HULK HOGAN

1 (1985): Along with Mr.T, defeated Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff
2 (1986): Defeated challenger King Kong Bundy in a Steel Cage match to retain the WWF title
3 (1987): Defeated Andre the Giant to retain the WWF title
4 (1988): Wrestled to a double disqualification with Andre The Giant in the quarterfinals of the WWF title tournament
5 (1989): Defeated Randy Savage to win the WWF title
6 (1990): Lost the WWF title to The Ultimate Warrior
7 (1991): Defeated Sgt. Slaughter to win the WWF title
8 (1992): Defeated Sid Justice by disqualification
9 (1993): Along with Brutus Beefcake, lost to WWF tag team champions IRS and Ted DiBiase by disqualification; defeated Yokozuna to win the WWF title
18 (2002): Lost to The Rock
19 (2003): Defeated Vince McMahon

Non-wrestling appearance

21 (2005): Did a surprise run-in to save Eugene from an attack by Muhammad Hassan and Daivari

Comments: Shawn Michaels made his name by stealing the show at WrestleMania, but if it wasn’t for Hogan, there would be no show to steal. … Wrestled in seven of the first eight WrestleMania main events and competed in six world title matches. … Thanks mostly to his much-hyped tag match with Mr. T against Piper and Orndorff, the inaugural WrestleMania – on which WWE chairman Vince McMahon risked everything – was a huge financial success. … Body slam of Andre in epic match at WM 3 is perhaps the most famous spot in wrestling history. Victory over the “undefeated” Andre took Hogan from superstar to legend. … Even though he did not wrestle in the main event at WM 4, his interference in the WWF title tournament final helped Savage win the championship. … Memorable year-long story line with friend-turned-foe Savage concluded at WM 5 with Hogan becoming just the second man in WWE’s 26-year history at that point to regain the title. … Match against Ultimate Warrior at WM 6 had electric atmosphere and the in-ring action exceeded expectations. Hogan’s tearful salute of The Warrior as he exited the ring in defeat somewhat overshadowed Warrior’s historic victory. … Became the first three-time WWF champion at WM 7. … After wrestling in a tag match earlier on the show at WM 9, Hogan returned at the end of the evening and won the WWF title from Yokozuna, who had issued an impromptu challenge just minutes after defeating Bret Hart for the belt. … Icon versus Icon showdown with The Rock at WM 18 rivals Hogan’s match with Andre at WM 3 for “The Hulkster’s” greatest WrestleMania moment. … Memorable brawl with McMahon at WM 19 pitted the two men most responsible for the success of WrestleMania against each other.

To view the entire list, click here.

Photo courtesy of WWE

Posted by baltimoresun.com at 1:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (19)
Categories: Top 25 WrestleMania stars
        

SHAWN MICHAELS

5 (1989): Along with Marty Jannetty, lost to Akeem and The Big Bossman
6 (1990): Along with Jannetty, lost to The Orient Express by countout
7 (1991): Along with Jannetty, defeated The Barbarian and Haku
8 (1992): Defeated Tito Santana
9 (1993): Lost to challenger Tatanka by disqualification. Michaels retained the Intercontinental title.
10 (1994):) Lost to Intercontinental champion Razor Ramon in a ladder match
11 (1995): Lost to WWF champion Diesel
12 (1996): Defeated Bret Hart less than two minutes into overtime of a 60-minute Iron Man Match to win the WWF title
14 (1998): Lost the WWF title to Steve Austin
19 (2003): Defeated Chris Jericho
20 (2004): Lost to Chris Benoit in a world heavyweight title match. Champion Triple H also was in the match.
21 (2005): Lost to Kurt Angle
22 (2006): Defeated Vince McMahon in a No Holds Barred match
23 (2007): Lost to WWE champion John Cena
24 (2008): Defeated Ric Flair in a match with the stipulation that Flair had to retire if he lost

Comments: Thanks to his spectacular wrestling skills, he has stolen the show on the grand stage more than anyone. … His 15 WrestleMania appearances are second only to The Undertaker (16). … Has competed in five world title matches at WrestleMania, four of which went on last. … Although it wasn’t his greatest match at WrestleMania, Michaels’ victory over Flair in the latter’s final match created one of the most memorable WrestleMania moments – Michaels mouthing, “I’m sorry, I love you,” before delivering the decisive superkick to his idol. … First show-stealing performance was at WM 10, when he and Ramon competed in the first ladder match on a WWE pay-per-view. … Victory over Hart to win his first WWF title at WM 12 is the longest match (nearly 62 minutes) at WrestleMania. … Working with a severe back injury, Michaels put on a gutsy performance in dropping the WWF title to Austin at WM 14. It would be Michaels’ last match for more than four years. … Michaels, Benoit and Triple H competed in a tremendous triple threat match at WM 20. … Matches with Jericho (WM 19) and Angle (WM 21) were both outstanding. … Carried 60-year-old McMahon to an entertaining brawl at WM 22.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through Sunday.

To view the list through today, click here.

Photo courtesy of WWE

Q&A with Shawn Michaels (March 21, 2008)

Q&A with Shawn Michaels (Nov. 15, 2007)

Posted by baltimoresun.com at 2:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (38)
Categories: Top 25 WrestleMania stars
        

THE UNDERTAKER

7 (1991): Defeated Jimmy Snuka
8 (1992): Defeated Jake Roberts
9 (1993): Defeated Giant Gonzalez by disqualification
11 (1995): Defeated King Kong Bundy
12 (1996): Defeated Diesel
13 (1997): Defeated Psycho Sid to win the WWF title
14 (1998): Defeated Kane
15 (1999): Defeated The Big Bossman in a Hell in a Cell match
17 (2001): Defeated Triple H
18 (2002): Defeated Ric Flair
19 (2003): Defeated The Big Show and A-Train in a handicap match
20 (2004): Defeated Kane
21 (2005): Defeated Randy Orton
22 (2006): Defeated Mark Henry in a Casket Match
23 (2007): Defeated Batista to win the world heavyweight title
24 (2008): Defeated Edge to win the world heavyweight title

Comments: “The Streak” has become a major part of WrestleMania. Putting his unblemished record at the signature show on the line is like having another title match on the card. … Holds the record for most WrestleMania appearances (16). … Has won the world title three times at WrestleMania, including the past two years. … Has always been a featured attraction at WrestleMania, but he was often matched against big lumbering guys, so not all of his WrestleMania matches have been good. That hasn’t been the case in recent years. Matches with Triple H (WM 17) and Flair (WM 18) were quite good, and matches against Orton (WM 21), Batista (WM 23) and Edge (WM 24) were excellent. … Return to his “Dead Man” character to face Kane was one of the top attractions at WM 20.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through Sunday.

To view the list through today, click here.

Photo courtesy of WWE

Posted by Kevin Eck at 1:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (44)
Categories: Top 25 WrestleMania stars
        

STEVE AUSTIN

12 (1996): Defeated Savio Vega
13 (1997): Lost to Bret Hart in a submission match
14 (1998): Defeated Shawn Michaels to win the WWF title
15 (1999): Defeated The Rock to win the WWF title
17 (2001): Defeated The Rock to win the WWF title
18 (2002): Defeated Scott Hall
19 (2003): Lost to The Rock

Non-wrestling appearances

20 (2004): Was guest referee in the Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar match
21 (2005): Was a guest of Piper’s Pit
23 (2007): Was guest referee in the Donald Trump-Vince McMahon hair stipulation match

Comments: Took a major step toward becoming the top guy in the company when he and Hart pulled off a double turn in a classic match at WM 13. … Officially became the leader of the Attitude Era with his victory over Michaels at WM 14 that featured Mike Tyson as special enforcer referee. … The company was on fire when Austin beat The Rock for the WWF title at WM 15 in a match that was an extension of the legendary Austin-McMahon feud. … In a battle of the two biggest superstars in the business at the time, Austin again won the title from Rock at WM 17, only this time Austin turned heel at the end of the match and joined forces with McMahon. The post-match handshake between Austin and McMahon was something no one saw coming. … Lost to The Rock at WM 19 and has not wrestled since. … Even though his in-ring career was over, Austin provided a WrestleMania moment at WM 20 when he delivered stunners to Lesnar and Goldberg after their match.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through Sunday.

To view the list through today, click here.

Posted by Kevin Eck at 6:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (25)
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THE ROCK

13 (1997): Defeated challenger The Sultan to retain the Intercontinental title
14 (1998): Defeated Ken Shamrock by reverse decision to retain the Intercontinental title
15 (1999): Lost the WWF title to Steve Austin
16 (2000): Lost to WWF champion Triple H in a fatal four-way match. Mick Foley and The Big Show also were in the match.
17 (2001): Lost the WWF title to Steve Austin
18 (2002): Defeated Hulk Hogan
19 (2003): Defeated Steve Austin
20 (2004): Along with Foley, lost to Randy Orton, Ric Flair and Batista in a handicap match

Comments: His storied rivalry with Austin resulted in three WrestleMania matches between the two superstars during the glory years of the Attitude Era. ...Even though Rock and Austin had wrestled each other a number of times, their match at WM 17 was the first meeting in which they both were babyfaces. The intense back-and-forth match reached a crescendo when Austin shockingly turned heel and aligned with longtime rival Vince McMahon. ... His most memorable – and surreal – WrestleMania match was against Hogan at WM 18. The atmosphere in that match was off the charts. ... After going 0-2 against Austin at WrestleMania, Rock defeated “Stone Cold” at WM 19 in what turned out to be Austin’s last match. ... Wrestled his final match in WWE at WM 20, teaming with Foley against Evolution. While the match was not promoted as one of the main events, it was one of the most anticipated matches on the card.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through Sunday.

To view the list through today, click here.

Photo courtesy of WWE

Posted by Kevin Eck at 6:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (24)
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TRIPLE H

WrestleMania history

12 (1996): Lost to The Ultimate Warrior
13 (1997): Defeated Goldust
14 (1998): Defeated challenger Owen Hart to retain the European title
15 (1999): Lost to Kane by disqualification
16 (2000): Defeated challengers The Rock, Mick Foley and The Big Show in a fatal four-way match to retain the WWF title
17 (2001): Lost to The Undertaker
18 (2002): Defeated Chris Jericho to win the undisputed world title
19 (2003): Defeated challenger Booker T. to retain the world heavyweight title
20 (2004): Lost the world heavyweight title to Chris Benoit in a triple threat match. Shawn Michaels also was in the match.
21 (2005): Lost the world heavyweight title to Batista
22 (2006): Lost to WWE champion John Cena
24 (2008): Lost to WWE champion Randy Orton in a triple threat match. Cena also was in the match.

Comments: Has yet to have his defining WrestleMania moment, but few have a better WrestleMania resume. Triple H has wrestled in a record seven world title matches at WrestleMania and has closed the show five times. … At WM 16, he became the first heel to successfully defend the WWF title. He also did so at WM 19. … Became the second undisputed world champion with his victory over Jericho at WM 18. … Triple threat match with Benoit and Michaels at WM 20 is one of the best–worked WrestleMania main events of all time. … Solidified Batista as a money player by putting him over at WM 21. … Did the same for Cena the following year.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through Sunday.

To view the list through today, click here.

Posted by Kevin Eck at 8:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (39)
Categories: Top 25 WrestleMania stars
        

RANDY SAVAGE

2 (1986): Defeated George Steele to retain the Intercontinental title
3 (1987): Lost the Intercontinental title to Ricky Steamboat
4 (1988): Defeated Butch Reed in the first round of the WWF title tournament; defeated Greg Valentine in the quarterfinals; defeated One Man Gang in the semifinals; defeated Ted DiBiase in the final to win the title
5 (1989): Lost the WWF title to Hulk Hogan
6 (1990): Along with Queen Sherri, lost to Dusty Rhodes and Sapphire in a mixed tag team match
7 (1991): Lost to the Ultimate Warrior in a retirement match
8 (1992): Defeated Ric Flair to win the WWF title
10 (1994): Defeated Crush in a falls count anywhere match

Comments: Classic against Steamboat at WM 3 is still talked about today. ... Reached the pinnacle of his career by winning the WWF title tournament at WM 4. ... That match was the beginning of a story line that slowly built over the next year, as Savage and Hogan went from friends to bitter enemies. ... The feud culminated in a Hogan-Savage match at WM 5. ... At WM 6, he participated in WWE's first mixed tag match. ... Retirement match against Ultimate Warrior at WM 7 featured the emotional reunion of Savage and Elizabeth after the match. ... Won the WWF title for a second time at WM 8.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through Sunday.

To view the list through today, click here.

Posted by baltimoresun.com at 6:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (31)
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BRET HART

WrestleMania history

2 (1986): Was the last man eliminated in a battle royal won by Andre The Giant
3 (1987): Along with Jim Neidhart and Danny Davis, defeated The British Bulldogs and Tito Santana
4 (1988): Was the last man eliminated in a battle royal won by Bad News Brown
5 (1989): Along with Neidhart, defeated Greg Valentine and The Honky Tonk Man
6 (1990): Along with Neidhart, defeated The Bolsheviks
7 (1991): Along with Neidhart, lost the WWF tag team title to The Nasty Boys
8 (1992): Defeated Roddy Piper to win the Intercontinental title
9 (1993): Lost the WWF title to Yokozuna
10 (1994): Defeated Yokozuna to win the WWF title; lost to Owen Hart
11 (1995): Defeated Bob Backlund in an I Quit match
12 (1996): Lost the WWF title to Shawn Michaels less than two minutes into overtime in a 60-minute Iron Man Match
13 (1997): Defeated Steve Austin in a submission match

Comments: Appeared in a record 12 consecutive WrestleManias, a testament to his ability and durability. .. After wrestling either in tag matches or battle royals during his first six WrestleManias, he had his first one-on-one match at WM 8. It was a memorable battle with Piper for the Intercontinental title and was Hart’s biggest singles victory to that point. … Headlined WMs 9, 10 and 12 in WWF title matches. … At WM 10, he also had a fantastic match with his brother. … Match against rival Michaels at WM 12 is the longest in WrestleMania history (61:52, according to the Wrestling Almanac and Book of Facts). … Engaged in one of the most intense matches in WrestleMania history at WM 13 against Austin. The match featured a double turn, with Hart going heel and Austin going babyface.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through April 5.

To view the list through today, click here.

Photo courtesy of WWE

Posted by Kevin Eck at 9:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (57)
Categories: Top 25 WrestleMania stars
        

RODDY PIPER

1 (1985): Along with Paul Orndorff, lost to Hulk Hogan and Mr. T
2 (1986): Lost to Mr. T by disqualification in a boxing match
3 (1987): Defeated Adrian Adonis in a hair vs. hair match. It was billed as Piper’s retirement match.
6 (1990): Wrestled Bad News Brown to a double countout
8 (1992): Lost the Intercontinental title to Bret Hart
12 (1996): Defeated Goldust in a Hollywood Back Lot Brawl

Non-wrestling appearances

5 (1989): Hosted Piper's Pit with Morton Downey Jr. and Brother Love
7 (1991): Was in Virgil's corner for his match against Ted DiBiase
10 (1994): Was guest referee in WWF title match between Hart and Yokozuna
11 (1995): Was guest referee in I Quit match between Hart and Bob Backlund
19 (2003): Did a run-in during Hogan vs. Vince McMahon match
21 (2005): Hosted Piper’s Pit with Steve Austin

Comments: Every great babyface needs a great heel to go against, and Piper was that guy for Hogan. ... Tag-team match at the inaugural WrestleMania is perhaps the most hyped match ever, and it laid a strong foundation for what WrestleMania would become. ... Boxing match against Mr. T headlined the New York portion of WM 2, which took place in three cities. ... Retirement match against Adonis was promoted as the top match on the undercard at WM 3, ahead of the famous Randy Savage-Ricky Steamboat match. ... He and fellow babyface Hart perhaps stole the show at WM 8. ... Final wrestling appearance (until this coming WrestleMania) was the memorable Back Lot Brawl against Goldust at WM 12 that began in a Hollywood lot, included an O.J. Simpson-inspired car chase and ended in the ring. ... Continued to be a presence at WrestleMania over the years in various capacities.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through April 5.

To view the list through today, click here.

Photo courtesy of WWE

Posted by Kevin Eck at 6:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)
Categories: Top 25 WrestleMania stars
        

ANDRE THE GIANT

1 (1985): Defeated Big John Studd in a body slam challenge
2 (1986): Won a battle royal that included NFL players
3 (1987): Lost to WWF champion Hulk Hogan
4 (1988): Wrestled Hogan to a double disqualification in the WWF title tournament
5 (1989): Lost to Jake Roberts by disqualification
6 (1990): Along with Haku, lost the WWF tag team title to Demolition

Non-wrestling appearance

7 (1991): Saved The Big Bossman from a post-match attack by the Heenan Family

Comments: Match against Hogan at WM 3 is one of the most famous matches not only in WrestleMania history, but in pro wrestling history. Vince McMahon once told me in an interview that as hot as Hogan was in 1987, “I would never have attempted to go into Pontiac Stadium without Andre.” Although Andre was basically immobile by that point, the match got over on star power and the excitement of seeing two of the most famous wrestlers of all time facing each other on a grand stage. ... Wrestled Hogan the following year at WM 4 in the marquee advertised match of the WWF title tournament. ... Body slam challenge against Studd at WM 1 was the top match on the undercard. ... Was last man standing in much-hyped battle royal at WM 2 that featured several NFL players, including William “Refrigerator” Perry. ... At WM 6, in his final WrestleMania match, Andre had a falling out with manager Bobby Heenan and turned babyface.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through April 5.

To view the list through today, click here.

Photo courtesy of WWE

Posted by Kevin Eck at 4:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)
Categories: Top 25 WrestleMania stars
        

THE ULTIMATE WARRIOR

4 (1988): Defeated Hercules Hernandez
5 (1989): Lost the Intercontinental title to Rick Rude
6 (1990): Defeated Hulk Hogan to win the WWF title
7 (1991): Defeated Randy Savage in a retirement match
12 (1996): Defeated Hunter Hearst Helmsley (Triple H)

Non-wrestling appearance

8 (1992): Did a surprise run-in to save Hogan from an attack by Sid Justice and Papa Shango

Comments: Epic match with Hogan at WM 6 was historic for several reasons. It was the first match between the WWF’s top two babyfaces for the world title since 1972, and in handing Hogan his first clean loss since “The Hulkster” returned to the WWF at the end of 1983, Warrior became the first man to simultaneously hold the WWE and Intercontinental titles. The highly anticipated clash between the two superhero-like figures (but limited workers) exceeded expectations. ... Memorable victory over Savage at WM 7 also was better than expected. ... After some time away from the WWF, Warrior made a surprise return at WM 8. During a two-on-one attack on Hogan after his match against Justice, Warrior’s music hit and he received a huge pop as he ran down the aisle and made the save. ... One of the focal points of WM 12 was yet another return to the WWF by Warrior, who squashed Helmsley in about a minute and a half.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through April 5.

To view the list through today, click here.

Posted by Kevin Eck at 6:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (21)
Categories: Top 25 WrestleMania stars
        

JOHN CENA

20 (2004): Defeated The Big Show to win the U.S. title
21 (2005): Defeated JBL to win the WWE Title
22 (2006): Defeated challenger Triple H to retain the WWE title
23 (2007): Defeated challenger Shawn Michaels to retain the WWE title
24 (2008): Lost to WWE champion Randy Orton in a triple threat match. Triple H also was in the match.

Comments: Has wrestled in title matches in all five of his WrestleMania appearances, including four for a world title. Only Hulk Hogan, Triple H and Michaels have been in more world title matches at WrestleMania. … Delivered an FU to the 500-pound Big Show at WM 20. … Victory over Triple H by submission at WM 22 came as a surprise to many. … That match went on last, as did his title defense against Michaels at WM 23. … Returned earlier than expected from a torn pectoral muscle to participate in WWE title match at WM 24.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through April 5.

To view the list through today, click here.

Q&A with John Cena

Video of John Cena at Tribute to the Troops news conference

Posted by Kevin Eck at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (33)
Categories: Top 25 WrestleMania stars
        

EDGE

WrestleMania history

16 (2000): Along with Christian, defeated WWF tag team champions The Dudley Boyz and The Hardy Boyz in a ladder match to win the title
17 (2001): Along with Christian, defeated WWF tag team champions The Dudley Boys and The Hardy Boyz in a TLC match to win the title
18 (2002): Defeated Booker T
21 (2005): Won the Money in the Bank ladder match. Other participants were: Chris Benoit, Kane, Shelton Benjamin, Chris Jericho and Christian.
22 (2006): Defeated Mick Foley in a hardcore match
23 (2007): Lost the Money in the Bank ladder match to Mr. Kennedy. Other participants in the match were: C.M. Punk, King Booker, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Randy Orton and Finlay.
24 (2008): Lost the world heavyweight title to The Undertaker

Comments: Was a participant in WrestleMania's first tag team ladder match, TLC tag team match and Money in the Bank ladder match -- and he was on the winning end in each of them. ... He and Foley engaged in an intense hardcore match at WM 22 that climaxed with one of the most memorable holy you-know-what moments in WrestleMania history, as Edge speared Foley off the ring apron and they both went through a flaming table on the floor. ... Wrestled in tremendous match with The Undertaker that went on last at WM 24.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through April 5.

To view the list through today, click here.

Posted by Kevin Eck at 2:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (19)
Categories: Top 25 WrestleMania stars
        

KURT ANGLE

16 (2000): In a triple threat match, lost the Intercontinental title to Chris Benoit and the European title to Chris Jericho
17 (2001): Defeaed Benoit
18 (2002): Defeated Kane
19 (2003): Lost the WWE title to Brock Lesnar
20 (2004): Lost to WWE champion Eddie Guerrero
21 (2005): Defeated Shawn Michaels
22 (2006): Lost the world heavyweight title to Rey Mysterio in a triple threat match. Randy Orton was also in the match.

Comments: In a triple threat match at WM 16, he lost both the Intercontinental and European titles without being pinned. ... Also wasn't pinned when he lost the world heavyweight title to Rey Mysterio in a triple threat match at WM 22. ... Participated in three world title matches overall at WrestleMania, including one against Lesnar that went on last at WM 19. Angle put off spinal fusion surgery to compete in that contest. ... Match against Michaels at WM 21 went close to 30 minutes and lived up to high expectations.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through April 5.

To view the list through today, click here.

Photo courtesy of PRNewsFoto/TNA Wrestling

Also see:
Q&A with Kurt Angle

Posted by Kevin Eck at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (19)
Categories: Top 25 WrestleMania stars
        

RIC FLAIR

8 (1992): Lost the WWF title to Randy Savage
18 (2002): Lost to The Undertaker
20 (2004): Along with Randy Orton and Batista defeated The Rock and Mick Foley in a handicap match
22 (2006): Lost the Money in the Bank ladder match to Rob Van Dam. Other participants were: Matt Hardy, Bobby Lashley, Finlay and Shelton Benjamin.
24 (2008): Lost to Shawn Michaels in a match with the stipulation that Flair had to retire if he lost

Comments: Ended his brilliant 35-year career on the grand stage at WM 24 in one of the most emotional moments in WrestleMania history. ... Unsuccessful title defense against Savage at WM 8 was the climax to a memorable feud that began when Flair produced doctored photos that depicted him having an affair with Elizabeth. Moments after losing to Savage, a bloody Flair tried to force a kiss on Elizabeth, who slapped him in the face. ... At WM 18, he engaged in a bloody brawl with The Undertaker in the longest match on the card.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through April 5.

To view the list through today, click here.

Photo courtesy of WWE

Posted by Kevin Eck at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (16)
Categories: Top 25 WrestleMania stars
        

RANDY ORTON

20 (2004): Along with Ric Flair and Batista defeated The Rock and Mick Foley in a handicap match
21 (2005): Lost to The Undertaker
22 (2006): Participated in a triple threat match for the world heavyweight title in which Rey Mysterio won the title from Kurt Angle
23 (2007): Lost the Money in the Bank ladder match to Mr. Kennedy. Other participants were: Edge, C.M. Punk, King Booker, Jeff Hardy, Finlay and Matt Hardy.
24 (2008): Defeated challengers John Cena and Triple H in a triple threat match to retain the WWE Title

Comments: Scored the pinfall on Foley in a star-studded handicap match at WM 20 that helped catapult him to superstar status. ... Match against Undertaker at WM 21 was one of Undertaker's best WrestleMania matches. ... Participated in two triple threat world title matches at WrestleMania. In a surprise result, he successfully defended the WWE title against Cena and Triple H at WM 24.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through April 5.

To view the list through today, click here.

Photo courtesy of WWE

Posted by Kevin Eck at 2:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Top 25 WrestleMania stars
        

CHRIS JERICHO

16 (2000): Defeated European champion Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit in a triple threat match to win the title
17 (2001): Defeated challenger William Regal to retain the Intercontinental title
18 (2002): Lost the undisputed world title to Triple H
19 (2003): Lost to Shawn Michaels
20 (2004): Lost to Christian
21 (2005): Lost the Money in the Bank ladder match to Edge. Other participants were: Benoit, Kane, Shelton Benjamin and Christian.
24 (2008): Lost the Money in the Bank ladder match to CM Punk. Other participants were: Benjamin, MVP, John Morrison, Carlito, and Mr. Kennedy.

Comments: Went into title match against Triple H at WM 18 billed as the first undisputed world champion. … Match against Michaels at WM 19 may have been the best match on a stacked card. … Budding romance with Trish Stratus blew up in his face when she turned on him at WM 20 and hooked up with Christian. … Participated in two Money in the Bank ladder matches, a concept that he is credited with coming up with.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through April 5.

To view the list through today, click here.

Q&A with Chris Jericho (Oct. 29, 2008)

Q&A with Chris Jericho (July 7, 2007)

Video of Chris Jericho at WWE Circle of Champions

Posted by baltimoresun.com at 5:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: Top 25 WrestleMania stars
        

BATISTA

WrestleMania history

20 (2004): Along with Ric Flair and Randy Orton defeated The Rock and Mick Foley in a handicap match.
21 (2005): Defeated Triple H to win the world heavyweight title
23 (2007): Lost the world heavyweight title to The Undertaker
24 (2008): Defeated Umaga

Comments: Was WWE's hottest star when he beat Triple H for the world heavyweight title at WM 21. ... World title match with Undertaker at WM 23 was perhaps the best match on a show that also included a John Cena-Shawn Michaels main event for the WWE title.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through April 5.

To view the list through today, click here.

Q&A with Batista

Posted by Kevin Eck at 3:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)
Categories: Top 25 WrestleMania stars
        

CHRIS BENOIT

WrestleMania history

16 (2000): Defeated Intercontinental champion Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho in a triple threat match to win the title
17 (2001): Lost to Angle
19 (2003): Along with Rhyno, lost to WWF tag team champions Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas in a three-way match. The Guerreros also were in the match.
20 (2004): Defeated world heavyweight champion Triple H and Shawn Michaels in a triple threat match to win the title
21 (2005): Lost Money in the Bank ladder match to Edge. Other participants were: Shelton Benjamin, Jericho, Kane and Christian.
22 (2006): Lost the U.S. title to JBL
23 (2007): Defeated challenger MVP to retain the U.S. title.

Comments: Benoit's inclusion on the list is based entirely on his performances at WrestleMania and does not take into account the tragic circumstances surrounding the deaths of Benoit and his wife and son. ... World heavyweight title win at WM 20 is one of the best worked and most exciting main events in WrestleMania history. ... Triple threat match at WM 16 and match with Angle at WM 17 also were crowd-pleasers. ... Helped MVP get over in a match that exceeded expectations at WM 23.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through April 5.

To view the list through today, click here.

Posted by Kevin Eck at 6:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)
Categories: Top 25 WrestleMania stars
        

MICK FOLEY

WrestleMania history

13 (1997): Along with Vader, wrestled WWF tag team champions Owen Hart and Davey Boy Smith to a double countout
14 (1998): Along with Terry Funk, defeated WWF tag team champions Billy Gunn and Jesse James in a dumpster match. The title was later held up.
15 (1999): Defeated The Big Show by disqualification
16 (2000): Lost fatal four-way match for WWF title to champion Triple H. The Rock and The Big Show also were in the match.
20 (2004): Along with The Rock, lost a handicap match to Ric Flair, Randy Orton and Batista.
22 (2006): Lost to Edge in a hardcore match

Comments: A little over a month after losing a retirement match to Triple H, he returned for one night to participate in the WM 16 main event. ... Re-formed The Rock and Sock Connection with The Rock at WM 20. It was Foley’s first match in four years and the final wrestling match for The Rock. … Finally got his big WrestleMania moment against Edge (WM 22) when he was put through a flaming table in a bloody brawl.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through April 5.

To view the list through today, click here.

Q&A with Mick Foley

Video: Foley at the WWE Circle of Champions

WWE photo.

Posted by Kevin Eck at 5:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Top 25 WrestleMania stars
        

TED DIBIASE

WrestleMania history

4 (1988): Defeated Jim Duggan in the first round of the WWF title tournament; defeated Don Muraco in the second round; lost to Randy Savage in the final
5 (1989): Wrestled to a double countout with Brutus Beefcake
6 (1990): Defeated Jake Roberts by countout
7 (1991): Lost to Virgil by countout
8 (1992): Along with IRS, lost to The Natural Disasters by countout. DiBiase and IRS retain the WWF tag team title.
9 (1993): Along with IRS, defeated challengers Hulk Hogan and Brutus Beefcake by disqualification to retain WWF tag team title

Comments: Was the focal point of WM 4. The show was the payoff to one of the most famous story lines of all time. A month before WrestleMania, DiBiase paid Andre The Giant for the WWF title, which Andre had just won from Hogan with the aid of an "evil twin" referee. The transaction was ruled invalid, however, and a tournament was held at WrestleMania to crown a new champion. … WWF tag team title match at WM 9 marked the return of Hogan from a hiatus and Beefcake from severe facial injuries suffered in a parasailing accident.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through April 5.

To view the list through today, click here.

Q&A with Ted DiBiase

WWE photo.

Posted by Kevin Eck at 2:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)
Categories: Top 25 WrestleMania stars
        

KANE

WrestleMania history

14 (1998): Lost to The Undertaker
15 (1999): Defeated Triple H by disqualification
16 (2000): Along with Rikishi, defeated X-Pac and Road Dogg
17 (2001): Defeated hardcore champion Raven and The Big Show in a triple threat match to win the title
18 (2002): Lost to Kurt Angle
20 (2004): Lost to The Undertaker
21 (2005): Lost Money in the Bank ladder match to Edge. Other participants were Chris Benoit, Shelton Benjamin, Chris Jericho and Christian.
22 (2006): Along with Big Show, defeated challengers Carlito and Chris Masters to retain the world tag team title
23 (2007): Lost to The Great Khali
24 (2008): Defeated Chavo Guerrero to win the ECW title in eight seconds

Comments: Only The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, Triple H and Hulk Hogan have wrestled on more WrestleMania cards. … Physical confrontations with disgraced former baseball star Pete Rose at WMs 14 through 16 are part of WrestleMania lore. … Match against his “brother” The Undertaker at WM 20 featured the latter's return to his supernatural persona after a few years as a biker character. ... Body-slammed The Great Khali at WM 23 in Detroit in a spot that mirrored Hogan’s slam of Andre The Giant 20 years earlier. ... Victory over Guerrero at WM 24 was shortest match in WrestleMania history.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through April 5.

To view the list through today, click here.

WWE photo.

Posted by Kevin Eck at 1:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)
Categories: Top 25 WrestleMania stars
        

THE BIG SHOW

WrestleMania history

15 (1999): Lost to Mankind (Mick Foley) by disqualification
16 (2000): Lost fatal four-way match for WWF title to champion Triple H. The Rock and Mick Foley also were in the match.
17 (2001): Lost to Kane in triple threat match for hardcore title. Defending champion Raven was also in the match.
19 (2003): Along with A-Train, lost a handicap match to The Undertaker
20 (2004): Lost the U.S. title to John Cena
21 (2005): Lost to Akebono in a Sumo match:
22 (2006): Along with Kane, defeated challengers Carlito and Chris Masters to retain world tag team title
24 (2008): Lost to Floyd Mayweather

Comments: Has been in the ring at WrestleMania with some of WWE’s biggest stars (although he has won just once). ... Participated in the main event of WM 16, and his surprisingly entertaining match with Mayweather last year received mainstream attention. .. Although he lost by DQ in his WrestleMania debut, his opponent (Mankind) was taken out on a stretcher. After the match, Big Show punched Vince McMahon and turned babyface. ... Clean loss against Cena at WM 20 helped solidify Cena as an emerging star. ... Match against Japanese sumo legend Akebono was first and only Sumo match at WrestleMania (perhaps for good reason).

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through April 5.

To view the list through today, click here.

WWE photo.

Posted by Kevin Eck at 5:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: Top 25 WrestleMania stars
        

RICKY STEAMBOAT

WrestleMania history

1 (1985): Defeated Matt Borne
2 (1986): Defeated Hercules Hernandez
3 (1987): Defeated Randy Savage to win the Intercontinental title
4 (1988): Lost to Greg Valentine in first round of WWF title tournament

Comments: Despite being one of the greatest workers of his era, Steamboat’s WrestleMania resume is surprisingly thin. … Inclusion on the list is solely due to his WM 3 match against Savage, which is considered by many to be the greatest match in WrestleMania history. … Matches at WM 1 and WM 2 were just filler, and he was one-and-done in the title tournament at WM 4.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through April 5.

To view the list through today, click here.

WWE photo.

Posted by Kevin Eck at 12:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)
Categories: Top 25 WrestleMania stars
        

JAKE ROBERTS

WrestleMania history

2 (1986): Defeated George Welles
3 (1987): Lost to The Honky Tonk Man
4 (1988): Wrestled to a draw with Rick Rude in first round of WWF title tournament
5 (1989): Defeated Andre the Giant by disqualification
6 (1990): Lost to Ted DiBiase by countout
7 (1991): Defeated Rick Martel in a Blindfold match
8 (1992): Lost to The Undertaker
12 (1996): Along with Yokozuna and Ahmed Johnson, lost to Owen Hart, Davey Boy Smith, and Vader

Comments: Never main-evented a WrestleMania but was one of the bigger stars in the WWF in his prime and consistently worked with top guys on the undercard. ... Victory over Welles at WM 2 was a squash but is memorable because Wells was foaming at the mouth after Roberts put the snake on him. ... Was accompanied to the ring by 1970s glam rocker Alice Cooper at WM 3. ... Blindfold match against Martel at WM 7 is noteworthy for being the only one its kind at WrestleMania, but it mostly consisted of both guys, who were wearing hoods over their heads, stumbling around the ring feeling around for each other. ... Turned heel prior to WM 8 after a four-year run as a popular babyface in an angle that eventually led to Undertaker's first babyface turn.

I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history every day through April 5.

Q&A with Jake “The Snake” Roberts

Video: Jake Roberts says Vince McMahon saved his life

WWE photo.

Posted by Kevin Eck at 2:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)
Categories: Top 25 WrestleMania stars
        

In honor of this being the 25th WrestleMania, I will count down the top 25 stars in WrestleMania history beginning tomorrow and continuing through April 5, the date of WrestleMania 25.

The list is based on the following criteria:

-- memorable moments at WrestleMania
-- impact on business
-- position on the card
-- number of appearances

Notes: Since wrestling is entertainment and not an actual competition, wins and losses were not given much weight. … Only wrestlers were eligible for the list. Celebrities and non-wrestlers (i.e. Vince McMahon) were not considered.

Posted by Kevin Eck at 1:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (39)
Categories: Top 25 WrestleMania stars