#19: The Undertaker vs Triple H at Wrestlemania XVII
This was one of those "two top guys with nothing going on so let's have them face each other at 'Mania" deals that actually wound up being a strong and fun match. Sometimes it just good to see two guys work together without the hype of a two month bloodfeud.
This was year one of 'Taker's Biker gimmick and it was also year one, or possibly even shorter, for Triple H's sledgehammer gimmick. Yes, he had just really started pulling that thing out as a weapon around this time, and his hammer shot in this match was one of the first times he used the damn thing.
This was also the first time that 'Taker, or anyone really, used the "punching in the corner-into a powerbomb" finish! Or in this case, 'Taker's Last Ride bomb.
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#5: Chris Benoit vs Triple H vs Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania XX)
Welly well well. You sure won't hear a lot about this match in the WWE anymore. It officially "doesn't exist" along with all of Benoit's another matches and/or accomplishment. Is it the WWE's right to take his achievements away from us? Totally. The WWE is run by a tyrant, and all of Benoit's accomplishments are, well let's be honest, fake ones. It's wrestling. He's given titles. He's given praise. He was a talented man, but it's in the WWE's right to change their own history, since they're the ones writing it every day.
But, I have to include this match because I know that we all loved it. And the story that both Benoit and Eddie brought to Wrestlemania XX was one of the best chapters I have ever witnessed. To see them both standing at the end of the show, with both of the world belts; the two former "Radicals." The WCW ex-patriots. Standing in confetti. This is what made the show. To see two expert performers get a chance to call themselves World Champions.
And the match itself was badass too. We can't forget that part. At that point, watching Triple H tap out to the Crossface was like letting out a deep breath, unbuckling your belt, and loosening your collar all at the same time.
Download of match coming soon!
#2: Triple H vs The Rock vs Mick Foley vs The Big Show at Wrestlemania 2000
This match might be remembered more for its Foley Table blooper than much of anything else these days. But I have to go back to my mindset, as I've done with this whole list, of when I was watching the match for the first time. Sure, Foley got flack for "not retiring" when he said he would – but I still appreciate the fact that Mick Foley got to Main Event at 'Mania – for the first time. Using his own name. This match is also the reason why I'm sick to death of seeing any form of McMahon family drama on TV. Because it had all been done before. And this match was the result of it. This match had all the operatic soap opera family stuff going into it. Each one of the McMahons hated one another. Steph slapped Linda. The next time, Linda blocked Steph's hand and slapped Steph! It was nuts.
Each one of the McMahons sided with one of the wrestlers. Shane was with Big Show, Steph was with her then "kayf" husband Triple H, Linda was with Foley, and Vince returned and shocked everyone by being in The Rock's corner.
Austin was gone at this point. His neck injury had gotten so bad that he had to give up his spot to The Rock. The Rock and Triple H had been feuding now since the previous October. It was all going to end here. With The Rock winning the title, right? Because that's what happens at Wrestlemania, right? Good triumphs.
Wrong.
I couldn't believe it when Triple H won. This wasn't even a Fatal Fourway, it was an elimination match. Triple H had become the first heel I had ever seen win a Wrestlemania Main Event. That's right. Fifteen years of good guys winning and Triple H shocked us all. It was amazing. I think this is why watching him tap out at XX felt like such a relief.
Download of match coming soon!