDY vs. MR. KENNEDY vs. BOBBY LASHLEY vs. MVP vs. MATT HARDY vs. JBL vs. CM PUNK vs. JOHNNY NITRO
MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH (85%, 3.5*) The live shot comes back to show the Money In The Bank briefcase hanging high as the Money In The Bank Ladder Match kicks things off. “This Fire Burns” by Killswitch Engage hits first and CM Punk makes his way down the ramp. Punk spit in the face of superstition by going underneath some of the ladders on the entrance ramp. JBL, Matt Hardy, and Bobby Lashley came out next before MVP made his entrance, emerging from his big inflatable golden tunnel. Johnny Nitro and Mr. Kennedy came next and “No More Words” by Endeverafter hit last as Jeff Hardy energized the crowd, coming down the ramp.
Once Jeff got in the ring, he and brother Matt, made a beeline towards JBL, kicking off the action. The bell rang and the rest of the field went right to the outside to grab some ladders. Mr. Kennedy made the first big impact of the match by catching Lashley in the face with a ladder shot. In the ring, the Hardyz combined to hit 'Poetry in Motion' on JBL in the corner. Johnny Nitro was the first to slide a ladder in the ring and he and Jeff began a struggle with it. It concluded with Hardy shoving Nitro into the corner and the ladder into his midsection. Hardy then charged and went up the ladder to hit a solo 'Poetry in Motion' using the ladder's rungs to propel himself off of.
Mr. Kennedy was the first to attempt a climb up but CM Punk quickly thwarted him and yanked him down. Punk bounced Kennedy's face off the standing ladder and then lifted him up to hit a 'GTS' but MVP booted Punk in the face. MVP then tried to ascend the ladder but Bobby Lashley recovered from the ladder shot he took and came into the ring. MVP tried kicking him away but Lashley grabbed MVP's leg and pulled him off, catching MVP out of mid-air and dropping him with a powerslam.
On the outside, JBL and Kennedy were fighting the Hardyz when Nitro hit a moonsault off the top rope, taking all 4 men down. Nitro quickly got to his feet and like Spider-Man, sprung off the ropes right onto the ladder. Lashley, who was climbing the ladder on the other side, was shocked by Nitro's athleticism. The two began punching each other near the top when CM Punk introduced another ladder and quickly climbed it. The trio fought on the top of the ladders but Punk had the advantage of being the only one on his ladder and after a little back and forth, shoved the ladder over, causing both Lashley and Nitro to fall. Lashley ended up getting hung up on the rope by his neck, while Nitro landed waist-first on the ropes and flipped out of the ring.
Punk couldn't get too comfortable though as MVP was up and hammered Punk in the back, causing him to slide down the rungs. On the outside, the Hardyz decided to introduce some lumber to the match and set up a couple of tables next to each other on the hard cam side of the ring. The next few minutes gave us standard chaos with everyone fighting either on the outside or in the ring. A few more failed attempts to get the briefcase, and a few more creative uses of the ladder. Mr. Kennedy wedged a ladder in a corner and whipped Matt Hardy into it, causing Hardy to whiplash to the mat. JBL hit a Fall Away Slam to MVP onto a ladder that was leaning in a corner. Nitro hit 'Starship Pain' on Lashley, who was placed on top of a ladder on the mat, and Punk did the classic ladder spot of putting it on his head and going around and spinning the ladder into everyone he came across.
After the Punk ladder spot, he began to climb but Jeff Hardy was right with him, step-by-step, on the other side. The two got near the top and began trading blows. JBL then got up and yanked Punk down from the ladder and hit him with a 'Clothesline From Hell.' Hardy had his hands on the briefcase but JBL took the ladder away and Jeff Hardy was now hanging precariously high above the ring. Like a javelin, JBL hit Hardy with the ladder in the gut and Hardy eventually flopped to the mat below.
JBL was all alone and had a confident look on his face and he began to slowly climb the ladder. Just as he got a finger on the briefcase, Matt Hardy was back in the ring. Hardy had an idea and JBL started yelling no and shaking his head but Matt picked up the bottom of the ladder and tipped it over, causing JBL to take a huge fall through the two tables that were set up on the outside. The commentary team was left speechless as the crowd chanted “Holy $#!*.” Multiple referees came to the aid of JBL, who was not moving and was surely done for the match. The rest of the field kind of took a moment to assess what happened before everyone began to scramble for ladders again as medical personnel stretchered JBL off.
Matt Hardy started to climb and Johnny Nitro placed a ladder right next to his. CM Punk and Kennedy started to climb up the other side of the respective ladders. Matt then hit a 'Twist of Fate' to Nitro off the ladder, another “Holy $#!*” moment. Punk and Kennedy were trading blows near the top and MVP and Lashley pulled each man off, respectively. Punk connected with a roundhouse kick to MVP's head and Lashley had Kennedy up on his shoulders. However, Kennedy slid off and Punk pulled down the top rope to send Lashley flying out of the ring. Jeff Hardy then re-emerged and hit 'Whisper in the Wind' on Kennedy. Punk and Hardy started to climb up on the opposite side and traded blows.
The crowd was rooting for both, so they were excited that one of them could potentially win the match. Punk then bounced Hardy's head off the top of the ladder and somehow hit a roundhouse kick, knocking Hardy off the ladder. Hardy took another tumble and Punk carefully re-adjusted himself on the ladder before getting to the top. Punk had the briefcase in his hands and only had to unhook it. Unfortunately, MVP came out of nowhere with a steel chair shot and hit Punk in the back. Punk dropped down a couple of rungs and after a struggle, MVP was able to trip Punk up and it resulted in Punk getting his foot caught in the ladder and being upside-down. With everyone out, MVP arrogantly climbed the ladder, got to the top, and unhooked the briefcase to become Mr. Money In The Bank.
WINNER: MVP VIA ITEM RETRIEVAL IN 16:49
MVP celebrated his big win by sitting on the top of the ladder and raising the Money In The Bank briefcase high. Replays of the carnage in the match was shown before the cameras went backstage with RAW correspondent, Todd Grisham.
TIME TO PLAY THE GAME (89%) Grisham was standing by with 'The Game' Triple H and asked Hunter about his thoughts on his showdown with 'The Heartbreak Kid' Shawn Michaels. Grisham specifically brought up the 'Mr. WrestleMania' moniker that HBK has been carrying for all these years and it irked Triple H. HHH said that tonight he's going to prove to everyone, and most importantly Shawn himself, that he can rise to the occasion when the lights are brightest. Triple H says this match just means that much more to him, and that he needs to win this more than HBK does. Triple H finishes by saying that Shawn is going to get a version of 'The Game' he's never seen before and won't be able to handle.
MATCH 2: DREW MCINTYRE © vs. BOOKER T
INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP (72%, 1.5*) “Rap Sheet” hit the Citrus Bowl and the crowd came alive for the entrance of Booker T. Sharmell came out with her man, gave him a good luck kiss and went to the back before Booker set off his fire pyro. The Intercontinental Champion made his entrance next, without advisor William Regal.
McIntyre debuted a new theme song: “Broken Dreams” by Shaman's Harvest and entered the ring with an arrogant aura. Referee Chad Patton checked both men for weapons and McIntyre was offended by the action before Patton grabbed the IC from Drew, lifted it up, and called for the bell for the first title match of the night.
The match began with a stare-down and McIntyre moving around Booker in circles. Eventually, the two locked up and Booker shoved Drew back into the corner. Patton called for the break and Booker obliged as he smirked at getting the best of Drew on that occasion. A second tie-up led to Drew doing the same to Booker but this time after the ref called for the break, McIntyre broke but then hit Booker with a cheap right hand. Drew pummeled away at Booker in the corner and he fell into a seated position. At that point, McIntyre started choking Booker with a boot on his neck until Patton made him get out of the corner.
McIntyre picked Booker back up and suplexed him towards the middle of the ring. Drew then applied a side headlock and grounded Booker until he started to work his way to his feet. Booker hit Drew with a couple of elbows to the gut, causing McIntyre to disengage but when Booker tried to hit a jumping hook kick on Drew, McIntyre dodged and then hit a backbreaker. After a near fall, McIntyre started working on the limbs of Booker T, stomping on both arms and legs. Drew then put his knee in Booker's back and grabbed both of his arms and pulled back. Booker started kicking the mat as the crowd energized him to get up and after breaking out of McIntyre's grasp, he hit him with a couple of forearms.
Drew quickly got up after the second one and ran right into the '110th Street Slam' high-impact spinebuster. Booker also got a near-fall on the cover and assessed what he wanted to do next. Booker placed Drew in the corner and hit a couple of chops and forearm smashes before propping him on the top rope. Booker then hit a superplex off the top rope and McIntyre bounced out of the ring. Booker unsuccessfully reached for Drew, as he was looking for a pinfall. Booker knows he can't win the title with Drew on the outside, so he went out to retrieve him.
Unfortunately for Booker, Drew pushed him back-first into the ring apron. Booker held his back as Drew hooked his arms and hit a 'Future Shock DDT' on the floor. The crowd gasped as JR yelled about how unnecessary it was. Drew got back in the ring and told Referee Patton to start a count. McIntyre was looking to win this one by countout but Booker beat the 10-count at the nick of time. A frustrated McIntyre went into his bag of tricks and started to undo one of the top turnbuckles. Patton noticed this about halfway through and stopped Drew from fully removing the cover.
As Patton attended to the turnbuckle, McIntyre went to the outside and lifted the ring apron to pull out a pair of brass knuckles. JR bemoaned that McIntyre couldn't keep his word and King said it was kind of smart to plant the weapon under the ring. Drew got back in and went to punch Booker in the face but Booker hit the 'Harlem Sidekick' and the brass knuckles went flying out of Drew's hand. Booker then fed off the energy of the crowd and did a WrestleMania-sized 'Spinaroonie.' Booker then caught McIntyre with the 'Book End.' Could this be it? 1...2...2.9!!! McIntyre just barely kicked out.
King said to JR that you have to admit McIntyre's toughness and he agreed. Booker was waiting for Drew to get up again and McIntyre pulled himself up in the corner. When McIntyre didn't stumble over to the middle of the ring, Booker headed over and when he got close enough, McIntyre came alive and tripped Booker into the corner. It was then revealed that McIntyre sneakily finished removing the turnbuckle cover he had started to remove and that Booker's head bounced off the exposed turnbuckle.
JR yelled “DAMNIT” as Referee Patton noticed it and admonished Drew. McIntyre went to the opposite side of the ring and when Booker got to his feet, Drew hit his 'Claymore Kick.' McIntyre made the cover and got the three-count to retain his Intercontinental Championship.
WINNER: DREW MCINTYRE VIA PINFALL IN 11:35
“Broken Dreams” hit as the crowd was not happy about McIntyre winning. Drew took the title from Patton but then pointed at his arm and a less-than-enthused Patton raised McIntyre's arm. Replays of the match were shown and when the shot went back live, William Regal was in the ring celebrating with McIntyre. Sharmell had also come out to comfort Booker T and the closing shot had McIntyre climb the ropes and lift the IC Title high.
EDGE ENDS IT TONIGHT! (89%) Another backstage interview was next as Smackdown! correspondent, Josh Mathews was with 'The Rated-R Superstar' Edge. Conspicuous by the absence of the rest of The Rated-R Entourage, Edge was asked about his match tonight with 'The Deadman' and if he truly believes he will be the one to end The Undertaker's streak. Edge had a crazed look in his eye as he went on to tell Mathews and the rest of the world that tonight he is going to make history. Edge psyches himself up by listing all of his accomplishments and then says you can add one more to that tonight. Ending The Undertaker's streak. Because the streak will REST. IN. PEACE.
MATCH 3: MARK HENRY © vs. THE BIG SHOW vs. KOZLOV TRIPLE THREAT MATCH FOR THE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP (82%, 1.5*) “Crank It Up” hits and The Big Show makes his way down for the Triple Threat United States Championship Match. Show is followed by Kozlov, who marches down to the ring before “Some Bodies Gonna Get It” by Three 6 Mafia plays. 'The World's Strongest Man,' Mark Henry makes his entrance and the three giants stare at each other as the prize is lifted high. Referee Jimmy Korderas rings the bell and this one is underway.
The three men all slowly come together in the middle of the ring and talk trash before Kozlov makes the first move and headbutts Big Show. Show gets stunned and falls back to the ropes while Kozlov yells in Henry's face. Kozlov tries to headbutt Henry as well but 'The World's Strongest Man' hits the Russian with a right hand. Henry then lifts Kozlov up in a Military Press but Big Show hits a big boot and Henry and Kozlov both go down.
Show drops an elbow on both men before covering Kozlov for a quick one-count. Show tries on Henry and gets the same result. Show picks up Kozlov and throws him in the corner. Show hits a few corner elbows before Henry gets up. Henry tries charging at Show but he had eyes in the back of his head and moves, causing Kozlov to take the splash in the corner. Henry turns around to Show grabbing him around the throat but Henry denies him and knocks his arm off. Henry goes off the ropes and tries to shoulder block Show to no avail. Show challenges him to do it again and Show doesn't move an inch.
Henry then yells at Show to do it and Henry is unfazed by the shoulder block. Show goes to do it again but runs right into a Kozlov boot to the chest. Show is knocked down and out of the ring by the kick. Kozlov then yells again and sets his sights on Henry. The two big men decide to try a test of strength and after both men trade the advantage, Big Show comes back in the ring. Henry and Kozlov try to hit a double-team clothesline but Show ducks, goes off the ropes, and knocks both men down with a double shoulder block.
Show plays to the crowd and signals for a chokeslam for whoever is the first to get up. This time it would be Kozlov and Show would grab him around the throat. Show would lift Kozlov up but Kozlov would slide off and land behind Show. Show would turn around to get hit with a Kozlov belly-to-belly suplex. Kozlov made the cover but Henry broke it up at a count of two.
Kozlov was not thrilled with the break-up and he and Henry began trading blows in the middle of the ring. The two then grappled with each other and went near the ropes. Big Show got to his feet and clotheslined both men out of the ring, eerily similar to when Kozlov eliminated both himself and Henry at the Royal Rumble. On the outside, Show grabbed Kozlov and banged his head off of the RAW announce table. He went to do the same with Henry but Henry blocked it, elbowed Show, and then sent him shoulder-first into the steel ring steps.
The top section flew off and Henry grabbed it. He first hit Kozlov in the head with it, knocking him back down, but then focused back on Show. Big Show was using the base of the steel steps to get back to his feet and Henry was going to try and end him. Michael Cole yelled “NO!” as Henry attempted to hit Show with the steps but Show moved and Henry hurt his hands from the vibration. Big Show then grabbed Henry by the throat and chokeslammed him on the base of the stairs. Henry was out cold as the fans went nuts for the spot.
Show went to pick Henry up but Kozlov came out of nowhere with a chair shot to the back. Show stumbled back into the ring and Kozlov entered with the chair. Kozlov went to swing at Show in the head but Big Show punched the chair back in Kozlov's face, causing the chair to almost fly out of the ring. Show signaled for the chokeslam again and when Kozlov got to his feet and turned around, Show grabbed him around the throat, lifted him up, delayed the descent, and hit a monstrous chokeslam on Kozlov to get the win and become the new United States Champ.
WINNER: BIG SHOW VIA PINFALL IN 9:41 ***NEW UNITED STATES CHAMPION***
The Big Show has done it and has become the U.S. Champion for the second time. Show is handed the belt and lifts it up to the roar of the crowd. Highlights of the match are shown before the camera comes back to Show walking up the ramp with the U.S. Title on his shoulder while Kozlov and Mark Henry are still trying to recover in the ring.
JR and King are then shown and briefly comment on Show's win before talking about the next match, the Women's Championship. JR sets the stage as a video package begins.
CAN THE GLAMAZON BE STOPPED? (76%) A video package plays showing the dominance of 'The Glamazon' Beth Phoenix. Phoenix has run through the Women's division since returning in December and has held the Women's Title for over 100 days. However, Mickie James thinks she can beat Beth. Highlights of Mickie's career are shown, including her winning the Women's Championship for the first time at WrestleMania 22. It's Mickie vs. Beth for the Women's Championship, NEXT!
MATCH 4: BETH PHOENIX © vs. MICKIE JAMES WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP (75%, 2*) Both ladies made their entrance and Jack Doan was the referee for this one. Mickie looked at the title as Doan presented it and had her game face on. She knew this would not be an easy task as the bell rang to start the match. Mickie had no fear and went right in for a lock-up but Beth shoved her to the mat. Phoenix trying to set the tone early and get in her opponent's head. Mickie got up and went at it again, only to meet the same fate. On the third try, Mickie was able to maneuver Phoenix to the ground by hitting a drop-toe hold.
Beth's face bounced off the canvas and she looked up in shock at Mickie. Phoenix got right back to her feet and lunged at James but Mickie hit an arm-trap neckbreaker. Mickie went for the cover but Beth quickly kicked out at 1. Mickie then took Beth back down with a snapmare takeover and went off the ropes to hit a low-angled dropkick to the back of a seated Beth. Mickie then grabbed Beth and was going to use the ropes to hit a Tornado DDT but when Mickie sprung off the ropes, Beth countered and threw Mickie off, causing her to flapjack on the mat.
'The Glamazon' now had control of the match and she beat down Mickie with some stomps. Beth then locked in an inverted Camel Clutch facelock. When Mickie began to fight out of it, Beth hit clubbing blows across Mickie's face to stop the rally. Beth picked Mickie up and hit a pendulum backbreaker. Phoenix went for a cover but Mickie got the shoulder up after 2. Phoenix had enough and was calling for a 'Glam Slam' but when she picked Mickie up, Mickie reversed the momentum and turned it into a Victory Roll. 1...2...2.9! Beth just escaped.
Mickie transitioned right to the corner and caught Beth with a Lou Thesz Press off the middle rope. After laying in a few punches, Mickie got up and played to the crowd. Mickie waited for Beth to get up and booted her in the gut. Mickie grabbed her head and went for the 'Mickie-DT' but Phoenix blocked and then used her impressive strength to hit a Fisherman's Suplex. Beth continued with the bridge to pin but Mickie escaped again before the 3.
Both ladies got up but Beth put Mickie down quickly with a powerful clothesline. Phoenix then applied a Cloverleaf on Mickie and tried to retain via submission. Mickie scratched and clawed but it looked like she was losing steam. Mickie got a second wind and just got to the bottom rope. Beth didn't break right away and Jack Doan counted to 4 before she let go. Beth signaled for another attempt at the 'Glam Slam' but this time when she hooked Mickie's arms, Mickie ran into the corner and intentionally dropped to the ground, causing Beth to run chest-first into the turnbuckles.
Mickie then turned the clock back and hit 'Stratusfaction' on Phoenix. The crowd started buzzing as Mickie awaited Beth to rise again. When Phoenix got up, Mickie connected with a 'Mick Kick' flush to the side of Beth's head. Mickie made the cover, 1...2...3!!!
WINNER: MICKIE JAMES VIA PINFALL IN 9:17 ***NEW WOMEN'S CHAMPION***
Mickie James has done it! Her music plays as she is overcome with joy as she is handed the Women's Championship. Mickie is now a 3-time Women's Champion. She goes to the top rope and raises the title high as replays are shown. Mickie continues her celebration as Beth Phoenix is sitting with a scowl on her face up against one of the ringside barriers.
WHO IS COACH's PARTNER? (95%) After a couple of advertisements, the music of 'The Samoan Bulldozer' Umaga hits. Umaga and Armando Alejandro Estrada make their way out as the next match is a tag team contest with the RAW General Manager position up from grabs. Once in the ring, Jonathan Coachman's music hits and Coach makes his way out. Coach stops on the stage and asks Orlando if they are ready to see his surprise partner. Coach signals behind him but at first no one is coming out. Estrada is laughing in the ring as King jokes that Coach doesn't have any friends.
IF YA SMELLLLLLLLLLLL!!! WHAT THE ROCK IS COOKIN'!
JR: “BAH GAWD! IT'S THE ROCK!” The Rock is Coach's partner and if there was a roof in the Citrus Bowl, it would have been blown off by the reaction. Estrada can't believe it as Umaga is angrily pacing back and forth in the ring. Rock grabs Coach's mic and asks to kill the music. Rock begins with his classic “Finally, The Rock has come back to Orlando!” Rock continues with “And finally, The Rock has come back to WrestleMania!” Rock apologizes to Coach for missing his cue because he was catching up with Lillian Garcia backstage. Rock taps his thigh and says “Easy fella” getting the crowd to laugh.
Rock then turns his attention to Umaga and Estrada. Rock says that they are probably wondering “Why in the blue hell would Rock team with a guy he once called a 'Walking Popcorn Fart?'” Coach shrugs his shoulders at Rock for the nickname reminder but Rock goes onto say that even though he's been away from the WWE, he's paid attention. Rock tells everyone that for those who don't know, Umaga is his cousin. Rock also says he still has plenty of friends here that have told him that Estrada has talked shit about his father and grandfather entering the Hall of Fame, saying that Umaga surpasses every Samoan to come before him. The Rock says “It's time I come down there and whoop both of your candy asses...IF YA SMELLLLLLLLLLLL WHAT THE ROCK IS COOKIN!'”
MATCH 5: JONATHAN COACHMAN & THE ROCK vs. UMAGA & ARMANDO ALEJANDRO ESTRADA CONTROL OF RAW GM (87%, 1*) The Rock and Coach make their way down to the ring and the crowd is still buzzing for the surprise of 'The Great One.' Referee Mike Chioda rings the bell and The Rock is going to start the match! That is until Umaga decides he doesn't want to square off just yet and tags Estrada in. Estrada is super worried but Rock decides to tag in Coach to make it more even.
Coach hits Estrada with a double-leg takedown and starts striking him down with punches. Estrada rolls to the outside and Coach goes out after him. Estrada then runs behind Umaga and 'The Samoan Bulldozer' clotheslines Coach. This prompts The Rock to come over and the match is already breaking down. Rock and Umaga start trading blows back and forth before Rock hits his classic flurry of punches, knocking Umaga over the ringside barrier and into the timekeeper's section.
Back in the ring, Estrada is stomping away at Coach but Rock gets back in the ring and the place explodes. Estrada senses the worst and turns around to The Rock. Estrada tries to hit a right hand but Rock dodges it and turns it right into a 'Rock Bottom.' Estrada is in the middle of the ring and the crowd is awaiting 'The Most Electrifying Move in Sports Entertainment.' Rock takes off his elbow pad and throws it into the crowd but just as gets ready to go, Coach gets to his feet.
The Rock looks at Coach and tells him to do the 'People's Elbow.' In the meantime, 'The Samoan Bulldozer' has gotten back on his feet and hits the ring. Unfortunately for Umaga, he runs right into a Rock spinebuster. Now both Umaga and Estrada are down. Rock tells Coach to wait just a second and he goes off the ropes to hit a 'People's Elbow' on Umaga. Coach then does one on Estrada, makes the pin, and wins the match.
WINNERS: THE ROCK & COACH VIA PINFALL IN 3:34
Jonathan Coachman is now the official General Manager of RAW! The Rock and Coach celebrate as Umaga gets to his feet on the outside and starts throwing a tantrum, flipping the steel steps over. Rock challenges Umaga to get back in the ring but Umaga grabs Estrada from off the floor and helps him up. Estrada is still in la-la-land and Umaga basically carries him over the shoulder like a sack of potatoes as he angrily looks at Rock and Coach celebrating in the ring.
HALL OF FAME (98%) As The Rock's music continues to play, the camera cuts to Michael Cole and Ernest 'The Cat' Miller. Cole brings up the 2008 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony that took place last night, and it led into a video package showing highlights of the festivities, with 'The Nature Boy' Ric Flair being the headliner. Upon returning live, Josh Mathews is shown in the interview area and he brings in Ric Flair. Mathews asks Flair how he is feeling knowing this could potentially be the final time he steps foot in a ring. An emotional Flair composes himself and says that tonight he's going to leave it all on the line. Flair starts to get worked up and tells Dave (Batista) to be ready for 'The Dirtiest Player in the Game.' Flair now goes into classic 'Nature Boy' Mode and mentions that he is the “Stylin', profilin', limousine-riding, jet-flying, kiss-stealing, wheelin' n' dealin' son of a gun!” Flair closes by saying that most importantly “Diamonds are forever...and so is THE NATURE BOY RIC FLAIR! WOOOOOOOOO”
MATCH 6: BATISTA vs. RIC FLAIR
CAREER THREATENING MATCH (84%, 3*) “I Walk Alone” by Saliva hits the Citrus Bowl and 'The Animal' Batista makes his way out. Batista gets a mixed reaction and looks to be all business as he sets off his pyro. Once in the ring, Batista paces around until the famous WOOOOOOOOO hits and Ric Flair makes his grandiose entrance. Flair, wearing a blue robe with white feathers, gets near the end of the long entrance ramp and does a slow spin as fireworks go off high above the Citrus Bowl. Once in the ring, Flair smirks at Batista and after taking his robe off, Referee Charles Robinson calls for the bell.
Both men share a staredown as the crowd is already hot for this one. Eventually, they slowly start circling and Flair taps his chest to signal for a lock-up. However, as Batista goes to engage, Flair pulls a classic trick and feigns the lock-up before slicking back his hair, strutting, and letting out a WOOOOOOOOO! Batista was not impressed by the slight embarrassment and when the two actually locked up for the first time, 'The Animal' showed off his strength and shoved 'Naitch to the ground.
Batista flexed right in Flair's face and allowed him to get back up. On the next lock-up attempt, Batista decided to also feign but he picked up Flair and drove him into the corner. Batista then hit some shoulder thrusts to the midsection of Flair. Batista slowly got Flair to his feet and told him “You wanted 'The Animal?' You're gonna get him,” before violently whipping him into the opposite corner. Flair bounced off and did the 'Flair Flop' as he fell to the canvas.
Flair got to his feet but Batista charged and knocked 'The Nature Boy' back down with a clothesline. 'The Cat' mentioned it was starting to get a little lopsided on commentary but the fans started a “Nature Boy” chant to try and get Flair rejuvenated. Batista was not a fan of the chants and began to crank the neck of a seated Flair. Flair started to feel the crowd and he rose to his feet. Flair hit a couple of elbows to the midsection of Batista and broke his grasp. Batista charged at Flair again but 'Naitch hit one of his famous knife-edge chops. Batista held his chest and Flair began a flurry of chops.
The crowd wooed with every chop and then Batista started returning serve. The two exchanged chops for over 10 seconds before Batista had enough and grabbed Flair's arm as he tried another chop. Batista powered Flair up and went for a powerslam but Flair reached into his bag of tricks and raked 'The Animal's' eye without Charles Robinson noticing. Flair slid off behind Batista and then chopblocked his left leg. Batista writhed in pain and Flair took advantage by lifting Batista's leg and slamming it on the mat. Flair then bounced off the ropes and hit a jumping knee drop to Batista's head.
Flair then went to apply the 'Figure-Four' but he did a little too much prancing and Batista kicked him off, sending Flair through the ropes. Flair took a nasty fall on the outside and the air was taken out of the stadium. Batista regrouped and limped his way to the outside. Batista yelled at Flair again about wanting to play dirty and 'The Animal' decided two could play at that game. Batista lined up Flair for an Irish Whip into the steel ring post but Flair countered and Batista's head bounced off of the steel.
Flair then got back in the ring and did something no one would ever imagine. Flair climbed the top rope and when Batista started to get up, Flair jumped to the outside and hit a cross body on Batista, on the floor. The crowd went into a frenzy and Michael Cole reiterated that Flair said he would do anything to win this match. With the crowd chanting for him, Flair struggled but eventually rolled Batista back in the ring. Flair went to the top rope for a second time but this time he went to the well one too many times, and when Batista got to his feet, he caught Flair trying to readjust before jumping and threw him off the top rope.
In the ultimate sign of disrespect, Batista then tried to apply the 'Figure-Four,' Flair's own submission. Batista was not used to trying to lock it in because of his big frame, and Flair took advantage by turning it into a small package. 1...2...2.9! Batista just escaped. Batista was not happy about this and when both men got up from it, Batista caught Flair with a thunderous spinebuster. Batista then lined up in the corner for a Spear but when he charged, Flair pulled Charles Robinson in the way. Batista stopped himself but tossed Robinson aside. In doing so, Batista unfortunately turned Robinson's back to the action and Flair low-blowed Batista behind the refs back.
Robinson was none the wiser as Batista squirmed in the middle of the ring. Flair then lifted a leg and applied the 'Figure-Four' Leg Lock on Batista. For about a minute, Batista struggled to break or reverse the hold, often trying to swing at Flair. Eventually, Batista reversed the pressure and 'The Nature Boy' had to let go. Both men got to their feet and we had another exchange of strikes, Batista with right hands, and Flair with chops. Flair won the battle and hit a few more chops. The last one sent Batista back into the ropes but 'The Animal' rebounded with a big boot to Flair.
Batista was audibly heard saying that this was now over. He lined up for another Spear attempt and this time he hit it. Batista went for the cover but Flair kicked out at 2. This agitated Batista and he got up and shook the ropes before putting his thumbs down, signaling for a 'Batista Bomb.' Batista picked Flair up and delivered a devastating powerbomb but Flair somehow, someway, kicked out at the last millisecond.
Batista was incredulous as the crowd was buzzing in disbelief that Flair just kicked out of a 'Batista Bomb.' 'The Animal' stood over Flair and as Flair slowly tried to get up, using Batista's knee pads, Batista pleaded with Ric to “JUST STAY DOWN!” Batista started to have second thoughts about punishing Flair some more but Flair gave him no choice after he slapped him across the face and wooed. Batista snapped and grabbed Flair again before dropping him with a second 'Batista Bomb.' This time the pinfall was academic and Batista got the three-count, ending the career of 'The Nature Boy' Ric Flair.
WINNER: BATISTA VIA PINFALL IN 14:28 FLAIR'S FAREWELL (99%) “I Walk Alone” starts playing but Batista looks conflicted. Charles Robinson tries to raise his arm but Batista denies it and swats Robinson away. Batista has his hands on his hips and shakes his head as he looks down at Flair. Ric is trying to get back to his feet but is having a really hard time. Batista's music stops as the crowd starts chanting “Nature Boy” again. Batista had finally seen enough and helped Flair to his feet. All he could do was shake his head as Flair started to well up. Eventually, the big man broke down too, and told Ric that he was sorry and the two shared an embrace in the ring. Batista could be heard telling Flair that he loved him and thanks for everything. Batista then raised Flair's arm before leaving the ring to let Flair bask in the glory as his famous entrance music starts playing. Flair is super emotional as he blows kisses to the crowd and waves goodbye. He leaves the ring to find his family at ringside. After kissing and hugging his wife and kids, Flair heads up the ramp for one final time, waving back to the crowd.
MATCH 7: CHAVO GUERRERO © vs. TOMMY DREAMER EXTREME RULES MATCH FOR THE ECW CHAMPIONSHIP (82%, 3*) After a promo for WWEShop.com, Joey Styles and Tazz are thrown the action for the ECW Championship Match. Tommy Dreamer makes his way out with a shopping cart full of weapons and gets a thunderous applause before “Chavito Ardiente” hits and Chavo Guerrero comes out to a chorus of boos. Shockingly, Chavo's 'Plan B' Luke Gallows is not accompanying the ECW Champ, which surprises Dreamer. Chavo hesitates to get in the ring as Dreamer is carrying a kendo stick and challenging him to come in. Chavo yells at Senior Referee Scott Armstrong to do something but the ref shrugs his shoulders because it's an Extreme Rules Match.
Dreamer eventually points at the shopping cart full of weapons and tells Chavo to grab one and get his ass in the ring. Chavo grabs the other kendo stick and when he gets in the ring, the bell sounds, and Chavo swings at Dreamer. Dreamer ducks and then connects with a kendo stick shot to Chavo's ribs. Dreamer then hits Chavo across the back a couple of times before Chavo scurries out of the ring.
Dreamer goes out to get Chavo but Chavo uses the shopping cart that Dreamer brought down and bounces Dreamer off of the trash can that is inside. Chavo then whips Dreamer into the cart, knocking it over and Chavo taunts the crowd. Chavo grabs a red stop sign that was one of the weapons carted down and smacks Dreamer over the head with it. Chavo lifts the ring apron and starts to pull out a table but when the crowd starts to cheer that, Chavo shoves it back under the ring and laughs at the crowd.
Chavo goes to pick up Dreamer and smack his head off the steel steps but Tommy blocks and gives Chavo a taste of the steel. Dreamer continued a few more times and then grabbed the table that Chavo slid back under the ring and set it up. Chavo was trying to crawl away from Dreamer and Tommy went after him, whipping him into the barricade. Dreamer then crotched Chavo on the barricade and grabbed a drink from a fan and dumped it on Chavo before clotheslining him off.
Dreamer then grabbed another table and slid it into the ring before setting it up in the corner. Dreamer rolled Chavo back into the ring and then started throwing steel chairs inside. Dreamer threw in about 8 chairs, with one of them catching Chavo as he laid on the mat. Dreamer had some bad intentions as he started setting up the chairs next to each other. Dreamer was going to suplex Chavo on it but low and behold Luke Gallows showed up.
Dreamer set Chavo down and dropkicked Gallows off the apron. However, the big man landed on his feet unbeknownst to Dreamer. Tommy focused on Chavo again but Gallows got in the ring and caught him from behind. Gallows then chokeslammed Dreamer through the set of chairs. The brutal impact had Tommy hollering while he held his back. Joey Styles yelled about how chairs are not supposed to bend that way as a few of the seats were warped.
Gallows helped Chavo up and the champ assessed the damage to Dreamer. Chavo then yelled instructions to Gallows while he propped Tommy up on the table leaning in the corner. Gallows went to the opposite side of the ring and charged to hit a splash through Dreamer, through the table. Styles called this a travesty while Tazz reiterated that it's all legal. Chavo went for the cover but the crowd erupted when Dreamer kicked out.
Chavo and Gallows couldn't believe it and Chavo pointed at the table that was on the outside. Gallows dragged a limp Dreamer near that table and put him on it. Chavo went to the top rope and was going to hit a Frog Splash but as Chavo began to jump, Tommy shoved Gallows away and moved at the last second! Chavo went right through the table and Dreamer was back in it.
The crowd chanted “Holy $#!*” as Styles hit his classic “OH MY GODDDDDDDD.” Gallows had none of it though and after quickly checking on Chavo, he went right back to striking away on Dreamer. Dreamer rolled himself back into the ring and Gallows entered with him. Gallows charged to hit a big boot but Dreamer ducked and Gallows crotched himself on the top rope. Tommy then grabbed one of the chairs still in the ring and just chucked it at Gallows' face. The big man fell right off the ropes and out of the ring.
Dreamer stumbled out and got Chavo and rolled him back in the ring. Tommy placed Chavo in the 'Tree of Woe' in the corner and placed a chair in front of Chavo's face. Dreamer would hit his signature dropkick into the chair, into Chavo's face. Dreamer then let out a yell as he posed with his arms out. Gallows was starting to get up on the outside and Dreamer went on the apron and hit a cannonball senton to knock Gallows off his feet again.
Dreamer got back into the ring, picked Chavo up, and hit him with a 'Spicoli Driver' on the couple of chairs that were left unmoved after Dreamer was chokeslammed through it. Dreamer made the cover, 1...2...3! Dreamer has done it! The crowd starts chanting Dreamer's name as Scott Armstrong hands him the ECW Title. Dreamer starts getting emotional as he holds the championship.
WINNER: TOMMY DREAMER VIA PINFALL IN 11:57 ***NEW ECW CHAMPION***
Replays of the action are shown before Dreamer continues his celebration. Dreamer goes over to the ECW announce table where Joey Styles and Tazz are giving him a standing ovation and Dreamer hugs both of them. Styles is also emotional as he says “They call him Tommy Dreamer...and tonight, his dream came true!” Dreamer proudly walks up the ramp, displaying his newly won ECW Championship as the camera goes backstage.
ORTON OVERCONFIDENT (85%) Todd Grisham is back at again and this time he has the 2008 Royal Rumble Winner, Randy Orton. Grisham wants to know Orton's thoughts ahead of his Main Event WWE Championship Match against John Cena. Grisham specifically asks if he's got a plan with Legacy banned from ringside and Orton cuts him off. Orton tell Grisham that first off he's rubbing him the wrong way with his “journalism.” Secondly, Orton says he doesn't need DiBiase or Hennig to beat John Cena. Orton claims that while he's called the 'Legend Killer,' some may say he's already a legend himself. Orton lists his accomplishments like being the youngest World Heavyweight Champion of all time, how he's been the sole survivor on multiple occasions at Survivor Series, and the reason he's here tonight, the winner of this year's Royal Rumble. Orton continues that whether anyone likes it or not, the 'Age of Orton' begins tonight when he beats John Cena 1...2...3!
MATCH 8: LONDON & KENDRICK © vs. CRYME TYME vs. THE WORLD'S GREATEST TAG TEAM vs. CARLITO & PRIMO
FATAL 4-WAY ELIMINATION MATCH FOR THE WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP (79%, 3*) The next contest was the Fatal 4-Way World Tag Team Championship Elimination Match. All four teams came to the ring and the rules for this match had two people start the match and could tag in anyone they wanted. Brian Kendrick and Primo were the two that decided to begin, and the match was underway.
Kendrick got the early advantage on Primo and it resulted in Primo tagging in Charlie Haas, who did not appreciate it. Haas and Kendrick traded some chain moves until Kendrick almost pulled off a stunning elimination with a crazy crucifix pin attempt. Haas grounded Kendrick after that and he and Shelton Benjamin started to methodically pick away at Kendrick in their corner.
Benjamin went for a splash but Kendrick moved and tagged in JTG, who came into the match on fire, knocking both Benjamin and Haas down. JTG then hit a swinging neckbreaker on Benjamin before getting a near-fall. JTG tagged in big Shad, who stomped away at Shelton in their corner. Shad had Shelton up for a slam but Benjamin slid out the back door and tagged in Carlito.
Carlito could be heard mouthing “That's not cool” at Shelton as he charged at Shad only to get hit with a big boot. Shad hit a sidewalk slam on Carlito but a pin attempt was broken up by Primo. Shad then went after Primo, who pulled the top rope down, causing Shad to spill to the outside. Primo tagged in but stayed on the apron and hit a springboard moonsault onto Shad on the outside.
Carlito then came over and this prompted JTG to also enter the fray. The match was breaking down on the outside as now Haas & Benjamin joined the party. A member of each team were fighting in a trio when the World Tag Team Champs decided to take to the air and hit stereo suicide dives to take out everyone. London and Kendrick rolled Primo back in the ring and London tagged Shad, who was leaning on the apron, to make himself legal. London then connected with a Shooting Star Press and pinned Primo to eliminate the brothers.
CARLITO & PRIMO ELIMINATED VIA PINFALL IN 6:33
There was no time to celebrate the elimination though as Charlie Haas came back in and hit London from behind. Haas also sent a charging Kendrick over the top rope. Haas assumed being legal by entering the ring and started wearing down London with his technical prowess. Haas hit a trifecta of German Suplexes before locking in an inverted Cloverleaf. After being in it for over a minute, London got to the bottom rope to force a break.
Haas tagged in Benjamin and set up London on the rope for Benjamin to hit the leapfrog stun gun but London countered by headscissoring Haas over the top rope. London then avoided a charging Benjamin with a somersault roll and tagged in JTG. Once again, JTG came in on fire, knocking Benjamin down with a couple of running forearms. JTG then hit the 'Mug Shot' facebuster but when he went to tag in Shad, Charlie Haas pulled the big man off the apron and it caused him to bounce his head off of it.
JTG then tried to stop Haas but Haas was able to hang JTG off the top rope. Haas then shoved Shad into the steel ring post before Benjamin got to his feet, hit a splash in the corner, and then put away JTG with a T-Bone Suplex. Benjamin made the cover and we were down to two teams.
CRYME TYME ELIMINATED VIA PINFALL IN 10:21
London & Kendrick vs. The World's Greatest Tag Team was left remaining and London entered the ring to square off with Benjamin. The two exchanged moves until London caught Benjamin's leg but Shelton was able to turn it into his 'Dragon Whip' kick. Both men were down but Shelton was up first and tagged Haas in. Shelton then prevented London from making the tag by hitting Kendrick with a cheap shot, knocking him off the apron.
The World's Greatest Tag Team started to celebrate by arrogantly motioning to the crowd that they are going to be strapping the Tag Titles around their waist. Once again, Haas got London set up for the leapfrog stun gun but this time, Brian Kendrick came out of nowhere and hit a springboard front dropkick to Benjamin as started his jump. The impact took Benjamin out of the ring and Haas was confused as to what just happened.
The hesitation allowed London to hit a backward kick on Haas, sending him stumbling back. Kendrick then hit 'Sliced Bread #2' on Haas and told London to get into the corner. Kendrick tagged London and Haas was in the perfect position for London to hit a 450 Splash on Haas. The crowd popped for London breaking out the 450 and he made the pin to get the win and retain for his team.
THE WORLD'S GREATEST TAG TEAM ELIMINATED VIA PINFALL IN 13:54
The crowd cheered and gave London & Kendrick their props as the exciting tag team had pulled off another exciting defense of their championships.
WINNERS: LONDON & KENDRICK VIA PINFALL IN 13:54
WILL THE STREAK END? (97%) JR and King threw it back over to Cole and The Cat. Cole said that next, it is one of the most anticipated matches of the night as 'The Rated-R Superstar' Edge will try to end The Undertaker's WrestleMania undefeated streak. This leads into a video package highlighting the long-standing feud between the two. It started when Edge cashed in Money In The Bank on Undertaker last year, and has gone through a bunch of twists and turns, including a Hell In A Cell Match. Will Edge be the one to end the streak?
MATCH 9: THE UNDERTAKER vs. EDGE (96%, 4.5*) “Metalingus” by Alter Bridge hits and Edge makes his way out. Edge does his pose on stage to let a huge fireworks display go off. Edge looks like he is locked in as he enters the ring and awaits 'The Deadman.' The lights go down around the stadium and an ominous chill comes across the Citrus Bowl as druids start entering with lighted torches. The druids are doing their chant and the camera shows Edge in the ring with an apprehensive look. The gong then hits and The Undertaker makes his way out. Once on the top step, Taker raises his arms and the lights come back on. Taker removes his hat and rolls his eyes back as Edge continues to just stare down Taker.
Referee Nick Patrick rings the bell and Taker does his cut-throat taunt as the match begins. Edge shows he's not intimidated and shoves Taker before ducking a right by 'The Deadman.' Edge punches Taker back into the corner but then tried to whip him into the opposite corner. Taker reverses and when Edge comes out of the corner, he is dropped with a clothesline. Taker then bounces Edge's head off the top turnbuckle and then starts striking away at him in the corner.
Taker then wrenches Edge's arm and hits a couple of shoulder thrusts before climbing the turnbuckle to try for 'Old School.' Edge counters and pulls Taker off but 'The Deadman' lands on his feet and turns it into an arm drag. Taker went into the opposite corner and charged to smash Edge in the corner but Edge moved and Taker's momentum carried him over the top rope and out of the ring.
Taker slowly got up, holding his back but when he tried to re-enter the ring, Edge ran into him, sending Taker off the apron and into the ringside barrier. Edge then went to the outside and punished Taker using the ring apron to push his back against it. Edge got Taker back in the ring and hit strikes to knock him into the corner. Edge then hit a shoulder thrust into Taker's ribs. Edge beat down Taker for a little bit until Taker bounced back with a right hand. Edge then shut the rally down with a dropkick.
Edge then went to the high-risk district but Taker got to his feet and shoved Edge off the top rope, causing 'The Rated-R Superstar' to splat on the floor below. Taker then lined up and hit his over-the-top rope suicide dive. The crowd jumped for that and both men were now down and being counted out. At a count of 6, Taker rolled Edge back in the ring and went in to quickly break the count. Edge's head hung over the apron and Taker booted him before getting on the apron and hitting his signature apron-draping leg drop.
Taker held his back as he went for a cover but Edge kicked out at 2. Taker then lined up for a 'Last Ride' but Edge got out of it when Taker had trouble lifting him up. Taker went off the ropes but Edge countered with a big boot. Edge made the cover but it was a near-fall. Edge then stomped on Taker, forcing him out of the ring. Edge picked Taker up and dropped him back-first on the ringside barricade. After rolling him back into the ring, Edge went for another pinfall but Taker kicked out at 2.
Edge started to get frustrated but he went right back on the attack and applied a single-leg Boston Crab. Taker writhed in pain as Edge was smartly focusing on Taker's back with the submission. Taker reached for the ropes but they were too far away. Eventually, Taker rolled over to his stomach and kicked Edge off of him. The two then began to trade blows for almost a minute as the crowd cheered for Taker, and booed for Edge.
Taker got the upper hand and Cole mentioned how you don't want to get in a boxing match with Taker. Taker punched Edge into the corner and then hit two corner splashes. After the second one, Edge stumbled out of the corner and Taker picked him up and dropped him over the turnbuckle to hit 'Snake Eyes' but credit to Edge as he hit a dropkick to counter a charging Taker. Edge got a near-fall and then went to the middle rope but Taker caught him around the throat. Edge kicked his way out of a chokeslam and whipped Taker off the ropes.
However, Taker dodged the right, and when Edge turned around, Taker grabbed him around the throat. Taker lifted Edge up but 'The Rated-R Superstar' countered it into an 'Edgecution.' 1...2...Taker just kicks out! Cole stated that the streak was almost over right there. Edge started running his hands through his hair in frustration and went into the corner. Edge charged to hit a Spear but Taker got a knee up to counter. Edge fell back and then turned into a chokeslam. Taker makes the cover, 1...2...NO! Edge kicks out.
Taker is now the one in disbelief, wondering what he has to do to put Edge away as Cole says he has to give the devil his due. Taker grabs Edge's arm again and attempts 'Old School' but Edge hits the ropes and Taker gets crotched on the top rope. Edge then hits a Superplex and both men are down in the middle of the ring. Edge gets an arm over Taker but 'The Deadman' kicks out again.
Edge then placed Taker in the corner and climbed up the ropes. Edge started raining down corner punches to Taker and after getting to 9, he put the devil horns up to taunt but Taker grabbed him and went for a 'Last Ride' out of the corner. However, when Taker lifted Edge up, Edge slid out the back and hit a neckbreaker on Taker but Taker kicked out again. Edge started pounding the mat, feeling like it was impossible to put 'The Deadman' away.
Edge sent Taker off the ropes but Edge had his head down for a potential back body drop and Taker countered with a kick to the face. Taker then booted Edge in the gut and nailed a 'Last Ride.' Taker took a couple of seconds to make the cover and Edge barely got the shoulder up. Taker then signaled for a 'Tombstone' as he had enough and gave Edge a cut-throat motion. Taker got Edge up but Edge slid behind Taker again and hit the 'Edge-O-Matic.' Counter after counter but Taker kicked out again.
Edge started pummeling Taker in the corner and stomped him down to a seated position. Edge taunted again and Taker grabbed Edge around the throat. Taker got to his feet and flung Edge into the corner before hitting a ton of strikes. Taker finally got up and hit 'Old School' on Edge. Taker then went off the ropes and looked for a big boot but Edge ducked and Taker knocked out Nick Patrick.
Edge then hit Taker with an inverted DDT and realized the referee was down. Sure enough, moments later Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder come running down the ramp. Cole bemoaned the eventual interference and Edge instructed his goons to throw in some steel chairs. Edge grabbed one and hit Taker with a chair shot to the head. Ryder then slid in another chair and Edge was going to go for a 'Con-Chair-To' but just as he was setting up...
IT'S KANE! “Slow Chemical” by Finger Eleven hits and 'The Big Red Machine' is back for revenge. Hawkins and Ryder get out of the ring and run down the ramp, only to get taken out by Kane. Kane gets on the apron and Edge runs at him with the chair but Kane grabs him around the throat. Edge drops the chair but hits Kane with an elbow that breaks his grasp. Unfortunately for Edge, he turns around to a hand on his throat and Taker hits a thunderous chokeslam.
Taker gives Kane a nod and Kane starts walking back up the ramp, chasing Hawkins and Ryder off. Taker signals for another 'Tombstone' and this time spikes Edge on the mat. Referee Nick Patrick was slowly coming too and Taker crossed Edge's arms and got the three-count to move to 16-0 at WrestleMania.
WINNER: THE UNDERTAKER VIA PINFALL IN 20:40
The Undertaker has done it again and a recap of the match is shown as Cole and Cat narrate over the replays. Back live and the lights are back down. Undertaker goes down on one knee and does his pose as his illustrious WrestleMania undefeated streak is still alive. We also see Kane at the top of the stage nodding his head, after helping his brother fight off the Rated-R Entourage.
GIVE ME A HELL, GIVE ME A YEAH! (85%) A video played highlighting WrestleMania Axxess, which took place over the last two days and allowed fans to have an interactive experience with the stars of the WWE. When the action returned, Tony Chimel announced the attendance for this year's WrestleMania, a record-breaking 74,635! After fireworks went off around the top of the Citrus Bowl, Chimel also welcomed the band, Rev Theory, who would be playing their hit single, the official theme of WrestleMania XXIV, “Hell Yeah.” Rev Theory begins their live performance and in the second chorus, the screen behind lights up with Ashley Massaro's titantron. Ashley makes her way out and goes over to the band, kissing the lead singer on the cheek. The rest of her team come out and make their entrance to the rest of “Hell Yeah.”
MATCH 10: MICHELLE MCCOOL, ASHLEY MASSARO, CANDICE MICHELLE, KELLY KELLY, TORRIE WILSON, and MARIA vs. VICTORIA, MELINA, MARYSE, TALIA MADISON, LAYLA, and BROOKE (65%, 1*) Victoria's music hits after a delay and the heel team of Divas make their way out. Victoria is not impressed by the live-music play-in and knocks over one of the drummer's cymbals as Rev Theory and crew are cleaning up. Once in the ring, Kelly Kelly and Maryse start the action.
Maryse got the upper hand in the exchange and dragged Kelly Kelly into her corner. Brooke was tagged in, hit a couple of stomps, and then tagged her friend Layla in. Layla hit a snapmare on Kelly Kelly and a dropkick to the back of her head before tagging in Talia Madison. Madison applied a chinlock but Kelly Kelly eventually fought out of it and hit a sitout facebuster.
Ashley Massaro was then tagged in and resumed her feud with Talia Madison, knocking her down with a spear and following up with rights and lefts. Talia rolled out of the ring to avoid more damage and this is where things broke down. Divas started fighting all over the ring and ECW Referee, John Cone could not control the chaos.
One by one, ladies started entering the ring and everyone was hitting big moves. Maria hit a bulldog on Brooke, Layla a sitout neckbreaker on Maria. Candice got in the ring and dropped Layla with a 'Candy Wrapper' before Melina caught her with a roundhouse kick to the head.
Kelly Kelly then got in the ring and knocked Melina into the corner before hitting her handspring back elbow smash. Melina fell into the corner and Torrie Wilson entered the ring to give Melina a 'Stinkface.' It was all fun and games until Maryse and Victoria entered the ring and took both of them out. Victoria clotheslined Torrie over the top rope, while Maryse hit her snap DDT on Kelly Kelly.
Michelle McCool and Ashley re-entered the ring and were getting the best of Victoria and Maryse until Talia put them at a disadvantage. Victoria knocked Ashley down and had Maryse and Talia hold Michelle by her arms. Victoria was about to attack when McCool escaped the clutches by elbowing her way out and hitting a big boot to Victoria. McCool then hit the 'Wings of Love' on Maryse before Ashley got a hold of Talia.
The face team was in control as they had all won their little scuffles on the outside and after taking Talia back down with a headscissors, Ashley went to the top rope to hit her 'Starstruck' elbow drop and make the pin to give her team the victory.
WINNERS: MICHELLE MCCOOL, ASHLEY MASSARO, CANDICE MICHELLE, KELLY KELLY, TORRIE WILSON, and MARIA VIA PINFALL IN 6:12
WHO IS MR. WRESTLEMANIA? (96%) JR and King resumed commentary duties and as the screen graphics showed Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels next, JR and King discussed until a video package played. The video showed highlights of 'The Heartbreak Kid' Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania and how he has always been 'The Showstopper.' The rest of the feud was highlighted, including the war of words the two legends have had for one another, and their past battles in the ring. Whether friend or enemy, Triple H wants to prove to the world that he is better than HBK.
MATCH 11: TRIPLE H vs. SHAWN MICHAELS (98%, 5*) “The Game” by Motorhead hits first and Triple H made his entrance. At the end of the ramp, the camera did a full 360 around him as fireworks went off at the top of the stadium. Triple H finished his entrance with his signature water spit before putting his arms up on the top rope. “Sexy Boy” then hit and Shawn Michaels made his entrance. HBK got down on his knees and set off an even more impressive fireworks display that had HHH scowling in the ring. Referee Jack Doan called for the bell and this dream match was underway.
The crowd was already making noise before anything happened and HHH and HBK took in the atmosphere. Eventually, the two locked up and Triple H pushed HBK back into the corner before he was asked to break. On the second lock-up, Michaels sent Hunter back and then broke but Triple H shoved HBK. Michaels came back with a chop and after grimacing in pain, HHH struck back with a right hand. The two then started teeing off on each other like it was a hockey fight and the crowd was going nuts.
Triple H won the exchange and knocked HBK into the corner and continued to punch away but HBK countered and put HHH into the corner and hit a couple of rights and a chop. The two traded control of striking in the corner until HBK got the upper hand and punched HHH back to the middle of the ring. Triple H then caught Shawn with a knee to the gut and whipped him off the ropes but Michaels hit a Thesz Press and rained down some punches on Hunter. Triple H threw him off but when he used the ropes to get up, HBK clotheslined him out to the floor.
Michaels was pumped up and played to the crowd before going over to HHH but Trips grabbed HBK's legs and pulled him out of the ring. The two started trading hands again but this time Hunter got the advantage and then tried to bounce HBK's head off the RAW announce table. Michaels blocked it though and made Triple H taste the table. Michaels broke the count and then fetched Triple H and rolled him back in the ring.
HBK went to the top rope and was going to hit a double-axe handle when Triple H got up but Hunter booted HBK on the way down. Triple H hooked Michaels' arms for a 'Pedigree' but HBK countered and flipped Triple H over the top rope. HBK then got on the apron and hit a springboard moonsault onto Triple H on the outside. King exclaimed that these guys are going to kill each other as the pace in this matchup has been non-stop since the start.
HBK rolls HHH back into the ring and goes to the top rope but misses an elbow drop and both men are now on the mat. Triple H then starts working on the right arm that HBK missed the elbow drop with. Hunter drops a knee on it, trying to hyperextend Shawn's arm. Triple H applies a hammerlock to a grounded Michaels and HBK is in agony. HBK starts working his way to his feet and breaks free of the hold. HBK then shoots Hunter off the ropes but gets caught with the facebreaker knee smash as Trips counters the back body drop.
HHH went for another 'Pedigree' but Michaels twisted out of it and countered into a back suplex. HBK went to the top rope and connected with the elbow drop. Michaels then hit a kip up and it was time to “tune the band.” Michaels starts stomping his foot in the corner, awaiting Triple H to rise but Hunter ducks the 'Sweet Chin Music' attempt and Triple H drops Shawn with a 'Double-A Spinebuster.' Triple H makes the cover but Michaels kicks out at 2.
Triple H doesn't waste any time and applies a Crossface on Michaels. JR says they don't call Triple H the 'Cerebral Assassin' for nothing as Hunter has HBK's bad arm was locked while wrenching back on Shawn's head and neck. HBK struggled to get to the ropes and HHH adjusted positioning on a couple of occasions. Finally, Michaels fought his way to the bottom rope to force the break.
Triple H gets HBK to his feet and sends him off the rope but Michaels counters with a flying forearm. HBK kips up again and this time he hits 'Sweet Chin Music' on Triple H but Hunter falls back through the middle rope and to the outside. HBK can't believe it as he reached out to keep HHH in the ring. Michaels went to the outside and rolled Hunter back into the ring. Michaels “tuned the band” up again but this time HHH ducked, booted HBK in the gut, and hit a 'Pedigree.'
HHH was not able to capitalize right away but slowly put an arm over HBK. 1...2...and HBK just kicked out. A fever pitch in the Citrus Bowl as this one is around the 15-minute mark and it's either guys' match to win. Triple H pulls HBK up and Michaels hits a flash 'Sweet Chin Music.' HBK slowly puts an arm over Triple H and at 2.9, Hunter kicks out! Both men are now down and have kicked out of each other's finishing move.
Both men start getting to their feet and are basically using the other to prop themselves up. Both men start trading blows in the middle of the ring and HBK wins the exchange. HBK sends Trips off the rope but Hunter catches Michaels with a running high knee. Triple H then attempts another 'Pedigree' but HBK has the wherewithal to hit a double-leg takedown and hit a jackknife pin. 1...2...and Triple H just barely escapes and the crowd gasps on the close call.
Both men get to their feet again but Triple H beats Michaels to the punch by getting another boot in. HHH hooks the arms again and this time hits the 'Pedigree.' Hunter makes the cover and gets the three-count to win an absolutely amazing match.
WINNER: TRIPLE H VIA PINFALL IN 21:01
“The Game” by Motorhead hits but it takes a minute for Triple H to get to his feet and have his hand raised. Replays of the match are shown as JR calls it a “one of the greatest professional wrestling matches I have ever seen.” After the replays, Shawn Michaels is starting to get to his feet and Triple H's music stops. The crowd gives the two a standing ovation as they stare at each other. They meet in the middle of the ring and Triple H extends a hand. HBK is clearly not happy about losing the match but after a delay, he shakes Hunter's hand and the two embrace in the ring. HBK leaves the ring and gives HHH the spotlight as the winner of this legendary contest.
BATTLE FOR BIG GOLD (93%) Michael Cole and Ernest 'The Cat' Miller are back on commentary and compliment both guys on an amazing match. Cole says we have another one coming up next as 'Y2J' Chris Jericho will defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Rey Mysterio. A video package plays showing how significant this match is with footage from their days battling in WCW. Mysterio's path to 'Mania is also highlighted as he won the Elimination Chamber Match. In this battle of former WCW Superstars, who will come out on top to win 'Big Gold?'
MATCH 12: CHRIS JERICHO © vs. REY MYSTERIO WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (89%, 4*) “Booyaka 619” by P.O.D. hit the Citrus Bowl and the challenger enters first. Mysterio, with Ironman-inspired gear, makes his way to the ring before the lights go down and the countdown clock begins. After the clock hits zero, a ton of pyro hits before “Break The Walls Down” plays. Y2J appears at the top of the ramp and does his spin to a loud ovation. Jericho gets to the ring and hands his World Title off to Referee Charles Robinson. After lifting the title high, Robinson rings the bell and the championship match is underway.
Jericho and Mysterio touch hands as a sign of respect and start off with a chain wrestling sequence. Mysterio is the first to get ahead in the match by using some luchador moves to catch Y2J off-guard with an arm drag. On the next go around, Jericho sent Rey off the ropes but Mysterio ducked the attack and sent Jericho out of the ring with a headscissors takedown. Y2J showed some frustration and smacked the apron before getting back in.
The two felt each other out until Jericho won the test of strength with Rey. However, Mysterio countered by pulling Jericho to the ground with him and using his feet to push himself up off of Jericho and Mysterio transitioned into a wheelbarrow bulldog. A quick cover got a 2 but Mysterio was impressive early on.
Rey got Jericho up and sent him off the ropes. Rey leapfrogged Y2J but on the rebound, Jericho connected with a spinning heel kick. Finally, Jericho had control and started to work on the surgically-repaired knee of Mysterio. Y2J dropped an elbow on the inside of the leg before wrenching on it a bit. Jericho then picked Rey up and dropped him with a pendulum backbreaker. Jericho went for a cover but Rey was quick to kick out at 2.
Jericho then tried to hit a suplex on Mysterio but Rey kneed Y2J in the head as he was lifted up. Mysterio turned it into a small package on the way down but Jericho escaped at 2. This led to a fun exchange of different pinning combinations, which all got near falls. Finally, Jericho had enough of it and hit Mysterio with a back elbow to slow the pace down.
With Mysterio down, Jericho saw it as a chance to hit a 'Lionsault' but Mysterio moved out of the way. Jericho did land on his feet, as he noticed in mid-rotation that Rey had moved but when he charged at Rey, Jericho was hit with a drop-toe hold and was draped over the middle rope. It was '619' time for Rey but before Rey could even get to the ropes, Jericho had removed himself from the situation and went out to the floor.
Mysterio then hit a baseball slide, knocking Y2J into the ringside barriers. Mysterio waited for Jericho to get to his feet and hit a vaulting body press to knock the champ down. Mysterio rolled Jericho back in the ring and waited on the apron for him to get to his feet but this time when Rey sprung off, Jericho was ready and caught his legs. Jericho then attempted to lock in the 'Walls of Jericho' but Mysterio fought out of it and swung his hips to send Jericho flipping.
Mysterio then jumped on Jericho's shoulders and attempted to twist into a hurricanrana but Jericho countered and it resulted in Y2J being in perfect position to transition into the 'Walls of Jericho.' Mysterio shrieked in pain as Y2J had his submission firmly locked in. Rey came close to getting to the bottom rope but Jericho pulled him back towards the center. Mysterio made another effort and this time he was able to spin onto his back.
Rey kicked Jericho off and when Y2J charged back at Rey, Mysterio hit another drop-toe hold. Mysterio went off the ropes to try and hit a '619' on Jericho but Jericho moved and Mysterio went through the ropes empty-handed. Rey regrouped on the apron and went to hit a springboard seated senton but Y2J caught Mysterio in mid-air with a dropkick. Jericho then waited until Rey got up and delivered his one-handed bulldog. Jericho hit the 'Lionsault' but Mysterio just made it out before the three-count.
Jericho was starting to get frustrated and waited for Mysterio to get to his feet. Y2J attempted a 'Codebreaker' but Mysterio was near the ropes and held on with one hand, causing Jericho to crash on the mat. Mysterio went to the top rope and connected with an Frog Splash but Jericho kicked out at 2. After channeling his late friend, Eddie Guerrero, Mysterio was now left wondering what he had to do to become new World Champ.
Mysterio grabbed Jericho and was looking for a Tornado DDT, using the ropes as a catapult but Y2J threw Mysterio off of him. Rey landed on his feet, like a cat, and when Jericho charged at him, Mysterio hit a low-dropkick to Jericho's knee. Y2J was now perched on the middle rope again and Mysterio connected with the '619.' The impact knocked Jericho back but he stayed on his feet and bounced off the rope on the opposite side.
Mysterio went ahead with a springboard but Jericho hit the counter of the century and caught Rey on the way down with a 'Codebreaker.' The crowd roared and Cole and Cat couldn't believe it. Jericho made his way over to hook the leg and got the 1...2...3!
WINNER: CHRIS JERICHO VIA PINFALL IN 14:44
“Break The Walls Down” plays as Y2J retains his World Heavyweight Championship. Another amazing match as replays of the action are shown. The live shot cuts back to Jericho holding his title high while Mysterio is holding his head in a seated position in the corner. Jericho goes over to Rey and offers to help him up out of the corner but Mysterio declines. Y2J realizes Rey probably wants a moment and gets down on a knee to offer words of encouragement. Jericho can be heard saying that he was proud of the match they put on and how the two of them represented WCW in the best way. Jericho offers a hand again and Rey gets up and the two shake hands before Mysterio raises Jericho's arm. Once again, the crowd is giving both men a round of applause and Mysterio exits the ring to allow Jericho to revel in his win.
CENA/ORTON MAIN EVENT HYPE (95%) JR and King take over and it is time for the WrestleMania XXIV Main Event. JR states that the respect we just saw in the amazing World Title Match will not be a factor in this one as the champ, John Cena, takes on Randy Orton for the WWE Championship. A video package then plays highlighting the feud between the two stars. Orton won the 2008 Royal Rumble and started a new faction called Legacy on his way to this moment. Meanwhile, Cena has been taking on all challengers for over a year now and is looking to keep his long title reign going. Will that be the case or will the 'Age of Orton' begin tonight?
***MAIN EVENT*** MATCH 13: JOHN CENA © vs. RANDY ORTON WWE CHAMPIONSHIP (89%, 3*) “Burn In My Light” hits and Randy Orton enters first. Orton is alone as the rest of Legacy is barred from ringside. Orton sets off his shower of sparks at the top of the entrance ramp before entering the ring. A marching band then comes out on the stage and plays “My Time Is Now” signaling the entrance of WWE Champion, John Cena. Cena runs to the ring and runs off the ropes before lifting his fists up in the air to the crowd. Referee Mike Chioda is the man presiding over the Main Event and Cena hands him the WWE Title. Lillian Garcia does introductions and after Chioda lifts the championship high, the bell is rung to start the WrestleMania XXIV Main Event.
The match begins with the two circling each other before locking up. Cena goes behind Orton with a waistlock and drops him to the mat. Cena goes for a pin right away but Orton quickly gets out and stares at Cena. The two go to lock up again but Orton feigns and kicks Cena in the gut. Orton then clubs Cena in the back of the neck and knocks him to his knees. Orton stomps on Cena's head and rains down some strikes on the champ.
Cena tries pulling himself up in the corner but Orton is there to continue to hit him with punches. Orton goes to whip Cena but Cena reverses and after Orton bounces off the turnbuckles, Cena hits his bulldog. Cena then picks up Orton and sends him off the ropes before hitting him with a back elbow. Cena follows it up by dropping an elbow and making a pin attempt to get a near fall.
Cena shot Orton off the ropes again but telegraphed a back body drop and Orton stopped and kicked Cena in the face. Orton then took Cena down with a clothesline and tried his own cover to get a two-count. Cena pulled himself up with the ropes but Orton continued with strikes and Cena ended up getting caught in between the ropes. Orton pounded away until Cena fell to the canvas.
Orton did his pose to the crowd and went to retrieve Cena but Cena hung Orton off the top rope. Cena went to the top and hit his 'Blockbuster' leg drop, and made the cover, 1...2..and Orton kicked out. Cena sent Orton into the corner and charged at him but Orton countered by getting his elbow up, dazing Cena. Orton punched Cena and caused him to fall near the ropes. Orton then used the ropes to choke Cena until Mike Chioda forced the break before the count of 5.
Orton taunted Cena and pointed to the crowd as Cena used Orton's body to pull himself up. However, Cena got a second wind and picked up Orton for an 'F-U' attempt. Orton scrambled and slid out before slowing down Cena's momentum with a nasty uppercut. Orton then slowed the pace down by methodically stomping on Cena. Orton stomped on both legs, both arms and the midsection of the champ.
Orton then lowered his knee pad and lined up for a jumping knee drop on Cena's face but Cena moved out of the way. Cena punched Orton into a corner and then Irish Whipped him into the opposite corner. Cena charged in after him but was overzealous and Orton moved, causing Cena to hit his sternum off the turnbuckle. Orton capitalized and applied a side headlock before taking Cena down to the mat.
Orton grounded Cena and despite a couple of attempts to get back to a vertical basis, Orton kept the headlock cinched in and Cena was fading. The crowd was behind the champ as Referee Chioda grabbed Cena's hand to start a count. Cena pushed Chioda's hand away and started to re-energize. Cena got back to his feet and slowly lifted Orton's hands away before completely breaking. Orton tried to hit a quick clothesline but Cena ducked, went off the ropes, and hit Orton with a flying shoulder block.
Cena continued with another one before Orton swung and missed, and Cena hit his classic spin-out powerbomb. Orton would then look to the crowd as he did the “You Can't See Me' taunt to Orton. Cena went off the ropes and hit the 'Five-Knuckle Shuffle.' When Orton staggered back to his feet, Cena lifted him up for an 'F-U' but Orton desperately slid off and rolled to the outside.
Cena went to leave the ring but Orton yelled at Mike Chioda to hold Cena back. Cena had a smirk on his face seeing Orton cowering and challenged him to re-enter the ring. Orton had an angry look on his face and the two started to box each other with some right hands. Cena got the upper hand and sent Orton off the ropes but Orton held onto Cena's hand and countered into his signature inverted headlock backbreaker.
Orton then placed Cena on the top rope and scaled the turnbuckle to hit a Superplex but Cena knocked Orton off. Cena then went for another 'Blockbuster' but Orton dodged it and Cena landed on his rear. Orton then slithered over to the middle of the ring and was stalking Cena. Orton waited until Cena got up and attempted an 'RKO' but Cena countered into a back suplex. Orton rolled over on his stomach after the impact and it was the worst thing for him as Cena locked in the 'STFU.'
The crowd popped as Orton started flailing around, needing to get to the ropes to continue his quest to win the WWE Title. Orton looked like he was about to tap on a couple of different occasions but he continued to scratch and claw until he got his hand on the bottom rope. JR credited Orton for his toughness, saying you don't have to like the guy but he's showing some heart.
Cena was now waiting for Orton to get to his feet and once he did, Cena picked up Orton for an 'F-U.' Orton held onto the ropes but Cena pulled him away. In doing so, Orton kicked Referee Mike Chioda, knocking him to the ground. Cena did not realize and hit the 'F-U' but when he went for the cover, he got no count. The crowd counted and Cena would have won the match. Cena checked on Chioda but he was out.
Moments later, two men in hoodies jumped into the ring from the crowd and started attacking Cena. It was Legacy's Ted DiBiase Jr. and Joe Hennig. JR yelled that they were not supposed to be out here and like a pack of wolves, they started beating down Cena. Orton started to recover and noticed what was happening. Orton directed traffic and told Legacy to hold Cena's arms back. Orton was about to do more punishment when Cody Rhodes ran into the ring with a steel chair!
DiBiase Jr. and Hennig fled the ring and Orton pleaded with Rhodes to back off. Cody had been sick of Legacy and wanted to ensure that there was no interference. The crowd wanted Cody to hit Orton with the steel chair but he didn't. Cena started to get to his feet and when he turned to face everyone, CODY RHODES CRACKED HIM IN THE HEAD WITH THE STEEL CHAIR!
JR: “NO...NO DAMNIT WHY CODY?” Orton and the rest of Legacy initially look shocked at what just happened but moments later, Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes shake hands and embrace! King has no clue what to make of this as JR is incredulous. Cody hands Orton the steel chair and Orton hits Cena over the back a few more times. Mike Chioda is starting to stir and Orton tells Legacy to get to the back.
Cena is slowly trying to get to his feet and Orton realizes this is his moment. Orton goes into the opposite corner and lines up for the punt kick. Orton charges and punts Cena in the head. JR yells but nothing can be done about this. Orton makes the cover and Chioda slowly counts the 1...2...3!
WINNER: RANDY ORTON VIA PINFALL IN 20:02 ***NEW WWE CHAMPION***
“Burn In My Light” hits and Randy Orton is handed the WWE Championship. JR yells that this is a travesty but Randy Orton has fulfilled his goal of becoming the WWE Champion. Replays of the match are shown, including Legacy's interference, and Cody Rhodes turning heel by smashing Cena over the head with a steel chair. JR is still trying to comprehend what happened as Legacy hits the ring to celebrate with Orton. DiBiase Jr. and Hennig help to fit the belt around Orton's waist and the final shot of WrestleMania shows Orton posing on the top rope as fireworks go off around the Citrus Bowl.
FINAL WRESTLEMANIA XXIV RATING (90% – 1,186,741 PPV BUYS)--------------------
(OOC: And there you have it! WrestleMania XXIV!!! I want to thank everyone for participating in the predictions and being involved with this! I am now going to take a break and transfer everything to my new computer!)
CONTEST RESULTS
We had a three way tie at the top between: shfz , Moore , and MoonchildRoddy who all scored 11 pts.
mitas8 came in with 10 pts., armandopayne94 had 9, Asaemon had 8, and mistersocko rounded it out with 7.
The bonus question answers were: 1. The Rock, 2. 4 Title Changes, 3. 2 Ref Bumps, 4. 4 Table Breaks, and 5. HHH vs. HBK
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