Wrestlemania Countdown: Match Countdown #152-120

More of The Undertaker’s streak, a battle royal, and the real main event of Wrestlemania 23.
152. The Undertaker (w/Paul Bearer) defeated Jake Roberts (6:36) (Wrestlemania 8 )
Match Quality: .5/10
Historical Significance: 2/5
Entertainment Value: 3/10
Total: 6.5/25
Analysis: Anyone who’s seen the Jake Roberts DVD knows that Roberts allegedly held Vince McMahon up before this show for his release. Based on how this match went, I’m almost glad he did leave. Other than a cameo a few years later Roberts did not look good as this entire match appeared to move in slow motion. These six minutes felt like about 15 to 20. Incredibly these two used to be pseudo tag team partners. Undertaker was becoming so popular, they actually had to turn him babyface by saving Elizabeth from being hit by Roberts with a chair. Why Taker would do that is anyone’s guess, but he’s a babyface now and would remain so for the next seven years. Like I said, this match is pretty wretched but the tombstone on the floor was pretty definitive. Don’t see that very often and it added something to a bad match.
151. The Iron Sheik won a Gimmick Battle Royal featuring: Luke Williams, Butch Miller, Duke Droese, Doink the Clown, Nikolai Volkoff, Tugboat, The Goon, Earthquake, Gobbledy Gooker, Hillbilly Jim, Brother Love, Michael Hayes, One Man Gang, Kamala, Kim Chee, Jim Cornette, Repo Man, and Sgt. Slaughter. (3:05) (Wrestlemania 17)
Match Quality: 0/10
Historical Significance: 3/5
Entertainment Value: 4/10
Total: 7/25
Analysis: This was a nice excuse to get some guys out there who fans hadn’t seen in a while. I know I’ll take some flak for putting this up so high, but what the hell? It was great seeing all these old guys and even better seeing Gene Okerlund and Bobby Heenan getting a chance to return. The match itself sucked and the eliminations came way too quickly, but it was a cool few minutes of nostalgia.
150. Tournament First Round: Rick Rude (w/Bobby Heenan) fought Jake Roberts to a time-limit draw (15:00)(Wrestlemania 4)
Match Quality: 3/10
Historical Significance: 1/5
Entertainment Value: 2/10
Total: 7/25
Analysis: Every other first round match started out quickly and the guys seemed to understand the 15 minute time limit. It was obvious from the first chinlock that this contest was going the full 15. First of all, it was obvious Rude wasn’t winning since in an interview with Bobby Heenan, they didn’t even bother to mention one of his guys had a chance at the championship. I know he was wrestling a grudge six man tag later, but come on. The crowd even knew what was up since they were quite restless throughout and I even heard “boring” chants. Roberts managed to wake everyone up with his effort, so the match isn’t a total loss. Even Heenan wasn’t his usual bombastic self in this match. Bad effort all around.
149. Money Incorporated (Ted DiBiase and Irwin R. Schyster) defeated The Mega-Maniacs (Hulk Hogan and Brutus Beefcake) (w/Jimmy Hart) by disqualification to retain the WWF Tag Team Championship (18:27) (Wrestlemania 9)
Match Quality: 3/10
Historical Significance: 2/5
Entertainment Value: 2/10
Total: 7/25
Analysis: As bad as Wrestlemania 9 was, this match began the downward spiral into legendary badness. In no way conceivable should this match have gone 18 minutes. This match was very boring to watch as the crowd seemed to be waiting for the big moment when Money Inc. would lose the belts. As if the boring nature of the match wasn’t bad enough, we don’t even get a clean ending. For some reason, Hogan and Beefcake are disqualified. I guess this was because Jimmy Hart dressed up as a referee, but the announcers can’t even be bothered to make that clear. That was another major problem with the show. Jim Ross is one of the best ever, but being his first WWF show ever, he didn’t quite have a handle on some of the storylines. Bobby Heenan can be a good announcer, but he really needs that good play-by-play guy. Ross and Heenan had zero chemistry at this point. Finally, to make matters worse, Randy Savage was the third man in the booth. I’ve always maintained that three man booths really don’t work in sports. It’s even more pronounced in wrestling when you have a straight laced play-by-play man, a heel commentator, and a babyface commentator. It just doesn’t work. These three seemed to be on three different planes at certain points and never got their stuff together.
As if the bad match and ending weren’t enough, we also got another Hogan egofest. Despite the fact they lost the match, Hogan and Beefcake were strutting around like they won the match. This is minutes that could have easily been given to another match. Yes, I know the rest of the card sucked pretty hard, but let’s pretend there was an actual good match to look forward to. This would be the last time Ted Dibiase, Brutus Beefcake and I.R.S wrestled at a Wrestlemania and a rare occasion for Hulk Hogan to be challenging for a championship that wasn’t the WWF title. I honestly would have rather seen the Mega Maniacs win the belts here compared to what happened later.
148. Jazz defeated Trish Stratus and Lita in a Triple Threat match to retain the WWF Women’s Championship (6:16) (Wrestlemania 18)
Match Quality: 3/10
Historical Significance: 1/5
Entertainment Value: 3/10
Total: 7/25
Analysis: Imagine you have to follow The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan. Good luck with that. These three had the unenviable task of trying to follow one of the most unforgettable matches and moments in the history of the WWF. Amazing how the women always get sent out to kill time between main events. Jazz was a very good wrestler so it’s no surprise that this is one of her only appearances at Wrestlemania and her time with the company wouldn’t last very long. Trish Stratus, being Canadian, would have been the logical winner here, but WWF likes to have people job in their home towns. Hey, at least she didn’t have to job. This wasn’t a bad match, but no way could anyone follow what came before them.
147. Ricky Steamboat defeated Matt Borne (4:37)(Wrestlemania 1)
Match Quality: 3/10
Historical Significance: 1/5
Entertainment Value: 3/10
Total: 7/25
Analysis: Yet another use of pre-recorded interview. God I hate his lordship. This was an okay match, but also far too short. Steamboat and Borne are nothing if not professionals. Only real historical note is Steamboat is the first guy to appear at Starrcade and Wrestlemania.
146. The Headbangers (Mosh and Thrasher) defeated The New Blackjacks (Blackjack Windham and Blackjack Bradshaw), The Godwinns (Henry and Phineas) (w/Hillbilly Jim) and Doug Furnas & Phil LaFon in a Four-Way Tag Team Elimination Match (10:39)
Windham was disqualified for attacking the referee. (4:37)
Furnas was counted out. (5:00)
Thrasher pinned Phineas with a Cannonball Senton. (10:39) (Wrestllemania 13)
Match Quality: 3/10
Historical Significance: 1/5
Entertainment Value: 3/10
Total: 7/25
Analysis: This is an amazing match, not for quality reasons but the fact that the WWF once had four regular tag teams. And with none of them being champions, that makes five. And considering the champions are defending their titles later tonight, we have six total teams. That’s quite the feat considering how the tag titles are treated these days. This is the first ever four corner tag team match in Wrestlemania history. Two of these four tag teams are very good or entertaining as hell. Thankfully, one of them won this match. The Godwinns were just plain bad. The Blackjacks were a ripoff of a tag team from the 70s that included a washed up Barry Windham and future world champion (wouldn’t know it from this match) Bradshaw. The match itself is nothing special, but at least the right team won. The Headbangers would go on to wrestle Owen Hart and the British Bulldog the next night, ironically the catalyst for inspiring the Hart Foundation reunion eight days later. At least this was relatively quick and painless.
145. Tournament First Round: Randy Savage (w/Miss Elizabeth) defeated Butch Reed (w/Slick) (5:07)(Wrestlemania 4)
Match Quality: 2/10
Historical Significance: 1/5
Entertainment Value: 4/10
Total: 7/25
Analysis: The realization of Jesse Ventura realizing why Elizabeth is out there is worth a point alone. I also enjoyed his pointing out to Gorilla Monsoon how he was on the macho bandwagon before any other announcer in the company. I’m a firm believer that Jesse’s commentary always gave away who he actually liked and disliked. It’s obvious Jesse legitimately liked Randy Savage because even as a babyface, there were never any cheap shots levied his way. As for the match, it’s okay. Savage had to wrestle four times tonight, so he was clearly saving himself for later.
144. The Undertaker (w/Paul Bearer) defeated Jimmy Snuka (4:20) (Wrestlemania 7)
Match Quality: 1/10
Historical Significance: 2/5
Entertainment Value: 4/10
Total: 7/25
Analysis: For whom the bell tolls. The bong got a pop even back in 1991. Undertaker just had his character nailed from the first time he stepped through the curtain. Now with Paul Bearer as his manager, his entire persona would be completed. It’s no wonder he would be a face by the time Wrestlemania 8 rolled around. He was someone so unique and different that you couldn’t help but like him. Plus, this whole idea of WWF superstars as superheroes and muscleheads was starting to wear thin. A federal investigation leading to so many guys being fired also helped ‘Taker a lot, cause if Taker was taking steroids, he sure fooled everyone. This was an extended squash and a showcase for Taker to pound the crap out of an established superstar. Yet another reason to show some love to the seventh Wrestlemania, the debut of The Undertaker and the beginning of his historic streak.
143. Alundra Blaze (champion) defeated Leiliani Kai to retain the WWF Women’s Championship (3:20)(Wrestlemania 10)
Match Quality: 3/10
Historical Significance: 1/5
Entertainment Value: 3/10
Total: 7/25
Analysis: Decent enough women’s match actually. Nice call back to ten years earlier when Kai went into Wrestlemania 1 as the women’s champion. WWF tried to push Alundra Blaze for a bit before she dumped the women’s title in the trash on Nitro in the fall of 1995. Crowd was basically dead, but I’ve seen far worse from the current crop of Divas.
142 John “Bradshaw” Layfield (w/Jillian Hall) defeated Chris Benoit to win the WWE United States Championship (9:44)(Wrestlemania 22)
Match Quality: 5/10
Historical Significance: 1/5
Entertainment Value: 1/10
Totals 7/25
Analysis: Interesting note: From 1995 until 2004, I was about the biggest wrestling fan ever. The moment Eddie Guerrero won the WWE heavyweight championship and the subsequent events of Wrestlemania 20 were two of the very best moments I’ve ever personally enjoyed as a wrestling fan. Then JBL won the championship in June of 2004, and my boycott of WWE began. Although it ended at the Royal Rumble of 2005, I’ve never been the same wrestling fan since. I mention it during this match because JBL’s defeat of Chris Benoit is what sealed him as a so called wrestling God. First of all, I’m offended by the continued prostitution of Eddie Guerrero’s name in association with JBL. That entire angle, in particular Eddie Guerrero’s mom have a “heart attack” and the conceit of the WWE to make him a champion is bad enough. The match itself is only the worst match Chris Benoit ever had at Wrestlemania. Oh, and JBL mocking Eddie Guererro’s little dance followed by using his old move, the three amigos… what a pathetic display. I really don’t have anything else to say about this match because it’s hard to talk about anything Benoit related for obvious reasons. I’ll save my major comments about Benoit for Wrestlemania 20. And the prostitution of Eddie Guerrero? I’ll address that in the not too distant future during the triple threat match that took place during this same show.
141. Nikolai Volkoff and The Iron Sheik (w/Freddie Blassie) defeated The U.S. Express (Mike Rotundo and Barry Windham) (w/Lou Albano) to win the WWF Tag Team Championship (6:55) (Wrestlemania 1)
Match Quality: 3/10
Historical Significance: 2/5
Entertainment Value: 2/10
Total: 7/25
Analysis: I guess Sheik humbled Windham and Rotundo. They were scheduled to do a reunion of this match at a RAW during the build for Wrestlemania 24. I’m kind of sad they didn’t. Sure, it would have been a terrible match, but it would be a nice callback to this match. Another very short match that wasn’t very good. Obviously, the first title change at a Wrestlemania is worth something. It’s also interesting to me how xenophobic angles used to work so well. I mean, just look at all that garbage being thrown in the ring at them. Just six years later, xenophobia would fail miserably with Sergeant Slaughter against Hulk Hogan as the show was moved from the huge Los Angeles Coliseum to the Los Angeles Sports Arena. And even recently with Muhammad Hussan. Have wrestling fans actually become sophisticated enough to not fall for this nationalist crap? Someone also should have told the WWF and Vince McMahon that the U.S. Express’ theme son, Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A”, was actually quite the anti-American song. As for the result, fear not my fellow Americans. The Express would regain their championships a few weeks later.
140. Bobby Lashley (w/Donald Trump) defeated Umaga (w/Vince McMahon and Armando Alejandro Estrada) (w/Steve Austin as Special Guest Referee) in a “Battle of the Billionaires” Hair vs. Hair match (13:04) (Wrestlemania 23)
Match Quality: 3/10
Historical Significance: 1/5
Entertainment Value: 3/10
Totals: 7/25
Analysis: Make no mistake about it. This was the real main event of Wrestlemania 23. This match got tons more hype than both world title matches combined. The rumor going around was that Hulk Hogan and The Big Show were supposed to be in this match to commemorate the 20 year anniversary of Wrestlemania III. If that had happened, this would have actually had some historical value. As it is, this match doesn’t really have much. Vince McMahon’s hair would grow out a couple months later, and he would still be the same stagnant character he’s been for the last decade. Bobby Lashley, the WWE’s next big thing, would be out of the company through injury by July and out of the company through release by January. Even more laughable is the fact that he’s now trying to be a fighter for Strikeforce.
Seeing McMahon getting his head shaved was pretty hilarious, in particular his reactions. The entertainment value pretty much comes from the post-match shenanigans. The entrances alone eat up about 15 minutes since the billionaires each got one. The match itself would have been the worst on the card if not for the efforts of the giants and the women. Austin couldn’t even get the stunner applied correctly on Trump. That would have almost justified this 30 minute waste of time. Props to the WWE for actually paying off the hair stipulation though as they finally got a live haircut right.
Also, it’s interesting to note that the crowd seemed completely apathetic to this spectacle. I think it’s because no one really likes Trump or McMahon. McMahon has been a heel in and out of the ring, while Trump is just a pompus ass. Lashley, despite being a muscular meathead, was far too soft spoken to really make an impact with fans. Seriously, the guy sounded like a woman. Only when special referee Steve Austin got beat up and started the stunner party did Ford Field wake up. As far as big matches goes, this is one of the worst matches of its’ kind. I’d call this over-hyped, but that word doesn’t do this egofest justice.
139. The Undertaker defeated Mark Henry in a Casket match (9:26)(Wrestlemania 22)
Match Quality: 2/10
Historical Significance: 2/5
Entertainment Value: 3/10
Totals: 7/25
Analysis: It just wouldn’t be Wrestlemania without the druids, would it? I can’t believe this is the first time a casket match has ever been done at the granddaddy of them all, but it is. Now to the match. Did anyone actually think Mark Henry was winning this match? Honestly? This was a bleepin’ joke. It’s historical because it keeps the streak going, but damned if this match wasn’t horrible. And you know what else, I’m just plain tired of everyone of Undertaker’s “not being intimidated” by the dead man. Know why? Because they do this EVERY YEAR AT WRESTLEMANIA. Sid wasn’t afraid. Kane wasn’t afraid. Diesel wasn’t afraid. Randy Orton wasn’t afraid. Stop bringing it up. Please. The only thing you’re doing is kidding yourself. Everyone and their mother knew “Taker was winning here if for no other reason than Mark Henry is a useless lump whose continued employed befuddles me. The match itself was pretty much the yawner you might expect. Getting Henry up for the tombstone was a pretty cool visual. At least the Chicago crowd didn’t turn on ‘Taker like they seemed to every other babyface in the company on this night.
138. Kane defeated Triple H by disqualification (11:33)(Wrestlemania 15)
Match Quality: 3.5/10
Historical Significance: 1/5
Entertainment Value: 3/10
Total: 7.5/25
Analysis: If you watch Triple H in this match, and then watch his match with Rocky a year later, you’d think you were watching a completely different wrestler. This match was poorly paced and organized. I’m sure these two guys not really understanding who’s who didn’t help. Let me explain. It’s bad enough Mr. Russo confused the hell out of everyone by making Kane a sympathetic heel and Triple H sort of an asshole babyface, but the situation devolves farther when Chyna comes out, turns on Kane, and joins back up with Triple H. I guess D-X is reunited… for about a half hour.
137. The Rock defeated Ken Shamrock by disqualification to retain the WWF Intercontinental Championship (4:49) (Wrestlemania 14)
Match Quality: 2.5/10
Historical Significance: 1/5
Entertainment Value: 4/10
Total: 7.5/25
Analysis: It finally appeared that Shamrock exorcised his demons after months of controversial decisions, bad finishes, and being hit point blank in the face with a chair by making The Rock tap out to win the title. Too bad Shamrock left the ankle lock on too long and attached a few officials along the way to cost him his chance to be I-C champ. This was indeed a dumb finish that made Rocky look really weak and had a bad finish on a show that deserved more clean finished. One of the real problems with this show in general was a lack of clean finishes, and this is exhibit A of that. It was a nothing match, just Shamrock squashing Rocky and making him look helpless. Thankfully, Rock would recover to be the second most over guy in the company by the end of the year Perhaps the real highlight of this bout is watching Rocky hold the belt up while being carried out on the stretcher and his little pre-match interview with Gennifer Flowers. The lowlight of this show and perhaps the match was Jeff Jarrett making an appearance with that same Ms. Flowers before the match.
136. Tito Santana defeated The Executioner (4:50) (Wrestlemania 1)
Match Quality: 2/10
Historical Significance: 4/5
Entertainment Value: 2/10
Total: 8/25
Analysis: Before I get into this match, I have to point out “Mean Gene” singing our National Anthem. That was kinda cool. I also kind of enjoy the fact that not every area of the arena is lit up like a Christmas tree. Probably insured no power outages. Oh, and got out of this show without fireworks too. Look, the overall quality and pacing of Wrestlemania has greatly improved over 24 years, however, lights and fireworks are not what make a Wrestlemania great. It’s the wrestling and the moments.
First of all, and even before I talk about this match, I want to talk about Lord Alfred Heyes once again. I mentioned his botching earlier in the I-C title match, but he was quite bad the whole night. He appeared to be either on some sort of controlled substance because his introductions and interludes between the matches were awkward as hell. Was he that nervous? One more thing. Pre-recorded is not a work. I don’t care what anyone says. You either record something ahead of time or you don’t. It’s why you say record. Okay, now we have this match. It’s Buddy Rose in a mask against Tito Santana, who was busy feuding with Greg Valentine over the Intercontinental championship. Pay-Per-Views weren’t always the be all-end all they’ve become now. Back in the day, they were more of the RAWs and Smackdowns you see today. House shows was where it was at.
It’s the first match to ever take place at Wrestlemania. That alone makes this historical. The match itself wasn’t too bad either, just really short. A pretty clever finish too with Santana using Valentine’s very own figure four leglock.
135. Mr. T (w/Joe Frazier) defeated Rowdy Roddy Piper (w/Cowboy Bob Orton and Lou Duva) by disqualification in a Boxing Match (13:14)(Wrestlemania 2)
Match Quality: 0/10
Historical Significance: 3/5
Entertainment Value: 5/10
Total: 8/25
Analysis: My non-wrestling match rule stands here. Automatic zero for match quality. It’s called Wrestlemania for a reason folks. However, that doesn’t mean this wasn’t entertaining. A few notes before I talk about the boxing match. First is Piper’s interview he gives at the beginning of the show. He’s going to quit boxing, wrestling, tidily-winks, and girls if he gets knocked down. But he WILL keep Bob Orton around. OOOOOOOOOkay there Hot Rod. Then he says he’ll never paint himself black. My response: Wrestlemania 6. In fact, the whole racial overtones of this feud was a little disturbing and uncomfortable.
Joan Rivers was the guest ring announcer for this match. Here, she almost looks normal but still sounds pretty damn annoying. Darryl Dawkins is one of the judges. Cab Calloway is also one of the judges. Remember the scene in The Blues Brothers when they’re in the theater raising the money? Calloway is the one stalling while Ackroyd and Belushi try to get to the theater. G. Gordon Liddy is also a judge, thus proving they’ll invite anyone to these things. Some guy named Herb is the guest timekeeper. This was of course pretty phony, but it was at least entertaining with Piper around. And T is such a great babyface that the Long Island crowd chants “Piper.” This is the very first instance of backlash against a babyface. In 2010, it’s “What else is new?” but back in 1986, this was a pretty big deal.
How a boxing match could possibly main event a wrestling show, even if it is just one portion, kinda sucked.
134. Road Dogg defeated Ken Shamrock, Goldust (w/The Blue Meanie and Ryan Shamrock) and Val Venis in a Four Corners Elimination Match to retain the WWF Intercontinental Championship (9:47)(Wrestlemania 15)
Match Quality: 3/10
Historical Significance: 0/5
Entertainment Value: 5/10
Total: 8/25
Analysis: Oh you didn’t know? Yes, the WWF decided to give Road Dogg the second most important title in the company at the time. Why you ask? Up until two weeks before Wrestlemania 15, Road Dogg was being set up for a big hardcore match against Al Snow. That was until Road Dogg went over Val Venis to win the I-C strap. It’s completely ridiculous and quite stupid to even have Dogg in this match. He has no history with anyone in this match and really isn’t good enough to be the Intercontinental champion. Not that Billy Gunn was either, but at least that makes sense since that’s where this angle was headed from the beginning of ‘99 until this show. This wasn’t a bad match, just a mess since the angle is all screwed up and Ryan Shamrock changed boyfriends about 17 times since St. Valentine’s Massacre. Here she’s with Goldust at the beginning but by the end the golden one (and the blue one for that matter) are having dissension in the ranks. Why? Cause Russo is a genius. That’s why.
133. The ECW Originals (Tommy Dreamer, Sabu, The Sandman and Rob Van Dam) defeated The New Breed (Elijah Burke, Marcus Cor Von, Matt Striker and Kevin Thorn) (w/Ariel) (6:25) (Wrestlemania 23)
Match Quality: 3/10
Historical Significance: 2/5
Entertainment Value: 3/10
Totals: 8/25
Analysis: As much as ECW being used by Vince McMahon to stop the chants and cash in on the name, seeing RVD, Sandman, Dreamer, and Sabu wrestle as a tag team together was pretty special. That’s the only reason this match has any sort of historical significance. Tazz seeming to side with The New Breed always bothered the crap out of me since (logically) Tazz would never side with guys like that over the people he spilled buckets of blood with and wrestled in the bingo hall. This would prove to be RVD’s last Wrestlemania appearance. Sandman, Sabu, Cor Von, and Thorn would be fired before Wrestlemania 24. Matt Striker would be a manager by the fall leaving Burke and Dreamer as the only men still wrestling a year later. At least ECW got one moment in the sun.
132. Jake Roberts defeated Rick Martel in a Blindfold Match (8:34) (Wrestlemania 7)
Match Quality: 0/10
Historical Significance: 2/5
Entertainment Value: 6/10
Total: 8/25
Analysis: This match, much like all of Wrestlemania 7, gets a pretty bad rap from people. I think because of the shift to a smaller venue and the main event angle, people forget how good of a show this is. I look at this card and see far better quality of matches then I do for the first six Wrestlemanias. While this isn’t one of them, at least the WWF tried something different. I can see why people don’t like scaffold matches because of how dangerous they can be, but this bilndfold match immediately involved the crowd and was probably the safest match Roberts or Martel ever had. I’m not saying this match was a technical classic, but I’d sure as hell watch this over anything Hercules was involved in. Plus, watching these two having a regular seven minute match wouldn’t be much better than any other on this card. This will also go down as the one and only blindfold match in Wrestlemania history. Yeah, I enjoyed this match. So sue me.
131. Rob Van Dam and Booker T defeated Garrison Cade and Mark Jindrak, The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von) and La Résistance (René Duprée and Rob Conway) in a Fatal Four-Way match to retain the World Tag Team Championship (7:51) (Wrestlemania 20)
Match Quality: 3/10
Historical Significance: 1/5
Entertainment Value: 4/10
Total: 8/25
Analysis: I have this match slightly better than the Smackdown version of this match. Crowd was a bit more alive for this one and having the better announcing team certainly did this a few favors. Amazing to look at this match and understand just one of these eight men is still even in the WWE. The fact that it’s Garrison Cade pretty much scares the crap out of me. I didn’t hate this match, but like a lot of the mid-card matches, it was just sort of there. Fives hour shows have a tendency to do that. At least Booker T won a Wrestlemania match. When you look at his Wrestlemania career, I’m always amazed Booker remained in WWE as long as he did based on some of the stupid angles he was involved in. Their title reign wouldn’t last very much longer, and both were moved to Smackdown within a couple of months to continue their mid-card run in purgatory. Booker and RVD would know this purgatory well. The Dudley Boyz had outlived their usefulness. Ditto for La Resistance. Mark Jindrak was rumored to be heading for Evolution, but that never came to fruition. I already mentioned Cade, so I move onto the next match.
130. André the Giant defeated Big John Studd (w/Bobby Heenan) in a $15,000 Body Slam match (5:53) (Wrestlemania 1)
Match Quality: 1/10
Historical Significance: 3/5
Entertainment Value: 4/10
Total: 8/25
Analysis: This is yet another reason Bobby Heenan is referred to as “The Brain.” He put up $15,000 against Andre the Giant’s career AND a haircut. Brilliant. This wasn’t a very good match at all, but this match contains a pretty iconic moment with Andre slamming Studd. As bad this match was, the circumstances surrounding the contest and Andre throwing the money around (and Heenan grabbing the rest of the money and hightailing it), this is at least was mildly entertaining.
129. Bret Hart defeated Bob Backlund (w/Roddy Piper as Special Guest Referee) in an “I Quit” match (9:34) (Wrestllemania 11)
Match Quality: 3/10
Historical Significance: 1/5
Entertainment Value: 4/10
Total: 8/25
Analysis: Bob Backlund had not had a good night. Before this match he lost a chess match against Jonathon Taylor Thomas. I wonder if the match was a shoot. Thomas was on Home Improvement and would go on to be in a couple of crappy films before going to the very prestigious Northwestern University. The less said about this match, the better. These two cannot possibly have the type of match they want to have in less than ten minutes. Hell, their Survivor Series match from months earlier took 15 minutes just to get going. Also, giving Roddy Piper was annoying as hell with that microphone and being the referee. He distracted greatly from these two guys having a solid technical wrestling contest. Backlund did lose this match, but much like what happened in December 1983, he did not quit here either. Amazing how he keeps getting screwed.
128. Yokozuna (w/Mr. Fuji and Jim Cornette) defeated Lex Luger (w/Mr. Perfect as Special Guest Referee) by disqualification to retain the WWF Championship (14:40) (Wrestlemania 10)
Match Quality: 3/10
Historical Significance: 2/5
Entertainment Value: 3/10
Total: 8/25
Analysis: Lex Luger developed something of a reputation as a choker during his days in the NWA and then it continued at Summerslam ’93 when he won a match against Yokozuna by count-out and did not win the title. Another dumb idea… having Yokozuna wrestle two matches on the same show. A brilliant idea if I’ve ever seen one. The match itself is about what’d you expect from these two. Giving these two 15 minutes isn’t a very intelligent move. Ironically, the actual best worker in there was Mr. Perfect, who was justified in disqualifying Luger here, had been scheduled to begin a program with Luger, but his back continued to act up and he would be out of wrestling for another couple years. I would also like to point out that Jim Cornette on hell of a promo following this match about what had just happened and what Yokozuna was going to do Bret Hart. I really wish Cornette had been brought in earlier since while he couldn’t make Yoko a better wrestler, he could have at least built him up as a monster and unbeatable.
127. Demolition (Ax and Smash) defeated The Powers of Pain (The Warlord and The Barbarian) and Mr. Fuji in a Handicap Match to retain the WWF Tag Team Championship (8:20) (Wrestlemania 5)
Match Quality: 2/10
Historical Significance: 1/5
Entertainment Value: 5/10
Total: 8/25
Analysis: Demolition was never the best tag team for pure wrestling, but I think they deserved their babyface pop a lot more than some of these other lumps. I’ve watched so many of these matches where the babyfaces attack the managers after they’ve already lost. Know what Demolition does? They say to hell with it and have Mr. Fuji inserted into the match. This way Fuji doesn’t get to interfere and they can legally beat up the manager within the context of this match. Axe and Smash were never the best wrestlers, but they were so different and carried themselves in such a way where their workrate wasn’t a big deal. Their victory here marked the one year anniversary from when Demolition won the tag team titles. They would go onto have the longest title reign in WWF history while The Powers of Pain would fade away by the following year at Wrestlemania 6. This was also the first time the tag titles were defended in a handicap match like this.
126. The Undertaker (w/Paul Bearer) defeated Kane (7:45) (Wrestlemania 20)
Match Quality: 2.5/10
Historical Significance: 2/5
Entertainment Value: 4/10
Total: 8.5/25
Analysis: This was the debut of what Scott Keith (and perhaps others who deserve credit) dubbed “The Sergio Leone” Undertaker. ‘Taker had been buried alive by his brother, so of course it was time for yet another match between the two brothers. I’m not sure if I’d call this match better than their Wrestlemania 14 predecessor, but at least it was a hell of a lot shorter. Nothing much else to note except to say Paul Bearer returns for the first time in about four years. He would be “killed” a few months later in what I’d like to call one of the most tasteless angles in WWE history, but that would be discounting the Al Wilson and Vince McMahon death angles.
125. The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart) defeated The Honky Tonk Man and Greg Valentine (w/Jimmy Hart) (7:40) (Wrestlemania 5)
Match Quality: 4.5/10
Historical Significance: 0/5
Entertainment Value: 4/10
Total: 8.5/25
Analysis: Not exactly the best showcase for the Harts, especially since they had to use the megaphone to pick up the win. Valentine and Honky Tonk Man make their debut as a team here, although they wouldn’t become Rhythm ‘n’ Blues until the following year. Okayish formula tag team match. At least the Hart Foundation finally got some theme song, and their pop was growing slowly.
124. The Honky Tonk Man (w/Jimmy Hart) defeated Jake Roberts (w/Alice Cooper) (7:04)(Wrestlemania 3)
Match Quality: 3/10
Historical Significance: 1/5
Entertainment Value: 5/10
Total: 9/25
Analysis: Alice Cooper escorting Jake Roberts to the ring just seems so…right. Trying to followed Steamboat and Savage would be like trying to top Elvis’ comeback concert. How fitting I make that joke considering Honky Tonk Man is in this match. This was a big match for him as I think everyone expected Roberts to win this match. It kind of summarizes his entire intercontinental title reign. No one expected to win the belt, keep the belt, or set the all-time record as far as a title reign goes. More poor sportsmanship from the babyfaces, a rather disturbing trend I’m finding in these Wrestlemanias, follows when Cooper and Roberts attack poor Jimmy Hart again. He just couldn’t buy a break on this night.
123. Diamond Dallas Page defeated Christian to retain the WWF European Championship (6:08) (Wrestlemania 18)
Match Quality: 4/10
Historical Significance: 1/5
Entertainment Value: 4/10
Total: 9/25
Analysis: DDP originally drove Honky Tonk Man and company in his ’62 Cadilac to the ring at Wrestlemania 6. At that time, Page wasn’t even a wrestler. Amazing how 12 years later, he got to successfully defend a title at a Wrestlemania. I’m not the biggest fan of his, but I certainly have a lot of respect for the amount of work he put into becoming a professional wrestler. From where he started to where he ended up, you’ve got to give the man his props, especially when you consider the fact he got to defend the European championship for the last time at Wrestlemania. Christian, on the other hand, had to cut a heel promo beforehand because heaven forbid he get cheered in his hometown. The future TNA world champion jobbed to the former WCW world champion here. I’ll address Christian’s role in WWE and his move to TNA later on this list. Let’s just say, I think WWE got it right. A decent match that seemed to got lost in the shuffle. This entire show just felt like the WWF going through the motions and treading water. It’s no wonder the brand split came so quickly after this.
122. The Can-Am Connection (Rick Martel and Tom Zenk) defeated Bob Orton and The Magnificent Muraco (w/Mr. Fuji) (5:37)(Wrestlemania 3)
Match Quality: 4/10
Historical Significance: 0/5
Entertainment Value: 5/10
Total: 9/25
Analysis: This is actually the first time Bob Orton has wrestled at a Wrestlemania even though he was at the first two Wrestlemanias accompanying Roddy Piper. There is also some nice symmetry as an Orton opened up this show and then his son Randy would open up Wrestlemania 23 twenty years later. This was a very good way to open the show. Nothing too important, but a fine showcase for the Can-Ams. This team would have likely become the champions if Tom Zenk hadn’t had contract issues. Instead Martel would get Tito Santana as a partner. Well, Santana was a far better choice at least. I’m not sure what the actual attendance figure is, but when you first see this crowd, it’s absolutely ginormous. Good start to the show and the crowd is clearly jacked up for this show.
121. Brutus Beefcake defeated WWF Intercontinental Champion The Honky Tonk Man (w/Jimmy Hart) by disqualification (6:30)(Wrestlemania 4)
Match Quality: 4/10
Historical Significance:2/5
Entertainment Value: 3/10
Total: 9/25
Analysis: Another unclean finish in a series of them at Wrestlemania 4. By my count there were two disqualifications, one count-out, and a time limit draw. That’s pretty bad. It’s even worse that there were 16 TOTAL MATCHES ON THIS SHOW. Good God almighty. The self-proclaimed greatest Intercontinental champion of all time is seen here. Honky wasn’t the best wrestler, but he played a great heel and all the cheap finishes eventually paid off in one of the most iconic moments in pro wrestling history when The Ultimate Warrior pinned him in about 30 seconds at Summerslam ‘88. Brutus Beefcake is a far better wrestler then he was three years earlier, but his gimmick always creeped me out and left me a little uncomfortable. Check out my expanded thoughts on Beefcake’s gimmick in my analysis of the Dibiase/Beefcake match from Wrestlemania 5.
120. Dusty Rhodes and Sapphire (w/Miss Elizabeth) defeated Randy Savage and Sensational Queen Sherri in a Mixed Tag Team match (7:52)(Wrestlemania 6)
Match Quality: 2/10
Historical Significance: 3/5
Entertainment Value: 5/10
Total: 9/25
Analysis: When Dusty Rhodes can’t even cut a decent promo, just call it a day. This proved to be the return of Elizabeth at ringside. She had spent most of the last year not being around the WWF. She really only showed up at the big events. At this point, Randy Savage was the king of the World Wrestling Federation by virtue of defeating Hacksaw Jim Duggan. This is misidentified as the first mixed tag match in history. The six man tag at Wrestlemania 3 with the heavyweights and the midgets was the first one. I almost wish we could go back to that since this match is plain wretched. It’s history because it’s the first official mixed tag match. It’s Dusty Rhodes, a former NWA mainstay, making his Wrestlemania debut, and it’s Savage and Rhodes being on opposite sides of a match. Former WWF and NWA champs going at it really deserves more respect then a comedy match.
A special note here: Jesse Ventura clearly has some sort of grudge against Dusty Rhodes since he spends the entire match blitzing him for everything from his weight to how he wrestles this match to just plain being a meanie. Hulk Hogan never got destroyed as much as Rhodes and even Sapphire got worse treatment. Good Lord. Even I thought it went a little too far… Ah, who am I kidding? Rhodes sucks. Sapphire sucks. The match was terrible and Ventura added a little fun. I really wish he could come back and put Lawler, Tazz, and Coachman to shame. He’s a real announcer unlike those other yahoos.