WrestleMania 20, held at Madison Square Garden in 2004, was a monumental event filled with nostalgia, triumphant returns, and disappointing outcomes. While the show had its shining moments, many fans felt that certain matches and storylines could have been handled better. This article dives deep into rebooking WrestleMania 20, exploring alternative scenarios and dream matches that could have elevated the event to legendary status.
The Original WrestleMania 20: A Mixed Bag
Before we begin our rebooking journey, let's recap the original WrestleMania 20 card. The main event featured a Triple Threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship between Triple H, Chris Benoit, and Shawn Michaels. Other notable matches included Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg, Kurt Angle vs. Eddie Guerrero for the WWE Championship, and a grudge match between The Rock 'n' Sock Connection (The Rock and Mick Foley) and Evolution (Randy Orton, Ric Flair, and Batista). While the show had its high points, such as Chris Benoit's emotional victory and Eddie Guerrero's cunning win, it was also plagued by lackluster performances and questionable booking decisions. The infamous Lesnar vs. Goldberg match, marred by the knowledge of both men's impending departures, is often cited as one of the worst WrestleMania matches of all time. The undercard also felt somewhat underwhelming, with several talented performers relegated to filler matches. So, how can we improve upon this mixed bag and create a truly unforgettable WrestleMania experience?
Rebooking the Main Event: A Championship Showdown
The original main event saw Chris Benoit capture the World Heavyweight Championship in a thrilling Triple Threat match. While Benoit's victory was a feel-good moment, the match itself felt somewhat convoluted due to the presence of three top stars. For our rebooked WrestleMania 20, let's simplify the main event and focus on a one-on-one championship clash.
Our main event: Chris Benoit (c) vs. Shawn Michaels for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Why this works: This matchup allows for a more focused and intense narrative. Chris Benoit, the underdog champion, defending his hard-earned title against the legendary Shawn Michaels, the Heartbreak Kid, is a classic good-versus-evil storyline. Michaels's heel turn in the lead-up to WrestleMania provides a compelling reason for fans to root for Benoit. Imagine the drama and intensity as Benoit battles Michaels's cunning and athleticism. This match has the potential to be an all-time classic, a true wrestling masterpiece. Plus, Shawn Michaels’ in-ring performance at this time was phenomenal, and he could truly carry a match to new heights. Benoit, known for his technical prowess and unwavering determination, would be the perfect foil. The clash of styles would create a dynamic and captivating main event, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. This one-on-one encounter allows for a cleaner narrative and a more satisfying conclusion, highlighting the emotional journey of Benoit as he overcomes the odds and defends his championship.
Reimagining the WWE Championship Match: A Dream Confrontation
The WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 20 pitted Kurt Angle against Eddie Guerrero in a fantastic encounter. Guerrero's win was a classic Eddie moment, filled with deception and brilliance. However, let's explore a different direction for this championship clash.
Our rebooked match: Eddie Guerrero (c) vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship.
Why this works: This match presents a fascinating clash of styles and personalities. Eddie Guerrero, the wily veteran, defending his title against the dominant beast, Brock Lesnar, creates an intriguing David-versus-Goliath dynamic. Lesnar's power and intensity would be a formidable challenge for Guerrero's cunning and technical skill. Imagine the crowd's excitement as Guerrero uses his intelligence and resilience to try and outsmart the monstrous Lesnar. This match allows for some incredible storytelling. The question of whether Eddie's “Lie, Cheat, and Steal” tactics can overcome Lesnar’s raw power is a compelling narrative that would keep fans hooked. Furthermore, the match could be a passing-of-the-torch moment, elevating Guerrero to the main event scene and establishing him as a legitimate top champion. The contrast in their wrestling styles – Lesnar's brute strength versus Guerrero's technical finesse – would make for a captivating and unpredictable encounter. The potential for near-falls, surprise maneuvers, and dramatic moments is immense, promising a truly unforgettable WWE Championship showdown.
Addressing the Unfinished Business: Rock vs. Orton
The Rock 'n' Sock Connection's victory over Evolution was a fun nostalgia act, but it didn't serve much purpose beyond that. Instead, let's capitalize on the burgeoning rivalry between The Rock and a young Randy Orton.
Our rebooked match: The Rock vs. Randy Orton.
Why this works: This match would be a generational clash, pitting a legend against a future superstar. Randy Orton was on the cusp of greatness in 2004, and a match against The Rock would have been a massive boost to his career. The Rock's star power and Orton's rising popularity would create a buzzworthy encounter. Imagine the promos and build-up, with The Rock's charisma clashing with Orton's arrogance. This match could have been a pivotal moment in Orton's ascent to the top of WWE, firmly establishing him as a main event player. It’s a match that fans would have been eager to see, a true spectacle of wrestling entertainment. The Rock's experience and charisma combined with Orton's youthful aggression and developing skills would make for a compelling narrative. Furthermore, a victory over The Rock would have instantly elevated Orton's status, positioning him as a major threat to the established stars of WWE. This match would not only be a highlight of WrestleMania 20 but also a significant stepping stone in Orton's journey to becoming a multi-time world champion.
Giving the Fans What They Want: A Proper Sendoff
The original match between Brock Lesnar and Goldberg was a disaster. Both men were leaving WWE, and the crowd made their displeasure known. Let's give these two powerhouses a more fitting end to their WWE careers.
Our rebooked segment: A Retirement Ceremony for Goldberg and Brock Lesnar.
Why this works: Instead of a dreadful match, let's acknowledge the contributions of both Goldberg and Lesnar with a respectful farewell segment. This allows the crowd to express their appreciation (or disdain) without the pressure of a competitive match. This segment could involve other legends coming out to pay tribute, creating a memorable moment for everyone involved. Imagine the emotion in the arena as both Goldberg and Lesnar address the fans, reflecting on their time in WWE. This segment could be a chance to build future rivalries or even hint at a potential return down the line. It's a much more dignified way to end their tenures than the lackluster match they had in reality. A retirement ceremony provides closure and allows the fans to say goodbye properly, leaving a more positive lasting impression of both Goldberg and Lesnar's time in WWE.
Rounding Out the Card: Filling the Gaps
With our main matches rebooked, let's fill out the rest of the card with some exciting encounters.
- Triple H vs. Chris Jericho: A heated rivalry between two top stars. This match has the potential to be a show-stealer, with both men bringing their A-game. The animosity between Triple H and Jericho would create a compelling narrative, and their in-ring chemistry is undeniable. A well-structured match between these two could easily be one of the highlights of the show.
- Kurt Angle vs. John Cena (US Title Match): A clash between the wrestling machine and the rising star. This match would serve as a great platform to elevate John Cena's career while showcasing Kurt Angle's incredible talent. The contrast in their styles – Angle's technical prowess versus Cena's power and charisma – would make for a captivating encounter. This match could be a crucial step in Cena's journey to becoming a top WWE superstar.
- Edge vs. Christian: A personal rivalry between former tag team partners. This match would be filled with emotion and intensity, as Edge and Christian battle it out to prove who is the better wrestler. Their history and familiarity with each other would make for a compelling storyline, and the match itself could be a hard-hitting and memorable affair.
- Evolution (Ric Flair & Batista) vs. The Dudley Boyz (Tag Team Titles): A classic tag team encounter with the legendary Dudley Boyz taking on the dominating Evolution. This match would add some much-needed tag team action to the card and provide a platform for both teams to shine. The clash of styles and experience would make for an exciting and competitive match.
- Cruiserweight Open: A showcase of high-flying talent. This match would provide a platform for the cruiserweight division to shine and would be a fast-paced and exciting affair. The potential for incredible athleticism and innovative moves would make this a must-see match for fans of the cruiserweight style.
The Rebooked WrestleMania 20 Card
- Chris Benoit (c) vs. Shawn Michaels for the World Heavyweight Championship
- Eddie Guerrero (c) vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship
- The Rock vs. Randy Orton
- Triple H vs. Chris Jericho
- Kurt Angle vs. John Cena (US Title Match)
- Edge vs. Christian
- Evolution (Ric Flair & Batista) vs. The Dudley Boyz (Tag Team Titles)
- Retirement Ceremony for Goldberg and Brock Lesnar
- Cruiserweight Open
Conclusion: A WrestleMania to Remember
Rebooking WrestleMania 20 allows us to address some of the shortcomings of the original event and create a more compelling and memorable show. By focusing on stronger narratives, dream matchups, and a respectful sendoff for departing stars, we can transform WrestleMania 20 into a true classic. This rebooked card not only addresses the issues of the original event but also provides a platform for rising stars to shine and established legends to cement their legacies. It's a blend of nostalgia, excitement, and what-if scenarios that make wrestling so captivating. Ultimately, rebooking WrestleMania 20 is a fun exercise in fantasy booking, allowing us to explore the endless possibilities of professional wrestling and imagine a world where every match is a five-star classic. This is just one perspective, and the beauty of wrestling is that there are countless ways to book a show. What are your thoughts? How would you rebook WrestleMania 20? Let us know in the comments below!
