The Piledriver Report: 02.25.09 The Fifth Annual Ultimate March Madness Tournament

Posted by Ronny Sarnecky on 02.25.2010

For the past four years, “The Piledriver Report” has brought to you an annual wrestling tournament. In 2006, “The Piledriver Report” crowned the Ultimate WrestleMania performer of All-Time. In 2007, the Ultimate World Champion was named. In 2008, we named the Greatest Tag Team in Wrestling History. Last year, we crowned the greatest wrestler to NEVER hold a World Championship. This year’s tournament will name the greatest WrestleMania match in the supercard’s first twenty-five shows.

This year's tournament will crown the greatest match to be ever held at WrestleMania. The main criteria to be allowed into this tournament are that the match could be no less then a three star match. The ratings system was taken from the "Wrestling Observer Newsletter."

I NEED YOUR HELP IN DETERMINING WHAT THE GREATEST WRESTLEMANIA MATCH IN HISTORY IS. Each week, I will let you know the match-ups for that week's tournament round. PLEASE WRITE IN THE COMMENTS SECTION OR E-MAIL ME AT [e-mail] WITH WHO YOU WOULD THINK WILL WIN THAT WEEK'S SERIES OF MATCHES. The results of that week's round will be printed in the next edition of "The Piledriver Report," along with a list of the next round's group of matches. Until, there is a champion crowned.

The first round's results are due by Monday, March 1st.



Kurt Angle (over Bret Hart) captured the title of the Ultimate WrestleMania performer. Bret Hart (over Ric Flair) was voted the greatest World Champion in history. The Road Warriors (over the Steiner Brothers) were crowned the greatest tag team in history. Ted DiBiase(over Owen Hart) was named the greatest wrestler to never hold a World title. Who will win this year's Ultimate March Madness tournament? Let's take a look at the match-ups and the participants.

There are four regions in the tournament. They are the HOUSTON REGION, the CHICAGO REGION, the NEW YORK REGION, and the TORONTO REGION.

The number one seeds in each region include:

HOUSTON REGION: Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels- WrestleMania XXV
CHICAGO REGION: Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin- WrestleMania 13
NEW YORK REGION: Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon- WrestleMania X
TORONTO REGION: Hardys vs. Dudleys v. Edge/Christian- WrestleMania X-Seven

THE MATCH-UPS

HOUSTON REGION



1. Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels- WrestleMania XXV
VS.
16. Nikolai Volkoff/Iron Shiek vs. Barry Windham/Mike Rotundo- Wrestlemania I

8. Batista/Ric Flair/Randy Orton vs. The Rock/Mick Foley- WrestleMania XX
VS.
9. Shawn Michaels vs. Vince McMahon- WrestleMania 22

5. Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho- WrestleMania XIX
VS.
12. Christian vs. Chris Jericho- WrestleMania XX

4. Undertaker vs. Edge- WrestleMania XXIV
VS.
13. Triple H vs. Booker T- WrestleMania XIX

6. John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels- WrestleMania 23
VS.
11. Shawn Michaels/Marty Jannety vs. Haku/Barbarian- WrestleMania VII

3. Randy Savage vs. Ultimate Warrior- WrestleMania VII
VS.
14. Chris Benoit vs. MVP- WrestleMania 23

7. The Rock vs. Steve Austin- WrestleMania XIX
VS.
10. Roddy Piper vs. Adrian Adonis- WrestleMania III

2. Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat- WrestleMania III
VS.
15. Undertaker vs. Ric Flair- WrestleMania X-8

CHICAGO REGION



1. Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin- WrestleMania 13
VS.
16. Bobby Lashley vs. Umaga- WrestleMania 23

8. Money In The Bank: CM Punk vs. Kane vs. Mark Henry vs. MVP vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Christian vs.Finlay- WrestleMania XXV
VS.
9. Undertaker vs. Triple H- WrestleMania X-Seven

5. Money In The Bank: Mr. Kennedy vs. Edge vs. CM Punk vs. King Booker vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Hardy vs. Finlay vs. Randy Orton- WrestleMania 23
VS.
12. Terry Funk/Dory Funk vs. Junk Yard Dog/Tito Santana- WrestleMania 2

4. Brock Lesnar vs. Kurt Angle- WrestleMania XIX
VS.
13. Matt Hardy vs. Jeff Hardy- WrestleMania XXV

6. Money In The Bank: Rob Van Dam vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Ric Flair vs. Finlay vs. Matt Hardy vs. Bobby Lashley- WrestleMania 22
VS.
11. Randy Orton vs. John Cena vs. Triple H- WrestleMania XXIV

3. Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit- WrestleMania X-Seven
VS.
14. John Cena vs. Edge vs. Big Show- WrestleMania XXV

7. Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior- WrestleMania VI
VS.
10. Steve Austin vs. The Rock- WrestleMania XV

2. Owen Hart vs. Bret Hart- WrestleMania X
VS.
15. Charlie Hass/Shelton Benjamin vs. Rhyno/Chris Benoit vs. Eddie Guerrero/Chavo Guerrero- WrestleMania XIX

NEW YORK REGION



1. Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon- WrestleMania X
VS.
16. Floyd Mayweather vs. Big Show- WrestleMania XXIV

8. Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair- WrestleMania XXIV
VS.
9. Roddy Piper vs. Bret Hart- WrestleMania VIII

5. Edge/Christian vs. Hardys vs. Dudleys- WrestleMania 2000
VS.
12. Steve Austin vs. Shawn Michaels- WrestleMania XIV

4. Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart- WrestleMania XII
VS.
13. Terry Funk/Mick Foley vs. Bill Gunn/Road Dogg Jesse James- WrestleMania XIV

6. Undertaker vs. Batista- WrestleMania 23
VS.
11. Bret Hart/Jim Neidhart vs. Jerry Saggs/Brian Knobbs- WrestleMania VII

3. Steve Austin vs. The Rock- WrestleMania X-Seven
VS.
14. Triple H vs. The Rock vs. Mick Foley vs. Big Show- WrestleMania 2000

7. Davey Boy Smith/Dynamite Kid vs. Brutus Beefcake/Greg Valentine- WrestleMania 2
VS.
10. Ahmed Johnson/Hawk/Animal vs. Crush/Faarooq/Savio Vega- WrestleMania 13

2. Kurt Angle vs. Shawn Michaels- WrestleMania 21
VS.
15. Hulk Hogan vs. The Rock- WrestleMania X-8

TORONTO REGION



1. Edge/Christian vs. Hardys vs. Dudleys- WrestleMania X-Seven
VS.
16. Shane McMahon vs. Vince McMahon- WrestleMania X-Seven

8. John Cena vs. Triple H- WrestleMania 22
VS.
9. Rey Mysterio vs. Kurt Angle vs. Randy Orton- WrestleMania 22

5. Diesel vs. Shawn Michaels- WrestleMania XI
VS.
12. Money in the Bank: CM Punk vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Chris Jericho vs. Carlito vs. MVP vs. Mr. Kennedy vs. John Morrison- WrestleMania XXIV

4. Randy Savage vs. Ric Flair- WrestleMania VIII
VS.
13. Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero- WrestleMania 21

6. Edge vs. Mick Foley- WrestleMania 22
VS.
11. Tatanka vs. Shawn Michaels- WrestleMania IX

3. Money in the Bank: Edge vs. Chris Jericho vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Chris Benoit vs. Christian vs.Kane- WrestleMania 21
VS.
14. Ricky Steamboat vs. Matt Bourne- WrestleMania I

7. Eddie Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle- WrestleMania XX
VS.
10. Undertaker vs. Randy Orton- WrestleMania 22

2. Chris Benoit vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels- WrestleMania XX
VS.
15. Triple H vs. Chris Jericho- WrestleMania X-8

THE PARTICIPANTS

Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels- WrestleMania XXV: One of only three five star matches in WrestleMania history. Won the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Pro Wrestling Illustrated, and WWE Match of the Year in 2009. This match featured the Undertaker's undefeated streak against Shawn Michaels' self-proclaimed "Mr. WrestleMania" moniker.

Nikolai Volkoff/Iron Shiek vs. Barry Windham/Mike Rotundo- Wrestlemania I: This match pitted the "U.S. Express" against the WWF's top "foreign" heels for the WWF World Tag Team titles. This match was historic because it featured the first title change in WrestleMania history.

Batista/Ric Flair/Randy Orton vs. The Rock/Mick Foley- WrestleMania XX: In a rare WrestleMania "handicapped match, the Rock n' Sock Connection reunited for one final match. This match was The Rock's final match of his professional wrestling career. The handicapped math was important in the careers of Batista and Randy Orton, as they received a rub from two of the most memorable performers in the company's history.

Shawn Michaels vs. Vince McMahon- WrestleMania 22: "Mr. WrestleMania" versus the man that created the show. It has been argued that Shawn Michaels is the greatest worker in the history of the business. However, at WrestleMania 22, Shawn Michaels in carrying Vince McMahon to the greatest match of "Mr. McMahon's" career proved that the "Heartbreak Kid" could truly have a great match with a broom. Voted Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Match of the Year.

Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho- WrestleMania XIX: This was the WrestleMania in-ring return of Shawn Michael after missing the previous four Manias (in-ring) due to a career threatening back injury. Chris Jericho was fighting his boyhood hero in a match that proved that Shawn Michaels still had "it."

Christian vs. Chris Jericho- WrestleMania XX: Two former friends fought each other after a bet gone wrong. Christian beat he could hook up with Lita, and Chris Jericho bet he could sleep with Trish Stratus. Jericho started having feelings for Trish, and Christian spilled the beans on the bet. Both men had an incredible match with an awesome ending.

Undertaker vs. Edge- WrestleMania XXIV: The streak vs. The title. At WrestleMania XXIV, these two men closed the show. It was a long time coming, as Edge should have main evented in the WrestleMania 22 match that went to Triple H and John Cena. It was worth the wait, as they had arguably the match of the night.

Triple H vs. Booker T- WrestleMania XIX: This was the first WrestleMania that featured a RAW brand World Heavyweight title match. This match pitted a former five time WCW World Champion against a multiple time WWF/E and current World Heavyweight Champion. This was the first World title match between WWF vs. WCW stars at a WrestleMania since Vince purchased World Championship Wrestling in 2001.

John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels- WrestleMania 23: The main event of WrestleMania 23 was originally planned to be Triple H vs. John Cena II. Unfortunately for the WWE, Triple H was injured for the show. Fortunately for the fans, Shawn Michaels was inserted to take Triple H's place. For the first time since Michaels' headlined WrestleMania XIV against Steve Austin, Shawn was in a singles contest to close out a WrestleMania. Both men delivered an excellent match. The one thing that hinders the outlook on this contest is that a couple of weeks later, Shawn and Cena had a classic bout on RAW that lasted over 45 minutes.

Shawn Michaels/Marty Jannety vs. Haku/Barbarian- WrestleMania VII: This opening card match is the answer to the trivia question, "Who did Shawn Michaels beat to earn his first WrestleMania victory?" Michaels pinned Haku after a cross body block. While this will not go down in history as the greatest under card match at WrestleMania, it did garner a 3½ star match rating.

Randy Savage vs. Ultimate Warrior- WrestleMania VII: The Ultimate Warrior/Randy Savage rivalry started to take shape in the winter of 1990 during a house show run where the "Macho King" tried to win the WWF World title from the painted warrior. The feud intensified at the 1991 Royal Rumble when Savage's interference cost the Ultimate Warrior the title in his match against Sgt. Slaughter. The WWF signed Randy Savage vs. the Ultimate Warrior to take place at WrestleMania VII, with a special stipulation. The loser of the match would be forced to retire from wrestling. Both men pulled out all of the stops in this match. A Savage/Miss Elizabeth reunion put the icing on the cake. This WrestleMania contest was probably the greatest in-ring performance of the Warrior's career. In ranking this match amongst the greatest WrestleManias of the first decade of the super show, Savage vs. Warrior is easily in the top five. The WrestleMania VII Savage/Warrior match ranks as one of the WWE's Top 24 Matches in WrestleMania history, according to wwe.com.

Chris Benoit vs. MVP- WrestleMania 23: Coming out of this match, there was great hope for the MVP character to do big things. Not only did Chris Benoit carry MVP to a really good United States championship match, but MVP showed that he could carry his own with the "Rabid Wolverine." The match started off with a chain of takedowns, holds, and reversals, with MVP keeping up with Benoit, even going for some submission holds. The match lasted almost ten minutes, with Benoit attempting to lock in some of his signature submission holds, but MVP successfully reversed them, including the Crippler Crossface. The two exchanged suplexes and holds until Benoit was able to ascend the top rope and execute a Diving headbutt on MVP, which led to Benoit getting the pinfall victory to retain the WWE United States Championship. It was a match that should have launched MVP's career into a main event level performer.

The Rock vs. Steve Austin- WrestleMania XIX: This match looks to go down in history as the final match in the career of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. In the WrestleMania: Austin vs. The Rock trilogy, their final Mania encounter ranks as the second best match between the two in the super show's history. While The Rock came back for WrestleMania XX, it would have been fitting if both ended their careers against each other that night. Although the "Attitude Era" ended two years earlier, the final clash between the leaders of that time period turned back the clock to the days when The Rock and Austin were captivating the wrestling world on a weekly basis.

Roddy Piper vs. Adrian Adonis- WrestleMania III: This was billed as Roddy Piper's retirement match. This was in 1987. What is that saying about wrestlers never really retiring? In this case, Roddy Piper was retiring from wrestling to be home with his family, and to "give Hollywood a try." The Piper/Adonis bout was stipulated as a "hair vs. hair" match. The post-match antics were almost as important as the match itself. Brutus Beefcake ran to the ring, and helped Piper cut off Adonis' golden locks. This act helped to cement Beefcake as a baby face wrestler. It also cemented his new gimmick as "The Barber." In Piper's "final" match, he fought Adrian Adonis to a 3½ star match. It wasn't a Steamboat/Savage classic, but it was one of the most entertaining matches on the card.

Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat- WrestleMania III: In the early years of WrestleMania, the Savage/Steamboat WrestleMania III classic was the match that all other great WrestleMania matches were judged by. This match had everything. There was a hot grudge between two wrestlers that needed to be settled. A major championship was at stake. Two of the greatest workers in the industry were facing each other in the peak of their careers. The stars were all lined up for the two men to have the match to end all matches. It was great. The work rate was awesome. The near falls had you at the edge of your seat during a time when kayfabe was still on its last legs. This match won that year's "Pro Wrestling Illustrated" and "Wrestling Observer Newsletter" Match of the Year, as well as one of wwe.com's Top 24 WrestleMania matches of all-time.

Undertaker vs. Ric Flair- WrestleMania X-8: This is the match that Ric Flair claims gave him his confidence back after World Championship Wrestling ripped it out of him years ago. The Undertaker handpicked Ric Flair to be his WrestleMania X-8 opponent. It was a good choice. The two men fought a great "hardcore" style match with "No Disqualification" rules. Even in defeat, Ric Flair proved to be the "man" once again.

Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin- WrestleMania 13: While the King of the Ring "Austin 3:16" promo, helped launch the WWF career of Steve Austin, his WrestleMania 13 match-up against Bret Hart raised "Stone Cold" into another stratosphere. Their "I Quit" match help turn Steve Austin into a mega face, and turn Bret Hart into the top heel in the company in a role reversal angle. This match was only the second five star match in WrestleMania history up to this point. The match won both the "Wrestling Observer Newsletter" and the "Pro Wrestling Illustrated's" Match of the Year. It was also named one of wwe.com's Top 24 Matches in WrestleMania history.

Bobby Lashley vs. Umaga- WrestleMania 23: The main event for WrestleMania 23 was Shawn Michaels vs. John Cena. However, the match that drew the casual wrestling fan to the TV screen was the match featuring ECW World Champion Bobby Lashley against Umaga. It wasn't really Umaga and Lashley that drew in the viewers. It was the stipulation of Vince McMahon's head getting shaved versus Donald Trump's head getting buzzed that had the casual fan tuning in. They wouldn't be disappointed, as Vince and "The Don" got into the action, with Vince getting his head cut bald in the end.

Money In The Bank: CM Punk vs. Kane vs. Mark Henry vs. MVP vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Christian vs. Finlay- WrestleMania XXV: The match was filled with several memorable moments, including a series of the match's combatants performing dives onto the floor of the arena onto each other, as well as Benjamin diving off of the top of a ladder to hit a senton bomb onto his opponents. This match saw CM Punk capture the "Money in the Bank" briefcase for the second year in a row.

Undertaker vs. Triple H- WrestleMania X-Seven: This match was voted on as one of wwe.com's Top 24 Matches in WrestleMania history. Their WrestleMania match featured a lot of brawling. At the time, the Undertaker's streak wasn't as heavily pushed as it is today. The fans weren't sure who would win this match. That helped build the drama of the match, and helped make WrerstleMania X-Seven one of the greatest Manias of all-time.

Money In The Bank: Mr. Kennedy vs. Edge vs. CM Punk vs. King Booker vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Hardy vs. Finlay vs. Randy Orton- WrestleMania 23: This "Money in the Bank" ladder match was notable for all of the high risk maneuvers that were used during the bout. During the match, Mr. Kennedy missed a Kenton Bomb and landed on a ladder on the back of his neck. He then received a Swanton Bomb from Jeff Hardy. Randy Orton performed an RKO on CM Punk while standing on the ladder, and King Booker hit his Book End to Orton from the top of the ladder as well. Midway through the match, Jeff Hardy climbed a fifteen foot-high ladder inside the ring and then performed a leg drop off of that ladder onto Edge, who was lying prone on another ladder outside the ring, set-up on the ring apron and the barricade. Due to the impact, the ladder on which Edge was placed, broke in half.

Terry Funk/Dory Funk vs. Junk Yard Dog/Tito Santana- WrestleMania 2: This would be the first and only WrestleMania where Terry and Dory Funk, Jr. tag teamed with each other in a match. While a short match, it was a 3½ star bout according to the "Wrestling Observer." The match ended when the Funks used Jimmy Hart's megaphone to beat the Junk Yard Dog and Tito Santana.

Brock Lesnar vs. Kurt Angle- WrestleMania XIX: This was a true wrestling dream match. Both men were skilled amateur wrestling champions, each having won an NCAA wrestling championship during their collegiate years. The match-up between Angle and Lesnar was as close to "real" as you can get in professional wrestling. The match is probably best remembered for Brock Lesnar's botched shooting star press in the final moments of the contest. It was a mistake that could have cost Lesnar his pro wrestling career, or even later his MMA career. Thankfully, all it left in the end was an image of Brock Lesnar showing the world he had the guts to try anything.

Matt Hardy vs. Jeff Hardy- WrestleMania XXV: The first time the WWE tried to create a Matt vs. Jeff feud, it lasted for one lackluster match between two brothers that didn't want to work against each other to begin with. At the 2009 Royal Rumble, the WWE decided to give Jeff and Matt another run against each other. While the feud was once again short lived, this time the brothers gave the fans something they wouldn't give us the first time. That was a really good match worthy to be held at WrestleMania. Their WrestleMania XXV encounter. This bout was an "Extreme Rules" match, and the brothers took advantage by using, tables, ladders, and chairs at one another. Their match delivered a "WrestleMania" moment that both Hardys could be proud of.

Money In The Bank: Rob Van Dam vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Ric Flair vs. Finlay vs. Matt Hardy vs. Bobby Lashley- WrestleMania 22: The second installment of the WWE's annual "Money in the Bank" contest featured Rob Van Dam winning the briefcase leading to him becoming a the WWE and ECW World Champion in the summer.

Randy Orton vs. John Cena vs. Triple H- WrestleMania XXIV: This match featured the three biggest stars from the WWE's RAW brand. All three fought your standard WWE triple threat match. The biggest surprise in this 3½ star contest was that the heel, Randy Orton, left the ring with the belt around his waist.

Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit- WrestleMania X-Seven: This match pitted arguably the two best technical wrestlers in the world against one another. The early portion of the contest gave the fans something they weren't used to seeing; mat wrestling. It was a nice change of pace until the standard pro wrestling match broke out. Of course, when it comes to Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle, their "standard" wrestling match is so much more. This was a great match that was worthy of being held on the greatest WrestleMania card of all time. Angle vs. Benoit was voted as one of wwe.com's Top 24 WrestleMania matches of all-time.

John Cena vs. Edge vs. Big Show- WrestleMania XXV: For the second year in a row, the WWE featured a triple threat World title match on the biggest card of the year. Unlike the previous year, this time John Cena walked out of the match with the title. This was a 3¼ star match.

Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior- WrestleMania VI: The Ultimate Challenge pitted the two top baby faces in the WWF at the time. This was a rare occasion in the Vince McMahon, Jr. World Wrestling Federation. In the WWF, at the time, the WWF never had two faces go up against each other in major matches, much less be in the main event of WrestleMania. While the event had "dream match" written all over it, the thought of Hogan vs. Warrior from a work rate standpoint had "nightmare" written all over it. Shockingly, Hogan vs. Warrior surprised everyone. The two men had a really good match with each other. Hogan carried the Warrior to his best career match up to that point in time. Who would have thought Hulk Hogan of all people would have been able to carry the Ultimate Warrior to a career match? This title vs. title unification match won PWI's "Match of the Year," as well as being one of wwe.com's Top 24 WrestleMania matches of all-time.

Steve Austin vs. The Rock- WrestleMania XV: This was the first match in the Austin/Rock WrestleMania trilogy. At the time, The Rock was the "Corporate Champion," and Steve Austin was hell bent on getting his WWF World title match. The match was so big that even Jim Ross, who was out due to Bells Palsey, came back to announce this match (Austin and The Rock pushed for this move). They had an exciting bout that featured special guest referee Mick Foley making the pinfall count for Steve Austin's victory. The "Attitude Era" was in full swing, as the WWF was now in the driver's seat. Austin and The Rock were helping the WWF lead the way.

Owen Hart vs. Bret Hart- WrestleMania X: Owen Hart vs. Bret Hart from WrestleMania X is quite possibly the greatest opening match in WrestleMania, if not pay per view, history. At the time, Bret and Owen were two of the top in-ring performers. Their match at WrestleMania X was a classic. The surprise ending of a clean Owen Hart victory made the match even better. This match was voted as one of wwe.com's Top 24 greatest matches in WrestleMania history.

Charlie Hass/Shelton Benjamin vs. Rhyno/Chris Benoit vs. Eddie Guerrero/Chavo Guerrero- WrestleMania XIX: This match featured non-stop action between all six competitors. Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin were two of the best workers in the tag team division in all of professional wrestling at the time. Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero were all-world wrestlers. Rhyno and Chavo Guerrero held their own at the time, as well. All six men did not disappoint, as they had a really good tag team triple threat match.

Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon- WrestleMania X: The first WWF ladder matches took place a couple of years earlier when Bret Hart was defending his Intercontinental championship against Shawn Michaels. This time Shawn Michaels was going up against Razor Ramon in a ladder match at WrestleMania X. It was a first for the WWF's biggest event. Shawn and Razor did not disappoint. The Shawn/Razor match set the standard for what ladder matches should be. Michaels vs. Razor won the "Wrestling Observer Newsletter" and "Pro Wrestling Illustrated's" Match of the Year. They were also voted as one of wwe.com's 24 Greatest WrestleMania matches of all-time. The Shawn/Razor match earned the first five star rating in WrestleMania history.

Floyd Mayweather vs. Big Show- WrestleMania XXIV: Floyd Mayweather was brought into the WWE to face the Big Show in a boxer vs. wrestler match-up. The WWE had plans to make Mayweather the face in the contest. However, Floyd's cocky persona made him an instant heel, as the fans got fully behind the Big Show leading up to their WrestleMania match. To his credit, Mayweather played his role to perfection. With his athletic background, Mayweather was able to perform admirably in his match with the Big Show. The Big Show helped work Mayweather to a really good match. Leading into the contest, the WWE pushed this match as the bout that would draw in the casual fans. It worked, and the match didn't disappoint. They actually performed better then many expected.

Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair- WrestleMania XXIV: This was supposed to be the final match in the legendary career of Ric Flair. While it turned out not to be his last match, it was the "Nature Boy's" best match in several years. Of course, Shawn Michaels had a lot to do with that. The emotion surrounding the match was second to none. The crowd made this match even more special then it already was. The greatest wrestler of all-time against arguably the greatest wrestler of his generation battling in the final match of Ric Flair's career. The match was befitting of the careers of both men. Michaels vs. Flair won the PWI Match of the Year, and was named one of the Top 24 WrestleMania matches of all-time by wwe.com.

Roddy Piper vs. Bret Hart- WrestleMania VIII: This was another rare baby face vs. baby face match in the early days of WrestleMania. Two close friends battling for the Intercontinental championship. This was an exciting match that saw Roddy Piper suffer a rare pinfall loss in the WWF. This match was voted one of wwe.com's Top 24 WrestleMania matches of all-time.

Edge/Christian vs. Hardys vs. Dudleys- WrestleMania 2000: More then any other match, the WrestleMania 2000 tag team triple threat ladder match between the Dudleys, Hardys, and Edge/Christian put tag team wrestling in the "Attitude Era" on the map. The six men in this match took the art form of the ladder match, and turned the specialty match into a must-see match along the lines of a Hell in a Cell match. The Hardys vs. Dudleys vs. Edge/Christian ladder match was voted PWI's "Match of the Year."

Steve Austin vs. Shawn Michaels- WrestleMania XIV: This match made the rise of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin complete. This was also the final match of Shawn Michaels' career, at least until his back healed over four years later. For once, Michaels passed the torch to a deserving wrestler that wasn't a member of the clique, or Sid. Despite his back injury, and belief that he gave a sub par performance, Shawn's courageous performance led to a match that was worthy of being a main event at WrestleMania. Austin vs. Michaels is listed as one of the Top 24 WrestleMania matches of all-time by wwe.com.

Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart- WrestleMania XII: The Michaels vs. Bret "Iron Man" match was the first, and only WrestleMania match to go over one hour. At the time, Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart were the top two performers in the company, if not all of wrestling. The "Iron Man" match was the culmination of Shawn Michaels capturing his "boyhood dream." It is a match that will live in the annals of WrestleMania history. Michaels vs. Bret won the PWI Match of the Year, and was named one of the Top 24 WrestleMania matches of all-time by wwe.com.

Terry Funk/Mick Foley vs. Billy Gunn/Road Dogg Jesse James- WrestleMania XIV: This match was a "Dumpster" match where in order to win the match, you had to throw your opponents in a dumpster, and close the lid shut. Technical wrestling was not on the menu during this bout. Hardcore brawling and violence rang throughout the arena in this match. All four men brawled until Funk and Foley disposed of the New Age Outlaws to win the tag team titles.

Undertaker vs. Batista- WrestleMania 23: The streak vs. the belt. The Undertaker vs. Batista. Heading into WrestleMania, much wasn't expected going into this match. At the time, Batista was having sub par matches. Surprisingly, the two had really good chemistry with each other. They had arguably the best match on the card. The match was voted one of the Top 24 Matches in WrestleMania history by wwe.com.

Bret Hart/Jim Neidhart vs. Jerry Saggs/Brian Knobbs- WrestleMania VII: This was the final WrestleMania where Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart would appear together as a tag team. The match was a brawling spectacle that saw the Nasty Boys capture their one and only WWF World Tag Team championship.

Steve Austin vs. The Rock- WrestleMania X-Seven: This was the second of the three Austin/Rock WrestleMania matches. Many believe that this was the best Rock/Austin match of the three. The climax of the match featured "Stone Cold" Steve Austin turning heel, and joining Mr. McMahon and Triple H. The match was voted one of the Top 24 Matches in WrestleMania history by wwe.com.

Triple H vs. The Rock vs. Mick Foley vs. Big Show- WrestleMania 2000: This was the first WrestleMania main event to feature a heel wrestler leaving the ring with hi arm raised in victory. The WrestleMania 2000 main event was the first main event that was not a singles match or a tag team contest. The Big Show and Mick Foley were quickly eliminated from the match, so the focus could be put on the match that should have been the WrestleMania main event all along, in The Rock vs. Triple H. The unique main event would end after Vince McMahon turned on The Rock to give Triple H the victory.

Davey Boy Smith/Dynamite Kid vs. Brutus Beefcake/Greg Valentine- WrestleMania 2: The match between the British Bulldogs and the team of Greg Valentine and Brutus Beefcake was the best match in the second installation of WrestleMania. After a long chase, the Bulldogs finally captured the WWF World Tag Team championships in an excellent bout that saw both Captain Louis Albano and Ozzy Osbourne in their corner.

Ahmed Johnson/Hawk/Animal vs. Crush/Faarooq/Savio Vega- WrestleMania 13: This match was contested under Chicago street fight rules. The action pilled both inside and outside of the ring. All six men used weapons against one another. The Ahmed Johnson/Road Warriors vs. Nation of Domination was the first "hardcore" style match in WrestleMania history.

Kurt Angle vs. Shawn Michaels- WrestleMania 21: Angle vs. Michaels was what WrestleMania is all about. When you think of WrestleMania, especially in the early days, you though of dream matches. After all, WrestleMania always provided you with unique matches. Shawn Michaels was arguably the best wrestler of the nineties. Kurt Angle was arguably the greatest wrestler of the new millennium. While Kurt Angle was in his prime, Shawn Michaels was still near the top of his game as well. The match didn't disappoint as it was named "Pro Wrestling Illustrated's" Match of the Year, as well as being voted one of the Top 24 Matches in WrestleMania history by wwe.com.

Hulk Hogan vs. The Rock- WrestleMania X-8: The top wrestling personality of all-time against arguably the top wrestling personality of the 2000s. Hulk Hogan vs. The Rock. ICON vs. ICON. While the match was average from a work rate standpoint. The crowd participation and the psychology of the match made Hogan vs. The Rock one of the most electrifying matches in sports entertainment's WrestleMania history. The match was named "Pro Wrestling Illustrated's" Match of the Year, as well as being voted one of the Top 24 Matches in WrestleMania history by wwe.com.

Edge/Christian vs. Hardys vs. Dudleys- WrestleMania X-Seven: Arguably the greatest ladder match in the history of the gimmick. If the previous year's ladder match put tag teams on the map during the WWF's "Attitude Era," this match cemented the three teams place in WrestleMania history. However, in order to up the ante, the WrestleMania tag team triple threat rematch was more then just a ladder match. This was billed as a "tables, ladders, and chairs" match. Everything was legal, and everything was used in this edge of your seat match. The match was named "Pro Wrestling Illustrated's" Match of the Year, as well as being voted one of the Top 24 Matches in WrestleMania history by wwe.com.

Shane McMahon vs. Vince McMahon- WrestleMania X-Seven: Father vs. Son. Shane vs. Vince. This hardcore match pitted two non-workers against each other, and you would have never known. The use of weapons covered up their lack of working ability. However, Shane showed that he had some skill as he used such moves as the Van Terminator during his clash with Mr. McMahon. Shane vs. Vince may not be remembered as Flair vs. Steamboat. However, the two worked hard, and entertained the record in Houston.

John Cena vs. Triple H- WrestleMania 22: This was the match that featured the leader of the WWE against the man the WWE was trying to push as the man who will need the company in the future. Cena held the title for most of the past year. Triple H was without gold for a year. Most felt that Triple H would regain the strap, and were shocked when Triple H tapped out. This was a good match featuring the top two pushed stars in the company.

Rey Mysterio vs. Kurt Angle vs. Randy Orton- WrestleMania 22: This is the match that could have been great. Mysterio, Angle, and Orton had a really good match. However, this match could have been great, except it lacked on thing: time. This match went less then fifteen minutes. If the WWE would have given the three men an extra ten minutes to battle in the ring, they may have given the fans a special "WrestleMania moment." Even without the extra time, the trio still put on a great show for the masses.

Diesel vs. Shawn Michaels- WrestleMania XI: This was the first World title match at WrestleMania for Shawn Michaels. Fortunately, it would not be the last. The battle between Clique members was an exciting bout on an otherwise lackluster WrestleMania card. Added to the action was Jenny McCarthy and Pamela Anderson at ringside, not to mention "Psycho" Sid. The match was named "Pro Wrestling Illustrated's" Match of the Year.

Money in the Bank: CM Punk vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Chris Jericho vs. Carlito vs. MVP vs. Mr. Kennedy vs. John Morrison- WrestleMania XXIV: Out of all of the Money in the Bank matches at WrestleMania, the contest at WrestleMania XXIV was probably the worst of the series. Even so, it was still a 3¼ star match. This spot fest saw CM Punk win the briefcase, and eventually cash it in for his first World Heavyweight championship.

Randy Savage vs. Ric Flair- WrestleMania VIII: The best worker in the WWF during the late eighties versus the best worker in the NWA/WCW of the late eighties finally clashed at WrestleMania VIII. It was worth the wait, as both men put on an entertaining match. Savage vs. Flair was the best match of WrestleMania VIII, and earned a spot on the wwe.com's Top 24 Matches in WrestleMania history list.

Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero- WrestleMania 21: Two best friends, and the current tag team champions battled at WrestleMania 21. Sadly, this was Eddie Guerrero's final WrestleMania match, as he passed away later that year. However, this wasn't a bad match to go out on. Both men fought hard, in a match that would lead to one of the major feuds in the WWE during the spring and summer months.

Edge vs. Mick Foley- WrestleMania 22: For all he accomplished in the WWE, Mick Foley never had a "WrestleMania moment." He won the tag team titles. He refereed a match. He even wrestled in the main event. However, he never had that one memorable moment, until now. Edge and Mick Foley fought each other in a hardcore battle that saw Edge move up to another level as a performer (despite already holding the WWE World title). Thanks to being driven through a flaming table, Foley had his "moment." The fans got to realize that Mick really is crazy.

Tatanka vs. Shawn Michaels- WrestleMania IX: A year before Shawn Michaels would have his career defining match at WrestleMania, the "Heartbreak Kid" played "curtain jerker," as he defended the WWF Intercontinental championship against Tatanka. Besides having to contend with each other, there were other distractions in the match. Namely, Luna Vachon (in Shawn's corner) and Sensational Sherri (in Tatanka's). It was a solid opener, with a flat ending.

Money in the Bank: Edge vs. Chris Jericho vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Chris Benoit vs. Christian vs. Kane- WrestleMania 21: The inaugural Money in the Bank match was held at WrestleMania 21. Usually, you save the best for last, but in the case of the Money in the Bank matches, the WWE put their best foot forward, as this match was a 4½ star contest. Edge was the match, and last then a year later, he cashed in the briefcase, won the title, and never looked back.

Ricky Steamboat vs. Matt Bourne- WrestleMania I: What is a preliminary match doing in a "greatest WrestleMania" matches tournament? Two words. Ricky Steamboat. In what should have been a boring squash match turned into a short 3¼ star match between a solid prelim wrestler, and a legend of the squared circle.

Eddie Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle- WrestleMania XX: This was a battle of two of the world's best performers in the business. They did not disappoint. Both men fought a close match. The finish was pure Eddie, as he used his guile to escape Angle's ankle lock attempt to pin the Olympic gold medalist.

Undertaker vs. Randy Orton- WrestleMania 22: The legend vs. the legend killer. It's been said that if the Undertaker was to lose at WrestleMania, he would lose to a younger wrestler who could receive a career-changing rub from the honor. At the time, Orton had those qualifications. While he was already a World Heavyweight champion, he lost a ton of steam once he turned baby face, and dropped the title to Triple H a month later. A victory over the "Deadman" would have repaired the damage that his character suffered eighteen months ago. While it wasn't meant to be, the excellent battle between the Undertaker and Randy Orton helped Orton on his road to becoming the main event star he is today.

Chris Benoit vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels- WrestleMania XX: The main event of the 20th WrestleMania featured arguably the greatest Triple Threat match in the history of the promotion. All three men performed brilliantly that night giving Chris Benoit the kind of night in wrestling that his misused talent always deserved. The sight of Benoit and Eddie Guerrero embracing in the middle of the ring, as streamers came sailing down from the sky, was perhaps the greatest moment in WrestleMania history. At least until you know what happened. The match was named "Pro Wrestling Illustrated's" Match of the Year, as well as being voted one of the Top 24 Matches in WrestleMania history by wwe.com.

Triple H vs. Chris Jericho- WrestleMania X-8: Despite returning to the ring from his first quad injury shortly before the Royal Rumble, the main event of WrestleMania X-8 was the unofficial welcome home party for Triple H. He was finally back, and the World title came back around his waist. Chris Jericho and Triple H fought each other in a solid match. Triple H was back as the champ, and Chris Jericho proved he belonged on the same level as "The Game."