Intro:
WrestleMania 21 took place on April 3, 2005, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. The main events featured a changing of the guard as both Batista and John Cena walked out of the event as the new champions. The event also featured the non wrestling returns to the ring of Steve Austin, Roddy Piper, and Hulk Hogan. The prior night, both Piper and Hogan’s Hall of Fame speeches were televised on Spike TV.
The Animal Unleashed:
After being Triple H’s lackey for the past few years, Batista finally broke away from his Evolution teammate. Batista won this match and very quickly into his title reign he was drafted to SmackDown! He suffered a torn lat muscle but fought through it to save the company which was reeling from Eddie Guerrero’s death. He then suffered a torn triceps and was forced to relinquish the title.
You Can’t See Me:
John Cena also won his first WWE title at this show. He beat JBL in a match that was not very memorable. Cena was drafted to RAW and became embroiled in a feud with RAW GM Eric Bischoff. A few months after winning the title, he released a raqp album.
One More Match:
The night before WrestleMania at the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, the fans loudly begged Hulk Hogan for one more match. The next night, he saved Eugene from an attack from Hassan and Daivari. He went on to feud with these men in tag team matches and a few months later fought Shawn Michaels at SummerSlam as a way to promote his new reality TV show, Hogan Knows Best.
Match of the Year:
Shawn Michaels fought Kurt Angle in a dream match that went on to win the PWI Match of the Year. This was the first match ever between these two wrestling legends and it lived up to the hype. Other highlights of the night saw The Undertaker extend his undefeated streak against Randy Orton and tag team champions battle as Eddie Guerrero (in his final WrestleMania match) fought Rey Mysterio.
Money in the Bank:
The first Money in the Bank match was held at this event. A contract for a title shot was in a briefcase 15 feet above the ring. The man that could grab the briefcase would get the title shot. The match was highlighted by some incredible spots involving Shelton Benjamin. Edge won this match and used the title shot at New Year’s Revolution to beat John Cena, who had just competed in an Elimination Chamber match.
Random Facts:
- Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio’s match is the first time that the tag team champions have battled at WrestleMania.
- This is the first time that The Rock has not wrestled since WrestleMania 13.
- This was the first Piper’s Pit at WrestleMania since WrestleMania V.
- The Big Show vs Akebono sumo match was the first and hopefully last Sumo match at WrestleMania.
- This was Eddie Guerrero’s final WrestleMania appearance
Match Results:
- Rey Mysterio beat Eddie Guerrero
- Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Edge beat Chris Benoit, Kane, Shelton Benjamin, Chris Jericho & Christian to get a title shot whenever he wants.
- Eugene is attacked by Hassan in the ring. He is saved by the returning Hulk Hogan.
- The Undertaker beat Randy Orton
- Women's Title: Champion Trish Stratus beat Christy Hemme
- Kurt Angle beat Shawn Michaels
- Pipers Pit with Steve Austin
- Sumo Match: Sumo wrestler Akebono beat The Big Show
- WWE Title: John Cena beat JBL to win the title
- World Heavyweight Title: Batista beat Triple H to win the title
