So in honor of the other half of "The World's Greatest Journalistic Tag Team," we debut a new feature!
Today marks 11 days until "The Showcase of the Immortals," WrestleMania 28. So over the next 11 days, we are going to go back and look at the last 11 WrestleManias. First up is...
WrestleMania X-Seven
April 1, 2001
Reliant Astrodome- Houston, TX
In my opinion, the greatest 'Mania of all time. Many say it was the end of the "Attitude Era." (if you don't know what that is by now, check out this.) If it was, it went out with a bang. Let's rundown the match card...
1. Chris Jericho vs. William Regal for the WWF Intercontinental Championship
Before the Invasion angle, this was Y2J's best feud in the WWF. I mean who could forget this...
Jericho would go on to win this match and ride a wave of momentum through the rest of 2001 and into WrestleMania X8 (you'll find out what happened there tomorrow).
2. Tazz and the APA vs. The Right to Censor
Ok, for those you who may not get this rivalry, let me put it this way. Tazz and the APA are like Skinamax--um, sorry, I mean Cinemax After Dark, and the Right to Censor was the Parents Television Council. Now, which side would you choose?
By hook or crook, Tazz and the APA beat the living hell out of ROC, and the group started to fade out afterwards.
3. Kane vs Raven vs The Big Show for the WWF Hardcore Championship
Ok, this was extreme, even for "Attitude Era" standards. Fighting all over the arena, hitting each other with everything, including the kitchen sink, and this...
Kane won after pushing the Big Show and Raven off the stage and jumping off the stage afterwards for good measure.
4. Eddie Guerrero vs. Test for WWF European Championship
Yes, I know most of you had no freaking clue what the European Championship is, was or ever existed. Google it. And yes, even in 2001, Eddie was lying, cheating and stealing...
And Eddie stole that match and that belt too. RIP Eddie and Test.
5. Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit
Ok, first off I have to put this disclaimer out.
**Yes, I know Chris Benoit died in a murder-suicide, taking the life of his wife and son. No, I do not agree with his actions at all and mental or not, should not be taken lightly. But, in the ring, do I think he was the best technical wrestler of his time? You are damn right. All the legal stuff aside, I was and still am a huge fan of the man who was called the "Rabid Wolverine" and the "Crippler."**
Now, that's done, what do you get with a "Rabid Wolverine" facing an Olympic Gold Medalist in wrestling? An classic, an epic 'Mania match.
Angle won this one, and the two would fight many more times, including the 1st Ultimate Submission match.
6. Chyna vs Ivory for the WWF Woman's Championship
Before Chyna became a pornstar, she was the "9th Wonder of the World" and the most dominant diva of the "Attitude Era." In her return to the ring, Chyna faced Ivory of "The Right to Censor" (damn, I thought we passed that part of the review...).
And oh my goodness, did Chyna ever beat down the woman that tried to end her career, and took the title in the process.
7. Shane McMahon vs. Vince McMahon in a Street Fight with Mick Foley as Special Referee
This is like Family Feud on steroids. Shane bought WCW under his father's nose. Vince commits several infidelities including Trish Stratus. Linda is comatose after Vince says he wants a divorce. Sounds dysfunctional to me. And who better to ref the match, than the most dysfunctional man in the WWF, Mick Foley.
Shane would win the Street Fight, but Vince would win the war in November.
8. Edge and Christian vs The Dudley Boyz vs The Hardy Boyz for the WWF Tag Team Championship in TLC II.
This is one of those matches that was so good. You just need to watch.
Edge and Christian win one of the greatest matches in WM history.
9. The Gimmick Battle Royal
Oh, God where do I start? Hillbilly Jim, The Iron Sheik, Doink the Clown for Heaven's sake?!
The Iron Sheik wins, and we get "Mean Gene" and "The Brain" on commentary. We're good.
10. Undertaker vs Triple H
Ever wonder where this rivalry that has spanned two 'Mania's now started? Here's your answer:
If you don't know who won this match, there's no hope for you.
11. Stone Cold-The Rock II for the WWF Championship
Stone Cold won part one at WrestleMania 15 in Philly. Many predicted that Rocky would get round 2 in Houston. But what happened at the end of this match, no one saw coming.
Stone Cold joined his enemy as he screwed The Rock to win the title. But Rocky got payback at the 2001 Survivor Series and WrestleMania 19.
Believe me now? Best PPV of all time! Every match had a point and everyone was on their game.
Join me (and hopefully Matt) tomorrow as we look back at WrestleMania X8 from Toronto. But until then...
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