Wrestle Mania 25

World Wrestling Entertainment held it's 25th anniversary of Wrestle Mania. The grand daddy of them all. The pay per view which cost me $54.95 was worth the money spent. Full of action and twists you didn't see coming.

The Tag Team unification match was a dark match before show went on the air. Primo used a modified backstabber to defeat Morrison. Primo and Carlito are now only Tag Team Champions in WWE. Cant grade this match due to it not being aired.

The evening started off with the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Finlay, Christian, Mark Henry, CM Punk, Kofi Kingston, Shelton Benjamin, Kane, and MVP were in the match trying to get briefcase from above the ring. The briefcase got the winner a title shot anytime within the next year. Every MITB winner has become champion. The match was a great way to start night. Shelton Benjamin made a nice flip off the top of the ladder outside of the ring to take out opponents. Despite not winning match Kofi really put on a show. Jumping over a ladder held by two opponents then drop kicking it was one of my favorite parts of PPV. The favorite had to of been when ladder was held by Mark Henry Kofi ran up an un-setup ladder to nearly grab briefcase. In the end it was CM Punk beating out Kane to grab the win. Punk has won two in a row now. Final grade for match is an A.

The next match was a 25 Diva Battle Royal to name Miss Wrestle Mania. Rather predictable but full of some former WWE Diva's not seen in awhile. Jackie Gayda, Sunny, Victoria, Torrie Wilson were all there. Beth Phoenix was trying to eliminate Melina when a mysterious Diva eliminated both. The Diva announced "she" was Santina Marella. Santino's twin sister. Easy to figure out it was Santino in drag. I noticed this as bell rang who it was and easily predicted the winner. Predictable and boring match. Also very quick. Final grade is a C-.

In my opinion the least exciting match came in the 3 on 1 match with Jericho taking on Snuka, Piper, and Steamboat. Snuka was eliminated via Walls of Jericho and Steamboat and Piper both received Code Breakers for Jericho to pick up win. Flair also got one after match. Star of the hit movie The Wrestler Mickie Rourke then knocked out Jericho with a left hook. Ricky Steamboat did look to be in great shape though. Snuka well the guy is 64. Do we need to see him in a ring anymore? Wasn't excited over this match. Had it moments but a 64 year old Snuka. Give me a break. I give it a C. Stone Cold vs Jericho could have been great.

The Intercontinental Championship was the shortest match of the night. Despite being attacked before bell rung it took Rey Mysterio 21 seconds to beat JBL becoming the new champion. Following the match JBL quit. The match may have been short but it was good. Gets a grade of B.

My personal favorite match of the night was the Extreme Rules Match with Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy. Lots of hard hitting action including vicious chair shot from Jeff to Matt, and a top rope dive from Jeff through 2 tables, a chair, and Matt. Jeff seems to have taken too many risks as a leap frog from ladder missed and Matt capitalized with a Twist of Fate while Jeff's head was stuck in chair. Very exciting and emotional match. I thought they really put on a show. Second best match next to the HBK vs Undertaker match. I gave it a grade of A+.

The night really ended in a bang with the final three matches. The first put The Undertaker's streak on the line vs Shawn Michaels. The match saw tombstones, choke slams, last rides, sweet chin music, and figure fours but neither man would quit. I thought for sure late in the match HBK could end Taker's streak when he delivered the super kick to a Taker who looked beat. Great acting on his part. HBK attempted a back flip which Undertaker countered with a tombstone. The result was 17-0! I didn't like the outcome of Taker winning but it was best match of the night. Gets a A+.

The second to last match was the World Heavyweight Championship Triple Threat match. Edge defended his title against John Cena and The Big Show. The match saw Chavo get the FU or Attitude Adjustment from Cena and Vickie speared by Edge. Really loved seeing The Big Show get tied up in the ropes like Andre The Giant did at Wrestle Mania 6 I believe. Cena attempted to use the Attitude Adjustment on both Edge and Big Show at same time but Edge slipped off but received one anyway. Cena would pin the Big Show and become the new World Heavyweight Champion. Exciting match where I saw multiple times each superstar could have won. Got a grade of A. Cena celebrating with Carl Edwards was a nice touch too.

The main event was a personal duel between Triple H and Randy Orton. Both hit there finishers at start of match. I sensed a punt would occur during match. It happened after referee was knocked out. Triple H delivered the punt to Orton who brought sledgehammer into the ring. Triple H would then hit Orton with Sledge and throw the weapon away before ref saw it. Following a pedigree he retained his title. Lousy outcome since I despise Triple H so much. Would love to see him stripped of belt for using the sledgehammer. It was a great match but I cant give it a grade higher than an A.

The night also included a Hall of Fame ceremony with Stone Cold riding a four wheeler around the ring and celebrating with beer. Special moment occurred when he handed good ole JR a beer. Touching moment if you know these two guys history. No secret JR is Austin's biggest fan. Not a match but still gets a grade of A+.

The event had it ups and downs. Overall I was happy with it. I give the event an overall grade of an A-.