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Stojy

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I have to admit, whilst I'm sure the match will be fun at Mania, I'm not sold on the booking of the TLC match. For one, these teams as a foursome have really only just all come together last week. Just feels like a lack of hype and a forced stipulation for the sake of Mania. Plus unfortunately for you the tag division isn't very strong on SD at the moment, so teams like The Bashams and Scotty/Rikishi just make it feel even less exciting. With that being said, hopefully post Mania, the titles can focus on where the money is (WGTT vs. London/Kendrick).

Much like in real life, looks as if Cena is going to get his crowning moment against show at Mania which is fine.

I've enjoyed the introduction of JBL here, and I like that you're turning his issue with Faarooq into a bigger thing. It just makes sense. The way they brushed over that to rush him into the title picture in real life was a bit so and so. I mean his title run was awesome, but yeah, Faarooq battle makes sense. Considering JBL hasn't really done anything in his singles career yet, the wrestling god catchphrase doesn't really fit with this version of JBL yet. I'm pretty sure he intro'd that during his title reign, and it made more sense then. Not so much here. I know that's a tiny thing, and I like the booking overall, but it's just something that caught my attention.

'Taker/Kane feud progressing fine here with Kane kidnapping and threatening Bearer. The issue when these two feud is that it's basically all been done before. Still, this is fine for what it is. Inferno Casket match is a ridiculous stipulation really, but I think you're just going to utilize it to bring a masked version of Kane back after he's burnt.

Eddie promo gets a thumbs up from me. Good stuff.

Edge/Brock hype here was pretty generic but fine. I do really like the idea of Brock almost losing due to interference and then clicking into monster mode. Does a nice job of making him look unstoppable.

I'm also really curious to see if you have the guts to unmask Rey...

Things are chugging along nicely here.
 

WrestleWizard

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BTB Schedule Update: Transitioning to Monthly Format​


Hey everyone,

I hope you're all doing well and continuing to enjoy the world of WWE Be The Booker! I wanted to take a moment to address some changes coming to this BTB that I think will benefit both the quality of content and my ability to keep this storyline alive and thriving.

The Change​


After much consideration, I've made the decision to step away from weekly show coverage. Managing two BTBs simultaneously while maintaining the weekly format has proven to be an overwhelming workload that's honestly unsustainable for me in the long run (I bit off a little more than I can chew). Rather than let this BTB fade away entirely, I'm pivoting to a new format that will allow me to keep delivering the storytelling you love without burning myself out.

New Format: Monthly Recaps + Full PPV Coverage​


Moving forward, this BTB will operate on a monthly recap system for regular television programming, combined with full pay-per-view coverage. Here's how it will work:
  • Monthly TV Recaps: Instead of weekly Raw and SmackDown shows, I'll provide comprehensive monthly recaps that highlight all the major storyline developments, feuds, and character progression from both brands
  • Full PPV Events: Pay-per-views will continue to be posted in their entirety with the same detailed coverage you're used to
  • Special Event Coverage: Major storyline moments and special episodes will still receive dedicated attention
This approach allows me to maintain the narrative continuity and character development that makes this BTB special, while giving me the breathing room to produce quality content consistently.

Here's what you can expect in the coming weeks:

Monthly March Recap of Raw and SmackDown


A comprehensive look back at all the major happenings from both brands throughout March, setting the stage for WrestleMania season.

WrestleMania XX Match Previews


In-depth individual match previews for every contest on the WrestleMania XX card, featuring:
  • Detailed storytelling and background for each feud
  • Predictions from WWE.com journalists
  • Exclusive interviews with superstars
  • Historical context and stakes analysis

WrestleMania XX Countdown Show


A special pre-show event building the final hype before the Grandest Stage of Them All.

WrestleMania XX


The full event coverage of WrestleMania XX - the culmination of months of storytelling.

WrestleMania XX Post-Show and Press Conference


Complete fallout coverage including backstage reactions, interviews, and setting up the post-WrestleMania landscape.

I believe this change will ultimately result in better content and a more sustainable posting schedule. The monthly recaps will ensure no important storylines get lost, while the PPV coverage maintains the excitement and detail of the biggest shows.

Thank you all for your continued support and understanding. I'm excited about this new direction and can't wait to share the upcoming WrestleMania XX coverage with you all!

Stay tuned for the March TV recap coming soon!
 

WrestleWizard

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MARCH TO IMMORTALITY
(March 1st-March 25th)



Monday Night Raw – March 1, 2004

As the March 1st Raw opened, the haunting riff of Evolution’s theme roared through the speakers, drawing a wave of boos. Out strode Triple H, dressed in a black suit with the World Heavyweight Championship strapped defiantly across his shoulder. Flanking him were Ric Flair, eyes twitching with fury, and the silent tower of rage that is Batista. Triple H stood at the center of the ring under a harsh spotlight. His jaw clenched, voice like gravel soaked in venom, he addressed the world—not just as a champion, but as a man betrayed.

“We created Randy Orton. We made him the Legend Killer. We put him in the spotlight. And now… now, he bites the hand that fed him?”

The venom was palpable. Triple H seethed as he vowed to crush the legacy of the very man he once mentored. He scoffed at the notion that Orton could exist without Evolution, calling him a “genetic fluke with delusions of grandeur.”

But then…

“Medal” hit the arena like a war cry, and the crowd exploded. Kurt Angle, intense and unapologetic, marched down the ramp like a man who feared no empire. Wearing his red, white, and blue warm-up gear, Angle entered the ring and stared down the World Champion….

“You talk a big game, Hunter,” Angle said, eyes locked. “But last week, everyone saw the look in your eyes when I had you in the ankle lock. You had the look of a scared man, a look of desperation. That wasn’t an accident, and it won’t be the last time it happens. At WrestleMania, you’re going to feel that pain again—only this time you’ll tap out and it ends with me as World Heavyweight Champion.”

Triple H laughed, mocking the “washed-up Olympic hero,” but Angle didn’t flinch. Words quickly turned to fists. Angle launched the first strike, but Evolution pounced like a pack of wolves. Ric Flair chopped and clawed. Batista mauled. Triple H hit a knee facebuster, and the assault was relentless. The moment turned grisly. Batista hoisted Angle up and delivered a thunderous Batista Bomb, rattling the canvas. The Olympic Hero lay motionless, Evolution standing tall. The Game leaned over Angle’s broken body, whispering, “You’ll never make it to WrestleMania.”

Later in the night, Raw featured a fast-paced and unpredictable Triple Threat Match between Mark Jindrak, Rosey, and Booker T. Booker, the seasoned veteran and former World Champion, brought the crowd to life with his charisma and striking offense. Rosey, using his size advantage, bulldozed through both men at times, dominating the middle stretch of the bout. But it was Jindrak who stole the show. The former WCW standout used his agility and ring awareness to capitalize on the chaos, springboarding off the ropes and catching Rosey with a dropkick that sent him sprawling. After Booker flattened Rosey with a spinebuster, Jindrak threw Booker out of the ring and quickly pinned the groggy Rosey for the win. It was a signature moment for the young star, signaling he was ready to play with the big boys.

Backstage, Chris Jericho had a quiet smile on his face as he approached Trish Stratus. Their chemistry had been undeniable in recent weeks, and Jericho clearly expected their connection to deepen. But Trish, wearing an apologetic expression, delivered heartbreaking news. She gently told Jericho that she needed to take a step back—not just from him, but from the confusion. She needed to refocus on her wrestling career and her goals. Jericho, visibly stunned, tried to mask the heartbreak, brushing it off and telling her he understood. But the camera lingered as Trish walked away, and Jericho slumped against the wall, pain written across his face.

Suddenly, Raw took a chilling turn as it cut to grainy footage from what looked like a boiler room deep in the bowels of the arena. Flames flickered in the background, casting monstrous shadows on the walls. There stood Kane, his head twitching, his eyes bloodshot with madness. In front of him, bound and helpless, was Paul Bearer. The longtime manager whimpered as Kane accused him of betrayal—of leaving him, of favoring Undertaker, of never truly loving him. The Big Red Machine lit a gasoline-soaked rag, holding it mere inches from Bearer’s face. “You left me in the darkness,” Kane growled. “Now I’m going to burn away everything that ever meant anything to you.” The screen then cut to static. Viewers were left horrified, uncertain of Bearer’s fate.

Later that night, Chris Jericho came down to the ring to face Kane, still visibly rattled by Trish’s rejection. The match was a massacre. Jericho tried to fight back, landing a few chops and a Lionsault attempt, but Kane no-sold everything. He grabbed Jericho by the throat and planted him with a brutal chokeslam, pinning him with one hand on his chest. Kane then grabbed a mic and knelt beside Jericho’s broken body, issuing a warning to The Undertaker: “Paul Bearer is almost gone. And at WrestleMania, you’ll be next.”

In the women's division, tensions between Lita and Women’s Champion Molly Holly reached a fever pitch. Molly, in a backstage interview, declared that she brought elegance and class to women’s wrestling—something she said Lita would never understand. Lita later responded with an impassioned rebuttal, saying she represented risk, passion, and heart, and that Molly’s so-called dignity was just a mask for her cheating and insecurity. The two had to be physically restrained as they nearly came to blows backstage, with Lita screaming that at WrestleMania, she would expose Molly for what she truly was.

Meanwhile, the Dudley Boyz found themselves in a heated tag bout with La Resistance. The French Canadians tried to isolate D-Von, using cheap shots and quick tags. But when Bubba Ray got the hot tag, the match turned into a firefight. Bubba lit up the ring with brawling fury, and after an intense final exchange, the Dudleyz hit Rob Conway with the 3D to score the pin. Post-match, they stared down the camera, mouths foaming with intensity, sending a direct message to every other team lined up for Tag Team Turmoil: they were coming for gold.

The match had already been building to a fever pitch. Randy Orton, still nursing the emotional and physical scars from betraying Evolution the week prior, fought with focused fury. His movements were crisp, his counters precise. Christian, smug and opportunistic, tried to bait Orton into mistakes with cheap shots and theatrics, but Orton wouldn’t bite. The crowd was fully behind the young Legend Killer, rallying with every stiff European uppercut and powerslam he connected with. As the clock ticked closer to the ten-minute mark, Orton dropped Christian with a beautiful snap scoop slam and began coiling into position, pounding the mat with his fists in classic RKO fashion. Just as Christian staggered up, groggy and dazed, ready to be finished, the arena lights flickered—and Batista’s theme hit. The distraction was immediate. Orton’s eyes darted to the stage. His body tensed as he turned toward the ramp, fully expecting a charge from the Evolution enforcer. But no one emerged. Christian, like a vulture sensing a kill, crawled up behind Orton and hooked him into a schoolboy roll-up, his hands grabbing a full fist of tights. The referee never saw it. One. Two. Three. Gasps filled the arena. The bell rang, and Christian instantly rolled out of the ring, arms in the air, wide-eyed with disbelief and a cocky grin etched across his face. He had stolen the Intercontinental Championship.

Orton sat in the ring, stunned, the moment sinking in. But he barely had time to react.

Suddenly, from the crowd side of the arena, Ric Flair slid into the ring. Batista followed from the timekeeper’s area. And last, stalking from behind Orton like a predator, was Triple H, sledgehammer in hand. The crowd’s boos erupted into sheer chaos as Evolution descended on their former ally. Flair struck first, booting Orton in the ribs. Orton tried to scramble to his feet, but Batista caught him with a heavy right hand, rocking him into the ropes. Orton lashed out, catching Flair with a desperation punch, but the numbers were overwhelming. Triple H slid into the ring and leveled Orton in the back of the knee with the head of the sledgehammer, dropping him like a stone. The referee tried to intervene but was shoved violently out of the ring. The attack was surgical. Orton was kicked, stomped, and tossed into the turnbuckle like a crash dummy. Flair tore at Orton’s shirt and held his arms down while Triple H got in his face and screamed: “You think you’re bigger than Evolution?!” Orton spat in his face. Batista responded with a spine-rattling Spinebuster, and the sound of Orton’s body hitting the mat echoed like a car crash. Triple H then placed the World Heavyweight Title belt on the canvas and ordered Batista to finish it. With one motion, Batista scooped Orton up and planted him with a devastating Batista Bomb onto the belt. The crowd chanted “Orton! Orton!” in desperation, but no help came. Orton twitched, barely conscious, as Triple H stood over him. With a slow, deliberate motion, The Game placed the sledgehammer’s head against Orton’s temple and crouched beside him, speaking words that were picked up faintly by the ringside mics: “You could’ve been great… but you had to go against the family.”

As the final segment of the night began, the arena darkened and spotlights panned across the crowd. The unmistakable sound of “If Ya Smell…” hit, and the roof blew off the building. The Rock, dressed in a designer button-down and jeans, guitar slung over his shoulder, made his way to the ring with all the swagger of a man who owned the place. It had been nearly a year since his last Rock Concert, and the WWE Universe buzzed with anticipation. Once in the ring, The Great One soaked in the adulation before launching into a trademark verbal lashing—this time aimed directly at Shawn Michaels. With his signature smirk and smooth strumming, Rock unleashed lyrical insults with stinging precision. He mocked HBK’s cowboy attire, his "born-again phase," and even joked that Michaels was still living off the WrestleMania XI check. The crowd howled with laughter as The Rock riffed on Michaels’ hairline, his emotional interviews, and how he always “found his smile” right around big paydays. “Here’s a little song for the Showstopper,” Rock quipped, tuning his guitar. “It’s called ‘You Ain’t The Main Event No More.’” The fans roared. Just as The Rock leaned in for the chorus, HBK’s theme music hit like a bolt of lightning. The atmosphere shifted instantly from comedy to confrontation. Shawn Michaels stormed down the ramp, jaw clenched, not even pausing to posture. Rock stood up, still holding his guitar, chuckling at the interruption—but the smirk vanished in a flash. Michaels slid into the ring and BLASTED The Rock with Sweet Chin Music, the kick landing with an echo that reverberated through the stunned arena. The guitar flew from Rock’s hands and shattered on the canvas as he collapsed in a heap. HBK stood over the downed Rock, breathing heavily, his expression not one of joy, but cold resolve. Without a word, he raised his arm and pointed at the WrestleMania XX sign above the ring. No banter. No comeback. Just violence and intent. The show ended not with a laugh or a punchline—but with a message from Michaels: at WrestleMania, the Rock’s mouth would finally be shut.


Monday Night Raw – March 8, 2004

“Lines in the Sand”


The show began with a spotlight on the squared circle, and standing at the center of it was none other than Kurt Angle, pacing like a caged lion. The Olympic Gold Medalist wore his warm-up gear but looked ready for war. With a microphone in hand and intensity burning in his eyes, Angle demanded Triple H come face him like a man. He replayed the footage of the week prior—Angle tapping out the World Heavyweight Champion—and reminded the world that it wasn’t a fluke. “You can have Batista and Ric Flair surround you all you want,” he said, “but at WrestleMania, it’s just you and me. No excuses. No escape.” Angle didn’t care if Evolution tried to break his body. He declared that Triple H’s empire was crumbling—and he would be the man to finish it.

His challenge didn’t go unanswered.

Evolution’s music hit like a thunderclap, and Triple H appeared on the stage alongside Ric Flair and Batista. Though still nursing bruises from Angle’s previous assaults, the World Champion looked smug and dismissive. He clapped mockingly for Angle, calling him delusional and saying that he was stuck living in the past. Triple H told the crowd that Angle’s body was breaking down—that he wouldn’t even make it to WrestleMania. But before the Game could get the final word…

Randy Orton struck.

The crowd erupted as Orton emerged from the crowd, steel chair in hand. He blindsided Evolution from behind, cracking the chair across Flair’s back and swinging wildly at Batista. Chaos broke out. Triple H bailed, pulling Batista to safety, as Orton stood tall in the ring beside Angle. The young outlaw, eyes blazing, declared on the mic, “I’m not done with Evolution—I’m just getting started. And tonight, I make your lives hell.”

Backstage, the camera caught Chris Jericho sitting alone in a dim locker room, shoulders hunched, his hair slicked back but unkempt. The pain from last week still weighed on him—his loss to Kane, Trish Stratus walking away from their budding relationship—it all simmered just beneath the surface. Suddenly, a smug voice broke the silence. Christian, newly crowned Intercontinental Champion, strolled in polishing his title, exuding a grating arrogance. He taunted Jericho mercilessly—mocking his “little heartbreak,” calling him yesterday’s news, and bragging that not only did he steal the title, but he was the face of Raw now. Jericho didn’t respond with words—he responded with fists. The two erupted into a vicious backstage brawl that saw chairs toppled, walls rattled, and officials scrambling to pull them apart. Eric Bischoff entered the chaos with a sinister smirk. “Since you two want to kill each other so badly, fine,” he said. “At WrestleMania—it’s going to be Christian vs. Chris Jericho… in a 3 Stages of Hell match.” The crowd watching at home erupted. And to “test Jericho’s resolve,” Bischoff booked him later in the night against the one man who embodied Evolution’s power: Batista.

Meanwhile, a pre-taped vignette aired from a film set in Los Angeles. Dressed in designer shades and a leather jacket, The Rock stood in front of cameras, clearly annoyed. “Last week,” he sneered, “I was trying to give the people a little entertainment, a little music—and what does HBK do? He storms the ring and kicks The Rock in the face. That’s not just disrespect. That’s career suicide.” The Brahma Bull promised to return to Raw next week and confront Shawn Michaels face-to-face. This wasn't just about showmanship anymore—it was personal. “HBK wants to talk about who stayed and who left? Well, at WrestleMania, the only thing people will talk about is The Rock laying the smack down on HBK’s candy ass.”

Later that night, Chris Jericho stepped into the ring to face Batista, and the look on Jericho’s face said it all—he was barely holding it together. But when the bell rang, the former Undisputed Champion unleashed a flurry of strikes, channeling his frustration into offense. Batista, however, absorbed the punishment and methodically began to break Jericho down. As the match wore on, Ric Flair wandered to ringside and tried to distract the referee. Jericho knocked Flair off the apron and nearly stole the match with a roll-up, but the momentary distraction gave Batista an opening. He caught Jericho in mid-run and delivered a thunderous Batista Bomb, driving him into the canvas and scoring the win. Post-match, Christian emerged and hit the Unprettier on the already broken Jericho, standing over him with his title held high and a wicked grin on his face.


In tag team action, Rob Van Dam & Booker T faced Mark Jindrak & Garrison Cade in a non-title match designed to preview the chaos of WrestleMania’s upcoming Tag Team Turmoil. The champions worked like a well-oiled machine, dazzling the crowd with double-team maneuvers and high-octane spots. Jindrak and Cade brought the fight, trying to make a name for themselves, but in the end, RVD hit the Five-Star Frog Splash on Cade to secure the win. After the match, The Dudley Boyz stormed the ring, staring down the champs in a tense moment—until La Resistance jumped both teams from behind. Seconds later, Hurricane & Rosey joined the brawl, and within moments, the ring became a battlefield. Bodies flew over ropes, tables shattered, and referees couldn’t contain the madness. The WrestleMania Tag Team Turmoil was going to be pure carnage—and this was just a taste.


Later in the show, Lita delivered a backstage promo that brought goosebumps. She stood alone, her voice low but determined. “Molly Holly can talk all she wants about class and tradition, but I’m not here to play safe. I’m here to fight. I’m here to prove that I belong at the top. And at WrestleMania, I’m walking out as the Women's Champion.” Meanwhile, Molly Holly, joined by Jazz, faced Victoria in singles action. Molly scored the win after Jazz interfered, but the victory celebration was short-lived. Lita hit the ring like a tornado, taking out Jazz with a spinning headscissors, then dropping Molly with a Twist of Fate. The crowd roared as Lita climbed the ropes and hit a moonsault on Jazz while Molly retreated, holding her title to her chest like a shield. WrestleMania was going to be the reckoning.

Earlier in the night after the opening segment of Raw, General Manager Eric Bischoff made it official: tonight’s main event would see Kurt Angle and Randy Orton team up for the first time ever to take on Ric Flair and Batista of Evolution. The stakes were clear—not championships, but pride, vengeance, and momentum as WrestleMania loomed large.

The bell rang, and chaos unfolded. Flair started the match, but Orton wanted him. The two circled, and Flair, cocky as ever, tried to slap Orton across the face—but Orton fired back with a stiff European uppercut. The crowd came alive as Orton unloaded weeks of frustration, stomping Flair in the corner and tagging in Angle. Angle exploded into the ring with suplexes for days, dropping Flair with a German, then grabbing Batista off the apron and hitting a belly-to-belly overhead throw that sent the powerhouse crashing into the barricade. As the match wore on, the tide turned. Batista grounded Angle with his brute force, clubbing him down and tagging in Flair, who chopped Angle’s chest raw. But Angle wouldn’t stay down. He fired up, reversed a back suplex, and dove to tag Orton. The roof blew off the building as Orton came in hot. Dropkick to Flair. Clothesline to Batista. Powerslam. He was on fire. He caught Flair with the RKO, but Batista broke up the pin at the last second. Angle re-entered, tackled Batista, and the brawl broke loose. The final sequence was pure intensity. Batista went for the Batista Bomb on Angle, but Angle countered into the Ankle Lock and yanked him down. As Batista screamed in agony and rolled out of the ring, Flair staggered to his feet—right into a picture-perfect RKO from Orton.

One… two… three.

As Orton secured the emphatic three-count over Ric Flair, the crowd erupted, sensing the tide finally turning against Evolution. Kurt Angle joined him in the ring, slapping the mat with fired-up energy, pointing to the WrestleMania XX sign overhead. For a fleeting moment, the rebels stood tall—Randy Orton and Kurt Angle, united by revenge and momentum, victorious against Evolution’s loyal lieutenants.

But the celebration was cut short.

Triple H, the World Heavyweight Champion sprints to the ring and immediately rolled into the ring and immediately charged at Kurt Angle, swinging the sledgehammer like a man possessed. But Angle ducked—narrowly avoiding catastrophe. The momentum sent Triple H spinning—and right into a perfectly timed RKO from Randy Orton that shook the ring and set the crowd ablaze. The fans were on their feet as Orton slammed the mat, his eyes wild, while Angle quickly moved in and grabbed Triple H’s ankle, yanking him into the Ankle Lock dead center in the ring. The crowd chanted “TAP! TAP! TAP!” as Triple H writhed in pain. But Triple H, ever the escape artist, rolled through—sending Angle chest-first into the turnbuckle—and slid out of the ring in a hasty retreat, clutching his ankle and dragging the sledgehammer like a wounded king fleeing battle. Before Triple H could fully escape, Batista, who had recovered from the earlier brawl, lunged at Orton. The two heavyweights collided in the center of the ring, fists flying wildly as referees poured in, trying to separate them.

They couldn't.

Orton and Batista spilled out of the ring, trading brutal haymakers. They fought up the ramp, into the aisleway, and then off the side through the crowd. The camera followed them as they tore through the audience, smashing through barricades and vendor tables like two unchained beasts. Chairs scattered. Security failed to contain them. The audience roared, swarming around the chaos. Inside the ring, Kurt Angle stood tall, chest heaving, as he watched Triple H limp back up the ramp—both men locking eyes, their hatred boiling over. Angle pointed to the WrestleMania sign, shouting, “I’m going to make you tap again!” Triple H, sweat-drenched and furious, just glared as the show began to fade. The final shot of Raw wasn’t triumph. It wasn’t peace. It was war. Triple H escaping with his title. Orton and Batista locked in a feral brawl through the arena. And Kurt Angle, standing tall, promising pain and redemption on the grandest stage of them all.





Monday Night Raw – March 15, 2004

“No Turning Back”





With WrestleMania now visible on the horizon, the tension on this week’s Raw was palpable from the very first frame. The camera opened on the brooding faces of Evolution—Triple H, Ric Flair, and Batista—already standing in the ring. There was no slow entrance, no music, no smug swagger this time. There was only rage. Triple H stood with the World Heavyweight Championship clutched tight against his chest, his brow furrowed in fury as the crowd rained jeers down upon him. He wasted no time getting to the point. “Last week,” he growled, “Randy Orton stuck his nose in Evolution’s business again. And now? Now, we finish what we started.” He turned his attention to Kurt Angle, mocking the Olympic Hero’s resolve and physical well-being. “Your neck’s held together with duct tape and luck, Kurt. And at WrestleMania, I’m going to tear it apart one more time—until your entire career ends the way it should have years ago: in agony.” But before the champion could continue, Kurt Angle’s music hit, and the former Olympian stormed down the ramp, jaw clenched and eyes burning. He didn’t wait for formalities. He slid into the ring and stood nose-to-nose with Triple H. The animosity was thick between them—two alphas with no room left for words. Angle grabbed a mic and made a bold proposal. “Let’s stop the sneak attacks. Let’s level the playing field.” He turned to Batista. “You. Me. Tonight. And if I win, Evolution is banned from ringside at WrestleMania.” The crowd exploded at the stipulation. Batista laughed and stepped forward, nodding eagerly—Triple H quickly grabbed a mic and said “and if Batista wins…..Your Wrestlemania title match with me is OFF.” Batista and Angle get face to face as Raw goes to commercial break. Back from break and Bischoff made the match official for Wrestlemania XX…..Batista vs. Randy Orton ONE on ONE

Elsewhere in the show, the bitter animosity between The Rock and Shawn Michaels finally exploded into its most visceral and violent moment yet. The crowd came unglued as The Rock’s music hit and the arena bathed in gold and blue light. Dressed in a sleeveless leather vest, black jeans, and his signature sunglasses, The Rock strutted to the ring with the swagger only he could summon. But this time, there was no smirk—only simmering disdain. Grabbing the mic, he stood center-ring as the fans chanted his name, then cut the cheers short with a single raised eyebrow.

“2 weeks ago,” he began, his voice sharp as steel, “the so-called 'Showstopper' tried to make a name for himself at my expense. He strutted down here, flailing that ponytail around, thinking one kick to The Rock’s face makes him the man.”

The Rock yanked off his sunglasses and stared straight into the camera.

“Shawn… for years you’ve had a chip on your shoulder. You looked at The Rock and saw the man you could never be. You stayed in the ring because you had nowhere else to go. Meanwhile, The Rock took this business, flipped it upside down, and made Hollywood beg for more. You want to talk about respect? The Rock doesn’t owe you a damn thing.”

Before he could continue, the sound of HBK’s theme music shattered the arena. Shawn Michaels, jaw clenched and eyes ablaze, marched down the ramp like a gunslinger in the Old West. No pyro. No showboating. Just fury. Michaels entered the ring and got nose-to-nose with Rock, the tension palpable. The crowd, fully split between "HBK" and "Rocky" chants, roared as the two icons stared daggers into one another.

“You’re damn right I have a chip on my shoulder,” Michaels snapped. “Because for years, you acted like you were above everyone in that locker room—including me. But here’s the truth, Rock: while you were off doing movie cameos and talk shows, I stayed here. I bled in this ring. I carried this company while you were off playing make-believe.”

The Rock didn’t blink. “You carried it? Shawn, the only thing you carried was your broken ego. This isn’t 1996 anymore. The spotlight doesn’t belong to you—and at WrestleMania, The Rock’s not coming to steal the show… he’s coming to end it.”

A hushed silence fell over the crowd as the words hung in the air. Then—HBK struck.

Shawn threw a lightning-fast Sweet Chin Music, but The Rock ducked, spun behind him, and drilled Michaels with a thunderous Rock Bottom that shook the mat. The crowd lost it as Rock stood tall, towering over the fallen Showstopper.

With sweat glistening on his brow, Rock leaned over Michaels’ battered body and whispered loud enough for the camera to hear:

“Hollywood may pay the bills… but WrestleMania pays in legacy. And you’re looking at the most electrifying legacy this business has ever seen.”

The Rock stood up, ripped off his vest, and pointed to the WrestleMania XX sign above the ring as Raw cut to commercial, the camera focused on HBK lying flat, staring at the lights with fury and disbelief. For the first time in this war, The Rock had left Michaels lying—and the balance had shifted.

Christian strutted to the ring to host his twisted parody of the Highlight Reel—“The Peep Show.” Dressed in a custom suit and Intercontinental Title draped over his shoulder, Christian gloated about how far he’d come. “I’ve got the gold, the spotlight, and I don’t have emotional baggage like some washed-up crybaby.”

He then introduced a cruelly edited video package mocking Jericho’s failures—his brutal loss to Kane, Trish rejecting him, and his recent defeats. The audience responded with boos, but Christian smiled wider with every clip. Suddenly, the screen switched to live footage—Jericho, not in the arena, but in a dimly lit hotel room. The camera zoomed in on his face—unshaven, eyes wild. Behind him, out of focus, was a blurred silhouette that some speculated might be Trish.

“I’ve been quiet this week, Christian,” Jericho said. “But I’ve been thinking. Obsessing. And I’ve realized something—some things are just meant to be broken.”

He grabbed a vase of flowers off a nightstand and smashed it against the wall.

“Your face is going to be one of them at WrestleMania.”

Christian, watching from the ring, was no longer laughing.

The Tag Team Division continued its spiral into chaos with a Triple Threat Match that encapsulated the madness of the upcoming Tag Team Turmoil. The Dudley Boyz, La Resistance, and Hurricane & Rosey tore into each other in a wild, no-rules, non-title brawl. Fists flew and bodies crashed inside and outside the ring. The match broke down into pure anarchy, with Bubba Ray taking a nasty spill off the apron and Rosey crushing Grenier with a Samoan drop. In the end, the Dudleyz nailed the 3D on Rene Dupree to pick up the win, but the celebration didn’t last. Suddenly, every other team scheduled for the WrestleMania Turmoil match hit the ring—RVD & Booker T, Jindrak & Cade, and even more. A wild brawl ensued, steel chairs flying, finishers delivered, and chaos reigning supreme. It took nearly a dozen referees to separate them all as Raw cut to commercial with total pandemonium.

Later in the evening, Molly Holly and Lita met in a tense debate segment moderated by Jonathan Coachman. The Women’s Champion was smug and venomous, once again emphasizing her “traditional values,” her “dignity,” and how Lita was an embarrassment to the division. Lita didn’t hold back. “You’re not traditional, Molly. You’re a coward. You hide behind rules and cheat every time you’re in danger. The fans want a champion who will fight with fire—not curl up and run.” The tension boiled over as Molly suddenly slapped Lita across the face. Lita tackled her to the mat and the two erupted in a brawl, throwing wild punches until agents and referees pulled them apart. The fans chanted “LITA! LITA!” as the challenger shouted, “Your time is up!”

A huge main event ended March 15th’s Raw seeing Kurt Angle take on Evolutions Batista. The match began with both men trading heavy shots—Batista using raw power to pummel Angle into the corner, while Angle used quickness and precision to target the legs. The Olympian ducked lariats and hit drop-toe holds, trying to chop the big man down. He worked over Batista’s knee, applying kneebars and an early Ankle Lock, but Batista muscled out every time with primal strength. As the bout wore on, Ric Flair and Triple H circled ringside like hyenas. The referee grew increasingly distracted, repeatedly warning Flair and HHH to back off. At one point, Angle went for a German suplex—but Batista elbowed out and launched Angle shoulder-first into the ring post. Angle collapsed to the mat, writhing in pain. Sensing his opening, Triple H slid a steel chair into the ring behind the ref’s back. The referee turned just in time to eject the weapon, missing Flair dragging Angle’s foot as he tried to get up. The match continued amid the chaos—until the ref took a nasty spill. As Angle hit a desperation Angle Slam, the official got caught in the crossfire and was sent tumbling to the outside, unconscious. The crowd gasped as Angle crawled to make the pin—but there was no referee to count.

That’s when the predators struck.

Triple H slid into the ring, his eyes filled with venom. Angle struggled to stand—but Triple H kicked him in the gut and delivered a devastating Pedigree, planting the Olympian dead center. The crowd booed viciously as HHH barked at Batista to finish the job. Batista picked up Angle’s limp body and hoisted him high into the air. With a monstrous roar, he drove Angle into the mat with a ring-shaking Batista Bomb. Angle’s body went limp.

Triple H turned to check on the referee—but then the roof blew off the building.

Randy Orton sprinted down the aisle and slid into the ring.

Triple H spun around and charged for a clothesline—but Orton ducked, popped up behind him, and nailed him with a sudden, spine-jolting RKO! The crowd went nuclear. Triple H rolled out of the ring in a daze. Batista stormed toward Orton like a freight train—but Orton struck again, leaping into the air and dropping him with a second RKO, perfectly planted in the middle of the ring. Orton popped back up, stared at Ric Flair as Flair bolted up the ramp. Orton smirked then darted through the ropes and escaped through the crowd like a ghost. The referee, groggy but coming to, slid back into the ring just as Angle—barely moving—draped an arm across Batista’s chest.

ONE…

TWO…
THREE.

Kurt Angle wins.

The crowd erupted in pure chaos as the bell rang. The stipulation was now set in stone: Evolution is banned from ringside at WrestleMania XX.

Angle, bloody-mouthed and barely conscious, rolled over and stared up at the rafters as the crowd chanted his name. On the outside, Triple H was screaming in rage, tearing at his hair, slamming his fists against the steel steps. Batista, lying flat, didn’t move. Flair paced, stunned. Orton stood midway up the stairs through the crowd, arms raised in defiance, nodding with smug satisfaction. The camera lingered on him for a long moment—his hand pointed at the WrestleMania sign—before fading out.


Monday Night Raw – March 22, 2004

“One Last Breath Before the War”

As the final segment of the last Raw before WrestleMania XX arrived, the arena grew quiet with anticipation. The lights dimmed slightly, the camera focused on the WrestleMania banner hanging high above the ring. The air was heavy—because this was it. The final face to face before Wrestlemania XX but this time just Triple H alone face to face with the challenger, Kurt Angle.

“Triple H,” he said, “I know you're back there. And I know you're not going to wait until Sunday to try to get in my head. So why don’t you walk down that ramp, look me in the eye, and say what you’ve been dying to say all year?”

The crowd buzzed.

Then, the familiar sound of “Time to Play the Game” hit and the entire arena erupted in boos. Out stepped Triple H, dressed in a tailored black suit, the World Heavyweight Championship gleaming over his shoulder. His face was a storm of disdain, but beneath it, there was something else—tension.

Triple H took his time walking down the ramp. He grabbed a microphone and slowly stepped into the ring. For a full thirty seconds, the two men just stared. No movement. Just heat.

Then, Triple H spoke first—calm and cutting.

“You know, Kurt, for all the medals, for all the accolades, for all the ‘hard work’ you’ve put in… you still don’t get it, do you? This isn’t the Olympics. This isn’t amateur hour. This is the top of the mountain, and at the top… you either rule with an iron fist, or you get pushed off.”

Angle leaned in, unimpressed.

“Is that what you’ve been doing, Hunter? Ruling? Because from where I’m standing, you’ve spent the last year hiding. Behind Evolution. Behind politics. Behind smoke and mirrors. But at WrestleMania, none of them will be out here. No Flair. No Batista. Just you. And me. And the title.”

Triple H stepped forward, nose to nose with him now.

“You’re damn right it’s just me. And that’s all it’s ever taken. You keep talking about the match like it’s a foregone conclusion—like you’re the inevitable comeback story. But here's the truth: I don't give a damn about your journey. You want validation. I want domination. That’s the difference.”

Angle smirked slightly. His voice was quiet now, but deadly.

“You’re scared.”

The crowd reacted instantly. Triple H flinched ever so slightly.

“You’re scared because for the first time in a long time, no one’s going to bail you out. You’re scared because you know I made you tap. And deep down… you know I can do it again.”

Triple H stepped back, his voice rising.

“You didn’t make me tap. That was a cheap shot. I wasn’t ready. WrestleMania? I’ll be ready. I’ll be surgical. And I’m going to do something no one’s ever done to you, Kurt—I’m going to break you down piece by piece until you don’t get back up.”

“And when I’m done, this—” He raised the World Heavyweight Title, “—this stays right where it belongs.”

Angle looked at the title, then back into Triple H’s eyes.

“On Sunday… I take that title. I take your pride. And when you tap again in the middle of that ring, the whole world’s going to know—Kurt Angle is the greatest wrestler alive. And you? You were just a placeholder.”

Triple H’s jaw clenched. Angle dropped the mic first. Hunter glared at him, stepped forward—and raised his title right between them then out of nowhere, the two titans exploded into a wild slugfest, fists flying as referees and officials sprinted down the ramp to intervene. Triple H gained the upper hand early, tackling Angle into the turnbuckles and unloading with stiff shots. He ripped off his blazer and roared as he stomped Angle into the corner.

But Angle fought back. He slipped behind Triple H, grabbed the arm—and took him down hard.

ANKLE LOCK.

The crowd went nuclear as Angle twisted Triple H’s ankle, wrenching it with violent precision in the middle of the ring. Triple H’s face twisted in pain as he clawed at the mat, reaching for the ropes, the apron, anything—but there was no escape. Security dove into the ring, tackling Angle and trying to pry him off. It took four men to finally separate them. Triple H rolled out of the ring, clutching his ankle, breathing like a man who had just stared death in the face. As the officials held Angle back, The Game limped toward the announce table and snatched up the World Heavyweight Championship. He backed up the ramp, hair disheveled, suit torn, belt clutched tight to his chest. Inside the ring, Kurt Angle ripped off his warm-up jacket and stood tall, seething, pointing to the WrestleMania XX sign hanging above.

“You can’t run Sunday, Hunter! You’re mine!”

Triple H, standing at the top of the ramp, looked back with a mix of rage and dread. He hoisted the title into the air with one hand—but his eyes never left Angle.

Later, Eric Bischoff stood on stage flanked by security and announced the official order of the 3 Stages of Hell match between Chris Jericho and Christian at WrestleMania for the Intercontinental Championship will be as follows:

  1. Standard Singles Match
  2. Street Fight
  3. Steel Cage Match (if necessary)
Moments later, Christian entered the ring for one final promo. The “CLB” gloated that he’d beat Jericho two falls straight. He mocked Jericho’s mental breakdown last week, laughing that “the only thing Y2J’s locking in these days is heartbreak.”

But the arena dimmed again—and Chris Jericho’s music hit.

This time, there were no mind games. Jericho marched straight down the ramp, wearing street clothes and a look of pure vengeance. He slid into the ring and tackled Christian to the mat, fists flying. The brawl spilled out of the ring, over the announce table, and into the timekeeper’s area. Jericho finally locked in the Walls of Jericho on the announce table, bending Christian in half. The crowd screamed in delight—until suddenly, Trish Stratus ran down the ramp. She hesitated, yelling for Jericho to let go. When he didn’t—Trish slapped Jericho across the face. The crowd gasped. Jericho released the hold, stunned. Christian scrambled away, clutching his back. Trish stared at Jericho with a mix of guilt and anger—then turned and walked away without another word. Jericho stood frozen, devastated, his heart broken all over again—this time with WrestleMania days away.

Later in the night, following the explosive Jericho–Christian brawl, WWE cameras caught up with Trish Stratus backstage. She stood alone in the interview area, her arms crossed, visibly frustrated and emotionally drained. Standing beside her was Jonathan Coachman, ready to press her for answers.

“Trish,” Coachman began, “after what happened out there tonight between Chris Jericho and Christian—and your unexpected slap to Jericho—everyone wants to know… where do you stand?”

Trish sighed, shaking her head.

“Where do I stand?” she repeated. “I stand alone.”

The crowd in the arena reacted audibly through the monitors.

“I didn’t come out there for Christian. And I sure as hell didn’t come out there to hurt Chris. I came out there to stop two guys I care about—cared about—from tearing each other apart. But Chris wouldn’t let go… and in that moment, I did what I thought I had to do. And yeah—maybe I regret it. But I’m not picking sides.”

She took a beat, brushing her hair out of her face.

“Let me make something really clear—Christian? You’re a smug, selfish jackass. And Chris? I never wanted to hurt you. But this isn’t about you anymore. This isn’t about either of you.”

Trish looked directly into the camera now.

“For too long, I’ve been caught in the middle of someone else’s story. But now, it’s time for me to write my own. I’m done playing sidekick to someone else's spotlight. At WrestleMania XX, I'm stepping into the ring—not for Jericho, not for Christian—but for me.”

Coachman leaned in, surprised. “Are you saying… you’ll be in a match at WrestleMania?”

Trish nodded with conviction.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying. This Sunday, I’m issuing an open challenge to any woman in the WWE locker room. You want to make your mark at WrestleMania? Come try to make it on me. Because I’m not just here to break hearts anymore—I’m here to break records. I’m going to become the best woman this company has ever seen.”

With that, Trish turned and walked off, her expression sharpened with purpose. No music. No entourage. Just a woman with a new focus—and a WrestleMania challenge waiting to be answered.

As Raw entered its final stretch before WrestleMania, the war between Randy Orton and Evolution reached a personal peak. Eric Bischoff, ever the opportunist, had sanctioned a match between Orton and the man who once called him “the future of this business”—“The Nature Boy” Ric Flair.

The bell rang, and the emotion poured immediately into the action. Flair chopped Orton’s chest raw early on, shouting insults the whole time. “You were like a son to me, dammit!” he yelled mid-chop, only for Orton to slap him across the face and scream, “You used me!” The match went back and forth—Flair using every veteran trick in the book, even poking the eyes and going for the ropes on a figure-four attempt. Orton, though, was sharp and focused, evading with agility and responding with crisp dropkicks, powerslams, and a perfectly executed backbreaker. Late in the match, Flair went low with a sneaky chop block and locked in the Figure-Four Leglock. The crowd reached a fever pitch as Orton screamed, his hands hovering above the mat—until he twisted his body, reversing the pressure and forcing Flair to break the hold.

Flair staggered up… and walked right into an RKO out of nowhere. Orton covered.

One… Two… Three.

Randy Orton had just pinned Ric Flair.

The crowd erupted as Orton sat up, wincing but victorious. His expression was a complex mix of triumph and pain—he had finally laid one of his demons to rest. But he had no time to celebrate.

Because Batista charged the ring.

The Animal bulldozed Orton from behind, knocking him flat with a clubbing forearm. He didn’t pause—he didn’t pose. He just pounced. Clubbing blows. Knee strikes. A spinebuster that shook the canvas. And then, as Orton tried to crawl to the ropes, Batista grabbed him by the neck, hoisted him up, and delivered a vicious Batista Bomb that left Orton motionless in the center of the ring. Flair pulled himself up in the corner, smirking through the pain, as Batista stood over the fallen Orton, breathing like a dragon.

“This Sunday,” Batista growled, “you’re mine.”

Orton didn’t move. Officials stormed the ring, checking on him. The crowd was left buzzing—if that’s what Batista could do now, what the hell would happen at WrestleMania?

Backstage, the Tag Team Turmoil competitors erupted into chaos.

Short interviews throughout the night showed each team—RVD & Booker T, The Dudley Boyz, La Resistance, Jindrak & Cade, Hurricane & Rosey—cutting passionate promos declaring dominance. But when all the teams crossed paths in the hallway, tensions boiled over into a massive brawl. Tables were flipped, fists were thrown, referees and officials tried to separate bodies. The message was clear: WrestleMania’s Tag Team Turmoil wasn’t going to be a match. It was going to be a war.

In the ring, Molly Holly and Lita sat at a table for the official Women’s Championship contract signing, moderated by Eric Bischoff.

Molly, cold and composed, talked about dignity and tradition. “This title deserves a champion who acts like a lady, not a tramp in combat boots,” she spat.

Lita stayed calm, signing the contract before speaking.

“This title deserves a champion who fights. Who falls and gets back up. Who represents every woman told she wasn’t good enough. That’s me.”

Molly hesitated, then signed.

They stood to shake hands—but Molly pulled Lita in, trying to attack. Lita blocked it, lifted Molly high, and DDT’d her right through the table. The crowd went wild as Lita grabbed the Women’s Title and stood over Molly’s motionless body.


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Thursday Night Smackdown – March 4, 2004

Edge endures brutal ambush as Brock Lesnar tightens grip on the WWE Championship

SAVANNAH, Ga. — With WrestleMania XX drawing near, SmackDown opened with a fired-up Edge demanding a face-to-face confrontation with WWE Champion Brock Lesnar. Citing Lesnar’s cowardly ambush the week prior, Edge accused “The Next Big Thing” of fearing a fair fight. But instead of Lesnar, Paul Heyman arrived to gloat and declared that Brock wasn’t in the building. Heyman added insult to injury by placing Edge in a 2-on-1 handicap main event against A-Train and Rhyno. Despite an impassioned effort and a mid-match surge of momentum, Edge fell victim to the numbers game—his rally cut short by Lesnar’s entrance music. The distraction allowed A-Train to capitalize with a devastating Derailer before Lesnar entered the ring and delivered an emphatic F-5 to his WrestleMania challenger. The show closed with Lesnar towering over a fallen Edge, WWE Championship raised high—a cold and calculated statement of dominance from the reigning champion.

In one of the most disturbing scenes in recent memory, SmackDown viewers were subjected to a haunting video from a grim, boiler room location. A bound and terrified Paul Bearer was seen pleading for mercy as Kane stood over him, lighter in hand and gasoline-soaked rag nearby. Kane condemned Bearer for “abandonment” and vowed vengeance through fire. Before the act could unfold, the feed cut to static. Backstage, The Undertaker was seen stalking the arena halls, expression grim and unflinching, clutching Bearer’s urn. The mind games from Kane reached a fever pitch on this night, setting the stage for the unforgiving Inferno Casket Match at WrestleMania—a clash where only one brother may walk away.

Rey Mysterio added fuel to the fire ahead of his WrestleMania Title vs. Mask encounter with Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero Jr. by scoring a decisive victory over Chavo Guerrero Sr. on SmackDown. But post-match, Rey found himself ambushed by Chavo Jr., who launched a brutal assault and tried to unmask the lucha legend. In a testament to his resilience, Mysterio fought back and sent Chavo scrambling with a blistering springboard dropkick. While the mask was saved for now, tensions between the Guerreros and Mysterio continue to escalate in what is quickly becoming one of SmackDown’s most deeply personal rivalries.

John Cena took to the ring in classic freestyle form, tearing into United States Champion Big Show with a fiery rap that ignited the Savannah crowd. Cena pulled no punches, mocking Big Show’s intelligence, speed, and credibility. Show responded from backstage, dismissing Cena’s words while enjoying a feast at catering. Later in the night, Cena secured a swift victory over Chuck Palumbo with the FU, but Big Show attempted to strike from behind. Cena, ever the opportunist, narrowly evaded a post-match chokeslam and taunted the giant from the ramp, proving once again that he's quicker than Big Show both on the mic and in the ring. With WrestleMania looming, Cena remains undeterred and unshaken.

The path to the WWE Tag Team Championship TLC Match at WrestleMania took a chaotic turn as Paul London and Brian Kendrick scored a shocking upset victory over The World’s Greatest Tag Team. Shelton Benjamin accidentally struck his own partner, allowing Kendrick to capitalize with a pinfall that rocked the division. The celebration was cut short when The Basham Brothers stormed the ring and launched a savage post-match assault on the underdogs. But the chaos didn’t stop there—Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty made the save, clearing the ring to stand tall alongside London and Kendrick. Momentum is shifting rapidly among SmackDown’s top tandems, and with ladders, tables, and chairs on the horizon, every team is preparing for all-out war.

JBL, now fully transformed into a pompous Wall Street powerhouse, attempted to rebrand his past on SmackDown. In a slick backstage interview, JBL mocked Farooq as a relic from a bygone era. But the former APA enforcer wasn’t done with his longtime partner. Appearing via TitanTron, Farooq stood beside JBL’s prized limousine—lead pipe in hand. In a moment of symbolic destruction, Farooq smashed the car’s windows before being dragged away by security. JBL’s smug façade crumbled as he watched the carnage unfold. Their Falls Count Anywhere, No Disqualification Match at WrestleMania promises to be less about rules and more about retribution.

Just as the WWE Universe anticipated a response from Eddie Guerrero, Goldberg made his presence felt in a different way. The former World Champion stormed the ring and delivered a cold, scathing promo declaring Guerrero’s previous victory over him a “fluke.” Goldberg promised to dismantle Guerrero on the grandest stage of them all, proving that heart and grit mean nothing against unrelenting power. Later in the night, Eddie was seen being attended to by medical personnel after an apparent backstage attack—suspicion immediately falling on Goldberg. With WrestleMania drawing near, the stakes and the aggression between these combustible forces are reaching a boiling point.


Thursday Night Smackdown – March 11, 2004

In a moment that sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe, SmackDown came to a dramatic and unexpected close with the thunderous return of Mr. McMahon, who promptly and publicly fired Paul Heyman as General Manager. Throughout the night, Paul Heyman strutted around like a man in complete control, reveling in the carnage he had orchestrated—specifically, a calculated three-on-one assault on Edge by A-Train, Rhyno, and his handpicked enforcer, Matt Morgan. In Heyman’s mind, Edge had been neutralized, and his prized client, Brock Lesnar, would coast into WrestleMania without resistance.

But the chairman had seen enough.

As Heyman and Lesnar basked in their self-congratulatory moment, watching the ambush footage and laughing in Heyman’s office, Mr. McMahon’s iconic entrance music hit. The arena exploded in disbelief as the Chairman of WWE marched down to the ring, jaw clenched, eyes full of fury. Without hesitation, McMahon summoned Heyman to the ring and delivered a blistering indictment of his leadership. He accused Heyman of corrupting SmackDown, of abusing his power to protect one man, and of turning the blue brand into a one-man fiefdom. Heyman pleaded his case with frantic, sycophantic desperation, arguing that his decisions were "in the best interests of SmackDown." McMahon cut him off cold. “SmackDown was built to be the land of opportunity—not the kingdom of Paul Heyman. You turned competition into favoritism. You turned the GM’s office into a throne room. And you’ve turned my stomach.”

Then came the immortal words: “You’re fired!”

Security dragged a panicked Heyman from the ring as Brock Lesnar looked on, stunned and fuming. McMahon wasn’t done. He addressed the locker room and the fans directly, declaring that the next General Manager of SmackDown will lead with fairness, integrity, and a commitment to competition—not manipulation. With the power vacuum now open, one question looms large: Who will step in to lead SmackDown toward WrestleMania XX?

Earlier in the night, Edge was ambushed in a dimly lit corridor by three dangerous men—A-Train, Rhyno, and the monstrous Matt Morgan, all operating under Heyman’s orders. The brutal beatdown was merciless, with Edge left gasping for air amid overturned crates and shattered equipment. It seemed Heyman’s plan to eliminate the No. 1 contender to the WWE Championship was complete.

Backstage later, Heyman and Lesnar watched the attack gleefully on a monitor, trading arrogant smirks and laughs.

But the celebration was premature.

In one of the night’s most explosive and cathartic moments, Edge—bandaged and bruised—caught Lesnar off guard in the hallway. Without hesitation, Edge launched into a full sprint and speared Lesnar through a catering table, sending silver trays and bottled water flying as the WWE Champion collapsed in shock. Lesnar writhed on the ground, clutching his ribs as Edge rose to his feet, hair wild, breathing hard, defiant as ever. No words were needed. The message was clear: Edge is still in this fight, and Brock Lesnar’s road to WrestleMania will be anything but easy.

For weeks, the sinister grip of Kane has loomed over SmackDown, and on this night, his twisted vendetta reached a boiling point. Midway through the broadcast, Kane emerged from a cloud of red light and smoke with a bound and terrified Paul Bearer at ringside. Dressed in chains and seated beside a casket, Bearer quivered as Kane circled him like a predator. Gripping the microphone with his gloved hand, Kane snarled that it was time to "close the lid" on the past—and on his brother’s legacy. He promised to lock Bearer inside the casket and set it ablaze, ensuring that there would be no salvation left for The Undertaker come WrestleMania. Just as Kane began dragging Bearer toward the open casket, the arena went black. The sound of a lone gong shook the rafters. As eerie blue lights bathed the ring, The Undertaker materialized on the ramp, a storm of rage in his eyes. Kane paused—but only for a moment—before shoving Bearer toward the Deadman and slipping out through the crowd with a haunting smile. The Phenom helped Bearer to his feet, then slowly turned his gaze to the flickering casket. He placed one hand on the lid, as if sensing the battle to come. The Inferno Casket Match is no longer just a fight—it’s a reckoning.

Though their journeys to WrestleMania are distinct, Edge and John Cena found themselves standing shoulder to shoulder against a common enemy: the oppressive authority of Paul Heyman. After Edge’s brutal ambush earlier in the night, all signs pointed to him being removed from the WrestleMania equation. But Edge proved otherwise, not only returning to spear Lesnar through a table but sparking a chaotic brawl that spilled over into the rest of the show. Meanwhile, Cena—who had been on commentary during a Big Show squash match—took the opportunity to confront Lesnar directly when the chaos escalated. As Lesnar tried to regroup from Edge’s assault, Cena stepped up, chain in hand, ready to throw down. A pull-apart melee ensued, with referees and security flooding the scene. For one moment, Edge and Cena stood tall, side-by-side, staring down Lesnar and Heyman from opposite ends of the hallway. The message was undeniable: The locker room is no longer afraid.

The animosity between Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Rey Mysterio reached new heights this week as the Cruiserweight Champion showed just how low he’s willing to stoop to maintain his gold — and rob Rey of his very identity. Chavo Jr., flanked by his father Chavo Guerrero Sr., faced off against Rey’s longtime ally Billy Kidman in a fast-paced matchup that showcased the tenacity of the cruiserweight division. But despite Kidman's heart and agility, the numbers game proved too much. As Kidman climbed the turnbuckle to attempt the Shooting Star Press, Chavo Sr. pulled his leg, crotching him on the ropes out of the referee’s view. Chavo Jr. capitalized instantly, hitting a brainbuster and scoring the cheap pin. After the match, the Guerreros weren't done. Microphone in hand, Chavo Jr. towered over Kidman and fired a venomous verbal volley at Rey Mysterio. He mocked Rey’s mask as a “cheap piece of cloth” hiding a “lesser man” and swore to expose Rey as a fraud in front of the entire world at WrestleMania. “Your mask is your soul,” Chavo hissed. “And at WrestleMania, I’m going to rip it off your face — and rip your soul from your body.” The crowd booed mercilessly as Chavo Sr. proudly raised his son’s hand. Though Mysterio didn’t appear, his silence spoke volumes — he’s saving his response for WrestleMania, where Title vs. Mask will determine far more than gold.

The SmackDown tag team division exploded into a frenzy of dysfunction, distrust, and declarations of war, all orchestrated by the now-deposed Paul Heyman. In an effort to “test” the teams involved in the upcoming Fatal Four-Way TLC Match at WrestleMania, Heyman booked an eight-man tag team bout, pairing bitter rivals together in the name of “cohesion.” The Basham Brothers and The World’s Greatest Tag Team were forced to coexist against the high-flying duo of Paul London & Brian Kendrick and the power-and-dance pairing of Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty. From the opening bell, the dysfunction was palpable. Shelton Benjamin refused to tag Danny Basham. Charlie Haas kept barking orders that no one followed. The faces, on the other hand, flowed as a well-oiled unit, tagging in and out with crisp rhythm and energetic bursts of offense. The match descended into chaos when all eight men stormed the ring simultaneously, leading to a melee of finishers, dives, and near falls. In the end, Rikishi planted Danny Basham with a crushing Banzai Drop, sealing the win for the babyfaces. But the aftermath was the true story: Benjamin shoved Haas, the Bashams stormed off angrily, and London & Kendrick posed with ladders at ringside. The TLC stipulation at WrestleMania just became more than a contest — it’s a civil war between combustible powder kegs, and the fuse is already lit.

The bitter feud between former APA partners took a deeper, more personal turn as John “Bradshaw” Layfield continued to wash his hands of the man he used to be — and Farooq reminded him just how real those roots still are. Dressed in a thousand-dollar suit and seated in a pristine backstage interview set, JBL addressed the WWE Universe with all the smugness of a man who believed his reinvention was complete. He scoffed at Farooq’s barroom brawling, calling him “the past incarnate,” a man too stubborn to evolve, too ignorant to elevate. But just as JBL leaned back in his leather chair, Farooq appeared on the TitanTron — not in a suit, but in a gritty, smoky bar, surrounded by old friends and cold beers. Farooq raised a glass and declared, “This is who we were. This is who you used to be. You can hide behind that suit, John, but deep down, you’re still one of us.” Suddenly, a barroom brawl erupted, with Farooq hurling punches and pool cues, reminding JBL — and everyone watching — that no matter how much money you have, you can’t erase history. Their Falls Count Anywhere, No DQ match at WrestleMania isn’t about winning — it’s about reclaiming identity.

Despite being battered, bruised, and still reeling from Goldberg’s backstage ambush the previous week, Eddie Guerrero limped to the ring on SmackDown with a microphone in hand and a fire in his soul. There was no swagger, no bouncing low-rider, no lies or cheats — just truth. Clutching his ribs with one arm, Eddie addressed the WWE Universe with raw emotion, vowing that he wasn’t afraid of Goldberg, even after being blindsided and left for medical staff last week. “Goldberg thinks power wins matches. He thinks muscles beat corazón,” Eddie said. “But I don’t fight with my fists first — I fight with my heart. I fight for every Latino kid, every underdog, every person who’s ever been told they weren’t enough.” As the crowd erupted in “EDDIE! EDDIE!” chants, Guerrero pointed to the WrestleMania XX sign and promised that whether he has to lie, cheat, steal — or simply survive — he will not go quietly. Goldberg didn’t show his face tonight, but Guerrero's words hit harder than any spear: he’s not broken. He’s just getting started.


Thursday Night Smackdown – March 18, 2004

Just ten days before WrestleMania XX, SmackDown took a bold new step into its future — and left the chaos of Paul Heyman’s regime behind — as Mr. McMahon officially named a new General Manager for the blue brand. With the SmackDown locker room still reeling from Heyman’s termination one week earlier, Mr. McMahon walked to the ring under an atmosphere thick with uncertainty. His tone was serious, but resolute.

“I built SmackDown to be a proving ground — a place for competition, not corruption,” McMahon stated. “Paul Heyman lost sight of that. He turned this brand into his personal chessboard, with Brock Lesnar as his king. That ends now.”

He acknowledged the chaos that followed Heyman’s removal — rampant ambushes, main events ending in disqualification, and Lesnar continuing to exploit what little power structure remained. “This show needs order,” McMahon declared. “It needs leadership. And it needs someone who knows what it means to fight for opportunity, not abuse it.” With the crowd hanging on every word, Mr. McMahon revealed the new General Manager of SmackDown would be none other than…


Teddy Long.

The arena erupted as Long made his way to the stage in a sharp suit and a signature grin. Once a manager, once a referee, now given the keys to the SmackDown kingdom, Long stepped into the role with confidence and clarity.

“I ain’t here to play favorites, playa,” Teddy Long said. “I’m here to make sure everyone gets a fair shake. I’m here to make sure that everybody — whether you’re a legend, a rookie, or the WWE Champion — earns their keep.”

He immediately laid down new policies: no more surprise handicap matches, no more executive-protected champions, and no more unchecked brutality. “You step outta line,” he warned, “you’ll be feeling’ the consequences. Holla holla!”

Later in the show, Long’s first executive action was to book tonights and next week's Smackdown Main event: Tonight, Edge will face the Big Show, and next week Lesnar & Big Show vs. Edge & John Cena. "Let’s see how tough Lesnar is," Long added, "when he doesn’t have anyone pulling the strings." The McMahon Era may have removed the puppetmaster, but under Teddy Long’s new regime, SmackDown just became a level playing field — and the game has changed heading into WrestleMania XX.

One week after delivering a thunderous spear through a catering table, Edge stepped back into the ring on SmackDown with bruised ribs, bandaged shoulders, and an iron will. Paul Heyman may be gone, but the chaos he sowed continues to burn — and WWE Champion Brock Lesnar was eager to pick up where Heyman left off. In the night's main event, Edge was booked to face the colossal Big Show, a man who rarely shows mercy — especially when Lesnar is lurking nearby. Despite being physically compromised, Edge fought valiantly, trading heavy blows and pulling out bursts of speed to counter Show’s size. The crowd rallied behind him as he mounted a comeback, evading a Chokeslam and planting Big Show with a desperation Edge-O-Matic. Just when it seemed Edge might shock the world again, Brock Lesnar stormed the ring with malicious intent. The bell rang for a DQ as Lesnar attacked Edge mid-pinfall. A brutal post-match beatdown ensued, with Lesnar targeting Edge’s midsection — the same ribs injured in the Heyman-planned ambush weeks prior. But before Lesnar could hit the F-5, John Cena sprinted to the ring, launching a flurry of fists and igniting a massive brawl that spilled to ringside.

With Lesnar and Big Show retreating, Edge stood tall once again — bruised, breathing hard, but unshaken. WrestleMania is now two weeks away, and if Lesnar thought Edge would crumble under pressure, he learned tonight that Edge refuses to break.

The mind games between the Brothers of Destruction took an eerie turn this week as The Undertaker, now reunited with Paul Bearer, appeared in the ring under a chilling blue light to send one final warning to his younger brother. Speaking in a low, methodical tone, Undertaker recounted every betrayal, every flame, every buried secret. “You left me to burn. But I walked through fire, Kane,” he growled. “And now, the fire walks with me.” As Undertaker vowed that Kane’s sins would be punished in the Inferno Casket Match at WrestleMania, flames suddenly erupted from the ring posts. Kane appeared on the TitanTron, laughing maniacally beside an empty coffin engulfed in controlled fire. He promised that this time, there would be no return — not for the Deadman, not for Bearer, and not for the legend of The Undertaker. But Undertaker didn’t flinch. He slowly drew a throat-slashing gesture across his neck, locking eyes with the screen. Fire may have birthed this feud — but it will be consumed by it at WrestleMania XX.

Momentum shifted rapidly in the crowded tag team title scene as SmackDown hosted a pair of singles matches featuring competitors from the Fatal Four-Way TLC Match scheduled for WrestleMania XX. In the first bout, Shelton Benjamin picked up a razor-thin victory over Paul London in a lightning-fast match loaded with reversals, roll-ups, and aerial wizardry. Benjamin used his strength advantage to keep London grounded and scored the win after countering a Shooting Star Press into a mid-air superkick. Later, Danny Basham squared off against Scotty 2 Hotty in a more grounded, methodical bout. Despite Scotty’s energy and crowd support, Basham executed a textbook distraction from his brother Doug to steal a roll-up victory. But neither face team went quietly. Post-match, brief brawls erupted on both occasions — and each time, the face teams held their ground. Commentary emphasized the looming threat of the TLC stipulation. With tables, ladders, and chairs in play, teamwork means nothing — it’s about survival.

In a scene straight out of the Attitude Era, Farooq reminded JBL that he’s not just fighting a man at WrestleMania — he’s fighting a legacy. As JBL made his usual stock-market-flavored entrance and headed backstage, Farooq launched a surprise attack from behind with a steel pipe. The two brawled into the catering area, knocking over tables, trash cans, and stacks of chairs as stunned crew members scattered. The fight culminated with Farooq hitting a Dominator through a catering table, leaving JBL writhing in food and debris. “That’s for forgetting who you are,” Farooq muttered before walking off. The message was clear: you can rebrand yourself — but your past still knows how to hit.

In a spirited tag team match, Rey Mysterio and Billy Kidman picked up a huge win over Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Chavo Sr., giving Rey critical momentum just 10 days before his high-stakes Title vs. Mask match. The crowd came alive as Rey used his speed and resilience to overwhelm Chavo Jr., despite repeated interference from Chavo Sr. The finish came when Mysterio hit a 619 on both Guerreros in tandem, followed by a springboard leg drop for the pin on Chavo Jr. Post-match, the Guerreros attempted another ambush, but Rey saw it coming. He countered and sent Chavo Jr. retreating through the ropes. Then, in an emotional moment, Rey raised the Cruiserweight Championship in one hand and held up his spare mask in the other — a powerful image symbolizing that he’s fighting for something far deeper than gold.

Goldberg sent a violent reminder of his presence by annihilating a local enhancement talent in under 60 seconds, finishing the match with a thunderous Spear and Jackhammer combination. The display wasn’t about the win — it was about sending a message. With his opponent motionless on the canvas, Goldberg grabbed a mic and pointed directly to the WrestleMania sign. “Eddie Guerrero… this is your future,” he snarled. “You can lie, cheat, steal all you want — but there’s no escape when I bring destruction.” Later in the show, Eddie Guerrero appeared via satellite, sitting in a dim room, still favoring his ribs. But his eyes burned with fury.

“You think that’s all it takes to scare me, Holmes? A Jackhammer on some rookie? You want to scare me? You’ll have to kill me. Because I don’t run — I fight. And at WrestleMania, I’m gonna outthink, outfight, and outlast you. And that ain’t a lie — that’s the truth.”


Thursday Night Smackdown – March 25, 2004

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The final SmackDown before WrestleMania XX ended not with celebration, but absolute destruction, as WWE Champion Brock Lesnar and United States Champion Big Show unleashed a career-shortening assault on their respective challengers — Edge and John Cena — leaving both men broken, bloodied, and barely breathing just 72 hours before the biggest night of the year. In a lawless No Holds Barred tag team war ordered by new SmackDown General Manager Teddy Long, the two champions collided with their WrestleMania opponents in a chaotic, no-rules collision. Cena and Edge brought the fight early — Cena with steel chains, Edge with unrelenting rage — and for a moment, it looked like momentum was shifting toward the challengers.

But momentum died the second Brock Lesnar got serious.

After Big Show sent Cena crashing through a table with a thunderous Chokeslam on the outside, Lesnar turned the tide inside the ring. He dodged Edge’s Spear and crushed him with a spine-shattering German suplex before isolating Cena. With Show dragging Edge’s lifeless body to the floor, Lesnar hoisted Cena onto his shoulders and hit a vicious F-5 in the center of the ring for the emphatic three-count.

And then all hell broke loose.

The bell rang, but Lesnar and Show weren’t done — not even close.

As the referee tried to raise Lesnar’s hand, he was shoved to the mat like a rag doll. Big Show rolled Cena back into the ring as Lesnar threw Edge in after him. And then the destruction began:


  • Big Show relentlessly assaulted Cena, delivering a brutal KO Punch that dropped him instantly. As Cena attempted to rise, Show hit a second KO Punch, causing blood to trickle from Cena's forehead. Big Show then lifted Cena high for a Chokeslam, followed by a second, shouting, "YOU WANT WRESTLEMANIA?! HERE IT IS!" He finished with a third monstrous Chokeslam, leaving Cena motionless. Simultaneously, Brock Lesnar executed Edge, scooping him up for a second F-5, folding him in half. After a sneer, he dragged Edge up again for a third F-5 onto a steel chair. Lesnar stood over the wreckage, unbothered and unsympathetic.
As officials, referees, and even agents flooded the ring trying to restore order, Lesnar and Big Show stood tall, surrounded by chaos — champions not just by title, but by brute force. Edge and Cena were left motionless, EMTs swarming with stretchers, blood staining the mat. WrestleMania wasn’t just being hyped anymore. It was being declared.

And the declaration was this:

“No one can stop us.”

What began as a moment of triumph for Eddie Guerrero quickly spiraled into all-out chaos — and possibly the most intense face-to-face confrontation of the WrestleMania season. After outsmarting and outlasting Rhyno in a gutsy back-and-forth battle, Eddie stood in the ring exhausted but victorious. Favoring his ribs, he raised his arms high as the crowd erupted in "EDDIE! EDDIE!" chants. It was the kind of win that said: Eddie Guerrero still had something left.

But then the lights shifted.

The crowd's cheers turned to unease as Goldberg’s music hit and the powerhouse stomped onto the stage. He was all fury, no words — until he slowly raised a microphone and spoke with venom.

“That? That was your victory lap? Surviving a guy like Rhyno? That’s cute. But Sunday, you’re not going to survive me. I’m not Rhyno. I will end careers. And at WrestleMania, I’m ending yours.”

Eddie, still winded, leaned against the ropes and snarled. He didn’t back down — he called Goldberg forward.

“You think I’m scared of you, ese? You think just because you’re built like a tank, I’m gonna roll over? You don’t get it. You can’t break what’s already broken. You’re gonna have to kill me, cabrón.”

Goldberg dropped the mic. Eddie dropped his title.

And then they charged.

The ring became a war zone as the two collided in a furious fistfight. Goldberg tackled Eddie into the corner, ramming shoulder after shoulder into his ribs. Eddie raked the eyes and hit a dropkick to the knees, staggering the juggernaut. Referees swarmed the ring — but they couldn’t hold them apart. Eddie leapt over the officials to land right hands to Goldberg’s jaw. Goldberg shoved three men off him, tackled Eddie through the ropes, and both men spilled to the floor. Chairs went flying. Timekeepers ran. Security poured out from the back.

Still they fought.

Eddie was busted open above the eye. Goldberg’s lip was split from a wild forearm. They threw punches through lines of security, screaming curses in each other’s faces.

“WrestleMania! You’re mine!” Eddie shouted through gritted teeth as he was dragged back.

“I’ll rip your spine out!” Goldberg howled as he was pulled in the opposite direction.

It was not a match. It was not a segment. It was a spiritual collision.

In the final face-to-face before their deeply personal Inferno Casket Match at WrestleMania XX, The Undertaker and Kane met in the ring under flickering lights and rising flames. Flanked by druids and accompanied by a solemn Paul Bearer, Undertaker stood across from his deranged brother, whose laughter echoed through the building as he rolled out a freshly built casket painted in scorched red and black. Kane claimed he had “freed” Bearer as an act of twisted mercy but promised that on Sunday, the only mercy would be fire. “You may have risen from the ashes, brother,” Kane hissed. “But I control the flame now.” Undertaker, unblinking and unmoved, stepped forward and placed his hand on the casket lid, whispering, “You will rest… in fire.” Suddenly, the arena lights cut to black and when they returned, Kane was gone — but the casket had erupted in flame. The chilling visual burned into the minds of everyone watching: this will not be a match. This will be a reckoning.

The Falls Count Anywhere, No DQ match between Farooq and JBL just got even more personal. Midway through SmackDown, JBL hit the ring to deliver what he called a “financial state of address,” boasting about stock growth, real estate holdings — and his “untouchable” legacy. But he was cut off by a live feed to the parking lot, where Farooq was standing beside JBL’s limo — hoisted high on a tow truck. With a baseball bat in hand, Farooq stared into the camera and laid out one final challenge: “You beat me Sunday, fine. But if I beat you? You’re Bradshaw again. APA. Bar brawls. Beer baths. For one full month.” JBL exploded in anger and reluctantly accepted to save his car — only for Farooq to slam the bat into the windshield anyway, shouting, “See you at WrestleMania, partner!”

In a segment designed to psychologically destroy his WrestleMania opponent, Chavo Guerrero Jr., joined by Chavo Sr., hosted a grotesque “Lucha Libre Disrespect Ceremony.” Inside the ring was a masked enhancement wrestler chained to the corner. The Guerreros taunted the man, removed his mask, and declared that Rey Mysterio would be next. But they were interrupted — by Mysterio himself, storming down to the ring with unrelenting fury. He hit a 619 on Chavo Sr. and then sent Chavo Jr. tumbling through the ropes with a top-rope seated senton. The crowd erupted as Rey knelt beside the unmasked man, then removed a spare mask from his tights… and gently placed it over the wrestler’s face. That moment said more than words ever could: Rey Mysterio is fighting for a culture, not just a title.

The four teams set to battle for the WWE Tag Team Championships in a Fatal Four-Way TLC Match each had their final word — and in some cases, final swing — before Sunday’s war. The show featured two squash matches — one where Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty defeated local talent with ease, finishing with a Worm and a Banzai Drop, and one where Paul London & Brian Kendrick dazzled with double dropkicks and stereo suicide dives to pick up a decisive win. After both matches, the other teams struck. The Bashams jumped Rikishi and Scotty from behind, tossing them into a ladder and powerbombing Scotty through a table. The World’s Greatest Tag Team confronted London & Kendrick during their celebration, ending in a staredown with chairs held high. Later in the night, all four teams were interviewed separately with ladders, chairs, and tables displayed beside them. Rikishi promised pain. Benjamin guaranteed strategy. London promised flight. And the Bashams? They simply whispered, “We don’t need to talk. We’ll break them all.”



********THIS SUNDAY********

WRESTLEMANIA XX FINAL CARD

  • WWE Championship: Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Edge
  • World Heavyweight Championship Triple H (c) vs. Kurt Angle (Evolution is banned from ringside)
  • HBK vs. The Rock
  • Eddie Guerrero vs. Goldberg
  • Inferno Casket Match: Undertaker vs. Kane
  • United States Championship: Big Show (c) vs. John Cena
  • Intercontinental Championship: 3 Stages of Hell
    1st fall: Singles, 2nd fall: Street Fight, 3rd fall (if necessary): Steel Cage
    Christian vs. Chris Jericho
  • WWE Tag Team Championships: Fatal Four-Way TLC Match - The Basham Brothers (c) vs. World's Greatest Tag Team vs. Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty vs. Paul London & Brian Kendrick
  • World Tag Team Championship Tag Team Turmoil Match
  • Women’s Championship: Molly Holly vs. Lita
  • Falls Count Anywhere, No Disqualification Match: JBL vs. Farooq
  • Cruiserweight Championship - Title vs. Mask Match: Chavo Guerrero (c) vs. Rey Mysterio
  • Batista vs. Randy Orton
  • Trish Stratus Open Challenge
 
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WRESTLEMANIA XX MATCH PREVIEWS

(Raw/SD Tag Team Title Matches/Trish Stratus's Open Challenge)

WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP TLC FATAL FOUR WAY MATCH

THE BASHAM BROTHERS (C) vs. WORLDS GREATEST TAG TEAM vs. RIKISHI & SCOTTY 2 HOTTY vs. MARK JINDRAK & LANCE CADE


NEW YORK — The hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden are about to witness unprecedented destruction this Sunday at WrestleMania XX when four of SmackDown's premier tag teams collide in what promises to be one of the most chaotic matches in WWE history.

The WWE Tag Team Championship will hang precariously above the ring as The Basham Brothers defend against The World's Greatest Tag Team, Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty, and Paul London & Brian Kendrick in a Fatal Four-Way Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match that has "career-altering" written all over it.

"This isn't just a match; it's organized demolition," SmackDown commentator Tazz told WWE.com. "We're talking about eight men willing to put their bodies on the line, crashing through tables, falling off ladders, and taking chair shots that'll be felt for weeks. And all for the right to be called 'champions.'"


THE PATH OF DESTRUCTION

The Spark That Ignited the Inferno (February 19, 2004)

The road to this explosive confrontation began on a fateful Thursday night in February that would forever alter SmackDown's tag team landscape. The Basham Brothers had been reigning as WWE Tag Team Champions with an iron grip, using underhanded tactics and their enforcer, Shaniqua, to maintain their dominance.

On February 19, The World's Greatest Tag Team – former champions desperate to reclaim their gold – challenged the Bashams in what started as a technical showcase. Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin controlled much of the match with their superior wrestling ability, frustrating the champions at every turn.

"Haas and Benjamin had the champions' number that night," recalled Michael Cole. "The Bashams were outclassed in every facet of traditional tag team wrestling."

With defeat seemingly imminent, Doug Basham reached beneath the ring and retrieved a steel chair – a decision that would earn them a disqualification but allow them to retain their precious titles. What followed was brutality in its rawest form.

"The Bashams showed their true colors," said Tazz. "When they couldn't win legitimately, they made sure no one else could win at all."

The champions unleashed a merciless post-match assault on Haas and Benjamin, targeting Benjamin's surgically repaired knee and Haas's recently healed shoulder. The crowd's boos reached a deafening level until the arena erupted as familiar entrance music hit.

Former champions Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty – SmackDown fan favorites who had been watching the division descend into lawlessness – stormed the ring with purpose. Rikishi's devastating clotheslines and Scotty's calculated strikes temporarily evened the odds, sending the Bashams scrambling.

Just when the situation seemed contained, unfamiliar music blasted through the arena speakers. The WWE Universe witnessed the shocking SmackDown debut of Paul London & Brian Kendrick, two high-flying sensations who had been tearing up the independent scene.

"Nobody knew who these guys were," Josh Mathews told WWE.com. "But within seconds, everybody knew they belonged."

London and Kendrick launched themselves into the fray with breathtaking aerial moves – London executing a perfect shooting star press onto Danny Basham while Kendrick nailed Doug with a missile dropkick from the top turnbuckle. Not content to target only the champions, the newcomers also took the fight to The World's Greatest Tag Team, establishing immediately that they weren't there to make friends, but to make statements.

By the time SmackDown went off the air, the ring area resembled a war zone – bodies strewn about, ring steps overturned, and the commentary table in shambles after Rikishi had sent Danny Basham crashing through it with a devastating Samoan drop.


Heyman's Destructive Decree (February 26, 2004)

The following week, SmackDown opened with then-General Manager Paul Heyman addressing the chaos that had engulfed his tag team division. The notoriously manipulative leader strode to the ring with a purpose in his step and malice in his eyes.

"Paul Heyman loved nothing more than controlled chaos," noted Tazz. "And what he proposed that night was anything but controlled."

Flanked by security – a precaution he deemed necessary given the combustible nature of the situation – Heyman called all four teams to the ring simultaneously. The tension was palpable as the eight competitors stared each other down, barely contained by the WWE officials surrounding the ring.

"Gentlemen," Heyman began with his trademark smirk, "what I witnessed last week was not competition. It was anarchy. But it was the kind of anarchy that makes SmackDown the superior brand."

Pacing the ring with calculated steps, Heyman continued, "The WWE Tag Team Championships deserve a showcase fitting of their prestige. And WrestleMania XX deserves a match that will be remembered for generations."

With a dramatic pause that had the Madison Square Garden crowd on the edge of their seats, Heyman delivered his bombshell: "At WrestleMania, the Basham Brothers will defend the WWE Tag Team Championships against The World's Greatest Tag Team, Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty, AND Paul London and Brian Kendrick... in a Fatal Four-Way TABLES, LADDERS, AND CHAIRS MATCH!"

The arena erupted as the implications sank in. The Bashams looked appalled, The World's Greatest Tag Team nodded with stern determination, Rikishi & Scotty exchanged confident glances, while London & Kendrick could barely contain their excitement at the opportunity presented to them.

"Paul Heyman didn't create this match to crown champions," revealed SmackDown interviewer Josh Mathews. "He created it to satisfy his own sadistic desire to see carnage. And that's exactly what we'll get."

Security was unable to maintain order as all four teams ignored Heyman's warnings and launched into an all-out brawl, giving the WWE Universe a taste of the destruction to come at The Showcase of the Immortals.


Tag Team Preview Turns to Chaos (February 26, 2004)

Later that same night, the WWE Universe got a preview of the impending carnage when The World's Greatest Tag Team squared off against Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty in a match hastily arranged by Heyman to "restore some semblance of order through sanctioned competition."

What began as a technically sound contest quickly deteriorated. Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas utilized their amateur wrestling backgrounds to ground the larger Rikishi, cutting the ring in half and preventing him from tagging in his energetic partner. After several minutes of methodical wear-down tactics, Rikishi finally created separation with a devastating superkick and made the hot tag to Scotty 2 Hotty.

The arena came alive as Scotty cleared house with his unorthodox offense. After hitting his signature bulldog on Charlie Haas, Scotty set up in the corner, performing his iconic "W-O-R-M" gesture to thunderous crowd participation.

Just as Scotty prepared to deliver his finishing maneuver, The Basham Brothers charged the ring with steel chairs in hand, causing an immediate disqualification. The champions' attack was calculated and vicious, focusing on Scotty's neck and back with repeated chair shots.

"The Bashams weren't there to compete," explained Michael Cole. "They were there to eliminate threats before WrestleMania."

Predictably, Paul London & Brian Kendrick were quick to join the fray, diving through the ropes with stereo planchas that took out both Bashams on the outside. As London scaled the turnbuckle to continue the assault, Shelton Benjamin recovered and shoved him off, sending the high-flyer crashing through the Spanish announce table in a sickening display of opportunism.

The segment ended with all eight men brawling throughout the arena – into the crowd, up the entrance ramp, and even into the backstage area, requiring dozens of officials, referees, and security personnel to eventually restore order.

"If this is what happens on SmackDown," said Tazz, "imagine what these eight men will do when there are tables, ladders, chairs, and championship gold involved."


A MONTH OF MOUNTING MAYHEM

Upstarts Make Their Mark (March 4, 2004)

The third week of this explosive feud saw Paul London & Brian Kendrick continue their meteoric rise, scoring a significant non-title victory over The World's Greatest Tag Team. Throughout the contest, London's aerial acrobatics and Kendrick's technical prowess kept the former champions off-balance, while miscommunication between Haas and Benjamin ultimately proved their undoing.

"You could see frustration building between Haas and Benjamin," observed Tazz. "Two perfectionists who couldn't accept being outshined by rookies."

After London scored the pinfall with a stunning 450 Splash on Charlie Haas, the upstarts' celebration was violently cut short. The Basham Brothers, watching from backstage, seized the opportunity to attack the distracted victors, blindsiding them with a brutal assault focused on London's back and Kendrick's left knee.

"Classic Basham tactics," Michael Cole told WWE.com. "They've retained their championships for months by identifying weaknesses and exploiting them mercilessly."

Just when it seemed the damage might be career-threatening, Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty rushed to the rescue, clearing the ring of the champions with their signature combination of power and agility. The segment concluded with all three challenging teams standing tall in a rare moment of unity against the despised champions.

"It was a powerful image," said Josh Mathews. "But don't mistake it for an alliance. Come WrestleMania, it's every team for themselves."


Forced Alliances Implode (March 11, 2004)

The following week, Paul Heyman, ever the manipulator, forced an uncomfortable situation upon the four combative teams. The General Manager booked The Basham Brothers to team with The World's Greatest Tag Team against the makeshift unit of Rikishi, Scotty 2 Hotty, Paul London & Brian Kendrick in an eight-man tag team match.

"Heyman was playing chess while everyone else was playing checkers," explained Tazz. "He knew the tension between these teams would create an explosive situation regardless of the forced partnerships."

From the opening bell, the dysfunction among the heel teams was evident. The Bashams repeatedly tagged themselves in when Benjamin or Haas appeared close to victory, while The World's Greatest Tag Team openly questioned the champions' tactics and timing.

The fan favorites, meanwhile, displayed surprising cohesion. London and Kendrick's high-risk offense complemented Rikishi and Scotty's power-and-entertainment approach perfectly. After fifteen minutes of action, the match broke down when Charlie Haas accidentally clotheslined Danny Basham during a blind tag situation.

The momentary distraction allowed Rikishi to hit a devastating Samoan Drop on Doug Basham, followed by the Banzai Drop that sent the SmackDown audience into a frenzy. After securing the pinfall victory, Rikishi hoisted the WWE Tag Team Championship belt that Doug had brought to ringside, giving the WWE Universe a potential preview of WrestleMania's outcome.

"The champions and their temporary allies were humiliated," said Michael Cole. "But the individualistic threat posed by both teams in a lawless TLC environment remained undeniable. No one expecting a similar outcome at Madison Square Garden."


Individual Battles, Individual Pride (March 18, 2004)

Two weeks before WrestleMania, SmackDown featured a series of singles matches designed to establish momentum for each team. The night began with Shelton Benjamin facing Paul London in a contest that showcased both men's athletic capabilities.

"It was speed versus power, inexperience versus pedigree," recalled Josh Mathews. "The kind of match that reminds you why these men are Superstars."

After nearly twelve minutes of back-and-forth action that had the crowd on their feet, Benjamin prevailed with his signature T-Bone suplex, followed by a bridging pin that London couldn't escape. Post-match, Brian Kendrick rushed the ring to prevent further damage as Charlie Haas appeared ready to assist his partner in inflicting additional punishment.

Later that evening, Danny Basham squared off against Scotty 2 Hotty in a match that demonstrated the champions' willingness to bend rules to maintain dominance. After referee Charles Robinson was inadvertently knocked down, Doug Basham slipped his brother a pair of brass knuckles. The weapon-aided punch to Scotty's temple allowed Danny to secure a tainted victory.

The celebration was short-lived as Rikishi charged the ring, causing the Bashams to retreat up the entrance ramp. In a shocking development, The World's Greatest Tag Team appeared from behind the champions, throwing them back into the waiting arms of the 400-pound Samoan. The segment concluded with Rikishi delivering a double Stinkface to both Bashams while Haas and Benjamin looked on with disgusted amusement.

"Nobody likes the Bashams," Tazz laughed during commentary. "But at WrestleMania, it's still every team for themselves. Today's enemy might be tomorrow's stepping stone to championship gold."


The Final Confrontation (March 25, 2004 - WrestleMania Go-Home Show)

The final SmackDown before WrestleMania XX featured two crucial tag team contests that would establish final momentum heading into the TLC match.

The evening began with Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty facing local competitors in what was expected to be a showcase match. The fan favorites dominated as anticipated, with Rikishi's power moves setting up Scotty's crowd-pleasing "W-O-R-M" finisher for the victory.

As Rikishi and Scotty celebrated with their patented dance routine, the arena lights suddenly cut out. When they returned seconds later, The Basham Brothers stood behind the unsuspecting victors, steel chairs in hand. The champions unleashed a calculated assault, targeting Scotty's neck and Rikishi's knees – both crucial weaknesses that could prove devastating in a ladder match scenario.

"The Bashams aren't just champions because of their skills," noted Michael Cole. "They're champions because they think three steps ahead of everyone else."

The second tag match featured Paul London & Brian Kendrick against another local team, giving the high-flying duo another opportunity to showcase their innovative offense. After securing victory with their double-team finisher – a stunning combination they've dubbed "The Londrick Experience" – the celebration was interrupted by The World's Greatest Tag Team's entrance music.

Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin appeared on the entrance ramp, slow-clapping sarcastically before Benjamin raised a microphone.

"Congratulations on beating absolute nobodies," Benjamin smirked. "This Sunday, you're stepping into the ring with the most technically sound tag team in WWE history. And all the flips and dives in the world won't save you from that reality."

Kendrick grabbed a microphone of his own. "You know what they say about those who can't adapt, right? They get left behind. Sunday, we're not just going to beat you – we're going to make you obsolete."

The tension escalated as Haas and Benjamin entered the ring, leading to a face-to-face confrontation that had the crowd buzzing with anticipation. Just as physical confrontation seemed inevitable, both teams slowly turned their attention upward, toward where the WWE Tag Team Championships would hang this Sunday at Madison Square Garden.

The symbolic moment was shattered when all four teams' entrance music played in rapid succession, and the TitanTron displayed a specially produced video package highlighting the destruction each team had inflicted over the past month. The final image – a slow-motion shot of championship gold hanging above a ring surrounded by tables, ladders, and chairs – left the WWE Universe counting the hours until WrestleMania XX.


WWE.COM EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS

THE CHAMPIONS' CONFIDENCE

In an exclusive WWE.com interview conducted in their private locker room – now resembling an arsenal with tables, ladders, and chairs methodically arranged against the walls – The Basham Brothers displayed an unsettling calmness about Sunday's chaos.

"Everyone's focused on how dangerous this match is," Doug Basham said, methodically wrapping his wrists with black tape, never breaking eye contact with our interviewer. "What they should be focused on is how dangerous WE are."

Danny Basham, polishing a steel chair to a menacing shine, added with a cold stare, "Tables break. Ladders fall. Chairs bend. But champions? Champions endure. We're walking in as champions, and we're walking out the same way."

The Bashams have developed a reputation for psychological warfare almost as fearsome as their physical prowess. When Doug was asked about the injuries they'd inflicted on all three challenging teams over the past month, a subtle smile crossed his face.

"Injuries? We haven't even started yet. What you've seen is just... preparation. Scotty's neck? Targeted. Rikishi's knees? Weakened. London's back? Compromised. Benjamin's ego? Bruised. We've been strategizing this match since the moment Heyman announced it."

Danny interjected, "People forget we've been champions for months for a reason. Everyone thinks we cheat, we take shortcuts. What they don't understand is we're simply more willing to do what's necessary than anyone else."

When pressed about their strategy for dealing with three challenging teams simultaneously, Doug stood up, towering over our interviewer, and simply smiled. "Divide, conquer, and destroy. That's all you need to know."

As our WWE.com crew prepared to leave, Danny called after them with an ominous warning: "Tell those other teams to kiss their loved ones goodbye before Sunday. They'll be leaving WrestleMania in ambulances, while we leave with gold."


THE TECHNICIANS' PROMISE

The World's Greatest Tag Team granted WWE.com unprecedented access to their intense preparation regimen at the WWE Performance Center. Between grueling training sessions that would break most men, they didn't mince words when discussing their objectives for Sunday.

"This isn't rocket science," Shelton Benjamin told WWE.com, intensity burning in his eyes as sweat poured down his face after completing his fourth consecutive hour of ladder drills. "We're the most technically sound team in this match. We're the most athletically gifted team in this match. And Sunday, we become the most decorated team in this match."

Charlie Haas, typically the more reserved of the duo, showed rare emotion while reviewing footage of their opponents on a tablet. "Look at this," he said, pointing to a London & Kendrick match. "Predictable. Every move telegraphed. They think innovation means risking your career on every jump."

After switching to Basham Brothers footage, Haas's expression darkened. "They've had our number before. I admit that. But they've never faced us in an environment where their enforcer can't interfere and where rules don't exist."

When asked about specific strategies for the TLC match, Benjamin demonstrated a series of counter techniques they've developed specifically for this contest. "People talk about London and Kendrick being high-flyers? We'll show them high-flying when we're tossing them off ladders. Rikishi thinks his size matters? Try that size advantage when you're lying through a table. And the Bashams? Their reign ends Sunday. Period."

The interview continued as they moved to a specially constructed area where tables, ladders, and chairs had been arranged for practice. "We're leaving nothing to chance," Haas explained, demonstrating how to properly position a ladder for maximum stability. "While everyone else is thinking about highlight reels, we're thinking about physics, leverage points, and weight distribution."

Benjamin added with cold confidence, "The difference between us and everyone else is simple: they're practicing how to do crazy stunts; we're practicing how to win."

As WWE.com prepared to conclude the interview, both men suddenly stopped, looked directly into the camera, and delivered their final message in unison: "The World's Greatest Tag Team isn't just our name. After Sunday, it becomes an undisputed fact."


THE FAN FAVORITES' WARNING

WWE.com caught up with Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty at a packed autograph signing in New York City, where hundreds of passionate fans lined up for hours just to wish the beloved duo good luck. In perhaps the most animated WWE.com interview of the week, they brought their trademark energy while never losing sight of Sunday's brutal objective.

"WOOOOORM!" shouted Scotty, rising from his chair and mimicking his famous move to the delight of the crowd. "The Garden's gonna be electric, and we're gonna channel all that energy! The Bashams, Haas and Benjamin — they're all business, all serious. But us? We're about giving these fans what they want!"

A young fan approached during the interview, asking Scotty if he was worried about the dangerous nature of the TLC match. His expression softened momentarily. "Look, these aren't normal matches. People get hurt. Careers change. But that's why they call it WrestleMania – it's where you put everything on the line."

Rikishi, adjusting his sunglasses and high-fiving a group of fans wearing matching "Too Cool" t-shirts, offered a more ominous warning. "Make no mistake about it, though. When those lights come on at WrestleMania, it's not about dancing. It's about dominance. And there's nothing more dominant than a 400-pound Samoan putting someone through a table."

When asked about their history with the championship – having held the gold once before – Rikishi's normally jovial demeanor shifted to something more intense. "We know what it means to be champions. We understand the responsibility. The Bashams? They've disrespected that legacy. They've turned those titles into props for their dirty tactics."

Scotty nodded in agreement. "People forget we're former champions. Everyone talks about our dance moves, but they forget about our title reign. Sunday isn't just about regaining what was once ours – it's about bringing respect back to those championships."

With fans chanting their names in the background, Rikishi delivered his final thought with a mischievous grin. "And if anybody thinks they're climbing that ladder while I'm standing... they might just get something they didn't expect. Something that stinks, if you know what I mean."

The duo closed the interview by leading the entire crowd in their signature dance routine, proving once again why they remain among the most beloved teams in WWE history. As one fan shouted while our crew departed: "The Bashams may have the titles, but Rikishi and Scotty have our hearts!"


THE NEWCOMERS' AMBITION

WWE.com's most dramatic exclusive came when Paul London and Brian Kendrick invited our crew to meet them atop the entrance ramp after hours in an empty arena. As they sat perched dangerously on the top of a 20-foot ladder – much to the concern of our production team – the newest additions to SmackDown's tag team division spoke with unbridled enthusiasm about their mindset entering their first WrestleMania.

"Look around," London said, gesturing to the vast, darkened arena before them. "In just a few days, this place will be packed with 20,000 screaming fans. Most people would be terrified by that pressure. We feed off it."

Kendrick added, "We've been wrestling for years on the independent scene in front of dozens of people. Now we're about to compete at WrestleMania? That's not pressure – that's opportunity."

When asked about their meteoric rise – from debut to championship match in just over a month – London couldn't contain his excitement. "Everyone's talking about experience," he said, bouncing on his toes atop the ladder as if already preparing for Sunday's acrobatics, causing our cameraman to nervously step back. "But when you're twenty feet in the air, experience doesn't matter. Courage does."

Kendrick nodded in agreement. "The veterans in this match, they're thinking about what they can lose. We're only thinking about what we can gain. And that makes us the most dangerous team on Sunday."

The young team spoke candidly about their respect for the other competitors while making it clear they feared none of them. "The Bashams rely on intimidation, but we've been doubted our entire careers," explained London. "Haas and Benjamin think technical skill conquers all, but they've never faced a team that can move like us. And Rikishi and Scotty are legends, but legends eventually become history."

Without warning, Kendrick suddenly stood upright on the ladder, balancing precariously as our crew gasped. "This is what separates us," he said calmly, while our production team pleaded for him to sit back down. "Everyone else sees danger. We see opportunity."

When asked about specific moments they're prepared to create at WrestleMania, London's eyes widened with almost concerning enthusiasm. "We've been watching Jeff Hardy highlights for weeks. Whatever you're imagining, multiply it by ten. That's what we're bringing to Madison Square Garden."

As our interview concluded, both men looked out over the empty arena one last time. "Sunday changes everything for us," London said quietly. "We're not just coming to participate. We're coming to steal the show."

Kendrick added with genuine emotion in his voice, "And to anyone who thinks we don't belong in this match – we're not just going to prove you wrong. We're going to make you remember our names forever."

True to their daredevil nature, they concluded the interview by simultaneously backflipping off the ladder onto the metal ramp below – a heart-stopping moment that left our crew both impressed and concerned about what these risk-takers might attempt when championship gold hangs in the balance.


WWE.com Staff Predictions

The WWE Tag Team Championship Fatal Four-Way Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match at WrestleMania XX has the entire WWE fanbase buzzing, and our own WWE.com journalists are no different! With The Basham Brothers defending against The World's Greatest Tag Team, Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty, and the duo of Paul London & Brian Kendrick, the potential for unforgettable moments and unbelievable risks is off the charts. Here's what our esteemed WWE.com scribes have to say:

Journalist 1: "The Dean" Douglas Michaels WWE.com Senior Analyst

"This one is pure, unadulterated chaos, and that's what makes it so compelling. You have four distinct styles clashing in an environment that favors no single approach. The Bashams are masters of picking the bones and using the rulebook (or lack thereof in a TLC match) to their advantage. WGTT has the pure athletic talent to create a masterpiece of destruction if they can stay on the same page. Rikishi & Scotty bring the unpredictable fun factor mixed with surprising power and agility. But I'm going with the dark horses here: Paul London & Brian Kendrick. Why? Because in a match this wild, youthful exuberance, a fearless aerial assault, and a 'nothing to lose' attitude can be the great equalizer. They've shown flashes of brilliance and an unwillingness to back down since their debut. In a TLC match, sometimes the ones willing to take the biggest risks reap the biggest rewards. This is their stage to make a statement."

Journalist 2: Esmeralda "Gem" Rodriguez WWE.com Ringside Reporter

"I've been ringside for the brawls leading up to this, and the animosity is palpable. While the high-flying antics of London and Kendrick are undeniably exciting, and Rikishi & Scotty always get the crowd going, a TLC match often comes down to raw power and cunning strategy. The Basham Brothers are the champions for a reason; they're vicious and know how to win. However, I keep coming back to The World's Greatest Tag Team. Shelton Benjamin's athletic prowess is second to none, and Charlie Haas is a mat technician. If they can avoid the pitfalls of ego and miscommunication that have plagued them recently, their combined talent is overwhelming. They have the skill to dismantle opponents and the athleticism to utilize the ladders to their fullest potential. It's a tough call, but I see Haas and Benjamin weathering the storm and regaining the gold."

Journalist 3: "Big" Sal Varricchio WWE.com Hardcore Historian

"Tables, Ladders, AND Chairs? Forget about it! This ain't ballet, this is a demolition derby waiting to happen! You gotta look at who thrives when things get out of control. The Bashams? Yeah, they're sneaky, and they'll use every dirty trick. London and Kendrick? Those kids are fearless, maybe too fearless for their own good. WGTT? Slick, real slick, but can they take the punishment? For my money, you can't count out the experience and the sheer power of Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty. Rikishi can neutralize anyone with his size, and Scotty, he's got that never-say-die fire. Remember all those brawls? They were always in the thick of it, and the crowd is always behind them. In a match this unpredictable, having that veteran savvy and the ability to absorb punishment and dish it out will be key. Plus, who doesn't want to see a Stinkface off a ladder? I'm picking Rikishi and Scotty to dance their way to victory."

Journalist 4: Penelope "Penny" Ainsworth WWE.com Features Editor

"The narrative leading into this match has been one of escalating chaos and the emergence of new threats. While the champions, The Basham Brothers, have shown a knack for survival, often by bending the rules, their reign has been marked by controversy and a target on their backs from multiple challengers. The energy of Paul London and Brian Kendrick is infectious, and their fearlessness makes them a genuine wildcard. However, I believe the sheer desperation and focus of The World's Greatest Tag Team will shine through. They lost the titles to the Bashams, and the sting of that, coupled with their immense talent, makes them incredibly dangerous. This TLC environment, while chaotic, also provides a stage for supreme athletes like Shelton Benjamin to do things others simply can't. I predict they navigate the mayhem with precision and recapture the WWE Tag Team Championships."

Journalist 5: "The Stats Guy" Alistair Finch WWE.com Data & Trends Analyst

"Statistically, multi-team ladder matches are a nightmare to predict due to the sheer number of variables. However, looking at the recent interactions, a few patterns emerge. The Basham Brothers have relied on interference and disqualifications to retain in standard matches, tactics that are nullified in a TLC environment. Paul London & Brian Kendrick, while impressive, are new to this level of high-stakes warfare on such a grand stage. Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty have crowd support and experience, but momentum in recent weeks has been mixed. The World's Greatest Tag Team, despite some internal friction, possesses the highest athletic ceiling. However, the champions, The Basham Brothers, have one distinct advantage: the champions' advantage, even in a multi-team match, often comes down to ruthlessness and a singular focus on retention by any means necessary. In a match where carnage is guaranteed, the team most willing to inflict and withstand punishment, and perhaps exploit the chaos caused by others, often emerges. I'll give a slight edge to the champions to somehow, someway, find a path to retain amidst the pandemonium."


WRESTLEMANIA XX PREVIEW: WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS TAG TEAM TURMOIL PROMISES CHAOS AT THE GARDEN

FIVE TEAMS, ONE CHAMPIONSHIP, NO RULES

NEW YORK — When the lights dim in Madison Square Garden tonight and the pyrotechnics illuminate the World's Most Famous Arena, five tag teams will be preparing for war. The World Tag Team Championship hangs in the balance as champions Rob Van Dam & Booker T defend their coveted gold against four hungry contending teams in what promises to be one of the most chaotic matches in WrestleMania history: Tag Team Turmoil.

For those unfamiliar with the stipulation, Tag Team Turmoil is anarchy incarnate. Two teams begin the match, with additional teams entering after eliminations occur. Only when four teams have been eliminated will the final team standing be crowned the World Tag Team Champions.

THE ROAD TO WRESTLEMANIA: PAVED WITH PANDEMONIUM

The volatile journey to this explosive matchup ignited on the February 23rd edition of Monday Night RAW. Mere moments after World Tag Team Champions Rob Van Dam & Booker T successfully defended their titles against La Résistance, the champions found themselves engulfed in a post-match ambush initiated by their defeated French-Canadian foes.

This initial assault was merely the spark that lit a raging inferno. Within seconds, the ring transformed into a warzone as The Dudley Boyz—Bubba Ray and D-Von—stormed the scene looking to assert their dominance. They were quickly followed by the fan-favorite tandem of The Hurricane and Rosey, and the hungry young duo of Mark Jindrak and Garrison Cade, all eager to make a statement.

The chaotic free-for-all saw bodies flying everywhere, alliances forming and instantly dissolving, and the tag team division descend into pure anarchy. Witnessing the utter bedlam from his office, a fuming RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff emerged onto the ramp. With a mix of frustration and perhaps a twisted sense of opportunity, Bischoff emphatically declared that at WrestleMania XX, the World Tag Team Championship would be decided in the ultimate battlefield: a Tag Team Turmoil match.


MOMENTUM SHIFTS

The following week, on March 1st, the shockwaves of Bischoff's announcement continued to ripple through RAW. The legendary Dudley Boyz sent a clear and decisive message to the entire locker room by picking up a hard-fought victory over their rivals, La Résistance, further solidifying their claim as top contenders.

That same night, the landscape of the division saw another significant shift when Mark Jindrak scored a monumental individual victory in a thrilling Triple Threat match. Jindrak managed to overcome not only the super-heroic Rosey but also one-half of the reigning World Tag Team Champions, Booker T while pinning Rosey. This victory served as a stark reminder that even the champions weren't immune to the rising tide of hungry challengers.


TENSIONS BOIL OVER

The intensity escalated further on the March 8th broadcast. The reigning champions, Rob Van Dam and Booker T, were in action against the increasingly confident Mark Jindrak & Garrison Cade. Though RVD & Booker T managed to overcome the eager young team, any hope of a moment's respite was instantly shattered.

As the champions caught their breath, The Dudley Boyz emerged, their intentions clear as they engaged in a tense staredown. Before physicality could erupt between those two tandems, La Résistance seized the opportunity for a cowardly blindside attack, targeting both the champions and the Dudleys. This dastardly act once again threw the ringside area into disarray, predictably drawing The Hurricane & Rosey into the fray, resulting in yet another wild, uncontrolled free-for-all that left officials struggling to restore order.


FINAL COUNTDOWN TO CHAOS

As WrestleMania XX drew closer, the March 15th edition of RAW provided the WWE Universe with its most terrifying preview yet of the impending Tag Team Turmoil. In a featured Triple Threat Tag Team encounter, The Dudley Boyz proved their dominance by outlasting both the nefarious La Résistance and the spirited duo of The Hurricane & Rosey.

Following the Dudleys' victory, the floodgates opened as every team officially announced for the WrestleMania Tag Team Turmoil—including the champions RVD & Booker T, and Mark Jindrak & Garrison Cade—charged the ring. What ensued was a massive, chaotic battle royal, a true sneak peek of the mayhem promised for tonight's event, with Superstars battling inside and outside the ring, leaving a tangled mess of bodies and shattered allegiances.


THE FINAL SPARK

On the go-home edition of RAW, just days before tonight's collision, the tension reached its absolute zenith. Throughout the night, a series of intense interview segments aired, with each participating team passionately staking their claim to the World Tag Team Championship, each vowing with conviction that they would be the ones to walk out of Madison Square Garden with the gold.

The simmering animosity wasn't confined to just words. Later in the evening, cameras captured a volatile backstage confrontation where all competing teams crossed paths. Predictably, verbal sparring quickly escalated into a massive argument and a heated shoving match, requiring a throng of security personnel and WWE officials to step in and forcibly separate the warring factions.


THE CONTENDERS

ROB VAN DAM & BOOKER T (Champions)

The unlikely pairing of the "Whole Dam Show" and the five-time (five-time, five-time, five-time, five-time) WCW Champion has proven to be one of the most effective tag teams in recent memory. Rob Van Dam's aerial assault combined with Booker T's lightning-quick strikes makes them a formidable duo to dethrone, but the format of Tag Team Turmoil puts them at a distinct disadvantage.

THE DUDLEY BOYZ

The most decorated tag team in professional wrestling history enters WrestleMania with momentum on their side. With countless Tag Team Championship reigns across multiple promotions, Bubba Ray and D-Von know what it takes to win gold on the grandest stage. Their experience in chaotic, multi-team environments makes them perhaps the most dangerous threat in this match.

LA RÉSISTANCE

Sylvain Grenier and Rob Conway have made it clear they'll use any underhanded tactic necessary to capture championship gold. What they lack in honorable competition, they make up for in ruthless efficiency and opportunistic strategy. In a match where anything goes, expect the French-Canadian duo to exploit every advantage possible.

THE HURRICANE & ROSEY

The self-proclaimed "Superhero in Training" and his mighty mentor have captured the imagination of the WWE Universe with their colorful personas. But don't let the capes and masks fool you—this duo possesses legitimate in-ring skills that could see them soaring to new heights at WrestleMania XX.

MARK JINDRAK & GARRISON CADE

The youngest team in the match might also be the hungriest. With youthful exuberance and raw athleticism on their side, this up-and-coming tandem has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Their recent victories have put the division on notice, and a win at WrestleMania would catapult them into superstardom.

WWE.COM EXPERT PREDICTIONS

JACK "THE HAMMER" SULLIVAN, WWE.com Senior Analyst: "I've seen every incarnation of The Dudley Boyz throughout their storied career, and they're firing on all cylinders right now. Their experience in tables, ladders, and chairs matches gives them the edge in chaotic environments. In Madison Square Garden, I expect Bubba Ray and D-Von to add another chapter to their legendary legacy and walk out as seven-time WWE Tag Team Champions."

MELISSA STEELE, WWE.com Tag Team Division Specialist: "While The Dudleys are the sentimental favorite, I'm putting my money on Rob Van Dam and Booker T to retain. Champions have a way of rising to the occasion at WrestleMania, and this duo has proven they can overcome any obstacle. Plus, RVD thrives in match types where he can unleash his full arsenal against multiple opponents."

TONY MARTINEZ, WWE.com Insider: "Don't sleep on Mark Jindrak and Garrison Cade. These young lions have momentum on their side, and WrestleMania has historically been the launching pad for the next generation of Superstars. I'm calling for the upset of the night as Jindrak and Cade shock the world in the World's Most Famous Arena."

DEREK JACKSON, WWE.com Executive Editor: "La Résistance might be the most despised team in the match, but they're also the most cunning. In the chaos of Tag Team Turmoil, I expect them to pick their spots, let the other teams wear each other down, and swoop in when the moment is right. Sometimes the most hated team walks away with the gold, and tonight might be one of those nights."

SARAH WILLIAMS, WWE.com Feature Writer: "Hurricane and Rosey have defied expectations time and again. With the energy of Madison Square Garden behind them, I believe this could be the night when the superhero and his sidekick finally capture tag team gold. In the unpredictable environment of WrestleMania, sometimes it's the team with the most heart that prevails."

Tonight, these five teams will collide in an unprecedented battle for tag team supremacy. Will the champions maintain their grip on the gold? Will The Dudleys add another championship to their legendary résumé? Could La Résistance scheme their way to victory? Might Hurricane and Rosey save the day? Or will Jindrak and Cade announce their arrival on the main stage?

All questions will be answered when WrestleMania XX emanates live from Madison Square Garden tonight. One thing is certain—the Tag Team Turmoil will deliver mayhem in Madison Square Garden, and only one team will emerge from the chaos as World Tag Team Champions.


TRISH STRATUS ISSUES OPEN CHALLENGE FOR WRESTLEMANIA XX

By WWE.com Staff
March 28, 2004

NEW YORK CITY — As if WrestleMania XX wasn't already packed with blockbuster matches, seven-time Women's Champion Trish Stratus has added another intriguing element to "The Greatest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment" by issuing an open challenge to any female competitor in the WWE locker room.

The surprising announcement came in the aftermath of RAW's explosive final segment before WrestleMania, where Stratus delivered a shocking slap to Chris Jericho during his confrontation with former friend Christian. While much of the WWE Universe initially assumed Stratus had aligned herself with Christian, the Canadian beauty quickly clarified her position in an exclusive WWE.com interview.

"This isn't about taking sides in their personal war," Stratus explained. "I'm focused on my own career now. After everything that's happened these past few months, I need to remind everyone exactly who Trish Stratus is—the greatest female competitor to ever step foot in a WWE ring."

The open challenge represents a bold new direction for Stratus, who has spent recent months entangled in the increasingly personal feud between Jericho and Christian. What began as an ill-advised bet between the former tag team partners pulled Stratus into a web of manipulation and misunderstanding. Following weeks of unwanted attention from Jericho after she requested space, Stratus made the decisive move to extract herself from the situation entirely.

"At WrestleMania, the focus returns to what matters—competition inside the squared circle," Stratus told WWE.com. "I'm not interested in being anyone's prize or pawn. I'm issuing this open challenge because I want to face the best. Madison Square Garden deserves nothing less than Trish Stratus at her finest."

When asked who might answer her challenge, Stratus remained coy. "That's the beauty of an open challenge—I'll be just as surprised as everyone else. With Molly Holly defending her Women's Championship against Lita in their high-stakes match, there's still plenty of talent ready to step up. Whoever it is, they better bring their A-game because I'm more motivated than ever."

Stratus also made it clear that her WrestleMania moment is just the beginning of her renewed focus. "I'm creating a WrestleMania moment that will define my legacy going forward," she declared confidently. "And let me be perfectly clear—whoever walks out of Madison Square Garden as Women's Champion, whether it's Molly Holly or Lita, I'm coming for them. This open challenge is step one in reminding everyone who the real queen of this division is."


EXPERT PREDICTIONS

Victoria Hamilton, Women's Wrestling Analyst:
"Jazz has been conspicuously absent from television lately, but she's one of the most physically imposing competitors in WWE. This could be her opportunity to make a statement against Stratus on the grandest stage of them all."

Jason Bourne, WWE Magazine Contributing Writer:

"Don't count out Gail Kim. She's been impressive since her debut, and a WrestleMania moment against someone of Trish's caliber could establish her as a future champion. Whatever happens, expect this match to steal the show."

Renee Laurent, WWE.com Women's Division Correspondent:

"Victoria has been on a tear lately, and with her not competing for the Women's Championship, she might see this as the perfect opportunity to make an impact at WrestleMania. These two have unfinished business, and Victoria has been itching for another shot at Trish."

Marcus Greene, WWE Insider: "I'm hearing whispers backstage about someone unexpected answering this challenge—possibly even someone from SmackDown! crossing brand lines or a legend returning for one night only. Trish might get more than she bargained for."

Regardless of who steps up to face the former Women's Champion, one thing is certain: Trish Stratus is determined to create her own WrestleMania moment
 
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WRESTLEMANIA XX MATCH PREVIEWS

(Mask vs. Title)


MYSTERIO VS. GUERRERO: THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE AT WRESTLEMANIA XX

In the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden, where wrestling history has been written time and again, another chapter awaits—perhaps one of the most emotionally charged and culturally significant contests in WrestleMania's storied 20-year history. This Sunday night, when the lights dim and the cameras focus on the squared circle, Rey Mysterio and Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero Jr. will engage in a battle that transcends traditional wrestling stakes.

It's not just Title vs. Mask. It's tradition vs. betrayal. Honor vs. disrespect. Identity vs. erasure.

"Some matches are about championships, some are about rivalry," SmackDown! General Manager Paul Heyman told WWE.com in an exclusive sit-down. "But what we're witnessing between Rey Mysterio and Chavo Guerrero is something far deeper. We're seeing the collision of cultural heritage and personal vendetta. When a masked luchador puts his mask on the line, he's essentially putting his entire career at stake."

THE SACRED TRADITION

To fully appreciate the gravity of Sunday's contest, one must understand the sacred significance of the mask in Lucha Libre. In Mexican wrestling culture, a luchador's mask is more than ring attire—it's a symbol of honor passed down through generations, representing family legacy and personal identity.

"My mask connects me to every luchador who came before me," Mysterio explained during an emotional WWE.com exclusive interview. "When I put it on, I'm not just Rey Mysterio—I'm carrying the spirit of my trainers, my heroes, my culture. Chavo is threatening to take something from me that can never be replaced. Once a mask is lost, it's lost forever."

WWE Hall of Famer and Lucha Libre legend Mil Máscaras weighed in on the significance of Sunday's stipulation via satellite interview.

"In Mexico, losing your mask is like losing a piece of your soul," Máscaras stated firmly. "When I wrestled in Arena México, mask matches would sell out in hours because fans understood the gravity. Rey Mysterio is one of the greatest masked wrestlers in history. For him to put that legacy on the line at WrestleMania shows how deeply personal this has become."

THE ROAD TO BETRAYAL

The bitter feud ignited at No Way Out on February 15th when Chavo Guerrero Jr., with considerable assistance from his father "Chavo Classic," dethroned Rey Mysterio for the Cruiserweight Championship. The match conclusion remains controversial—Chavo Classic distracted the referee before striking Rey with his shoe, allowing his son to secure a tainted victory with a handful of tights.

"It wasn't just that they stole my championship," Rey recalled, his voice tightening. "It was how they celebrated afterward. Chavo looking me in the eyes saying the Guerrero legacy is about gold, not honor. That's when I knew something had changed in him."

The rivalry took an even darker turn just days later on SmackDown! when Mysterio fought his way through an exhausting fatal four-way match to become the number one contender. His victory celebration was short-lived, as the Guerreros launched a vicious post-match ambush with one clear objective—to forcibly remove Rey's mask.

"I've been in this business a long time," said veteran referee Charles Robinson, who witnessed the assault. "But the look in Chavo's eyes when he was trying to unmask Rey... it wasn't about competition anymore. There was genuine hatred there."

That same night, a visibly shaken but resolute Mysterio laid down what may be the most consequential challenge of his career: "Chavo, you want to rip my mask off? Then put your title on the line... and I'll put the mask on the line. WrestleMania."

THE CONTRACT SIGNING: WORDS AS WEAPONS

SmackDown! viewers on February 26th witnessed one of the most tension-filled contract signings in recent memory. The segment began with Chavo's trademark arrogance on full display.

"Did you hear little Rey Rey last week? Hiding backstage, crying about his mask after I tried to take that piece of garbage off his face!" Chavo taunted, drawing immediate boos from the crowd. "Your mask, Rey, it means nothing to me... except maybe as a souvenir to hang on my wall after I rip it off your face at WrestleMania!"

WWE.com cameras captured exclusive footage of Mysterio preparing backstage before that confrontation, a rare quiet moment as he carefully adjusted his mask.

"This might be the last time I get to wear this mask at a contract signing," Rey admitted softly to our cameras. "But if that's what it takes to teach Chavo respect, then so be it."

On camera, Mysterio's response resonated throughout the arena: "This mask is more than just fabric. It's my identity, it's the legacy of Lucha Libre, it represents everyone who was ever told they were too small or couldn't succeed. You want to take that from me? You'll have to give everything you have, because I'm willing to risk everything to keep it."

The signing predictably devolved into chaos when Chavo Sr. created a diversion, allowing his son to launch another sneak attack. Once again, the Guerreros attempted to unmask Mysterio before his WrestleMania match, but the Master of the 619 fought them off, his resolve visibly hardening with each cowardly act.

ESCALATING WARFARE: THE WEEKS OF FURY

The weeks leading to WrestleMania XX have featured increasingly hostile confrontations:

On the March 4th edition of SmackDown!, Rey Mysterio silenced "Chavo Classic" in singles competition, showcasing his ability to overcome the Guerrero family's numbers advantage. The victory was sweet but fleeting, as Chavo Jr. immediately ambushed him from behind, making another desperate attempt to remove the sacred mask. In a moment that electrified the crowd, Mysterio, despite being outnumbered, fought back with incredible tenacity, delivering a stunning 619 to Chavo Jr. and escaping with his honor intact.

"That moment showed everyone what this is really about," said Eddie Guerrero, WWE Champion and Chavo's uncle, in a rare comment on the situation. "Rey is fighting for something bigger than himself. My nephew... I'm not sure he understands what he's really doing."

The disrespect continued on March 11th's SmackDown! when, after defeating Billy Kidman with yet another assist from his father, Chavo Jr. mockingly paraded around the ring wearing a crude paper replica of Mysterio's mask before tearing it to shreds.

"After WrestleMania," Chavo proclaimed to the WWE Universe, "the real Rey Mysterio will be exposed to the world. No more hiding, Rey! Everyone will finally see the fraud behind the mask!"

WWE.com reporter Michelle McCool caught up with Mysterio after this incident.

"I've competed all over the world," Rey said, his eyes showing a mixture of anger and determination through his mask. "I've lost blood, I've broken bones. But I've never faced someone willing to disrespect not just me, but an entire wrestling tradition. This Sunday, Chavo learns that some things are sacred."

The psychological warfare took yet another turn on the March 18th SmackDown! when Mysterio teamed with Billy Kidman to defeat both Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Chavo Sr. In a moment of symbolic defiance, Mysterio pinned the Cruiserweight Champion clean in the center of the ring. After the match, Rey stood tall, holding Chavo's championship belt in one hand and touching his own precious mask with the other—a clear message of his intentions at the Grandest Stage of Them All.

THE ULTIMATE INSULT: TRADITION MOCKED

Perhaps the most deplorable act in this increasingly bitter feud came on the March 25th go-home edition of SmackDown!. Chavo Guerrero Jr., with his father gleefully playing master of ceremonies, hosted what they called a "Lucha Libre disrespect ceremony."

They brought a young masked wrestler to the ring—identified by sources as local independent competitor Espíritu Jr.—only to publicly humiliate him by forcibly removing his mask, a profound violation of Lucha Libre etiquette and tradition.

"What I witnessed was disgusting," said SmackDown! announcer Michael Cole in a WWE.com exclusive. "In all my years calling professional wrestling, I've never seen such blatant disrespect for another culture's traditions. The look on that young man's face when they took his mask... that's something I won't forget."

As Chavo paraded the removed mask around the ring like a trophy, Rey Mysterio stormed down the ramp, not waiting for a scheduled appearance. The Master of the 619 single-handedly cleared the ring of the Guerreros, who retreated up the ramp, satisfied that they had successfully provoked their WrestleMania opponent.

In what many are calling the most powerful moment of the entire feud, Mysterio then helped the humiliated wrestler to his feet and, in a gesture of profound respect, gifted him one of his own spare masks.

"That moment told you everything you need to know about who Rey Mysterio is," said Billy Kidman, Mysterio's longtime friend and occasional tag partner. "Most guys would be focused entirely on their WrestleMania match, but Rey stopped to protect the honor of a kid he'd never even met before. That's why the fans love him, and that's why Chavo will never understand what the mask truly means."

INSIDE THE GUERRERO MIND

In an exclusive sit-down interview with WWE.com, conducted in a quiet corner of the hotel where the SmackDown! roster is staying in New York City, Chavo Guerrero Jr. offered rare insight into his motivations.

"Everyone always talks about the great Guerrero legacy," Chavo began, his championship belt resting on his shoulder. "Eddie this, Eddie that. My father had his moment years ago. But what about me? I'm tired of being the forgotten Guerrero."

When asked if his actions against Mysterio were partly motivated by jealousy over Rey's popularity, Chavo's expression hardened.

"Jealousy? No. Reality? Yes. Rey Mysterio hides behind that mask and plays the underdog, and the fans eat it up. But I'm exposing the truth. The Guerrero name means more to this business than Rey Mysterio ever will, and after Sunday, everyone will be talking about how I was the one who finally exposed him to the world."

Chavo Classic, sitting beside his son during the interview, nodded in agreement. "The Mysterio name doesn't compare to the Guerrero dynasty," the elder Guerrero stated. "My boy is going to make history at WrestleMania, and I'm going to be right there to see it happen."

When pressed about the cultural significance of mask matches in Mexican wrestling tradition, Chavo Jr.'s response was dismissive.

"This isn't Mexico," he said bluntly. "This is WWE. This is my house now. And in my house, the only tradition that matters is winning. Rey can take his mask back to Mexico after I'm done with him."

IN REY'S CORNER: SUPPORT FROM UNEXPECTED PLACES

While Rey Mysterio prepares for what could be the final match of his masked career, he's found support from across the WWE roster.

"What Rey represents goes beyond SmackDown! or Raw," said John Cena, rising star of the WWE. "He's inspired an entire generation of wrestlers who were told they were too small. I might be on a different brand, but I'm in Rey's corner this Sunday."

Even more surprising was the support from Eddie Guerrero, current WWE Champion and Chavo's uncle. In a brief but pointed comment to WWE.com, Eddie made his position clear.

"Family is everything to me," Eddie said carefully. "But so is respect. What Chavo and my brother are doing... that's not the Guerrero way I believe in. Rey has earned his place in this business, and the mask is sacred in our culture. Some lines shouldn't be crossed, even for championship gold."

When informed of his uncle's comments, Chavo's response was immediate and harsh.

"Eddie's gone soft since becoming champion," Chavo snapped. "He's forgotten what being a Guerrero really means—doing whatever it takes to win. I'm reminding everyone what our family name really stands for."

WRESTLEMANIA MOMENT AWAITS

As Sunday approaches, the atmosphere surrounding this match has reached a fever pitch. WWE production meetings have reportedly allocated extra security around the ring for this contest, anticipating the emotional investment of both competitors.

"This match has all the elements that make WrestleMania special," said WWE Chairman Vince McMahon during the official WrestleMania XX press conference. "Personal animosity, championship gold, and cultural significance. Rey Mysterio and Chavo Guerrero will deliver something the WWE Universe will never forget."

Rey Mysterio himself has been increasingly introspective as the event draws near. In his final interview before WrestleMania, conducted as he gazed out at the Manhattan skyline from his hotel room, the masked superstar reflected on what Sunday means to him.

"My entire career has been about overcoming obstacles," Rey said quietly. "Being told I was too small, that my style wouldn't translate to American audiences. This mask has been with me through all of it. When kids see me, they don't see limitations—they see possibilities. That's what Chavo is really trying to take away, and that's why I can't let him win."

Adjusting his mask one final time before our interview concluded, Mysterio added, "Madison Square Garden is where legends are made. On Sunday, either I walk out still embodying the spirit of Lucha Libre, or I leave a part of myself behind forever. But either way, Chavo Guerrero will finally learn what respect means."


EXPERT PICKS: Who Will Make History in the Mask vs. Title Showdown?
WWE.com Staff – March 27, 2004

This Sunday at WrestleMania XX, the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden will bear witness to one of the most emotionally charged confrontations in WWE history: Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero Jr. puts his title—and his family's pride—on the line against Rey Mysterio, who risks the ultimate sacrifice in Lucha Libre culture: his mask.


We asked five of WWE.com’s top insiders to break down the stakes, strategy, and emotional weight of this iconic encounter—and give their official predictions.

Clara Mendoza


Senior Latin Heritage Analyst, WWE.com
Pick: Rey Mysterio

“As a cultural historian and lifelong fan of Lucha Libre, I can say with full confidence: Rey Mysterio is fighting for far more than a championship. He’s fighting for every masked icon who came before him, and every young fan who sees themselves in his journey. The Guerreros have mocked a sacred tradition. At WrestleMania, Rey fights not just to win—but to preserve legacy. That kind of fire? It can't be extinguished by ego or interference. Rey walks out with his mask—and the gold.”

Marcus King


WWE.com Power Rankings Editor
Pick: Chavo Guerrero Jr.

“Rey’s heart has never been in question—but heart doesn’t win when you’re outnumbered and outmaneuvered. Chavo Jr. has turned this into psychological warfare, and with Chavo Classic in his corner, Rey’s fighting a two-front battle. Don’t forget: the last time they met one-on-one, Chavo didn’t just win—he humiliated Mysterio. At WrestleMania, I predict Chavo proves once again that ruthlessness runs in the Guerrero bloodline. The mask comes off.”

Eli Grant


WWE.com Storyline Strategist & Insider Columnist
Pick: Rey Mysterio

“This match is a chessboard—and Chavo thinks he’s the grandmaster. But Rey Mysterio has seen every angle of this feud, and he’s responded with poise, passion, and pinpoint execution. He pinned Chavo clean on SmackDown! two weeks ago—that wasn’t an accident. It was a statement. Rey has absorbed the attacks, weathered the disrespect, and he’s still standing. I believe this Sunday he completes the redemption arc, hoists the title high, and proves honor can outlast bloodlines.”

Vanessa Torres


Cruiserweight Division Correspondent, WWE.com
Pick: Chavo Guerrero Jr.

“As much as I respect Rey—and I do—this feels like Chavo’s time. He’s got a chip on his shoulder, a father backing him at ringside, and a nasty edge that Rey simply can’t match. Rey has more to lose, and that pressure can crack even the strongest competitors. Chavo’s already shown he’ll take the low road. He doesn’t care about the fans, the heritage, or the respect. He cares about victory—and I think he leaves MSG with Rey’s mask as proof.”

Donovan Hartley


WWE.com Feature Journalist & WrestleMania Historian
Pick: Rey Mysterio

“WrestleMania is where legacies are defined, not destroyed. Chavo Guerrero Jr. may be the reigning champion, but Rey Mysterio is walking into the world’s most famous arena with the full weight of Lucha Libre history on his shoulders—and he’s never looked more ready. From his moment with Espíritu Jr. to that thunderous 619 last week, Rey has reminded everyone what it means to fight for something sacred. In the end, he’ll fly higher, fight harder, and etch his name forever into WrestleMania lore.”

Final Tally:
  • Rey Mysterio: 3 votes
  • Chavo Guerrero Jr.: 2 votes

Up next: JBL/Farooq, Womens Championship Previews
 

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WRESTLEMANIA XX MATCH PREVIEWS

(JBL/Farooq, Womens Championship Match)


FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE: Former APA Partners Prepare for Brutal Showdown at The Grandest Stage of Them All

NEW YORK – The electricity is palpable in the concrete jungle of Manhattan as WrestleMania XX approaches. But amid the pageantry and spectacle that will fill Madison Square Garden this Sunday, a deeply personal war is brewing. Former APA partners John "Bradshaw" Layfield and Farooq are set to tear each other apart in what promises to be one of the most brutal Falls Count Anywhere matches in WrestleMania history.

The match isn't just another contest on the card – it's the explosive culmination of a betrayal that shocked the WWE Universe and forever shattered one of the most dominant tag teams of the modern era.


THE BETRAYAL THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

The WWE Universe watched in horror on February 5 when Bradshaw viciously attacked his longtime partner following an unexpected loss to Rikishi & Scotty 2 Hotty. What began as post-match frustration quickly devolved into a savage assault as Bradshaw repeatedly drove steel steps into Farooq's skull, all while screaming the words that would define this rivalry: "YOU HELD ME BACK!"

Two weeks later, John "Bradshaw" Layfield emerged – a Wall Street tycoon who publicly renounced his beer-drinking, brawling past and dismissed his former partner as "dead weight." The transformation was complete, and the war was just beginning.


THE ROAD TO DESTRUCTION: A BROTHERHOOD TORN APART

The aftermath of JBL's betrayal has ignited a series of increasingly violent confrontations that have left the WWE Universe breathless with anticipation for their WrestleMania showdown. The powder keg exploded on February 26th when a recovered and furious Farooq stormed into SmackDown General Manager Paul Heyman's office, demanding a face-to-face with his former partner. The tension was palpable as JBL entered, not in his familiar APA attire, but in an immaculate three-piece suit, his demeanor cold and calculating. "Business is business... I'm a wrestling GOD. You... are obsolete," JBL declared with chilling detachment, words that triggered something primal in Farooq. Security cameras captured the ensuing chaos as Farooq lunged across the room, tackling JBL through Heyman's glass coffee table. The brawl spilled violently into the hallway, with four security guards and two referees left crumpled in their wake as the former partners exchanged thunderous blows. It took nearly a dozen WWE personnel to finally separate them, with both men still straining to get their hands on each other, their faces contorted with rage.

The following week, on March 4th, JBL's hubris led him to deliver a smug "financial address" on SmackDown, during which he detailed his stock portfolio and mocked Farooq's "primitive understanding of wealth accumulation." Unbeknownst to the newly-minted financial genius, Farooq had slipped past arena security and made his way to the parking area where JBL's pristine white stretch limousine waited. WWE cameras followed the vengeful Farooq as he systematically and methodically destroyed the vehicle, the lead pipe in his hands connecting with devastating precision against each window. The crashing glass echoed through the parking garage as JBL, alerted mid-speech, watched in horror on the arena screens. In a moment that sent chills down the spines of the WWE Universe, Farooq turned directly to the camera, blood dripping from the pipe, and snarled, "No place to hide, Bradshaw. Not at WrestleMania. Not anywhere."

The personal war escalated further on March 11th when JBL, refusing to confront Farooq himself, dispatched three "investment associates"—suit-wearing mercenaries—to a local sports bar where Farooq was conducting a satellite interview. The ambush backfired spectacularly. WWE's cameras captured the chaotic scene as Farooq, seemingly energized by the odds against him, systematically dismantled all three attackers. The establishment was reduced to splinters and broken glass, with patrons cheering wildly as Farooq stood triumphant among the carnage, unconscious suits at his feet. Hoisting a beer in one hand and a broken chair leg in the other, he locked eyes with the camera and delivered a message directly to his former friend: "This is who you used to be, John. The man you're running from. But at WrestleMania, you'll remember what it feels like when I beat the memories back into you."

The collision course continued on March 18th during what was supposed to be JBL's grand entrance. As his new theme music blared and the Wall Street warrior made his way down the ramp with calculated swagger, the arena erupted when Farooq emerged like a demon from beneath the ring, catching JBL completely off-guard. The two men tore into each other with unbridled fury, their brawl spilling through the stunned crowd, down corridors, and past terrified WWE personnel who scrambled to clear a path. The violent odyssey culminated in the catering area, where Farooq, bleeding from the forehead but driven by pure vengeance, hoisted JBL high into the air and delivered a thunderous Dominator that drove the financial mogul through a catering table. Food, debris, and splinters exploded in all directions as SmackDown personnel scattered and JBL lay motionless among the destruction, his pristine suit now torn and stained, a stark visual metaphor for the crumbling façade of his new persona.

In a final, calculated strike just three days before WrestleMania, Farooq delivered perhaps his most psychologically devastating blow yet. During JBL's planned "Final Financial Forecast" segment on the March 25th SmackDown, the TitanTron suddenly cut to the arena parking lot, where Farooq stood beside a massive tow truck. JBL's $250,000 replacement limousine—a symbol of his wealth and transformation—dangled precariously from the truck's lift, suspended 20 feet above the concrete. "You took away something I valued, partner," Farooq declared, his voice a controlled fury. "Now I'm gonna take something you value... unless you agree to my terms." The ultimatum was clear: accept the "Bradshaw Reversion" stipulation—forcing JBL to return to his beer-drinking Bradshaw persona for a month if he loses at WrestleMania—or watch his prized vehicle be crushed into an unrecognizable heap. The cameras caught JBL's face contorted with rage as he reluctantly agreed through gritted teeth. With a satisfied nod, Farooq signaled the operator to safely lower the vehicle—only to then approach the limo with a baseball bat, calmly smashing one final window before walking away with a satisfied grin, leaving JBL seething and the WWE Universe counting the hours until these two former brothers finally settle their score on The Grandest Stage of Them All.


WWE.COM EXCLUSIVE: JBL SPEAKS

In an exclusive interview with WWE.com, the newly-minted financial guru showed no remorse for his actions, instead doubling down on his decision to leave Farooq in his rearview mirror.

"I didn't just evolve – I ascended," JBL told WWE.com, adjusting his custom-tailored suit. "For years, I allowed myself to be held down by a partner who was content with mediocrity. While Farooq was satisfied with beer and bar fights, I had visions of greatness. I am a wrestling GOD, and on Sunday, I will prove it by dismantling the relic of my past once and for all."

When asked about the Falls Count Anywhere stipulation, JBL's trademark smirk widened.

"The irony isn't lost on me. Farooq thinks this stipulation favors him – that we can 'take it to the streets' like the old days. What he fails to understand is that I haven't forgotten how to fight. I've simply learned there are more efficient ways to break a man. On Sunday, I'll remind him what happens when you stand in the way of progress."


FAROOQ'S PROMISE OF VENGEANCE

WWE.com caught up with Farooq at a local New York establishment yesterday, where the former APA enforcer was all business while nursing a beer – perhaps his last moment of calm before Sunday's storm.

"This ain't about wrestling holds or fancy moves," Farooq growled, his eyes intense with focus. "This is about respect and betrayal. For years, I had that man's back. We fought together, bled together. Then he stabs me in the back because what – he found a fancy suit and some stock options?"

When asked about his strategy for the Falls Count Anywhere match, Farooq's response was chillingly direct.

"Strategy? My strategy is to hurt him. Bad. Madison Square Garden has a lot of concrete, a lot of steel, and a lot of places to make a man regret his life choices. JBL wants to pretend he's evolved? Fine. I'm gonna drag him through every inch of that arena until I find what's left of my partner in there. And if I don't find him? I'll pin whatever's left."

Farooq then revealed the final, humiliating stipulation he forced JBL to accept: "When I beat him, that Wall Street fraud has to go back to being the beer-drinking Bradshaw for a month. Let's see how his stockholders feel about that."


INSIDE THE NUMBERS

This will mark the first singles match between these former partners on pay-per-view. Their history together, however, is legendary:

  • 3-time WWE Tag Team Champions as the Acolytes/APA
  • 8-year partnership before the betrayal
  • Combined weight: 573 pounds
  • 0 rules in Sunday's Falls Count Anywhere match

WWE.COM EXCLUSIVE: OUR EXPERT PANEL PREDICTS JBL VS. FAROOQ – FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE AT WRESTLEMANIA XX


With one of the most emotionally charged matches in WrestleMania history set to erupt this Sunday, WWE.com polled its top analysts and contributors for their thoughts on who walks out of Madison Square Garden victorious—and who might not walk out at all.





1. Elliot Raines – WWE.com Feature Editor


Prediction: Farooq


“This match isn't about titles, rankings, or even pride—it's about betrayal. JBL didn't just walk away from the APA—he demolished it. And Farooq has made it his mission to beat JBL not just physically, but symbolically.
I've watched every blow in this saga, and the rage Farooq is carrying into this match can't be matched with boardroom bravado. JBL may be a self-proclaimed ‘wrestling god,’ but Farooq is a man possessed—and in a Falls Count Anywhere environment, that’s terrifying.
Winner: Farooq – pinfall in the bowels of Madison Square Garden.




2. Monica DeVille – Senior WWE.com Correspondent


Prediction: JBL


“Say what you will about JBL’s betrayal—it was cold, calculating, and ruthless. But that’s exactly why he wins on Sunday.
Farooq is fighting with emotion. JBL is fighting with precision. He's always three moves ahead. His ambushes, his mind games, even the ‘Bradshaw Reversion Clause’—all calculated to keep Farooq swinging wildly while he lines up the kill shot.
Don’t expect a clean finish, but do expect JBL to manipulate his way into a win.
Winner: JBL – pinfall in the executive suite after foreign object use.




3. Marcus King – Staff Writer, WWE.com Originals


Prediction: Farooq


“This is the most personal rivalry on the card, and it’s going to get ugly—fast.
I’ve covered the APA for years, and no one protected JBL more fiercely than Farooq. The way Bradshaw turned his back? It wasn’t business—it was cowardice. Farooq isn't just seeking vengeance—he's enforcing justice. And when a man has nothing left to lose, that's when he's most dangerous.
Falls Count Anywhere favors chaos, and nobody thrives in chaos quite like the original APA enforcer.
Winner: Farooq – after slamming JBL through a production crate.




4. Tina Vasquez – WWE.com Insider and Backstage Reporter


Prediction: JBL


“Everyone’s talking about how dangerous Farooq is. But let’s not forget—JBL built his reputation on brawling before he ever put on a suit. Don’t let the Wall Street image fool you: he still knows how to hurt people.
What gives JBL the edge is his evolution. He’s fighting to prove that his past no longer defines him. That kind of motivation, mixed with his strategic mindset, will allow him to outlast Farooq—who may burn too hot and too fast.
Winner: JBL – after luring Farooq into a backstage ambush.




5. Samir Patel – WWE.com Historian and Match Analyst


Prediction: No Contest


“This isn’t a match—it’s a demolition derby of human emotion. The more I review their confrontations, the more I’m convinced this ends in utter chaos. They won’t care about a pinfall. They’ll care about destruction.
We’ve seen them brawl in hallways, catering, even financial segments. I wouldn’t be surprised if this match spills into the streets of Manhattan. But one thing’s for sure: neither man will be the same.
Result: No Contest – referee stoppage due to medical emergency or backstage collapse.

WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWDOWN: MOLLY HOLLY VS. LITA SET TO IGNITE WRESTLEMANIA XX

By Mike Sampson, WWE.com Senior Writer
March 25, 2004

A BITTER RIVALRY REACHES BOILING POINT AT THE GRANDEST STAGE OF THEM ALL

NEW YORK — When the lights dim this Sunday at Madison Square Garden, and the capacity crowd rises to its feet, two of WWE's most determined female competitors will step into the ring with championship gold and personal vindication hanging in the balance.

Women's Champion Molly Holly, the self-proclaimed standard-bearer of dignity and tradition, will defend her coveted title against the high-flying, crowd-favorite Lita in what promises to be one of the most emotionally charged encounters on the WrestleMania XX card.

"This isn't just another match," an unusually intense Lita told WWE.com in an exclusive interview. "Molly has spent months looking down her nose at me, at the fans, at everyone who doesn't fit into her narrow view of what a champion should be. On Sunday, I'm not just fighting for the Women's Championship — I'm fighting for everyone who's ever been told they don't measure up."

The rivalry between these two diametrically opposed Superstars has escalated dramatically since No Way Out, where Lita earned her championship opportunity by defeating Victoria. What began as competitive tension has devolved into personal animosity that threatens to explode when they finally clash at The Showcase of the Immortals.


THE CHAMPION SPEAKS

Sitting regally with her championship belt displayed prominently across her lap, Molly Holly spoke exclusively with WWE.com about her upcoming defense.

"Let's be perfectly clear about something," Molly said, her eyes narrowed. "Lita may have the crowd behind her, but I have something far more powerful — moral superiority. I have carried this championship with the class and dignity it deserves, while she has done nothing but pander to the lowest common denominator."

When asked about Lita's impressive victory over Victoria at No Way Out, Molly's expression darkened.

"A fluke," she declared dismissively. "Lita has built her entire career on reckless, crowd-pleasing stunts with no substance behind them. The Women's Championship represents excellence, not exhibition. Madison Square Garden will witness the difference between a true champion and a glorified daredevil."


THE CHALLENGER'S MISSION

In stark contrast to Molly's composed demeanor, Lita was a bundle of focused energy during her interview, pacing the locker room as she spoke about what Sunday means to her.

"Molly can hide behind her holier-than-thou attitude all she wants," Lita said, pushing her trademark red hair away from her face. "The truth is, she's scared. She knows I'm not just coming for her championship — I'm coming to expose her for the fraud she is."

The tension reached a fever pitch on the final RAW before WrestleMania, when a contract signing devolved into chaos after Molly attempted a sneak attack, only to find herself on the receiving end of a devastating DDT from Lita.

"That moment told the whole story," Lita explained. "Molly talks about dignity and honor, then tries to blindside me when I offer a handshake. That's who she really is. At WrestleMania, there will be nowhere to hide, no Jazz to interfere, just Molly Holly face-to-face with the woman who's going to take her title."


THE NUMBERS DON'T LIE

The statistical breakdown of this championship contest reveals intriguing contrasts. Molly Holly has held the Women's Championship for an impressive 196 days, successfully defending against all comers through a combination of technical wrestling prowess and, critics would argue, occasional outside assistance from her ally Jazz.

Lita, meanwhile, brings an unconventional arsenal to the match. Though she has yet to capture the Women's Championship, her high-risk offensive style has made her one of the most dangerous competitors in the division. Her finishing maneuver, the Moonsault, has felled countless opponents, while her resilience and fighting spirit have earned her the unwavering support of the WWE Universe.

"Molly is technically sound, I'll give her that," admitted WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus, who has faced both competitors. "But Lita has something you can't teach — heart. When she connects with the crowd, it's like she draws strength from them. In the Garden, with that New York crowd behind her? That's a force Molly hasn't fully accounted for."


WWE.COM PANEL: WHO WALKS OUT WOMEN’S CHAMPION AT WRESTLEMANIA XX?


With two polar-opposite forces set to collide under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, WWE.com’s expert panel once again weighs in—this time on the Women's Championship Showdown between the self-righteous technical purist Molly Holly and the daredevil fan-favorite Lita.

1. Elliot Raines – WWE.com Feature Editor


Prediction: Lita

“Lita isn’t just walking into this match with momentum—she’s walking in with purpose. Her road back from injury, her victory over Victoria, and that DDT she dropped Molly with on RAW? That was all fuel for a WrestleMania moment.
Molly’s reign has been long, yes—but it’s been layered with hypocrisy. She claims to stand for class and tradition, yet constantly hides behind Jazz and sneak attacks. At MSG, there’s no curtain to hide behind. And when Lita hits that Moonsault in front of a red-hot New York crowd, we’re looking at a new Women’s Champion.
Winner: Lita – clean pinfall after the Moonsault.




2. Monica DeVille – Senior WWE.com Correspondent


Prediction: Molly Holly


“I know the popular pick is Lita, but Molly Holly is smarter than people give her credit for. She’s a tactician, a strategist, and most importantly, a champion who knows how to win when the pressure’s on.
While Lita feeds off chaos, Molly controls the pace. She thrives on grounding high-flyers, picking them apart, and exposing their recklessness. And let’s be honest—Lita’s passion sometimes leads to overcommitting. I think Molly exploits that mistake and walks out still champion.
Winner: Molly Holly – pinfall after countering the Moonsault into a roll-up with the ropes for leverage.




3. Marcus King – Staff Writer, WWE.com Originals


Prediction: Lita


“This match is WrestleMania storytelling at its best—arrogant, polished champion versus the unbreakable underdog with a chip on her shoulder and a crowd in her corner.
Lita has never needed validation from management or locker room approval. She’s carved her own path, and it all leads to this moment. Molly may have the résumé, but Lita has the fire—and when that bell rings in front of a Garden crowd screaming her name, it’s going to push her to another level.
Molly’s about to find out what happens when dignity meets defiance.
Winner: Lita – after a diving hurricanrana reversal followed by the Moonsault.




4. Tina Vasquez – WWE.com Insider and Backstage Reporter


Prediction: Molly Holly


“Molly Holly doesn’t get enough credit for what she’s done with the Women’s Championship. She’s carried it with pride, defended it against all comers, and never let the spotlight rattle her. Lita’s popular, no doubt—but popularity doesn’t pin shoulders.
WrestleMania is high pressure. It rewards poise and punishes recklessness. And while Lita will go high-risk, Molly will go high-IQ. This is the kind of environment where Molly thrives—not with flash, but with fundamentals.
Winner: Molly Holly – submission win after grounding Lita with a leg trap crossface.




5. Samir Patel – WWE.com Historian and Match Analyst


Prediction: Lita


“WrestleMania XX is about defining legacies. And while Molly Holly has had a respectable reign, this match is destined to be Lita’s crowning moment.
The contrast couldn’t be starker: Molly’s disdain for the WWE Universe versus Lita’s deep-rooted bond with them. In a venue like Madison Square Garden, where the energy is infectious and every Moonsault feels ten feet higher, Lita’s style and spirit will take over.
Molly may be technically superior—but heart and connection win big matches. Just ask Shawn Michaels.
Winner: Lita – pinfall after fighting through adversity and hitting a second-rope Moonsault.

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

With just days remaining before their championship collision, both Superstars are making final preparations for what promises to be a career-defining encounter.

"I've waited my entire life for this moment," Lita revealed. "WrestleMania, Madison Square Garden, the Women's Championship — it doesn't get bigger than this. Molly can question my style, my attitude, whatever she wants. But after Sunday, she'll have to address me as 'Champion.'"

Molly Holly, maintaining her composed facade even as WrestleMania approaches, offered one final comment to WWE.com.

"The difference between Lita and myself is simple — I understand what it truly means to be champion. It's not about popularity or flashy moves; it's about excellence and setting a standard. On Sunday, I will remind everyone why I am the definitive Women's Champion of this era."

As WrestleMania XX prepares to make history with its "Where It All Begins... Again" theme, the Women's Championship match stands as a perfect embodiment of the past clashing with the future. Will Molly Holly's old-school approach and championship experience prevail? Or will Lita's revolutionary style and passionate following carry her to her first Women's Championship?

Find out this Sunday when WrestleMania XX emanates live from Madison Square Garden in New York City, available exclusively on pay-per-view.


Up next: US Title Match/Orton vs. Batista
 

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Here we go start of the upper midcard!!


WRESTLEMANIA XX PREVIEW: THE CHAIN GANG SOLDIER VS. THE GIANT - A COLOSSAL CLASH FOR THE GOLD!

In the heart of New York City, under the luminous glow of the Madison Square Garden marquee, a storm is brewing. WrestleMania XX is on the horizon, and with it comes a clash of seismic proportions—John Cena, the brash, street-tough Doctor of Thuganomics, stepping into the lion’s den to challenge the monolithic United States Champion, the 7-foot, 500-pound Big Show. It’s not just a title on the line; it’s pride, dominance, and the symbolic passing—or defending—of a mantle in WWE's ever-evolving saga. The electric energy surrounding this bout radiates through the streets of Manhattan, as fans prepare to witness one of the most physically intense and emotionally charged encounters of the night. Their rivalry ignited in the chaos of a tag match on February 19th. That night, after the final bell had tolled, Big Show, in a cold and calculated act of vengeance, grabbed Cena by the throat and drove him like a ragdoll through the announcers' table. The impact was monstrous—the kind of moment that instantly etches itself into history, the kind that leaves the audience breathless and officials scrambling. The 500-pound behemoth left Cena broken and buried in shattered wood, a warning and declaration all in one: stand in Big Show’s way, and suffer the consequences. Yet Cena—bloodied, bruised, and wrapped in determination—refused to fade into the shadows. Astonishingly, he returned the following week, ribs taped and breathing labored, to face off against the 350-pound wrecking ball known as A-Train. In an act that defied logic and pain alike, Cena dug into his core and lifted A-Train onto his shoulders, delivering an F-U that echoed like thunder. He didn’t just win the match—he reclaimed his momentum. And then, with fire in his voice and steel in his eyes, Cena did what few dared: he called out the Big Show directly, demanding a shot at WrestleMania and declaring his intent to rip the U.S. Title from the giant’s grasp. What followed was a psychological cold war that intensified each week. Cena, a verbal assassin in his own right, shredded Big Show’s ego with freestyle raps that exposed the insecurities lurking behind the champion’s towering stature. On March 4th, his biting verses had the SmackDown! crowd in a frenzy, while Show, appearing on the TitanTron mid-meal, tried to dismiss Cena’s barbs with a smirk and a threat, brandishing his titanic fists like sledgehammers. But the verbal jabs hit their mark. Cena wasn’t just attacking with words—he was planting seeds of doubt. That same night, after Cena dispatched Chuck Palumbo, Big Show attempted another sneak attack—his trademark chokeslam at the ready. But Cena had evolved. He narrowly escaped, retreating to the ramp, smiling through the pain, leaving the champ fuming once more. The tides had begun to shift—not just physically, but mentally.

The following week, Cena inserted himself at ringside during one of Big Show’s matches, donning a headset and colorfully dissecting every move the giant made. With each comment, Cena chipped away at the mythos of the World's Largest Athlete. His words weren’t just insults—they were revelations. "Big Show thinks size is everything," he said coolly. "I’m gonna prove that heart, hustle, and never giving up beats size every time." When the inevitable confrontation came, Cena stood tall, chain in hand, refusing to flinch. And again, Big Show hesitated—backing off with a sneer, but not without revealing the crack in his armor. As WrestleMania approached, the tension crescendoed. On March 18th, Cena came racing to the ring as chaos erupted between Edge, Big Show, and even Brock Lesnar. Standing across the ring from the champion, Cena issued a direct challenge. The crowd roared, waiting for the giant to finally strike—but instead, Big Show retreated. From the safety of the screen, he sneered that Cena would get his reckoning on Sunday. Seizing the spotlight, Cena grabbed the mic and unloaded another blistering rhyme, branding the titan a coward hiding behind his size. “If you’re seven feet tall but your heart is small, at WrestleMania you’re gonna fall!” The fans erupted, the message delivered.

And then came the exclamation point.

On the final SmackDown! before WrestleMania, the last chapter before the bell tolls, Cena got his retribution. After thwarting Big Show’s interference in Matt Morgan’s match, Cena seized the moment. With unrelenting fury, he drove the champion through the same announce table that had once been his own personal grave. The tables, quite literally, had turned. The sight of the fallen goliath, limbs sprawled amidst twisted metal and cracked plywood, said everything—Cena wasn’t just ready for WrestleMania, he was foreshadowing the inevitable.

That same night, Cena spit one final freestyle—this one aimed not just at Big Show’s skills, but his place in WWE history. Wounded and raging, Big Show interrupted from a satellite feed with a chilling vow: “I’m not just defending my championship. I’m defending the natural order. The big man always wins, Cena. Always. And when I’m done with you, that mouth of yours won’t be running anymore.” But Cena’s response was already written in action, pain, and perseverance. He’s not just fighting for a title—he’s fighting for respect, for validation, and for the right to say that, no matter the size of the man across from you, belief in yourself is the biggest weapon of all.

This Sunday, Madison Square Garden isn’t just hosting a match—it’s hosting a reckoning. The champ is here. The giant awaits. And the world will be watching.

EXCLUSIVE WWE.COM INTERVIEWS
**FINAL WORDS BEFORE THE WAR**

With WrestleMania XX only hours away, WWE.com sat down with both combatants in Sunday’s United States Championship battle—a match that has morphed from a title bout into something far more personal. In one corner, the defiant, fast-rising star who calls himself the Doctor of Thuganomics. In the other, a seething, hulking behemoth determined to crush the rebellion before it ever reaches its peak.

**JOHN CENA: “THE BEST DON’T NEED TO BE THE BIGGEST”**

Dressed in his trademark throwback jersey, steel chain draped around his neck and a fire behind his eyes that couldn’t be extinguished, John Cena spoke with the conviction of a man who believes he’s walking into history—not danger.

“Size doesn’t make you a champion,” Cena said, leaning forward, voice low but commanding. “Heart makes you a champion. Hustle makes you a champion. Loyalty and respect make you a champion. And I’ve got those in spades. Big Show? He’s got size. That’s it. He walks around like being tall means being untouchable. But this Sunday, in Madison Square Garden, the world’s gonna see the truth—being big doesn’t make you the best. Being the best makes you the best.”

There was no hesitation when he was asked about his approach to the match. While most competitors might falter at the thought of facing a 500-pound colossus, Cena welcomed it like a challenge he was born for.

“You don’t go toe-to-toe with an avalanche,” Cena said, cracking a grin. “You sidestep it, pick your spots, and when the time’s right—you bring the mountain down. You can’t out-muscle the Big Show. I’m not gonna try. But you *can* out-think him. You can wear him down, break his rhythm. That announce table on SmackDown? That wasn’t a stunt. That was a message: I’m not afraid of him. That was the appetizer. And Sunday night, I’m serving the main course—delivered hot, wrapped in gold, and ending with my hand raised and the U.S. title on my shoulder.”

When asked if he’s prepared for what many are calling the biggest match of his career, Cena didn’t blink.

“I’m not just ready. I *was built* for this stage. Big Show’s fighting to keep things the way they’ve always been. Me? I’m fighting to flip the whole system on its head.”

**BIG SHOW: “I’M NOT JUST DEFENDING MY TITLE—I’M DEFENDING THE NATURAL ORDER”**

If Cena spoke with focused passion, Big Show spoke with barely contained rage. From the moment the interview began, his body language radiated agitation—arms crossed, eyes narrowed, voice low and thunderous. The insult of being driven through a table, the stings of every rhyme Cena had hurled at him in recent weeks—it was all simmering just beneath the surface.

“John Cena thinks he embarrassed me,” Big Show said, each word measured and deliberate. “He thinks catching me by surprise on SmackDown means something. Let me be real clear—what he did? That wasn’t courage. That was recklessness. And reckless men don’t walk out of WrestleMania. They get carried.”

Show shook his head slowly, scoffing at the idea that the self-proclaimed “Chain Gang Soldier” was a genuine threat.

“I’ve been in this business a long time. I’ve faced legends, monsters, freaks of nature—and I’ve crushed every last one of them. Cena? He runs his mouth. He wears chains and spits rhymes like that’s gonna save him when gravity catches up. But when you’re flat on your back after a chokeslam that cracks the mat in half, no amount of swagger is gonna put you back together.”

And then the champion leaned in, lowering his voice into something almost chilling.

“This match isn’t just about my United States Championship anymore. It’s about something bigger. There’s a natural order in this business. The big man wins. He *should* win. And I’m defending that order. I’m putting a stop to this fantasy where guys like Cena think heart and hustle matter more than size and dominance. I’m ending that at WrestleMania. I’m ending *him*.”

Asked if he had any final words for Cena, Big Show gave a cold, humorless smirk.

“He wants a WrestleMania moment? He’ll get one. When the lights fade out and he’s still not moving, he’ll remember it every time he breathes through broken ribs.”

WWE.COM JOURNALISTS’ FINAL PREDICTIONS

WILL CENA CONQUER THE GIANT OR FALL TO THE BIGGEST FORCE IN WWE?

As the lights dim and the echoes of anticipation ring louder in Madison Square Garden, the question on everyone’s mind remains: Who walks out with the United States Championship—John Cena, the relentless young phenom with grit to spare, or Big Show, the immovable titan guarding the gold with wrath and authority? We asked five of WWE.com’s top writers to weigh in with their final predictions heading into WrestleMania XX.

Marcus Trent – Senior Features Writer​

“There’s something undeniably magnetic about this kid, Cena. He’s got a connection with the fans that doesn’t just stir the crowd—it ignites it. But charisma alone doesn’t win matches. What does win matches is mental warfare, and Cena has been playing chess while Big Show swings clubs. Every time Cena gets under his skin, every time he dodges a chokeslam and fires back with a rhyme, he chips away at Show’s fortress of confidence. Make no mistake, Big Show is a monster—but even monsters have blind spots. My take? Cena survives the storm and capitalizes on Big Show’s rage-fueled tunnel vision. New United States Champion: John Cena.”

Sasha Cortez – SmackDown Digital Correspondent​

“I’ve followed Cena since he debuted, and what’s always stood out is that he’s not just entertaining, he’s disruptive. He’s shaking up the power structure of SmackDown by refusing to stay in his lane—and Big Show, standing atop that mountain, doesn’t like the ground shifting beneath his feet. But here’s the catch: Big Show has been here before. He’s faced legends, absorbed brutal beatings, and always comes back scarier than before. Cena’s heart is enormous, but heart doesn’t always beat 500 pounds. I’m expecting a battle, but in the end, I think Big Show will slam the momentum right out of Cena’s chest. The champ retains—but barely.”

Reggie Monroe – Ringside Recap Editor​

“There’s no stat line that can fully explain what John Cena’s been doing over the last few months. He’s turned insults into art and pain into fuel. That moment on SmackDown, when he lifted A-Train with busted ribs and defied every ounce of logic? That’s not luck. That’s will. And Big Show, for all his dominance, has looked uncomfortable. He’s been caught off guard. He’s been rattled. WrestleMania is all about seizing moments—and Cena has a way of creating his own. I think we’re on the brink of a seismic shift, and Cena’s the epicenter. My pick: John Cena delivers the performance of his career and walks out a champion.”

Valerie Stone – WWE Video Package Script Supervisor​

“This match is poetic. You’ve got a hungry young rebel, microphone in hand, chain around his neck, challenging the very definition of dominance. On the other side, you’ve got Big Show—a living, breathing myth of brute power who sees Cena as an anomaly that needs crushing. In terms of pacing, emotion, and narrative tension, this might be the most cinematic match on the card. But when I step back and look at it with a storyteller’s eye, I see Cena not just wanting the title—I see him needing it to validate everything he’s been fighting for. The buildup has been textbook elevation. The payoff? Cena wins. And the entire WWE landscape shifts overnight.”

Dante Knox – WWE Insider Newsletter Contributor​

“I respect hustle, I respect fire, and I respect what Cena represents. But at the end of the day, hype doesn’t pin shoulders. Big Show is a walking extinction-level event. He’s not just fighting to keep his title—he’s fighting to remind the world that giants still rule the ring. Cena can dance, rap, and jab all he wants, but the second Big Show closes the distance, it’s game over. This isn’t David vs. Goliath. This is Goliath fully aware he’s in a fight—and that makes him deadly. Big Show retains. Convincingly.”

THE VERDICT: 3 PREDICT CENA. 2 STAND WITH SHOW. The stage is set. The lines are drawn. And when the bell rings at WrestleMania XX, only one man will stand tall—either the young disruptor who’s turned words into weapons, or the colossal champion who believes order must be enforced through brute force.

Who’s your pick?
raw


WRESTLEMANIA XX PREVIEW: BATISTA VS. RANDY ORTON - EVOLUTION'S IMPLOSION IGNITES MADISON SQUARE GARDEN WARFARE
When Evolution burst onto the scene in January 2003, they were billed as the very embodiment of professional wrestling’s past, present, and future—a formidable faction forged in gold and legacy. At the helm stood Triple H, the cerebral assassin and reigning World Heavyweight Champion, whose iron grip on power was matched only by his ruthless intellect. Alongside him was Ric Flair, the legendary 16-time World Champion and elder statesman of the business, revered and feared in equal measure. But the true foundation of Evolution’s long-term dominance lay in their hand-picked prospects: Randy Orton, the cocky third-generation prodigy with unparalleled athleticism and confidence, and Batista, a hulking powerhouse dubbed "The Animal," whose silent intensity promised destruction with every step.

For over a year, Evolution imposed their will on Monday Night RAW, leaving a wake of shattered challengers and championship victories. They were untouchable. Orton, basking in his youth and the guidance of his mentors, captured the Intercontinental Championship and etched his name in the record books as the youngest titleholder in that belt’s storied lineage. Meanwhile, Batista evolved from silent enforcer to dominant threat. Their path seemed paved with destiny. And yet, beneath the polished surface of their empire, tension began to smolder—fueled by ambition, jealousy, and the inevitable collision of egos within the walls of their dominion.

It all came crashing down on the February 23 edition of RAW in a moment that sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe. Just days after falling in controversial fashion to Kurt Angle, Randy Orton stepped into the ring not to regroup, but to self-destruct—and take Evolution with him. In a scathing tirade, Orton accused Batista of sabotaging his momentum, seeding discord with venomous precision. He called out his former brother-in-arms for being envious, for trying to dull Orton’s rising star just as the crowd began to roar louder for The Legend Killer than for The Animal. Then, without hesitation, Orton delivered a jaw-dropping RKO to a stunned Batista, flooring the juggernaut in a single, venomous strike.

What followed was carnage. Flair and Triple H rushed in—only to be met with the same fate. Orton, methodical and detached, struck each member with chilling accuracy, leaving the very faction that created him broken in the middle of the ring. Standing over their crumpled bodies, Orton declared his rebellion. Evolution, he revealed, was never about building the future—it was about one man’s control. And Orton was done being anyone’s pawn.

The aftermath left a crater in the RAW roster. On the following week’s broadcast, Triple H—enraged and humiliated—vowed revenge. With Ric Flair by his side and Batista seething with barely-contained fury, The Game reminded the WWE Universe that Orton was their creation. They had groomed him, elevated him, protected him—and now they would erase him. That same night, Orton’s luck soured again. In the midst of an Intercontinental Title defense against Christian, Batista’s music exploded through the arena speakers. The brief moment of hesitation it caused was enough. Christian capitalized and took the gold, and Orton’s world began to unravel.

Batista didn’t stop with mind games. Emerging from the curtain, he marched to the ring with vengeance in his eyes and raw power in his fists. Alongside Flair and Triple H, he delivered a savage beating that left Orton bloodied, broken, and stretcher-bound. The attack wasn’t just retribution—it was a declaration. The Animal had been uncaged, and he was coming for The Legend Killer.

But Randy Orton wasn't done. On March 8, just when Evolution believed they’d reasserted control, the arena lights dimmed—and when they returned, Orton stood in the ring, steel chair in hand and fire in his gaze. The ambush was relentless. Orton singled out Batista, raining chair shots across the big man’s back with unnerving precision. “You think this is over?” Orton roared as he backed away, blood-spattered and grinning. “I’m far from finished with any of you. I’m going to make your lives a living hell!”

That night, Batista unleashed his rage on Chris Jericho, bulldozing him with a performance that served as both therapy and warning. But Orton continued his war of attrition, striking again on March 15 in devastating fashion. During Batista’s high-stakes match against Kurt Angle—a bout that would determine whether Evolution could support Triple H at WrestleMania—Orton’s music blasted through the arena. The moment of distraction allowed Angle to cinch in the Ankle Lock and secure a submission victory, effectively banning Evolution from ringside in Triple H’s upcoming title defense. Backstage, Triple H seethed. He publicly berated Batista for the slip-up, his words clipped and dripping with disdain. The cracks in their brotherhood were once again visible—widened by Orton’s manipulation, and reinforced by Batista’s simmering pride.

As the final RAW before WrestleMania aired, the war of words shifted toward fate. Triple H, icy and deliberate, made clear that Orton hadn’t vanquished Evolution—he’d simply awakened it. Speaking straight into the camera, he warned that Orton’s day of reckoning would begin not with him, but with Batista. “You think you’ve destroyed Evolution, Randy?” he sneered. “All you’ve done is unleash something you can’t control. Batista is coming. And at Madison Square Garden, he’s going to make sure you never forget what it means to betray your brothers.”

Now, with WrestleMania XX as the battlefield, the stage is set for a confrontation forged in betrayal, pride, and primal fury. For Batista, the match is about more than victory—it’s a mission. A chance to restore honor, exact revenge, and show Orton what it means to cross The Animal. For Orton, it’s a decisive step into self-made glory, a battle to sever all links to his past and prove he doesn't just kill legends—he surpasses them. The collision between these two former allies promises not just violence, but transformation. In Madison Square Garden, either the beast is unleashed… or the future breaks free.

WWE.COM EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS​

BATISTA: "THIS ISN'T JUST A MATCH - IT'S PERSONAL RETRIBUTION"

In an exclusive interview with WWE.com, Batista's intensity was palpable as he discussed his upcoming showdown with his former Evolution stablemate.

WWE.com: Batista, this Sunday at WrestleMania, you face Randy Orton in what has become one of the most personal rivalries in recent memory. How are you approaching this match differently than any other in your career?

Batista: This isn't just another match. This isn't about championships or accolades. This is about loyalty, respect, and teaching Randy Orton that actions have consequences. He didn't just betray Evolution - he betrayed a brotherhood. We took him in, we elevated him, we celebrated his successes. And how does he repay that loyalty? With an RKO and this delusional idea that he was somehow being held back.

WWE.com: Many fans were shocked by the suddenness of Orton's betrayal. Did you see any warning signs beforehand?

Batista: Looking back now, the signs were there. The subtle comments, the way he'd disappear when the rest of us were strategizing, how he started separating himself. Randy got that Intercontinental Championship around his waist and suddenly thought he was bigger than Evolution. He forgot who put him in position to win that title in the first place. Evolution isn't just about individual success - it's about collective dominance. That's something Randy never understood.

WWE.com: Orton has suggested that Evolution was holding him back, that Triple H was threatened by his rising popularity. Any truth to those claims?

Batista: [Laughs] That's exactly the kind of delusional thinking I'm talking about. Triple H has nothing to fear from Randy Orton. The Game is the most dominant World Heavyweight Champion in this company's history. He's not threatened by Randy - he's disgusted by him. We all are. As for being held back? Randy was the youngest Intercontinental Champion in history as a member of Evolution. How exactly is that being held back?

WWE.com: What should the WWE fans expect when you and Orton finally collide at Madison Square Garden?

Batista: They should expect to witness the consequences of betrayal. Randy thinks he knows what I'm capable of because we shared a locker room. He has no idea what I'm going to unleash at WrestleMania. This isn't going to be a wrestling match - it's going to be a beating. I'm going to punish him physically for every second of that ambush, for every chair shot, for every mind game. When I'm finished with Randy Orton at WrestleMania, he's going to wish he never uttered the name "Evolution" in the first place.

RANDY ORTON: "EVOLUTION WAS ALWAYS ABOUT HOLDING ME BACK"

In a separate WWE.com exclusive, Randy Orton displayed the cold calculation that has become his trademark since breaking away from Evolution.

WWE.com: Randy, in just a few days, you'll face your former Evolution teammate Batista at WrestleMania XX. What precipitated your shocking attack on the group several weeks ago?

Orton: Let's be clear about something - that attack was a long time coming. Evolution was never what it pretended to be. It wasn't about representing the past, present, and future of this business. It was about Triple H surrounding himself with people who would protect his precious World Heavyweight Championship. Flair's living in the past, happy to ride The Game's coattails. And Batista? He's nothing but Triple H's personal attack dog, content with scraps from the table while The Game feasts.

WWE.com: But you achieved considerable success as part of Evolution, including becoming the youngest Intercontinental Champion in history.

Orton: I achieved that success DESPITE Evolution, not because of it. Every time I started gaining momentum, started connecting with these fans, Triple H would rein me in. "Remember your place, Randy." "Don't overshadow the group, Randy." It was always about keeping me one step below him. I won that Intercontinental Championship because I'm simply better than everyone else they put in front of me. And when the fans started recognizing that, when they started chanting my name louder than Triple H's? That's when the jealousy started.

WWE.com: Many would argue that Batista has legitimate grievances after your surprise attack. What's your response to that?

Orton: [Smirks] Batista has exactly what he deserves. For weeks, he's been undermining me in matches, coming to ringside when nobody asked him to, causing distractions. Why? Because he sees what everyone else sees - that I'm the future of this company, not him. He's Triple H's insurance policy, nothing more. I simply decided to address the problem head-on rather than playing the political games that Evolution thrives on.

WWE.com: What's your prediction for WrestleMania?

Orton: Prediction? I don't make predictions - I make statements. And at Madison Square Garden, I'm going to make the biggest statement of my career by showing Batista, Triple H, and every member of the WWE fans that I never needed Evolution. They needed me. Batista thinks his power is enough to intimidate me? Power means nothing when you're lying unconscious after an RKO you never saw coming. This Sunday, I don't just defeat Batista - I permanently close the Evolution chapter of my career and begin writing my own legacy.

EXPERT PREDICTIONS​

Five of WWE.com's most seasoned journalists offer their predictions for this deeply personal showdown:

Jim Varsallone, Senior Content Producer: This match embodies everything WrestleMania represents - high stakes, personal animosity, and career-defining moments. While Batista's raw power cannot be overlooked, I see Randy Orton's calculated approach and psychological warfare giving him the edge. The Legend Killer has been two steps ahead of Evolution at every turn since his betrayal, and I believe that trend continues at Madison Square Garden. The RKO remains the most devastating finisher that can come from anywhere, and against Batista's more straightforward offense, that unpredictability will prove decisive. Prediction: Randy Orton wins via RKO following a counter to Batista's Powerbomb attempt.

Megan Williams, Feature Writer: Don't let Randy Orton's confidence fool you - he's facing an Animal that has been caged and is now being unleashed on the grandest stage of them all. What separates this match from others on the card is the genuine hatred between these former allies. While Orton may be the more technically gifted competitor, Batista's fury and strength advantage will simply be too much to overcome. Look for Evolution to find a way to make their presence felt despite the personal nature of this conflict. Prediction: Batista wins after a devastating Batista Bomb that sends a clear message to anyone who would dare betray Evolution.

Anthony Gonzalez, Senior Analyst: The psychological aspects of this match fascinate me. Batista enters as Evolution's enforcer, carrying not just his own vendetta but the reputation of the faction on his shoulders. That pressure, combined with Triple H's thinly veiled threats about "addressing internal matters" after WrestleMania, creates a distraction Orton will exploit. The Legend Killer has shown remarkable focus since breaking away from Evolution, while Batista seems caught between loyalty to Triple H and his own ambitions. That internal conflict will cost him. Prediction: Randy Orton wins in a match that plants seeds for Batista's own eventual split from Evolution.

Rebecca Chen, Technical Specialist: This contest will be decided by contrasting styles. Batista brings overwhelming power and intensity, while Orton counters with technical precision and opportunistic tactics. What many are overlooking is how their intimate knowledge of each other's movesets will influence the match psychology. Having trained together daily for over a year, these men know each other's playbooks intimately. Ultimately, I believe Batista's emotional investment will prove both his greatest strength and fatal weakness. His desire for revenge will fuel an early onslaught, but Orton's patience will allow him to weather the storm and capitalize when The Animal overextends. Prediction: Randy Orton wins after exploiting Batista's aggression with a counter-offensive strategy.

Carlos Rodriguez, Historical Correspondent: Madison Square Garden has witnessed countless legendary moments throughout WrestleMania history, from Hogan slamming Andre to Austin and Hart's submission classic. This Sunday, I believe we'll add another chapter when Batista and Orton collide. While conventional wisdom suggests Orton's momentum should carry him to victory, WrestleMania has a way of defying expectations. The sheer magnitude of the event tends to favor the physically dominant competitor, and nobody embodies that description better than Batista. Look for The Animal to absorb everything Orton throws at him before delivering a statement victory that cements his position as Evolution's future. Prediction: Batista wins in a match that exceeds expectations and steals the show.

Up next: Eddie/Goldberg, IC Title, and Kane/Taker
 
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"BROTHERHOOD BURNS: THE UNDERTAKER AND KANE COLLIDE IN AN INFERNO CASKET MATCH FOR THE SOUL OF WWE AT WRESTLEMANIA XX"

When the final embers cool and the casket slams shut inside Madison Square Garden, only one force will emerge from the flames—The Undertaker or Kane. This isn’t just a match; it’s the climax of a harrowing family tragedy that has spanned decades, ignited anew by betrayal, psychological torment, and a descent into madness so volatile that even the WWE Universe has held its breath. WrestleMania XX will not host a contest between brothers—it will bear witness to a final reckoning between two monsters forged in the same inferno.

The story begins not in the ring, but in a grave. At Survivor Series 2003, Kane, twisted by jealousy and rage, crossed a line few ever dare. With the aid of Mr. McMahon, he committed the unthinkable: he buried The Undertaker alive. As the last mound of earth fell, Kane stood atop the burial site, arms outstretched, cackling into the cold night air. He wasn’t just banishing his brother—he was declaring dominance. With his brother gone, Kane claimed the mantle of WWE’s most feared entity, and for weeks, he lived that truth. He demolished everything in his path with the detached confidence of someone who believed the shadow looming over his career had finally vanished. “I buried him with these hands,” he hissed in eerie calm. “My brother is dead and gone… forever.”

But in WWE, death is never final. And soon, strange signs began to unravel Kane’s resolve. Arena lights flickered without warning. A lone funeral bell tolled in the distance. Whispers of a figure—tall, cloaked, relentless—began to surface backstage. These weren’t mere coincidences. They were omens. During a match with Rob Van Dam, a casket flashed across the TitanTron. Kane—so often the embodiment of fear—fled the ring in a panic. At the Royal Rumble, as he decimated opponent after opponent, the lights cut out completely. When they returned, a single urn rested on the entrance ramp. Kane screamed, “You’re dead! I buried you myself!” But it was clear to everyone that something had returned—and Kane was no longer certain who held the power.

As the calendar turned to February, Kane’s instability became impossible to ignore. On Raw, he grabbed a microphone and demanded his brother show himself. Instead, the arena plunged into darkness, and an empty casket burst into flame at ringside. The haunting continued, week after week. Kane struck out violently, not just at Superstars but at WWE employees. He talked to himself in whispers, he stared at walls, and he seemed more haunted than hunted.

Then, at No Way Out, the spirit Kane feared most materialized. Drenched in otherworldly blue flames, surrounded by druids and smoke, The Undertaker rose. The crowd’s eruption was nearly drowned out by the rush of air as Kane charged—only to be caught in a Chokeslam that shook the ring and stripped away all pretense. The Deadman was back. And he wasn’t interested in mercy.

The very next night, The Undertaker made his intentions clear. WrestleMania XX. Madison Square Garden. Inferno Casket Match. A stipulation so devastating, so final, it had never been seen before. Kane accepted, not with hesitation, but with something far worse: hunger. This was his chance to correct the mistake he made at Survivor Series. To bury his brother not just in soil, but in fire.

In the weeks that followed, the mind games escalated to torment. Kane blindsided Steven Richards backstage, smashing him through glass and steel as a grim preview of things to come. But his most twisted move was yet to come: the abduction of Paul Bearer. Bearer, The Undertaker’s trusted spiritual guide, was bound and terrified, his pleas echoing from the TitanTron as Kane held him hostage. “Looking for something, Deadman?” Kane snarled. “I’ve taken the one person who knows all your secrets.”

From there, the trail grew darker. The Undertaker followed clues like a hunter descending into hell itself—grimy boiler rooms, labyrinthine corridors beneath arenas, always too late. On the February 26 edition of SmackDown, Kane appeared on screen with Bearer drenched in gasoline, a lighter inches from his face. “Tell him what happens when you play with fire,” Kane whispered, the flame dancing between sanity and total annihilation. On March 11, Kane tried to seal Bearer inside a casket before the arena was plunged into darkness by the sound of The Undertaker’s gong. The Phenom emerged in time to stop the act—but not to stop Kane’s psychological siege.

And still, the torment continued. On March 18, Kane manipulated the arena’s pyrotechnics to spew fire from every ring post. He laughed from the TitanTron, promising to incinerate not just his brother, but everything The Undertaker held sacred. The following week on the final SmackDown before WrestleMania, The Undertaker returned fire—figuratively and literally. With Paul Bearer by his side and druids surrounding the Inferno Casket, The Deadman summoned Kane. Flames wrapped the steel coffin like hell’s own embrace. Kane, standing atop the ramp, claimed he had released Bearer out of “good faith.” But with a sinister wave, he escalated the flames. The Undertaker answered with a throat slash, the final warning in a war that had already consumed their souls.

The Inferno Casket Match is an unprecedented nightmare. There are no count-outs. No submissions. No disqualifications. The only path to victory: incapacitate your opponent, force them into the casket, and close the lid while it burns. Two of WWE’s darkest match types have been fused into one—the burial, and the blaze. It’s fitting, then, that only The Undertaker or Kane could survive such a battlefield.

This Sunday, it isn’t about legacy. It isn’t about redemption. It’s about one brother dragging the other into oblivion. The question isn’t who wins. The question is who returns from the flames… and who is left to burn forever in the shadows.

Eli Stanton – Senior Editor, WWE.com

Prediction: The Undertaker

“This isn’t about wins or losses. It’s about legacy—and The Undertaker’s legacy is built on rising from the ashes, not being left in them.”
Eli has covered The Phenom’s career for more than a decade, and he sees something chillingly familiar in this return. “The last time someone tried to bury The Undertaker, they woke a darker, more terrifying version of him. Kane may have set this blaze, but he forgot the one rule of fire—it consumes indiscriminately.” Stanton points to The Undertaker’s mind games and unshakable presence, calling it “a resurrection unlike any other.” He believes that, with Paul Bearer by his side and the spirits at his back, The Deadman will drag Kane into the fire and slam the casket shut—for good.


Lucia Robles – Investigative Feature Writer

Prediction: Kane

“What if this time, The Undertaker doesn’t rise?”
Lucia, known for her deep psychological dives into Superstar rivalries, isn’t convinced The Phenom has the upper hand. “The trauma Kane suffered after being locked in his brother’s shadow has turned into something monstrous. This isn’t the conflicted Kane of old—this is a cold, calculating sadist.” Robles believes Kane’s premeditated torment of Paul Bearer and the surgical precision of his ambushes show a terrifying evolution. “He doesn’t fear The Undertaker anymore. In fact, he’s lured him back with one goal: to finish what he started—permanently.”


Bradley Hill – WWE.com Digital Host & Historian

Prediction: The Undertaker

“WrestleMania and The Undertaker are synonymous. You don’t bet against mythology.”
Bradley makes his pick with a reverent nod to WrestleMania tradition. “11-0. That’s The Undertaker’s record on The Grandest Stage of Them All. And Kane? He’s made a career of pushing his brother to the edge—but never over it.” Hill sees the Inferno Casket Match as uniquely suited to The Deadman’s mythic presence. “The moment the gong hits and that fog creeps down the ramp, something shifts. Reality bends. And Kane—no matter how strong he thinks he’s become—is still the younger brother who never got out from under The Undertaker’s shadow.”


Nina Cortez – Senior Columnist, “Crimson Commentary”

Prediction: Kane

“This is no longer a war of spirits. It’s a war of scars—and Kane has more.”
Nina, known for her raw, visceral takes on violence and character evolution, sides with the fire this time. “Kane doesn’t just want to win—he wants to humiliate his brother, reduce him to myth and ash. And he’s already shown he’ll cross every line to get there.” Cortez notes how Kane’s assault on Paul Bearer shattered any last remnants of humanity. “He’s not fighting a ghost; he’s fighting the man who refused to die. And that man is worn down, both by history and heartache.” For Nina, the Big Red Machine isn’t aiming for survival—he’s aiming for erasure.


Max Dillinger – WWE.com Analyst, “Match of the Moment”

Prediction: The Undertaker

“This isn’t a match, it’s a ritual—and there’s only one man who’s mastered the rites.”
Max breaks down the psychology and symbolism woven into this match’s stipulations. “An Inferno Match alone is chaos. A Casket Match is finality. Together? That’s metaphysical warfare.” Dillinger believes The Undertaker is uniquely equipped for this duel. “The blue flames. The druids. The casket itself. All these elements aren’t Kane’s weapons—they’re The Undertaker’s language.” He sees this as an exorcism more than a brawl. “It ends at WrestleMania, not because Kane is weak—but because The Undertaker was always meant to lead his brother into the abyss, not follow him there.”

"HEART VS. HAVOC: EDDIE GUERRERO TAKES ON GOLDBERG IN A CLASH OF PRIDE, PAIN, AND WRESTLEMANIA REDEMPTION"


The tension surrounding WrestleMania XX at Madison Square Garden is electric, with marquee matches promising championship drama and show-stealing performances. Yet among them all, one bout has captured the raw essence of personal vendetta like no other: Eddie Guerrero, the cunning and beloved "Latino Heat," versus Goldberg, the relentless juggernaut of destruction. What began as a seemingly isolated moment of competition has now evolved into an explosive blood feud that transcends titles and taps into the deepest wellsprings of pride, betrayal, and vengeance.

The origins of this rivalry trace back to the Royal Rumble, where Eddie Guerrero, ever the strategist, managed to eliminate Goldberg from the 30-man melee in a moment of pure ring awareness. It was a move as skillful as it was audacious, and it lit a fuse that has burned with increasing fury ever since. Infuriated, Goldberg re-entered the ring—illegally—and eliminated Guerrero in retaliation, crushing Eddie’s dreams of headlining WrestleMania. That single act transformed what could have been a passing rivalry into an all-out war, drawing a line in the sand between Guerrero’s heart and Goldberg’s brute force. “That moment right there told you everything you need to know about Goldberg,” Guerrero said in a WWE.com interview afterward. “The man has no respect—for me, for the business, for anyone. When things don’t go his way, he throws a tantrum like some spoiled niño.”

Things spiraled further at No Way Out during the Elimination Chamber match. Guerrero, as crafty as ever, stunned the WWE Universe by eliminating Goldberg with a quick-thinking roll-up. But the fallout was brutal. Humiliated and enraged, Goldberg forcibly re-entered the Chamber after his elimination and Speared Eddie with frightening precision and ferocity. That unprovoked assault cost Guerrero dearly, injuring him and robbing him of another shot at championship gold on the grandest stage of them all.

Determined to settle the score, Guerrero formally challenged Goldberg to a match at WrestleMania XX on the February 19th edition of SmackDown. His voice rang with righteous fury as he stood in the center of the ring wielding a steel chair. “He cost me my WrestleMania dream TWICE,” Eddie roared, feeding off the audience’s passion. “At the Garden, I’m going to show him that heart beats power every single time.” Goldberg answered the challenge with stony silence and intensity, but Guerrero didn’t wait to be confronted. Later that same night, he ambushed Goldberg backstage in a calculated, no-holds-barred attack using anything within reach—a chair, a trash can, even a lead pipe. It was Latino Heat's declaration that he would not be bullied into submission.

From there, the animosity only deepened. On the March 4th episode of SmackDown, Goldberg took center stage to mock Guerrero’s accomplishments, calling them “flukes” and dismissing his victories as lucky breaks. He promised unprecedented destruction at WrestleMania, warning, “What you’ve seen from me before is nothing compared to what I’m bringing to Madison Square Garden.” Later that same night, Guerrero was found being treated by medical personnel following an apparent off-screen attack, likely Goldberg’s doing. The psychological warfare was escalating into physical attrition.

Despite the injuries and the mind games, Guerrero returned the following week, bruised but unbroken. Speaking with his characteristic conviction, he pointed to his heart and told the world that it was something Goldberg could never crush. “He thinks he broke me? He thinks he scared me?” he asked rhetorically. “What he doesn’t understand is that this—this right here—is something he can never break.” That spirit, more than his tactics or speed, has become Guerrero’s greatest weapon in this war.

The final SmackDown before WrestleMania added yet another layer to their volatile feud. Guerrero scored a pinfall victory over Rhyno and barely had a moment to bask before Goldberg emerged at the top of the ramp, slowly clapping with chilling sarcasm. “Enjoy your little victory,” he sneered. “Because at WrestleMania, there will be no outsmarting, only destruction.” Guerrero wasn’t rattled; instead, he responded with unwavering belief in the WWE Universe and in himself. “The people believe in Latino Heat,” he declared, energizing the crowd. “And for them, I will put everything on the line.”

In a candid sit-down with WWE.com just three days before WrestleMania, Guerrero offered a glimpse into the soul of a man prepared to lay everything on the line. Gone was the light-hearted prankster known for lying, cheating, and stealing—in his place sat a warrior forged in hardship and pride. “People ask me if I’m afraid of Goldberg,” Eddie said with a quiet intensity. “Where I come from, in the barrios of El Paso, we don’t have the luxury of fear. You either fight or you die.” As he spoke, Guerrero’s gaze settled on a photo of his family perched beside the hotel nightstand. “I’m not just fighting for myself. I’m fighting for everyone who’s ever been told they’re too small, too weak, or not good enough. Goldberg might be stronger, but strength isn’t always what wins battles, homes.”

Conversely, getting a word from Goldberg proved nearly impossible. The powerhouse has chosen seclusion in the days before WrestleMania, training with an intensity that borders on obsession. When WWE.com finally tracked him down in a gritty Manhattan gym, he was all fury and silence, barely tolerating the reporter’s questions. “Eddie’s made a career out of being the clever one,” Goldberg growled, pacing between sets. “But there’s a difference between being clever and being smart. A smart man wouldn’t have provoked me the way he did.” Referring to the Royal Rumble and No Way Out, his tone darkened even further. “That wasn’t about gold. That was about Guerrero trying to humiliate me. Nobody—NOBODY—makes a fool out of Goldberg.”

He dismissed the idea that Guerrero could somehow “figure him out.” In Goldberg’s mind, their match at WrestleMania isn’t just a contest—it’s a reckoning. “He thinks I’m just some mindless animal he can outwit? I’ve studied him. I know every little trick he pulls. And at WrestleMania, there won’t be any shadows for him to hide in. I’m bringing a storm.” As the interview came to an end, Goldberg offered one final, bone-chilling message. “What I do to Eddie Guerrero at Madison Square Garden won’t be pretty. But it will be definitive. Latino Heat gets extinguished. Permanently.”

Now, with WrestleMania XX mere hours away, the stage is set for one of the most emotionally charged and volatile showdowns in WWE history. It’s not just pride that’s on the line—it’s identity. For Eddie Guerrero, it’s a chance to prove that cunning, passion, and the unbreakable human spirit can triumph against overwhelming force. For Goldberg, it’s about reestablishing dominance, silencing doubt, and annihilating disrespect. One fights with fire in his blood. The other is a force of nature. At Madison Square Garden, their fates will collide, and only one will walk out with his legacy intact.

EXPERT PREDICTIONS: WHO WILL PREVAIL?

WWE.com has gathered exclusive predictions from five of our top analysts on this heated grudge match:

Maria Rodriguez, WWE.com Senior Correspondent: "The vengeful Goldberg we've seen in recent weeks is arguably more dangerous than ever before. While Eddie has the crowd and the heart advantage, I don't see how anyone can withstand Goldberg's focused rage. Prediction: Goldberg wins in devastating fashion after a brutal 12-minute war."

Derek Winters, Inside The Ropes Columnist: "Having covered both men since their WCW days, I've never seen Eddie Guerrero this motivated or Goldberg this obsessed. The key factor here is Eddie's ability to absorb punishment and still find a way to win. I'm going against the grain - Eddie pulls off the impossible with some classic Latino Heat ingenuity."

Samantha Richards, WWE Magazine Feature Writer: "This match will come down to composure. Goldberg is clearly the physical favorite, but his emotions are running dangerously high. Eddie thrives in psychological warfare, and I've noticed he's been targeting Goldberg's knee in recent attacks - perhaps foreshadowing his WrestleMania strategy. Guerrero steals a victory that will have the Garden erupting."

Marcus Johnson, SmackDown Insider: "Let's be realistic - Eddie Guerrero is one of the most beloved and talented wrestlers on the roster, but Goldberg is a wrecking machine built for destruction. The narrative that heart beats power is compelling, but physics doesn't lie. Goldberg wins after surviving one close call, and it won't be pretty for Latino Heat."

Victoria Chen, Technical Analysis Expert: "Looking at this objectively, Goldberg has a clear power advantage, but his technical deficiencies are significant. Eddie's arsenal includes not just high-flying moves but legitimate amateur wrestling skills that people often overlook. If Eddie can weather the early storm, I see him targeting Goldberg's legs and eventually securing a submission victory that nobody sees coming."
FROM BROTHERS TO BITTER ENEMIES: CHRIS JERICHO AND CHRISTIAN SETTLE YEARS OF BETRAYAL IN A 3 STAGES OF HELL WAR AT WRESTLEMANIA XX

WrestleMania XX looms over the wrestling world like a storm cloud ready to break—unpredictable, imposing, and electrified by years of tension ready to explode beneath the lights of Madison Square Garden. And no confrontation on the card carries more venom, more raw personal animosity, than the 3 Stages of Hell encounter between Chris Jericho and Christian. This is not simply a contest for the Intercontinental Championship—though that title now gleams like a prize forged in betrayal—it is an emotionally charged war between former brothers whose shared journey has descended into a bitter abyss. What was once laughter over late-night meals and game-planning over rental car dashboards has curdled into a quest for retribution. These men were forged from the same mold, each molded by Canadian grit and globetrotting ambition. Together, they rose from obscure tag teams to high-profile prominence, bonded by wit, resilience, and trust. Now, every bit of that history has been weaponized.

The unraveling of their friendship didn’t begin with violence—it began with a dollar. What started as a flippant locker room wager—one Canadian dollar awarded to the first of them to "score" with a WWE Diva—seemed harmless bravado between close friends. Christian chose Lita. Jericho chose Trish Stratus. But what neither man anticipated was Jericho's genuine emotional shift. Somewhere in the flirtation, Jericho's feelings for Trish became real, his instincts no longer guided by jest but by something vulnerable and sincere. And when Trish uncovered the humiliating truth about the bet, the betrayal shattered her trust. Jericho, humbled like never before, dedicated himself to earning back her affection—not through mind games, but through remorse and growth. Christian, however, saw only desertion. He watched the man he'd called a brother drift toward emotional investment in someone else, leaving behind the alliance that had defined them.

The friction reached a combustible point on the January 26 edition of Raw. During a pivotal Tag Team Turmoil match, Trish wandered to ringside, only to be accidentally struck by Christian with a steel chair in the chaos. She collapsed, and Jericho, horrified, abandoned the match entirely to help her. To Christian, that moment was not about concern—it was betrayal. Jericho chose her over him, and that decision cracked whatever loyalty remained. Christian didn't just retaliate—he declared war. Later that night, in the shadowed halls of the backstage area, he savaged Jericho in a cold-blooded ambush. The brutal Con-Chair-To that followed was symbolic: it wasn’t just punishment, it was erasure—an attempt to wipe away their shared history in one bone-splitting blow.

In the weeks that followed, Jericho and Christian spiraled into a pattern of merciless escalation. Christian, now colder, crueler, taunted Jericho with sneers and psychological ploys that turned Trish into a pawn in their growing blood feud. Securing a one-on-one match with Trish—sanctioned by none other than Eric Bischoff—wasn’t about competition; it was about driving the dagger deeper. Jericho, enraged beyond measure, lashed out during The Highlight Reel, even attacking the General Manager when the tension became too great to contain. But that only opened the door for Christian to strike from behind once more, further dismantling the remnants of Jericho’s pride and leaving his once-prized Jeritron 3000 monitor shattered on the mat.

The March 8 edition of Raw saw their personal grudge spill far beyond the bounds of a typical match. Christian ambushed Jericho during his entrance, igniting a melee that spread through the arena like wildfire—into the crowd, backstage corridors, the production area. Officials were overwhelmed; the RAW roster had to intervene. But even then, separation was temporary. Later that night, Christian hijacked the TitanTron during Jericho’s match against Kane, costing him the victory and sending Jericho into another boiling fury that resulted in yet another arena-wide fight. It had become clear to everyone: this wasn’t rivalry—it was obsession.

Meanwhile, the Intercontinental Championship entered the picture not as a prize to be won, but as a cruel twist of fate. On March 1, with aid from Evolution, Christian defeated Randy Orton to capture the prestigious title—a title that Jericho once wore like a badge of honor through six reigns. The symbolism was not lost on either man. Now it wasn’t just about past betrayals or broken friendships—it was about legacy. That belt had defined Jericho’s early greatness; now it rested on the waist of a man who had destroyed his trust.

Just when Jericho’s emotions couldn’t be stretched further, Trish Stratus delivered the final blow. Tired of the push and pull, of being seen as a trophy rather than a person, she told Jericho she needed distance, urging him to accept friendship and leave things be. His heartbreak was as visible as it was unexpected. And yet, six days before WrestleMania, came the moment that silenced even the most jaded members of the WWE Universe. Christian, writhing in the Walls of Jericho atop the announce table, seemed seconds away from surrender—until Trish appeared. Her face betrayed conflict. Then, without a word, she slapped Jericho across the face. It wasn’t a simple rejection—it was a rebuke. Christian escaped, smirking. Jericho stood frozen, stunned, undone.

Backstage, Trish gave clarity. Her intervention had nothing to do with loyalty to Christian. She was exhausted by Jericho’s inability to let go, by the constant pursuit when she’d already drawn her boundary. She didn’t care who won their match, she insisted. That slap was for Jericho’s sake—to jolt him out of obsession. And with a sharp pivot, she reclaimed her narrative. Trish declared she would issue an open challenge at WrestleMania, determined to prove that while Jericho and Christian dissolved into ego and violence, she would rise above it all and remind the world what true greatness looked like.

With emotions at a breaking point and destruction imminent, Eric Bischoff did what he’s done best—he poured gasoline on the inferno. Declaring their bout a 3 Stages of Hell match—only the third such match in WWE history—he ensured that there would be no escape, no draw, no unanswered grudge. The rules were brutal in design: a standard singles match to start, stripping both men to their purest skills. If the war waged on, a Street Fight would erupt, where the arena itself becomes the battlefield. And should the score reach one fall apiece, the final confrontation would occur inside a steel cage—its walls unyielding, its purpose singular: seal these men in and force one to either pin, submit, or climb out with victory. There will be no flukes. No count-outs. Only survival.

Now, mere hours remain. Christian walks with the swagger of gold around his waist, training with silent intensity, locking in every angle of defense. Jericho, removed from the public eye, prepares with seclusion and venom, reportedly refining a repertoire of pain designed for maximum consequence. Hall of Famer Pat Patterson may have said it best: this isn’t just a match—it’s a moment that could end careers, redefine legacies, and leave permanent scars.

As Madison Square Garden prepares to host its most personal war yet, fans around the world brace for what may be the most emotionally grueling—and physically savage—battle of WrestleMania XX. For Chris Jericho and Christian, there is no reconciliation, no apology, no going back. There is only fire, steel, and the unrelenting pursuit of closure. And when the cage door slams shut, it won’t be friendship or even gold that hangs in the balance. It will be what remains of their humanity—and who’s willing to sacrifice more to bury the past and claim the future.

WWE.COM EXCLUSIVE: CHRIS JERICHO – "THIS MATCH ISN’T ABOUT WINNING. IT’S ABOUT SURVIVING WHO I’VE BECOME."

The fluorescent lights of Madison Square Garden’s lower-level locker room hum quietly above Chris Jericho as he tapes his wrists in methodical silence. He doesn’t look up when our camera crew enters. His eyes are fixed forward—on something only he can see.

“For a long time, I thought I understood pain,” Jericho begins, his voice lower than usual, more grounded. “I’ve been betrayed before. I’ve been stabbed in the back by people I trusted. But none of it—none of it—comes close to what Christian did to me.”

He pauses, adjusting the tape on his knuckles, as though reliving the moment in real time.

“We rode together. Slept in the same hotels, trained in the same gyms, bled in the same rings. And he threw that all away over a bet. Over a damn bet and a bruised ego.”

Jericho’s voice tightens slightly as he mentions Trish Stratus, the woman caught in the center of their implosion.

“She wasn’t a trophy. She wasn’t a conquest. Somewhere along the way, I realized I actually cared. And Christian? He couldn’t take that. Couldn’t handle being second to someone for once. So he cracked. And what he did to me backstage that night—the Con-Chair-To—that was his way of making sure I never got back up.”

He finally meets our gaze. There's no grin. No cocky bravado.

“I did get up. And since then, every step I’ve taken has been toward this match.”

Jericho paces slowly, stopping next to his gear.

“3 Stages of Hell isn’t a match—it’s a crucible. First, we test our fundamentals. Then we strip away the rules. And if we make it to that cage… we find out who can survive the fallout. I know who he is now. I know he’ll hurt me if he can. But I’ve accepted that. The man Christian wants to break—he doesn’t exist anymore.”

He lifts his head, intensity burning behind his eyes.

“I’m not just going to beat him. I’m going to take back everything he took from me—my pride, my purpose, my peace. After WrestleMania, win or lose, Christian will never look in the mirror the same way again.”


WWE.COM EXCLUSIVE: CHRISTIAN – "I WAS NEVER SECOND BEST. I WAS JUST TOO LOYAL TO SEE IT."

Christian is in his element. Seated casually inside an upscale gym just blocks from Madison Square Garden, the Intercontinental Championship slung over his shoulder like a crown, he looks comfortable—focused but unconcerned. Confident, but not cocky. There’s a difference. And Christian knows it.

“You want my side of the story?” he says, with a dry smirk. “Fine. Here it is. Chris Jericho was never the selfless friend he pretended to be. The moment something mattered more to him than us—than our team—he bailed.”

He leans forward, resting his forearms on his knees.

“People act like I turned my back on him. No. He turned his back first. I watched him fall in love with someone who never gave a damn about him—and worse, I watched him forget about the guy who always had his back. I wasn’t jealous. I was betrayed.”

Christian lifts the Intercontinental Title slightly and stares at it for a beat.

“This? This isn’t just a championship. It’s proof. Proof that I was always more than Jericho’s sidekick, more than the punchline in his Highlight Reel.”

He sets the belt down beside him.

“Look, I didn’t enjoy hurting him… at first. But then I realized he needed to feel it. He needed to understand what it’s like to be discarded, dismissed, treated like an afterthought. And now? Now I do enjoy it. Because watching Chris unravel these past few months has been the most honest performance of his career.”

Christian adjusts his wrist tape, a glint of something darker flashing in his eyes.

“He thinks 3 Stages of Hell is going to be a storybook redemption. He thinks Madison Square Garden’s going to cheer him on as he finds his soul or whatever he thinks I took from him. But here’s the truth: I didn’t steal anything. I just stopped pretending I needed him.”

He stands up and shoulders the championship again.

“I’m not walking into WrestleMania to end a friendship. That ended months ago. I’m walking in to bury a man who used to be my brother. And when the bell rings... I will brutalize him until he understands that.”

EXPERT PREDICTIONS​

We asked five of WWE's most respected journalists to predict the outcome of this volatile matchup:

Mike Adamle, WWE Ringside Reporter:
"This is personal in ways most rivalries never approach. Jericho has the experience edge in gimmick matches, but Christian has shown a new level of viciousness since January. I'm predicting Christian retains in a match that goes all three stages, but both men will be fundamentally changed by what happens in that cage."

Terri Benton, WWE Magazine Senior Writer:
"The X-factor here is Jericho's emotional state. If he can channel his anger productively, he's nearly unstoppable. However, Christian has gotten inside his head in ways we've never seen before. I'm going with Jericho to recapture the Intercontinental Championship after all three brutal stages."

Rick Achberger, WWE.com Feature Columnist:
"History tells us that when friendship dissolves into hatred this intense, technique goes out the window. This won't be pretty, and it won't be technically sound—it'll be a war. Christian will win the first fall, Jericho takes the Street Fight, but Christian ultimately retains by escaping the cage while Jericho is down."

Sophia Martinez, WWE Insider:
"The 3 Stages of Hell stipulation actually favors Jericho. He's competed in more hardcore-style matches throughout his career, and when emotions run this high, experience matters. Jericho reclaims the Intercontinental Championship two falls to one, but the rivalry is far from over."

Dave Metzman, Wrestling Observer Contributor:
"Madison Square Garden has always been magical for Chris Jericho. The crowd will be firmly behind him, and that energy could be the difference-maker in what promises to be a match-of-the-year candidate. Jericho wins the title, but both men's bodies and careers will bear the scars of this feud for years to come."

Up next: Triple Main Events - HBK/Rock, WWE Championship, World Heavyweight Championship
 
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OLYMPIC GOLD MEETS THE GAME'S THRONE

Triple H vs. Kurt Angle for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XX


When the bright lights of Madison Square Garden illuminate the ring this Sunday at WrestleMania XX, two of the most decorated competitors in WWE history will collide in a clash where legacy, pride, and the most prestigious prize in sports entertainment hang in the balance.

World Heavyweight Champion Triple H will defend his gold against Royal Rumble winner Kurt Angle in a match that has transcended mere competition and evolved into one of the most personal feuds in recent memory.

THE PATH TO THE GARDEN

The road to this monumental collision began on that fateful January night when Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle outlasted 29 other Superstars to win the Royal Rumble, earning himself a championship opportunity on the Grandest Stage of Them All. The very next night on RAW, with both WWE Champion Brock Lesnar and World Heavyweight Champion Triple H standing before him, Angle made his decision clear with three emphatic words:

"I CHOOSE YOU, TRIPLE H!"

Those words ignited a powder keg that has been exploding week after week, with both men fighting for supremacy and psychological advantage. What started as a professional rivalry quickly deteriorated into a deeply personal vendetta where respect has been replaced by contempt, and competition has given way to unbridled hostility.
Kurt Angle's journey back to the main event spotlight has been nothing short of remarkable. Since his return from neck surgery that many thought would end his career, the Wrestling Machine has been on a mission to reclaim his position atop the WWE mountain.

"Triple H has been hiding behind Evolution for too long," Angle told WWE.com. "He calls himself 'The Game,' but all I see is someone who needs his buddies to fight his battles. At WrestleMania, it's just him and me – and we'll see who the real champion is."

Angle's confidence isn't unfounded. In February, he sent shockwaves through the WWE fans when he trapped Triple H in the Ankle Lock following a tag team match on RAW. Triple H had rushed the ring with Evolution for a post-match assault, but Angle turned the tables and caught "The Game" in his dreaded submission. The image of the seemingly invincible World Heavyweight Champion writhing in agony, moments away from tapping before Ric Flair made the desperate save, has been burned into the memories of the WWE fans – and perhaps more importantly, into Triple H's psyche.

"I had him beat, and he knows it," Angle has promised repeatedly. "The difference at WrestleMania is that when I lock in the Ankle Lock, there will be no Ric Flair to save him, and I'm taking his title home with me."
For Triple H, the past two months have been a nightmarish descent from the apex of power. Once surrounded by his Evolution stablemates Ric Flair, Batista, and Randy Orton, "The Game" now finds himself increasingly isolated as WrestleMania approaches.

The most devastating blow came when Randy Orton, the self-proclaimed "Legend Killer," turned on Evolution in spectacular fashion on the February 23rd edition of RAW. In a moment that left the WWE fans stunned, Orton systematically RKO'd Batista, Triple H, and finally the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, effectively destroying the faction from within.

As if that weren't enough, Angle systematically dismantled the remnants of Triple H's support system. In a high-stakes match on the March 15th edition of RAW, Angle defeated Batista, ensuring that Evolution would be banned from ringside during the WrestleMania title match. For perhaps the first time in his championship reign, Triple H will truly have to stand alone.

"You think I need Evolution to beat Kurt Angle?" Triple H snarled during a recent interview. "I was the World Heavyweight Champion before Evolution, and I'll be World Heavyweight Champion long after Evolution. Kurt Angle may have won a gold medal with a broken neck, but I've been breaking necks in this business for over a decade. WrestleMania isn't the Olympics – it's my yard." As the championship showdown draws near, both men have engaged in increasingly personal attacks. Triple H, known as "The Cerebral Assassin" for good reason, attempted to get inside Angle's head by highlighting the Olympic Gold Medalist's history of neck injuries – a particularly sensitive topic given the surgery that nearly ended Angle's career.

"Kurt's neck is held together by screws and prayers," Triple H taunted on the March 22nd RAW. "One Pedigree is all it will take to send him back to the operating table."

The final Monday Night RAW before WrestleMania XX ended with a shocking statement from "The Game." After a brutal confrontation, Triple H drove Angle's head into the mat with a devastating Pedigree, then added insult to injury by locking in Angle's own Ankle Lock submission hold. The Olympic Gold Medalist writhed in agony as Triple H cranked back on his ankle, refusing to release the hold until security and WWE officials swarmed the ring to make the save. The show went off the air with Triple H standing tall over his fallen challenger, sending a clear message just days before their championship collision. Angle, never one to back down from a challenge, had earlier responded with his trademark intensity. "Triple H can talk about my neck all he wants," Angle fired back. "The fact is, I nearly made him tap, and that's eating him alive. At WrestleMania, I'm not just going to lock in the Ankle Lock – I'm going to make him beg for mercy." As WrestleMania XX approaches, both men have legitimate claims to supremacy. Triple H has the experience advantage, having main-evented multiple WrestleManias and successfully defended his championship against all challengers. His ability to adapt, evolve, and strike when least expected has kept the gold around his waist through seemingly impossible odds. Kurt Angle, meanwhile, brings Olympic-level intensity and the most technically sound wrestling arsenal in the business. His Ankle Lock submission has forced countless competitors to tap out, including Triple H himself. And with Evolution banned from ringside, Angle will face "The Game" on equal footing for the first time.

Will Triple H's championship experience and ruthless instinct prevail? Or will Kurt Angle's technical prowess and indomitable will lead him to World Heavyweight Championship glory?

One thing is certain: When these two warriors collide at Madison Square Garden, the WWE landscape will never be the same.

EXPERT PREDICTIONS

We asked five of WWE.com's top journalists to weigh in on this monumental championship clash:

Mike Killian, Senior Editor: "Kurt Angle has all the momentum heading into Madison Square Garden. He had Triple H on the verge of tapping before Flair made the save, and with Evolution banned from ringside, I expect Angle to finish what he started. Angle wins the World Heavyweight Championship after a grueling 25-minute classic."

Sarah Reynolds, RAW Brand Correspondent: "Never bet against Triple H at WrestleMania. 'The Game' is at his most dangerous when cornered, and right now, he's fighting not just for his championship but for his legacy. Triple H retains after countering the Ankle Lock into a devastating Pedigree."

Tony Mitchell, Championship Analyst: "This is truly a coin flip. Both men have gotten the upper hand at different points in this rivalry. However, I'm giving the edge to Kurt Angle. The Olympic Gold Medalist nearly made Triple H submit on RAW and is operating with a level of focus and intensity I haven't seen since his WWE Championship run. New champion at WrestleMania XX."

Derek Washington, Main Event Specialist: "Triple H didn't become a multi-time World Champion by accident. When the pressure is highest, 'The Game' delivers. Despite Angle's incredible momentum, I expect Triple H to pull something from his playbook that we haven't seen yet. Triple H retains in controversial fashion."

Vanessa Cruz, Technical Wrestling Expert: "From a pure wrestling standpoint, Kurt Angle is the most skilled competitor in WWE. Triple H is cunning and powerful, but Angle's technical arsenal is unmatched. I believe we'll see Triple H trapped in the Ankle Lock with nowhere to escape this time, crowning Angle as the new World Heavyweight Champion in the match of the night."

WWE.COM EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS

TRIPLE H: "ANGLE WILL LEAVE ON A STRETCHER"

WWE.com: Triple H, in just a few days, you defend your World Heavyweight Championship against Kurt Angle at WrestleMania XX. How are you approaching this match differently than your previous title defenses?

Triple H: (scoffs) Different? I don't approach anything differently. I am The Game. I am that damn good. Kurt Angle may have won some gold medal twenty years ago, but I've been winning gold that matters in this industry while he was still learning how to lace up his boots.

WWE.com: But Angle nearly had you tapping out when he caught you in the Ankle Lock after that tag match on RAW. Does that concern you heading into WrestleMania?

Triple H: (visibly agitated) Let me make something perfectly clear. What happened on RAW was a fluke. I was ambushed after the match during the chaos. Angle got lucky and caught me off guard, and I was nowhere near tapping out. At WrestleMania, it's one-on-one, and I'll be ready for anything he tries to throw at me. You think I'm concerned? The only person who should be concerned is Kurt Angle when he realizes he's in the ring with the Cerebral Assassin with nowhere to run and nowhere to hide.

WWE.com: With Evolution banned from ringside, some would say the odds are more even this time around.

Triple H: (laughs) You people still don't get it, do you? I don't need Evolution to beat Kurt Angle. I've beaten him before, and I'll beat him again. Evolution is a luxury, not a necessity. At WrestleMania XX, Kurt Angle will learn the difference between winning a match and being a champion. He's going to tap out, pass out, or be carried out on a stretcher. But one thing's for certain – I'm walking out of Madison Square Garden the same way I'm walking in: as the World Heavyweight Champion.

WWE.com: Any final message for Kurt Angle?

Triple H: (stares intensely into the camera) Enjoy these last few days, Kurt. Enjoy the media attention, enjoy the spotlight, enjoy the fantasy of becoming World Heavyweight Champion. Because on March 28th, it all ends. And that's not a prediction... that's a damn guarantee.

KURT ANGLE: "I'LL MAKE HIM TAP AGAIN"

WWE.com: Kurt, you're just days away from challenging for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XX. How are you feeling?

Kurt Angle: (confident smile) I feel incredible. This is what I live for. The biggest stage, the brightest lights, the most prestigious championship in sports entertainment on the line. There's no place I'd rather be than Madison Square Garden this Sunday, making Triple H tap out when I lock in the Ankle Lock.

WWE.com: You nearly had Triple H tapping when you caught him after that tag match on RAW. How significant was that moment for you?

Kurt Angle: (leans forward) Having Triple H at my mercy in the Ankle Lock was more than just a momentary victory. It was exposing the truth about "The Game." He and Evolution thought they could ambush me after my match, but they learned the hard way that I'm always ready. For all his talk about being the toughest man in this business, when I locked in the Ankle Lock, I saw the fear in his eyes. He was seconds away from tapping before Flair made that desperate save. That look in his eyes wasn't just pain – it was fear. He knows what's coming at WrestleMania, and he's terrified.

WWE.com: Triple H has claimed that moment was a fluke and he was nowhere near tapping. How do you respond to that?

Kurt Angle: (laughs) Of course he'd say that! What else can he say? Everyone saw the panic in his eyes when I had that Ankle Lock cinched in. The fact is, my technical ability is superior to his in every way. Triple H is used to having Evolution do his dirty work while he swoops in for the glory. But I've systematically taken that away from him. No more Evolution at ringside. No more Flair to make the save. No more excuses. Just Triple H, me, and the truth about who the better man really is.

WWE.com: You've overcome incredible odds throughout your career. How does this challenge compare?

Kurt Angle: (becomes intensely serious) I won an Olympic gold medal with a broken freaking neck. I've come back from injuries that would have ended most careers. Triple H wants to talk about my neck? My neck is stronger than his entire body. The difference between Triple H and me is that when pain comes, I embrace it. He runs from it. At WrestleMania, there's nowhere for him to run.

WWE.com: Any final thoughts before your championship match?

Kurt Angle: (stands up, intensity radiating) Triple H, you've hidden behind your sledgehammer, behind Evolution, behind your position in this company for too long. At WrestleMania, it's just you and me. And when I lock in the Ankle Lock this time, there will be no Flair to save you, no Evolution to interfere – I won't let go until you're tapping so hard the referee has to peel you off the mat. The World Heavyweight Championship is coming home with the Olympic Hero. And that's not just a prediction – that's an Olympic gold guarantee!



WRESTLEMANIA XX: EDGE’S REDEMPTION RUN MEETS LESNAR’S OBSESSION IN TITANIC WWE TITLE CLASH
In one of the most emotionally charged and physically grueling rivalries leading into WrestleMania XX, the collision course between WWE Champion Brock Lesnar and his resilient challenger, Edge, reaches its zenith on March 28 at the iconic Madison Square Garden. This clash is more than a title match—it's the culmination of months of physical punishment, emotional vindication, and one man’s obsession to end another's redemption story. It began on February 15 at No Way Out, when Edge conquered the brutal Elimination Chamber match, outlasting five of SmackDown’s elite—Benoit, Cena, Guerrero, Angle, and Big Show—in a 39-minute war that left him bloodied but victorious. That night, the Garden trembled as Edge pinned Kurt Angle and secured a golden ticket to WrestleMania—a moment of triumph shaped by pain, grit, and sheer willpower. Just over a year earlier, Edge had been told he might never wrestle again. Diagnosed with spinal stenosis and forced into spinal fusion surgery, doctors doubted he would return to the ring. Yet, against all odds, Edge clawed his way back to active competition. His return wasn’t just physical—it was spiritual. Every setback in rehab, every labored breath in the gym, built toward this moment. And when he exploded through Lesnar with a Spear on SmackDown just four days after No Way Out, it wasn’t just a physical statement—it was the catharsis of a man who’d fought for every second of his comeback. But Brock Lesnar was never going to roll over. The next few weeks saw a calculated, merciless campaign to break Edge down before WrestleMania. Behind it all loomed SmackDown General Manager Paul Heyman—Lesnar’s long-time advocate and now the architect of a war of attrition. Heyman relentlessly manipulated Edge’s path, placing him in punishing matches, orchestrating assaults, and constantly stacking the deck. From engineered handicap matches to sneak attacks in parking lots by new Heyman-backed enforcers like Matt Morgan, Edge faced a relentless barrage of physical and psychological warfare. At one point, Edge was speared by Lesnar through a catering table in a backstage brawl that sent the WWE Universe into a frenzy—a moment now immortalized in highlight reels.

The escalation became untenable. On the March 18 episode of SmackDown, chaos erupted when Lesnar and Morgan interfered in Edge’s match against Big Show, leading to an all-out melee that saw John Cena rush to the ring and shift the tide. Backstage, the fallout was immediate. WWE officials had seen enough. After weeks of blatant abuse of power and clear collusion with Lesnar, Paul Heyman was officially terminated as SmackDown General Manager, just two weeks before WrestleMania. His removal changed the landscape—Lesnar, once protected behind Heyman’s smokescreen of authority, would now have to face his greatest challenger with no political safety net. In the final SmackDown before WrestleMania, that reality came crashing down. Edge faced Matt Morgan in the main event, and though Lesnar was slotted as special enforcer—a final desperate measure remaining from Heyman’s reign—it backfired. Interference from Big Show and yet another brawl with Cena left Lesnar incapacitated. Edge capitalized, drilling Morgan with a Spear and standing tall atop the turnbuckle, pointing to the WrestleMania XX banner in defiance. Lesnar, seething and staggering to his feet, locked eyes with the man who had survived every ambush thrown his way. Now, with Heyman exiled and Edge undeterred, the battleground is even. No steel chairs, no backup enforcers, no legal manipulation—just one man trying to maintain his dominance and another finally claiming his moment. As the world watches, Lesnar and Edge are set to collide in a match defined not just by championship gold, but by legacy, redemption, and the consequences of obsession. WrestleMania XX will be the proving ground—and only one can walk out of Madison Square Garden with the title and the war finally won.


WWE.com EXCLUSIVE: IN THEIR OWN WORDS

EDGE ON HIS CHAMPIONSHIP OPPORTUNITY:
"This isn't just another match for me. When doctors told me my career might be over after neck surgery, I made a promise to myself – if I ever got back in that ring, I'd make every moment count. Brock Lesnar is possibly the most dominant champion WWE has ever seen, but he's never faced someone with nothing to lose. I've already won by making it to WrestleMania. Taking the WWE Championship home would just be the perfect ending to my comeback story."

LESNAR ON FACING EDGE:
"Everyone keeps talking about Edge's 'incredible journey' and his 'heart.' Let me make something perfectly clear – heart doesn't win championships. Dominance does. Power does. And no one in WWE is more dominant or powerful than me. Edge got lucky in the Elimination Chamber, but luck runs out. At WrestleMania, in front of the entire world, I'm going to show everyone why I'm the champion and why Edge is just another challenger who wasn't good enough."

EDGE ON LESNAR'S POWER ADVANTAGE:
"Brock might be stronger, he might be faster, but there's one thing he doesn't understand – I've fought my whole life to be here. When Lesnar looks across that ring on Sunday, he won't see fear in my eyes. He'll see someone who's overcome every obstacle placed in his path. Someone who refuses to stay down. And when that final bell rings at Madison Square Garden, he'll see the new WWE Champion."

LESNAR ON EDGE'S RESILIENCE:
"Everyone loves an underdog story, don't they? The problem is, underdogs usually lose. Edge can talk about heart and determination all he wants. I've heard it before from better men than him. Kurt Angle had heart. The Rock had heart. Undertaker had heart. They all fell. Edge thinks his Spear is devastating? Wait until he feels another F-5. At WrestleMania, I'm not just defending my championship – I'm ending Edge's fairy tale comeback once and for all."

WWE.COM STAFF PREDICTIONS

Mike Striker:
"Edge's technical prowess shouldn't be overlooked, but Lesnar's amateur background combined with his freakish strength creates an almost impossible mountain to climb. The challenger will give us some breathtaking moments, but ultimately, the champion's power game will prove too much. Winner: BROCK LESNAR"

Sarah Jefferson:
"This rivalry has shown us that Edge can match Lesnar's intensity, if not his raw power. That Spear through the catering table wasn't just a fluke - it was a statement. In the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden, I believe we're witnessing the culmination of wrestling's greatest comeback story. Winner: EDGE"

Tony Mitchell:
"When analyzing this matchup, I keep coming back to one factor: Edge's resilience. However, Lesnar has dismantled opponents with far more physical tools than Edge possesses. The champion's combination of speed, power, and technical skill makes him virtually unbeatable at this stage. Expect a valiant effort from Edge before Lesnar closes the show. Winner: BROCK LESNAR"

Jennifer Blake:
"WrestleMania moments are made when passion overcomes all obstacles. Edge has shown he can surprise Lesnar, and the New York crowd will be firmly behind him. Call me sentimental, but I think the emotional momentum carries Edge to the pinnacle of sports entertainment. Winner: EDGE"

Rick Reynolds:
"The X-factor here is Paul Heyman. His interference has been constant throughout this rivalry, and WrestleMania will be no different. Despite Edge's determination and heart, I see Heyman's machinations providing just enough of an opening for Lesnar to deliver a match-ending F-5. It won't be clean, but the result will be definitive. Winner: BROCK LESNAR"

ICON VS. ICON: THE HEARTBREAK KID FACES THE GREAT ONE AT WRESTLEMANIA XX

The hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden—"The World's Most Famous Arena"—have served as the epicenter for some of the most iconic and emotionally charged moments in sports-entertainment history. From curtain-call farewells to title coronations, few venues carry the same aura, the same legacy, as this coliseum of squared-circle legend. This Sunday, WrestleMania XX promises to carve out yet another historic chapter when two of WWE’s most transcendent superstars—“The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels and “The People’s Champion” The Rock—meet for the first time in singles competition. A decade of parallel dominance, divergent philosophies, and mutual respect transformed into veiled resentment has finally led to this moment: two icons, two eras, converging on the grandest stage of all, not merely for bragging rights, but for legacy itself.

The journey to this generational clash began unexpectedly on February 16th, weeks after Shawn Michaels suffered a crushing loss to Kurt Angle at No Way Out. That defeat not only dashed HBK’s dream of headlining WrestleMania in pursuit of championship gold, but it seemed to break something inside the once-redeemed veteran. The heartbreak gave way to fury. Gone was the smiling, born-again showman who had returned in 2002. In his place stood a man who no longer cared about cheers or redemption. Michaels shockingly delivered a low blow to Angle on RAW, a symbolic shattering of the goodwill he had painstakingly rebuilt over the past two years. Boos cascaded through the arena, but the man who once wrestled with guilt now basked in aggression. He stood in Rabobank Arena a week later, eyes burning with conviction, and declared with thunderous arrogance that he was WrestleMania—a man not of nostalgia, but of necessity.

That declaration, however bold, summoned a force just as defiant. Moments later, the arena erupted into pandemonium as The Rock made his long-awaited return. Emerging through the curtain to deafening applause, he entered the ring with his patented strut, trademark smirk, and eyes locked on Michaels with combustible intent. Draped in designer shades and Hollywood charisma, The Great One sized up the defiant Texan and questioned if Michaels—burdened by bitterness—could withstand the pressure of standing across the ring from sports entertainment’s most electrifying performer. Their wordless tension became physical; Michaels cocked back for Sweet Chin Music, only for Rock to catch his foot mid-air. The arena froze. It was no longer a matter of if—only when.

The war of words that followed was unfiltered, poignant, and deeply personal. On the next edition of RAW, Michaels sat down with Jim Ross for one of the most revealing interviews of his storied career. Peeling away his usual bravado, HBK accused The Rock of turning his back on WWE—of leaving for movie sets while Michaels fought through spinal injuries and personal demons to reclaim his place in the ring. “He’s playing wrestler,” Michaels sneered. “I am a wrestler. Always have been.” It was raw, it was bitter, and it cast Rock as a part-time opportunist against a battle-hardened lifer.

The Rock’s rebuttal came from a sun-drenched film set via satellite, where he cut through the sentiment with his trademark flair. He accused Michaels of cosplaying relevance, mocking his new attitude as a “mid-life crisis with sequins.” His words were laced with venom, but beneath the theatrics was a stinging truth: while HBK was rediscovering his smile, The Rock was transforming into a global phenomenon. The implication was clear—WrestleMania XX would not be about what Michaels had sacrificed, but about what The Rock still is.

On March 1st, the feud crossed from verbal jabs to physical violence. The Rock hosted a “Rock Concert” dedicated to humiliating HBK, strumming verses that belittled Michaels’ legacy and dubbed him “Mr. WrestleMania... what a joke!” But before the final note hit, HBK struck back like a lightning bolt, storming the ring and cracking The Rock’s jaw with Sweet Chin Music to a stunned crowd. For the first time in this rivalry, Michaels drew blood—figurative and emotional—and he did it without saying a word.

The back-and-forth escalated further the following week. A bruised Rock appeared onscreen, chin visibly welted, now dead serious. “It’s personal now,” he warned. “No more jokes. No more verses. Next week, Shawn Michaels checks into the SmackDown Hotel.” True to his vow, Rock returned in full fury on March 15th, charging straight to the ring to brawl with Michaels in a wild melee that no amount of security could contain. It was not choreography—it was war.

By the final RAW before WrestleMania, both men addressed the WWE Universe with passion that transcended storylines. Michaels entered the ring amidst fireworks, kneeling in reverence to the canvas as if it were sacred ground. He spoke of sacrifice, of spinal fusion, of sleepless nights spent proving he was still The Showstopper. He seethed as he spoke of Rock’s commercialized detachment from the business. “Hollywood doesn’t make legends,” he growled. “This ring does.” Seconds later, The Rock stood on the stage, spotlight gleaming, and met those words with a calm fire. He acknowledged Michaels’ passion, then dismissed it with surgical precision. “Passion’s cute,” he said. “But at WrestleMania, The Rock delivers blockbusters—and I’m walking out the star.”



WWE.COM EXCLUSIVE: ONE-ON-ONE WITH THE HEARTBREAK KID

WWE.com: Shawn, you've had your share of WrestleMania moments over the years. How does facing The Rock at WrestleMania XX compare to your previous experiences?

Shawn Michaels: There's something different about this one. I've faced the best this industry has to offer – Bret Hart, Undertaker, Kurt Angle – but The Rock represents something unique. He's someone who took everything WWE gave him and used it as a springboard to Hollywood fame. That stings for someone like me who has dedicated his entire life to this ring.

WWE.com: Many fans are calling this a battle between WWE's past and its present. How do you respond to that?

Michaels: (laughs) That's where they're wrong. I'm not the past – I'm still very much the present. The Rock, for all his talk about "being back," is just visiting. He has movie sets to return to on Monday morning. I'll still be here, still performing at a level nobody can touch. This isn't past versus present; it's dedication versus desertion.

WWE.com: What's your strategy heading into this match?

Michaels: The Rock has always relied on his charisma, his catchphrases, his connection with the crowd. And yes, he's talented physically – I won't deny that. But Sunday night, I'm bringing something he's never faced before: someone who's been to hell and back for this business, someone who refuses to stay down. My strategy? Outlast him. Outperform him. Make him remember what it feels like to be in there with someone who lives and breathes this business every single day.

WWE.com: Any final words for The Rock before WrestleMania?

Michaels: (long pause) Hollywood might have taught you how to play a tough guy, Rock, but I've been living it. See you Sunday.

WWE.COM EXCLUSIVE: ONE-ON-ONE WITH THE PEOPLE'S CHAMPION

WWE.com: The Rock, you've headlined WrestleMania multiple times, but this is your first time facing Shawn Michaels. What are your thoughts heading into this dream match?

The Rock: The Rock thinks it's about damn time. For years, the WWE fans has wondered what would happen if The People's Champion stepped into the ring with the so-called Showstopper. Well, this Sunday, they get their answer. And spoiler alert – it ends with The Rock's hand raised high while Shawn Michaels stares at the lights.

WWE.com: Shawn has criticized your Hollywood pursuits, suggesting you've abandoned the WWE. How do you respond to that?

The Rock: (removes sunglasses) The Rock hasn't abandoned anything. The Rock has ELEVATED everything he's been a part of. When The Rock steps onto a movie set, he brings the WWE with him. When The Rock's face is on a billboard in Times Square, WWE is right there too. Shawn Michaels doesn't understand evolution because he's been doing the same tired act for twenty years.

WWE.com: Many consider Shawn Michaels "Mr. WrestleMania." Does that add pressure to your performance?

The Rock: Pressure? (raises eyebrow) The Rock eats pressure for breakfast, with a side of pancakes and a tall glass of shut-up juice. Mr. WrestleMania? After Sunday night, they'll need to find Shawn a new nickname. Maybe Mr. Rock-Bottom. Or perhaps Mr. Just-Got-His-Candy-Ass-Handed-To-Him-Mania. The Rock isn't sure yet, but he's working on it.

WWE.com: Any final message for HBK before the big match?

The Rock: Just this – The Rock hopes Shawn Michaels brings every ounce of heart, soul, and fight he has left in that broken-down body of his. The Rock wants Michaels at his absolute best, so when The People's Champion stands tall at the end of the night, there will be no excuses, no asterisks, just the undeniable truth that The Rock is and always will be the most electrifying man in all of entertainment. IF YA SMELLLLLLL... what The Rock... is... cooking!

EXPERT PREDICTIONS: WHO WILL WALK OUT VICTORIOUS?

1. Scott Reynolds, Senior Editor – “MSG Will Roar for The Rock”


“The Showstopper may be the master of WrestleMania moments, but The Rock is a WrestleMania moment. He’s beaten Hogan, Austin, Cena—not with tricks, but with grit. HBK made it personal, and The Rock responds to personal with pain. Michaels may start fast, but Rock’s finishing this strong.”

Prediction: The Rock via pinfall after a thunderous Rock Bottom





2. Kelly Simmons, Features Columnist – “Shawn’s Cunning Outshines the People’s Champ”


“Everyone’s counting HBK out—and that’s exactly when he strikes. The Rock is explosive, yes, but he’s emotional. And if anyone knows how to weaponize emotions, it’s Shawn Michaels. He’s turned his back on the fans, and now he’s turning back time for one more WrestleMania classic. With a win.”

Prediction: Shawn Michaels via roll-up with a handful of tights





3. Marcus Levesque, Insider Analyst – “This Isn’t About Entertainment—It’s About Respect”


“The Rock has flipped the switch. No comedy. No pandering. Just intensity. HBK humiliated him at No Way Out, and there’s only one way The Rock knows how to answer that: cold vengeance. I think Shawn’s going to regret every second of this.”

Prediction: The Rock via submission with the Sharpshooter





4. Angelica Vega, Backstage Beat Reporter – “This Time, The Rock Isn’t Playing Games”


“I’ve been backstage every Raw for the past month. I’ve seen The Rock’s demeanor shift—he’s focused, angry, dangerous. Michaels thrives on chaos, but The Rock has turned that chaos into purpose. This won’t be pretty. It’ll be powerful. Rock Bottom. Goodnight.”

Prediction: The Rock via decisive knockout blow





5. Derrick Thomas, WrestleMania Historian – “The Icon Goes Down at the Garden”


“I love HBK’s history at WrestleMania—but history is exactly that: the past. The Rock is in his prime, and he’s entering this match like a man with something to prove. He wants to shut the book on Shawn Michaels’ ego once and for all. And on the 20th anniversary of Mania? He will.”

Prediction: The Rock via second-rope Rock Bottom
 
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WrestleWizard

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WrestleMania XX Prediction Scorecard

Madison Square Garden | March 28, 2004 Scoring: 1 point per correct pick unless otherwise noted

1. WWE Championship

Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Edge
  • Winner: ___​
  • Method: ☐ Pin ☐ Submission ☐ DQ ☐ Count-out ☐ Other​
  • Match Time: ___ minutes (±2 min = 1 pt)​

2. World Heavyweight Championship

Triple H (c) vs. Kurt Angle (Evolution banned from ringside)
  • Winner: ___​
  • Method: ☐ Pin ☐ Submission ☐ DQ ☐ Count-out ☐ Other​
  • Will Evolution appear anyway? ☐ Yes ☐ No​

3. Icon vs. Icon

Shawn Michaels vs. The Rock
  • Winner: ___​
  • First Finisher Hit: ___​
  • Will they shake hands post-match? ☐ Yes ☐ No​

4. Inferno Casket Match

The Undertaker vs. Kane
  • Winner: ___​
  • Will the casket be set on fire? ☐ Yes ☐ No​
  • Will Paul Bearer appear? ☐ Yes ☐ No​

5. Eddie Guerrero vs. Goldberg

  • Winner: ___​
  • Will Eddie use a weapon? ☐ Yes ☐ No​
  • Will Goldberg kick out of a Frog Splash? ☐ Yes ☐ No​

6. United States Championship

Big Show (c) vs. John Cena
  • Winner: ___​
  • Will Cena hit the FU? ☐ Yes ☐ No​
  • Will Big Show kick out at 1? ☐ Yes ☐ No​

7. Intercontinental Championship – 3 Stages of Hell

Christian (c) vs. Chris Jericho
  • Winner: ___​
  • Match goes to 3rd fall? ☐ Yes ☐ No​
  • Will Trish interfere? ☐ Yes ☐ No​

8. Women’s Championship

Molly Holly (c) vs. Lita
  • Winner: ___​
  • Will Lita hit a moonsault? ☐ Yes ☐ No​
  • Will Molly cheat? ☐ Yes ☐ No​

9. Cruiserweight Championship – Title vs. Mask

Chavo Guerrero Jr. (c) vs. Rey Mysterio
  • Winner: ___​
  • Will Rey’s mask be removed? ☐ Yes ☐ No​
  • Will Chavo Classic interfere? ☐ Yes ☐ No​

10. JBL vs. Farooq (Falls Count Anywhere, No DQ)

  • Winner: ___​
  • Match ends outside the ring? ☐ Yes ☐ No​
  • Will a beer bottle be used? ☐ Yes ☐ No​

11. Batista vs. Randy Orton

  • Winner: ___​
  • Will Triple H appear? ☐ Yes ☐ No​
  • Will Orton hit an RKO? ☐ Yes ☐ No​

12. Trish Stratus Open Challenge

  • Winner: ___​
  • Who answers the challenge? ___​
  • Surprise return? ☐ Yes ☐ No​

13. WWE Tag Team Championship – Fatal 4-Way TLC

  • Winning Team: ___​
  • Number of tables broken: ___​
  • Will a ladder be used as a weapon? ☐ Yes ☐ No​

14. World Tag Team Championship – Tag Team Turmoil

  • Winning Team: ___​
  • First team eliminated: ___​
  • Will RVD hit a Five-Star Frog Splash? ☐ Yes ☐ No​

Prop Bets

  • Match of the Night: ___​
  • Longest Match: ___​
  • Shortest Match: ___​
  • Match Order: List 1-14​
 
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Roy Mustang

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WrestleMania XX Prediction Scorecard​

Madison Square Garden | March 28, 2004 Scoring: 1 point per correct pick unless otherwise noted

1. WWE Championship​

Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Edge
  • Winner: Edge
  • Method: Pin
  • Match Time: 17 minutes (±2 min = 1 pt)

2. World Heavyweight Championship​

Triple H (c) vs. Kurt Angle (Evolution banned from ringside)
  • Winner: Kurt Angle
  • Method: Submission
  • Will Evolution appear anyway? Yes

3. Icon vs. Icon​

Shawn Michaels vs. The Rock
  • Winner: Shawn Michaels
  • First Finisher Hit: Sweet Chin Music
  • Will they shake hands post-match? No

4. Inferno Casket Match​

The Undertaker vs. Kane
  • Winner: Undertaker
  • Will the casket be set on fire? Yes
  • Will Paul Bearer appear? Yes

5. Eddie Guerrero vs. Goldberg​

  • Winner: Eddie
  • Will Eddie use a weapon? Yes
  • Will Goldberg kick out of a Frog Splash? Yes

6. United States Championship​

Big Show (c) vs. John Cena
  • Winner: John Cena
  • Will Cena hit the FU? Yes
  • Will Big Show kick out at 1? No

7. Intercontinental Championship – 3 Stages of Hell​

Christian (c) vs. Chris Jericho
  • Winner: Christian
  • Match goes to 3rd fall? Yes
  • Will Trish interfere? Yes

8. Women’s Championship​

Molly Holly (c) vs. Lita
  • Winner: Lita
  • Will Lita hit a moonsault? Yes
  • Will Molly cheat? Yes

9. Cruiserweight Championship – Title vs. Mask​

Chavo Guerrero Jr. (c) vs. Rey Mysterio
  • Winner: Rey
  • Will Rey’s mask be removed? No
  • Will Chavo Classic interfere? Yes

10. JBL vs. Farooq (Falls Count Anywhere, No DQ)​

  • Winner: JBL
  • Match ends outside the ring? Yes
  • Will a beer bottle be used? Yes

11. Batista vs. Randy Orton​

  • Winner: Randy Orton
  • Will Triple H appear? No
  • Will Orton hit an RKO? Yes

12. Trish Stratus Open Challenge​

  • Winner: Trish Stratus
  • Who answers the challenge? Unsure on this. Let's go with Trinity from TNA
  • Surprise return? No

13. WWE Tag Team Championship – Fatal 4-Way TLC​

  • Winning Team: Paul London & Brian Kendrick
  • Number of tables broken: 5
  • Will a ladder be used as a weapon? Yes

14. World Tag Team Championship – Tag Team Turmoil​

  • Winning Team: RVD and Booker T
  • First team eliminated: THE HURRICANE & ROSEY
  • Will RVD hit a Five-Star Frog Splash? Yes

Prop Bets​

  • Match of the Night: Christian vs Jericho
  • Longest Match: HHH vs Angle
  • Shortest Match: Open Challenge
  • Match Order: From start to finish: 13, 12, 11, 9, 4, 6, 14, 10, 8, 7, 3, 5, 2, 1
 
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WrestleWizard

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WrestleMania 21 Headed to Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, April 3, 2005

STAMFORD, Conn., March 2004 – World Wrestling Entertainment is proud to announce that its signature annual spectacular, WrestleMania 21, will emanate from the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, April 3, 2005. The event marks a return to the West Coast for WrestleMania and promises to deliver one of the most unforgettable nights in WWE history.

Known as “The Grandest Stage of Them All,” WrestleMania has become a global pop culture phenomenon. The 21st installment will showcase the world’s most elite Superstars, incredible in-ring action, and surprises that can only happen live at WrestleMania. With a backdrop as legendary as the Coliseum, WWE is set to make history once again.


"Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world," said WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. "WrestleMania 21 will be an event worthy of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters."

WWE fans from across the globe will converge on the City of Angels, with an expected attendance topping 90,000 at the open-air stadium. The event will also be available live on pay-per-view to millions watching around the world.

️ Tickets will go on sale this fall through Ticketmaster outlets, WWE.com, and participating retailers.

Don't miss your chance to be part of history. WrestleMania Goes Hollywood, and you're invited to the premiere.
 

RadicalHitman

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WrestleMania XX Prediction Scorecard​

Madison Square Garden | March 28, 2004 Scoring: 1 point per correct pick unless otherwise noted

1. WWE Championship​

Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Edge
  • Winner: Brock Lesnar
  • Method: Pin
  • Match Time: 13 minutes (±2 min = 1 pt)

2. World Heavyweight Championship​

Triple H (c) vs. Kurt Angle (Evolution banned from ringside)
  • Winner: Kurt Angle
  • Method: Submission
  • Will Evolution appear anyway? Yes

3. Icon vs. Icon​

Shawn Michaels vs. The Rock
  • Winner: The Rock
  • First Finisher Hit: Superkick
  • Will they shake hands post-match? No

4. Inferno Casket Match​

The Undertaker vs. Kane
  • Winner: The Undertaker
  • Will the casket be set on fire? Yes
  • Will Paul Bearer appear? ☐ Yes

5. Eddie Guerrero vs. Goldberg​

  • Winner: Eddie Guerrero
  • Will Eddie use a weapon? Yes
  • Will Goldberg kick out of a Frog Splash? Yes

6. United States Championship​

Big Show (c) vs. John Cena
  • Winner: Big Show
  • Will Cena hit the FU? Yes
  • Will Big Show kick out at 1? Yes

7. Intercontinental Championship – 3 Stages of Hell​

Christian (c) vs. Chris Jericho
  • Winner: Christian
  • Match goes to 3rd fall? Yes
  • Will Trish interfere? Yes

8. Women’s Championship​

Molly Holly (c) vs. Lita
  • Winner: Molly Holly
  • Will Lita hit a moonsault? No
  • Will Molly cheat? No

9. Cruiserweight Championship – Title vs. Mask​

Chavo Guerrero Jr. (c) vs. Rey Mysterio
  • Winner: Rey Mysterio
  • Will Rey’s mask be removed? No
  • Will Chavo Classic interfere? Yes

10. JBL vs. Farooq (Falls Count Anywhere, No DQ)​

  • Winner: JBL
  • Match ends outside the ring? Yes
  • Will a beer bottle be used? No

11. Batista vs. Randy Orton​

  • Winner: Randy Orton
  • Will Triple H appear? Yes
  • Will Orton hit an RKO? Yes

12. Trish Stratus Open Challenge​

  • Winner: Sable?
  • Who answers the challenge? Sable
  • Surprise return? Yes

13. WWE Tag Team Championship – Fatal 4-Way TLC​

  • Winning Team: WGTT
  • Number of tables broken: 4
  • Will a ladder be used as a weapon? Yes

14. World Tag Team Championship – Tag Team Turmoil​

  • Winning Team: RVD & Booker T
  • First team eliminated: La Res
  • Will RVD hit a Five-Star Frog Splash? Yes

Prop Bets​

  • Match of the Night: Shawn v Rock
  • Longest Match: HHH v Angle
  • Shortest Match: Trish open challenge
  • Match Order:
    1. TLC Match
    2. Lesnar/Edge
    3. Trish match
    4. JBL/Faarooq
    5. Chavo/Rey
    6. Batista/Orton
    7. Cena/Big Show
    8. Tag Turmoil
    9. Christian/Jericho
    10. Molly/Lita
    11. Taker/Kane
    12. Tag Turmoil
    13. Angle/HHH
    14. Rock v Shawn