The women's title match between Trish Stratus and current Playboy Playmate Christy Hemme should have happened on RAW. If the WWE is serious about the women's division, get some real wrestlers in there. The only real highlight was Christy nearly falling out of her top, though it was barely on the entire match anyway. The finish just came out of nowhere with a kick from Trish, who now retains a title that no one really cares about.
The Smackdown/RAW feud continues as Shawn Michaels takes on Kurt Angle. As it usually ends up at Wrestlemania, the main event is not the most memorable bout of the night. Instead, this years award goes to these guys who put on a spectacular performance, highlighted by numerous false finishes, an announce table that forgot to break, and some of the best technical wrestling of the night. The only thing missing was one of Michaels' always shocking blade jobs. If he had begun to gush blood, he might have passed out before he could tap to a second and brutal ankle lock. It seemed to go on forever and Michaels did a fantastic job of selling it and Angle did his part by making it look excruciating.
The much-hyped return of Piper's Pit fizzled completely. It's not that Steve Austin and Piper weren't in top form (could you think of two better guys to get on the mic and face off?), it's the last minute addition of Carlito. Just when the two began trading banter giving the fans what they wanted, out walks the newcomer for no apparent reason. A future and current Hall of Famer do not need help. Austin ended up stunning both parties and downing beer before leaving.
The first ever sumo match in Wrestlemania (WWE?) history was pretty much a wash. Akebono and Big Show did just as advertised as they fought for position in a ropeless ring. Eventually (after maybe two minutes), Akebono threw Big Show out on his back with little or no fan reaction. This did nothing to create fans of the sport here in the U.S.
A major letdown, John Cena took home his first WWE title against JBL. There's little of note here in a match absolutely dominated by Bradshaw. The fight was short and to the point without much worth mentioning except for another finish that came entirely from left field. After taking a massive beating, Cena must have been informed they were running out of time and just slapped JBL down to the mat with the FU. There was no flow to the bout at all, which makes the decision to give Cena the belt questionable. Afterwards, all of the Hall of Fame inductees are brought out, with the focus clearly on Hogan.
Article comments
1 - Chris Beaumont
Nice review, still wish I saw it...
The card only seemed like half a Wrestlemania. When I think of Wrestlemania, generally I think of all or nearly all of the titles on the line, and a better build up.
2 - James Woodin
I saw Wrestlemania 21 on Sky Box Office in the UK. And staying up late was worth it. Batista won the title as predicted. Piper's Pit was a bit of a shame because of not so cool - Carlito. The ladder match was fantastic, same for Angle/HBK. Not the best WM's but it was worth the £14.95 I paid.
3 - Matt Paprocki
Wow James, you guy get off cheap. That's only like $25 or $30 US if my math is right (and it probably isn't). We're stuck with a $50 bill over here. Consider yourself lucky!
4 - Robert Horrace
This WWE wrestle...boar...mania 21 just plained sucked.
No tags no great matches...Has WWE turned into WCW Saturday Night????
I am very disapionted.
5 - Stu
I thought, overall WM21 was excellent. JBL/Cena was a dud as were Hemme/Trish. Piper's Pit was pointless. But Angle/HBK and HHH/Batista and that ladder match truly made up for it.
The nice thing is, here in Australia, the PPV was just AUS$21.90 - about US$16.50.
6 - Scott Pepper
Matt, this article has been syndicated at the Advance.net network of sites, including Cleveland.com.
7 - james scrannage
i thought overall the ppv was pretty average. my expectations were too high after last year. There was definatly a lack of tag/hardcore action. That said, Benoit is a legend! ladder match was ace, time for a Shelton push i rec. Also, HBK/Angle and Trips/Batista stole the show
8 - Stephen knupp
yo yo man wrestlemania was off the shizzle for rizzle. i would watch it all over again if it came on everyday.. Batista and John Cena are the Champs.YEAH BABY!!!!!
9 - oliver mcmillan
haha gutted you guys having to pay like $50, i live in new zealand and get it for $20 which is like $7-8 where you live, HAHA
10 - Kyle Anderson
this ppv was pretty decent
everything was average except the ladder match, angle/hbk, and hhh/batista. i thought cena/jbl was shit and hemme/stratus. overall, taker/orton and mysterio/guerrero were pretty good too.