WrestleMania XX

Infobox Wrestling event
name=WrestleMania XX

---

tagline=Where it all Begins... Again
theme="Step Up" (Drowning Pool) [cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/wwf/wwfother.htm|accessdate=2008-02-05|title=Miscellaneous Wrestling Information|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive]
"Touché" (Godsmack) [cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingworld.it/Commerciale/wrestlingemusic/elencoppvtheme.htm|accessdate=2008-02-05|title=Wrestling Music|publisher=Wrestling World]
promotion=World Wrestling Entertainment
brand=Raw
SmackDown!
date=March 14, 2004
venue=Madison Square Garden
city=New York, New York
attendance=20,000
lastevent=No Way Out (2004)
nextevent=Backlash (2004)
event=WrestleMania
lastevent2=WrestleMania XIX
nextevent2=WrestleMania 21

WrestleMania XX was the twentieth WrestleMania professional wrestling pay-per-view produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It took place on March 14, 2004 at Madison Square Garden in New York. [cite web|url=http://prowrestling.about.com/od/wrestlemania/p/wm20.htm|accessdate=2008-02-05|title=WrestleMania XX Results|last=Cohen|first=Eric|publisher=About.com (Professional Wrestling)] It was a joint-promotion pay-per-view event, featuring performers from the Raw and SmackDown! brands. The event was the third WrestleMania at Madison Square Garden but the fourth to take place in the New York metropolitan area (following WrestleMania I, WrestleMania 2, and WrestleMania X). The celebrated return grossed more than $2.4 million in ticket sales, making the Pay-Per-View the highest grossing event ever for WWE at Madison Square Garden. [cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2004/2004_03_14.2.jsp|title=WrestleMania XX Sets Record As Highest Grossing Event For World Wrestling Entertainment at Madison Square Garden|publisher=WWE Corporate|date= 2004-03-14|accessdate=2008-01-24] A sold-out Madison Square Garden was filled with more than 20,000 people from 16 countries, 48 states. Fans from more than 90 countries watched the televised event. [cite web|url= http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2004/2004_03_14.1.jsp|title=More Than 20,000 Attend WrestleMania XX As World Wrestling Entertainment Triumphantly Returns To Madison Square Garden|publisher=WWE Corporate|date=2004-03-14|accessdate=2008-01-24]

The card for the event featured two main events. The main match for the Raw brand was a Triple Threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship between Champion Triple H, Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit. Benoit won the match, performing the Crippler Crossface, making Triple H submit.cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm20/mainevent|title=Chris Benoit vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H - World Heavyweight Championship|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-01-24] The main match for the SmackDown! brand featured Eddie Guerrero versus Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship which Guerrero won after a Small package. The event also featured the returning Undertaker defeating Kane after a Tombstone Piledriver.cite web|first=John|last=Powell|url= http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/03/15/382634.html|title=WrestleMania XX bombs|publisher=SLAM! Sports|date= 2004-03-15|accessdate=2008-01-24] cite web|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm20/results|title=WrestleMania XX Results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-01-24] cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/wrestlemania20.html|title=WrestleMania XX Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-01-26]

Background

The main feud heading into the pay-per-view was on the Raw brand, with Triple H, Shawn Michaels and Chris Benoit feuding over the World Heavyweight Championship. Triple H was the champion heading into the event. At the Royal Rumble event two months earlier, Triple H and Michaels faced each other with the World Heavyweight Championship up for grabs in a Last Man Standing match. The match ended in a draw after neither superstar answered a ten-count when Michaels performed the Superkick. As a result, Triple H retained the title.cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/01/26/325195.html|title=Benoit wins the 'Rumble'|publisher= SLAM! Sports|first=John|last=Powell|date=2004-01-26|accessdate=2008-01-27] Also at the pay-per-view, in the actual Royal Rumble match, SmackDown!'s Benoit won the contest, eliminating The Big Show last.cite web|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/1988118/mainevent/|title=Chris Benoit (spot No. 1) wins the Royal Rumble Match|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-01-27] The following night, on the January 26 edition of "Raw", Michaels and Triple H were involved in a in-ring promo when Raw's Sheriff, Stone Cold Steve Austin made his way to the ring. He stated that, although Michaels should have a rematch, he had to "enforce the law." He stated that, in the rules it specifies that the winner of the Royal Rumble may face either the WWE Champion or World Heavyweight Champion. The winner of the Royal Rumble, Benoit made his way to the ring, and stated that he would be challenging the World Heavyweight Champion at WrestleMania XX.cite web|url= http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2004/01/27/326881.html|title=Raw: Mrs. Foley's little boy is back|publisher=SLAM! Sports| first=Nick|last=Tylwalk|date=2004-01-27|accessdate=2008-01-27] cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040126.html|title=Raw Results - Jnauary 26, 2004|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-01-27] On the February 2 edition of "Raw", Benoit was booked to play in his first contest on the brand, defeating Mark Henry, making him submit to the Crippler Crossface in front of Triple H, who attempted to distract Benoit.cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2004/02/03/334686.html|title=Raw: Benoit and Michaels align|publisher=SLAM! Sports|first=Nick|last=Tylwalk|date=2004-02-03|accessdate=2008-01-27] Both Triple H and Michaels were also in singles action later in night, defeating Spike Dudley and Randy Orton respectively. After the Michaels versus Orton bout, Triple H attempted to attack Michaels, but Benoit chased Triple H away. Benoit and Michaels then proceeded to shake hands.cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040202.html|title=Raw Results - February 2, 2004|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-01-27] The following week on "Raw", after Benoit defeated Ric Flair, a contract signing for the World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania XX took place. Triple H signed the contract for the match, but just as Benoit was about to sign the contract to confirm the match, Michaels made his way to the ring. Michaels stated that he wanted to finish his long-running feud with Triple H at Madison Square Garden. As Benoit was about to state that it was not going to happen, Michaels cut him off by Superkicking him. Michaels then proceeded to sign the contract.cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040209.html|title=Raw Results - February 9, 2004|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-01-27] On the February 16 edition of "Raw", Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff suggested that Triple H should defend his championship against either Michaels and Benoit on that night, but Triple H rejected the proposal. Benoit, however, made his way to the ring, and put Triple H in the Crossface submission maneuver. As a result of Triple H rejecting the proposal, Bischoff booked a match between Michaels and Benoit for the main event. Benoit looked set to win, but Triple H distracted him, allowing Michaels to perform the Superkick on Benoit. Triple H began to celebrate with Michaels, but instead performed the Pedigree on Michaels. Moments later, Austin came to ringside, and announced that Triple H would defend the title against both Michaels and Benoit at WrestleMania in a Triple Threat match.cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040216.html|title=Raw Results - February 16, 2004|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-01-27]

The main feud on the Smackdown! brand was between Eddie Guerrero and Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship. In the beginning of 2004, Angle and Guerrero were allies. Angle then won a Triple Threat Match that also included John Cena and The Big Show at No Way Out for a shot at the WWE Championship at WrestleMania. That same night, however, Guerrero defeated Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship. Angle then attacked Guerrero on the following edition of Smackdown!. Angle called Guerrero a disgrace to the title, allowing him to draw heel heat for the match.

Event

The event began with the Boys Choir of Harlem singing "America the Beautiful".cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/tv_reports/31151|accessdate=2008-01-26|title= WrestleMania XX Report|last=Pankonin|first=John|publisher=411 Mania|date=2004-03-14] The first match that aired was a singles match between The Big Show and John Cena for the WWE United States Championship. In the beginning of the match Cena scoop slammed Big Show twice. Cena then grabbed his signature chain and attacked Big Show with it, however the referee saw Cena and confiscated the chain. With the referee securing the chain with his back turned, Cena hit Big Show with hidden brass knuckles and executed his signature FU maneuver. Cena then immediately pinned The Big Show to win the match and the United States Championship.cite web|url= http://www.gerweck.net/wrestlemaniaxx.htm|accessdate=2008-01-26|title=WrestleMania XX results|publisher=Gerweck] This match was the first time that the United States Championship had been defended at a WrestleMania.

The next match was a Fatal Four-Way tag match between Rob Van Dam and Booker T, Garrison Cade and Mark Jindrak, The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von) and La Résistance (René Duprée and Rob Conway) for the World Tag Team Championship. The match ended when Conway was pinned by Van Dam after Booker T used his Scissor kick maneuver on Conway, which was then followed by Van Dam's Five-Star Frog Splash. Booker T and Rob Van Dam retained the titles as a result.

The third match was between Christian and Chris Jericho. Christian won the match after Trish Stratus hit Jericho on the face with her elbow. Next up was a Handicap match featuring Evolution (Randy Orton, Batista and Ric Flair) and The Rock 'n' Sock Connection (The Rock and Mick Foley). Evolution won the match when Orton pinned Foley after successfully executing an RKO.

"Mean" Gene Okerlund then introduced the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2004. This was followed by a Playboy Evening Gown Match featuring Torrie Wilson and Sable against Stacy Keibler and Miss Jackie. Wilson pinned Jackie for the win. The next match was a Cruiserweight Open for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. Cruiserweight competitors stood outside the ring, while two competitors wrestled in the ring. As one wrestler lost, another one entered. Último Dragón pinned Shannon Moore, but is then pinned by Jamie Noble. The next elimination was Funaki, who was pinned by Noble. Nunzio was then eliminated by count out when he was unable to return to the ring after performing a dive through the ropes onto Noble. Billy Kidman then entered the match, pinning and eliminating Noble. Kidman was then pinned and eliminated by Rey Mysterio. Tajiri was the next entrant, but is pinned by Mysterio. Akio was the next scheduled entrant but was unable to compete due too being inadvertently attacked by Tajiri when Mysterio ducked. The Crusierweight Champion, Chavo Guerrero was the final entrant and pinned Mysterio to win with the assistance of his father Chavo Guerrero, Sr., thus retaining the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.

The seventh match featured Brock Lesnar and Goldberg with special guest referee, Steve Austin. The beginning of the match began with both men staring each other down, drawing large heat from the fans throughout the match. Goldberg then successfully took Lesnar down with a Spear, that would only draw a two count after a pin attempt. Lesnar then executed the F-5 maneuver on Goldberg, but also resulted in a two-count pin attempt. Afterwards, Lesnar missed an attempt to knock Goldberg down, allowing Goldberg to execute another spear and a successful Jackhammer maneuver that led to a three count for Goldberg, thus winning the match. After the match, Steve Austin executed a Stone Cold Stunner on both competitors to the crowd's delight and celebrated with beer in the ring.

The eight match was the encounter of Victoria and Molly Holly for the WWE Women's Championship, where Holly would have to be shaved bald if she lost. Victoria would counter a Widow's peak maneuver attempt by Holly into a Backslide pin, drawing a three count, thus winning the match and retaining the WWE Women's Championship. Holly tried running towards the backstage area to escape the match's stipulation, but was eventually stopped by Victoria who would knock her out and place her onto the barber's chair, shaving her bald.cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm20/factsstats/|accessdate=2008-02-05|title=WWE WrestleMania XX Facts|publisher=WWE]

The next match featured Eddie Guerrero and Kurt Angle over the WWE Championship. Guerrero used a DDT and Frog Splash maneuver on Angle that would result in a two-count pin attempt. Angle then secured Guerrero with an Ankle lock hold. However, Guerrero escaped the hold by rolling through it and throwing Angle out of the ring. As Angle was outside, Guerrero loosened his ring boot to relieve the pain. As Angle returned to the ring, he applied another Ankle lock on Guerrero that would end up being unsuccessful with Guerrero escaping the hold by pushing Angle off with his other foot leaving Angle holding the Guerrero's loosened ring boot. With Angle confused, Guerrero executed a Roll-up pin maneuver leading to a successful pinfall, thus winning the match and retaining the WWE Championship.

The tenth match of the event was the encounter of The Undertaker and Kane, which would be Undertaker's first match since he was buried alive at Survivor Series 2003. The Undertaker made his return under his "Deadman" gimmick, as he was accompanied to the ring by Paul Bearer. The two wrestlers brawled in the beginning of the match, until Kane used a Chokeslam maneuver on Undertaker, which caused no effect as Undertaker sat up immediately afterwards. The Undertaker then retaliated by Chokeslamming Kane and executing a Tombstone piledriver into a successful pinfall, thus winning the match and remaining undefeated at WrestleMania with a 12-0 record.

The main event was a Triple threat match over the World Heavyweight Championship between Triple H, Chris Benoit, and Shawn Michaels. This was the seventh title defense of the night, the most in WrestleMania history. Benoit gained control over Michaels when he applied the Crossface hold. As Michaels was about to submit, Triple H would save the match. Triple H and Michaels teamed up to suplex Benoit through the announcer's table. Michaels then attempted to hit Benoit with a Sweet Chin Music maneuver, but Benoit countered it, throwing Michaels out of the ring. As this occurred, Triple H attempted to Pedigree Benoit. However, Benoit also countered it and held Triple H with Crossface hold that would force Triple H to submit. As a result, Benoit won the match and the World Heavyweight Championship.

Aftermath

Despite a huge effort from WWE to promote the Brock Lesnar versus Goldberg contest, some critics expressed disappointment with the match, with many in Madison Square Garden booing both competitors and only cheering for Steve Austin because of the fact that both participants were set to leave the WWE after the event.cite web|first=Mr.|last=Tito|url= http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2004/articles/1079331814.php|publisher=Lords of Pain|title=The Wrath of Tito - Wrestlemania 20 Review and Grade|date=2004-03-15|accessdate=2008-01-24]

At Backlash, the original main event match was between Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels for the World Heavyweight Championship.cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040322.html|title=Raw results - March 22, 2004|accessdate=2008-02-05|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] Though, on the March 29 edition of "Raw", after being traded to SmackDown! and brought back to Raw, [cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/t/triple-h.html|title=Online World of Wrestling Profiles - Triple H|accessdate=2008-02-05|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] Triple H demanded that the intended match at Backlash be changed to Benoit and Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship.cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040329.html|title=Raw results - March 29, 2004|accessdate=2008-02-05|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff liked the idea of the match, but concluded with adding that he made a promise to Michaels for granting him a World title match at Backlash; instead Bischoff booked a Triple Threat match between Benoit, Michaels and Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship. At Backlash, Benoit retained the World title, after he forced Michaels to submit to the Sharpshooter. [cite web|first=John|last=Powell|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/04/19/427888.html|title=Feature bouts save Backlash|accessdate=2008-02-06|date=2004-04-19|publisher=SLAM! Sports]

The feud between Kurt Angle and Eddie Guerrero continued. On the March 25 edition of "SmackDown!", Angle was made the on-screen General Manager of SmackDown!, [cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040325.html|title=SmackDown! results - March 25, 2004|accessdate=2008-02-06|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] as part to the storyline of Angle's legit neck problems. [cite web|first=Richard|last=Gray|title=Further details on Kurt Angle's injury; Condition very serious|url= http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2004/articles/1079458633.php|publisher=Lords of Pain|accessdate=2007-07-14] This angle would also play on the April 15 edition of "SmackDown!", when he attributed injuries suffered after The Big Show chokeslammed Angle off a ledge. [cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040415.html|title=SmackDown! results - April 15, 2004|accessdate=2008-02-08|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] In reality Angle announced that he would be having neck surgery in May and would be out of action until August. [cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/k/kurt-angle.html|title=Online World of Wrestling Profiles - Kurt Angle|accessdate=2008-02-08|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] At The Great American Bash, Angle cost Guerrero the WWE title in a Texas Bull Rope match against John "Bradshaw" Layfield, after Angle reversed the outcome of the match when Guerrero appeared to have retained the title. [cite web|url=http://www.hoffco-inc.com/wwe/ppv/ppv/gab04.html|title=The Great American Bash 2004 review|accessdate=2008-02-08|publisher=hoffco-inc.com] In the same month, Angle's position as General Manager of SmackDown! came to an end when he was fired by WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, after McMahon had exposed that Angle was not really injured. [cite web|url=http://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040722.html|title=SmackDown! results - July 22, 2004|accessdate=2008-02-08|publisher=Online World of Wrestling] At SummerSlam, Angle and Guerrero were booked in a match, in which it saw Angle defeat Guerrero after he forced Guerrero to submit to the Ankle lock. [cite web|first=Jason|last=Clevett|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/08/16/585826.html|title=Orton-Benoit, Guerrero-Angle save SummerSlam|accessdate=2008-02-11|date=2004-08-16|publisher=SLAM! Sports]

Results

References

External links

* [http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm20/ The Official Website of WrestleMania XX]