world life
31-03-2005, 10:34 PM
Event: WWE WRESTLEMANIA 21
Date: April 3, 2005
Location: Los Angeles, California
WWE Championship
John Bradshawn Layfield (c) vs. John Cena
John Cena last eliminated Kurt Angle in a grueling eight-man tournament to become the No. 1 contender to JBL`s WWE Championship. As a result, the self-proclaimed Doctor of Thugamonics will now face JBL at WrestleMania 21.
If the former United States Champion can recreate the magic that carried him over the mighty Big Show at WrestleMania XX, SmackDown! may be in store for at new WWE Champion on April 3.
JBL, however, is not likely to sit back and let Cena walk all over him. Like him or not, JBL demands respect. By the time WrestleMania comes around, JBL will have held the WWE Championship longer than any other man in past 10 years (277 days). Many of sports-entertainment`s greatest names have captured the WWE Championship. But over the past decade, nobody has been able to hold on to it longer than JBL, not Stone Cold Steve Austin, not Shawn Michaels, not Undertaker and not Bret Hart. Clearly, this is a feat that demands respect.
In addition to JBL`s lengthy championship reign, he has also managed to get a psychological strangle hold on Cena in the weeks leading up to their WrestleMania encounter. On the March 3, edition of SmackDown!, JBL hit Cena with his WWE Championship, allowing Chief of Staff Orlando Jordan to get the victory over Cena for the coveted United States Championship.
To make matters even worse for Cena, SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long recently announced that the challenger would lose his WrestleMania opportunity if he even touches the champion (unless physically provoked by JBL) prior to their WrestleMania encounter. Following the announcement, JBL has gone to great efforts in an attempt to get Cena to attack him. The champion has even targeted Cena`s mother, claiming she has spent much time on her back.
Up until now, Cena has been able to control his temper. But will he be able to do this all the way up until WrestleMania? If so, can he recreate the same WrestleMania magic that carried him over Big Show at last year`s event? Or will JBL successfully defend his WWE Championship again, this time, on the biggest stage of them all? Watch WrestleMania 21 to find out.
World Heavyweight Championship
Triple H (c) vs. Batista
When Triple H and Ric Flair united to create the strongest faction in wrestling today, they knew they needed to bring somebody in as their heavy. They needed somebody with immense strength and an animalistic instinct in the ring. With those qualities in mind, they tapped RAW newcomer Batista in January 2003 to join them in Evolution.
The addition of Batista proved to be a wise one. In addition to ensuring Triple H`s status as the World Heavyweight Champion, Batista also teamed with Ric Flair to capture the World Tag Team Championship on two occasions.
For two long years, Batista and Triple H, along with Ric Flair, stood united as the strongest force on RAW. During this time, Batista learned from the best, watching every move of The Game and 16-time World Champion Ric Flair. Then, 24 months after their formation, Evolution began to crumble. It all started at the 2005 Royal Rumble when Batista last eliminated John Cena, earning a World Championship match at WrestleMania 21.
Realizing the huge opportunity in front on him, Batista took several weeks to decide which championship he wanted to compete for at WrestleMania -- The WWE Championship or the World Heavyweight Championship.
During this time, World Heavyweight Champion and fellow Evolution member Triple H took it upon himself to try and sway Batista`s decision towards SmackDown! and the WWE Championship. At first, The Game arranged for SmackDown! Superstars JBL and Big Show to appear on the TitanTron above the RAW entranceway. Both SmackDown! Superstars made malicious comments towards Batista, designed to get The Animal to choose SmackDown! over RAW.
Triple H even went so far as to have Batista nearly run down by JBL`s limo. Eventually, all of this information found its way back to Batista, which made his decision all that much easier. However, it should be noted that Batista claims to have made his decision well before these acts began.
Batista then went on to decimate both The Nature Boy and The Game, highlighted by a Batista Bomb delivered to Triple H through a table. Batista then signed the RAW contract and told a fallen Game that he would take the World Heavyweight Championship from him at WrestleMania 21.
Seven days after Batista signed on to face Triple H, who will be competing in his 10th straight WrestleMania, at WrestleMania 21, The Game sent a message to his challenger by dismantling The Hurricane on RAW. Later in the evening, Evolution interrupted Batista`s Q&A with Jim Ross. But when Ric Flair charged the ring, Triple H balked. As a result, "The Nature Boy" suffered through a spinebuster and Batista Bomb while The Game was frenzied outside the ring.
The following week, Batista once again sent a strong message to the World Heavyweight Champion. Not only did the big man defeat the legendary Ric Flair, but he also got a hold of Triple H`s signature sledgehammer and broke it in half over his knee.
Then, with just six days before their WrestleMania encounter, Triple H and Batista had a final face-to-face showdown on RAW — meeting in a war of words orchestrated by RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff. But what started as trash-talk broke down into a six-pier brawl.
Bischoff was intent on preventing the "Face-off" encounter from getting out of hand. He surrounded the ring with security guards and warned both men against any physicality. It didn`t matter. Batista was able to set off the Cerebral Assassin with comments that hit a little too close to home, resulting in The Game slapping Batista across the face. It was the beginning of the end of Bischoff`s in-ring conference — as the two Superstars battled through a mass of humanity to tear into each other. It was just a taste of the ferocity that can be expected when they square off with the stakes at their highest at the biggest event of the year -- WrestleMania 21.
Will Triple H be able to walk away from WrestleMania with the World Heavyweight Championship? Or will their be a new leader on RAW in Batista? Watch WrestleMania live on pay-per-view to find out.
Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle
Shawn Michaels` issues with Kurt Angle date back to January`s Royal Rumble. It was at the Rumble that an upset Angle took HBK out of action, eliminating Michaels` opportunity to compete for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania.
While Theodore Long was at a recent Monday Night RAW, HBK told the SmackDown! General Manager that he wanted to face Angle at WrestleMania 21. Upon hearing the news, Angle`s first reaction was one of absolute silence. Kurt Angle, however, would not stay silent for long.
After Michaels defeated Edge in a grueling Street Fight on a recent edition of RAW, Kurt Angle jumped the ringside barrier and attacked the already beaten and bloody Michaels. After Angle left HBK in a pool of his own blood, he grabbed the microphone and told HBK that he accepted his challenge for a match at WrestleMania 21.
Never one to be outdone, HBK traveled to SmackDown! days later and returned the favor. Disguised as a television camera man, Michaels climbed into the SmackDown! ring and delivered a surprise attack on Angle.
HBK`s surprise appearance clearly got under Angle`s skin, as the SmackDown! Superstar announced that he was going to accomplish all the things Michaels accomplished during he amazing career. However, Angle said he would do it in just four weeks.
Angle`s first test was a Ladder Match, which he accomplished. The Olympic gold medal winner then set out to defeat one-half of the Rockers, Marty Jannetty. Angle was successful in defeating Jannetty, but not before the former Rocker opened many eyes with his timeless wrestling skills.
Angle didn`t stop there. The Olympic gold medalist even brought in HBK`s former manager Sensational Sherri to sing Michaels` entrance theme with him. The parody ended in Angle applying the ankle lock to Sherri.
Then, with just six days remaining before their WrestleMania showdown, the Olympic Gold Medalist emerged from a RAW crowd in the middle of HBK`s match with Muhammad Hassan in an attempt to soften up his WrestleMania opponent. The plan backfired when HBK battled out of an Angle Slam attempt, then barely missed with "Sweet Chin Music." When Angle bailed from the ring, Michaels settled for a superkick to the chin of Hassan. Security guards eventually separated Angle and Michaels, but there will be no one to come between them at the pay-per-view on April 3.
Clearly, the animosity between these two WWE Superstars has reached the boiling point. But have we seen the last of the physicality between Angle and HBK until WrestleMania? What will happen when these two finally square off in the middle of the ring? Continue watching RAW and SmackDown! for more on this developing story.
Piper`s Pit w/ Stone Cold
On April 2, the legendary "Rowdy" Roddy Piper will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. One night later at WrestleMania 21, Piper will bring back the famed Piper`s Pit interview segment. His guest - Stone Cold Steve Austin.
It has been a year since fans have seen Stone Cold on WWE television. What better place for his triumphant return than on Piper`s Pit at the biggest event of the year - WrestleMania?
What will happen when two of the most opinionated Superstars in WWE history have a live mic in their hands at WrestleMania? When WWE.com asked Piper this same question, he simply replied, "You ain`t seen nothin` yet."
Be sure to order WrestleMania live on pay-per-view, Sunday, April 3, to see these two legends back in WWE.
Legend vs. Legend Killer
The Undertaker vs. Randy Orton
Just ask Randy Orton and he`ll tell you that he is a legend killer. The list of greats that he has taken out with his patented RKO contains the biggest names in the history of sports-entertainment, including Mick Foley, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, Jake "the Snake Roberts and Hall of Famers Sgt. Slaughter and Harley Race.
Now, however, Orton has propelled himself into a position where he will take on one of the most legendary figures of all time - Undertaker! Can the Legend Killer actually defeat the legend at WrestleMania 21?
In addition to Undertaker`s amazingly intimidating aura, the Deadman also boasts the greatest WrestleMania recod ever, a whopping 12-0. Undertaker`s dozen victories did not come against just anybody, either.
Money-In-The-Bank Ladder Match
Christian vs. Kane vs. Benoit vs. Jericho vs. Edge vs. Benjamin
With some of the biggest matches in WrestleMania history already named, Chris Jericho decided to make some waves of his own.
After defeating Maven on Monday Night RAW, Y2J provided a rather cryptic message concerning his idea for WrestleMania. According to Jericho, his idea is a chance of a lifetime, and it includes five other elite Superstars. And finally, Jericho proclaimed that it includes a large steel ladder.
Despite Y2J`s announcement, there were still numerous questions left unanswered. Who else would compete in the match? What is the chance of a lifetime Jericho was referring to?
These questions were cleared up the following week on RAW when General Manager Eric Bischoff officially announced the Money-In-The-Bank Ladder Match. The winner of this match would receive an opportunity at the World Heavyweight Championship. This opportunity could be "banked" by the winning Superstar. Over the following 12 months, he could choose to use it whenever he wants, up to and including WrestleMania 22.
Who will compete in this historic match? Using RAW Superstars` past WrestleMania success, Bischoff decided to include Christian, Edge, Chris Benoit, Shelton Benjamin and Kane, as well as Chris Jericho.
Six days prior to WrestleMania 21, Chris Jericho welcomed five of the six "Money in the Bank" Ladder Match participants to the Highlight Reel. When the segment disintegrated, Bischoff converted it into a six-man tag-team match also featuring Tyson Tomko. The team of Jericho, Chris Benoit and Shelton Benjamin notched the win when in-fighting opened the door for the Walls of Jericho on Tomko. But the winning team didn`t emerge unscathed. Benoit was badly cut near his eye from the strength of his own series of headbutts. Afterward, the final Ladder Match combatant, Kane, cleared the ring with a ladder and chokeslams.
Six great Superstars will compete in a match that can only have one winner. Who will it be? Watch WrestleMania 21 to find out.
Women`s Championship
Trish Stratus (c) vs. Christy Hemme
Trish Stratus will be quick to tell you that she is the greatest Women`s Champion of all time. And with six reigns under her belt, it`s hard to argue with her.
On Sunday, April 3, live on pay-per-view, Trish will put the Women`s Championship on the line against newcomer Christy Hemme.
Ever since Christy announced that she was going to be featured nude in the April issue of Playboy Magazine, Trish has focused all of her attention on making the fiery redhead`s life miserable. Trish even went so far as to knock Christy out cold with a Chick Kick and spray paint the word SLUT on her back.
With a limited wrestling background, Christy appears to be an easy target for Trish. So much so that Trish thought Christy was joking when the Playboy cover girl challenged her. It was no joke, though. And to take it a step further, Christy announed that she has been training with former Women`s Champion Lita.
Will Christy`s training with Lita pay off at WrestleMania? Or will Trish once again prove why she claims to be the greatest Women`s Champion of all time? Watch WrestleMania 21 to find out.
Sumo Match
Big Show vs. Akebono
It all started in early February when SmackDown! visited Japan and former Sumo Grand Champion Akebono was in attendance.
Big Show invited Akebono to the ring, but there was no animosity on this night as both giants exchanged a respectful handshake.
A few weeks later, Funaki, SmackDown!`s proclaimed No. 1 announcer, tracked Big Show down backstage and told him word out of Japan was that Akebono wanted to face Show at WrestleMania 21 on April 3 in Los Angeles.
Then, on the March 10 edition of SmackDown!, Big Show told Josh Mathews that he gladly accepted the challenge, even though it will be a Sumo style match, something that figures to give Akebono a major edge.
As a result of Big Show`s acceptance, WWE fans are now in store for the largest match in WrestleMania history. Heading into the match, Show admits that he may be out of his element. But Akebono, according to Big Show, is the only man on the planet that the Sumo champion cannot push around.
Don`t miss WrestleMania 21, live on pay-per-view, to see how this collision of International giants turns out.
Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio
In what figures to be one of the highest-profile match between two Latinos in the history of wrestling, Eddie Guerrero will face Rey Mysterio at WrestleMania 21.
Ironically, both men currently share the WWE Tag Team Championship. However, for one night, their egos and amazing athletic ability will overshadow their loyalty for each other in what figures to be an unforgettable encounter.
Chavo Guerrero actually planted the seeds for this match over the last few weeks. Chavo teased Eddie that Mysterio had been stealing Latino Heat`s spotlight for some time now. He even brought up the fact that at last year`s WrestleMania Eddie was WWE Champion.
Eddie, never one to take a back seat to any Superstar, decided the time was right to challenge his good friend. Mysterio accepted on the March 24 edition of SmackDown!, promising Eddie and the fans that they would tear the roof off the STAPLES Center on April 3.
Don`t miss WrestleMania to find out how this battle of Latino legends turns out.
Date: April 3, 2005
Location: Los Angeles, California
WWE Championship
John Bradshawn Layfield (c) vs. John Cena
John Cena last eliminated Kurt Angle in a grueling eight-man tournament to become the No. 1 contender to JBL`s WWE Championship. As a result, the self-proclaimed Doctor of Thugamonics will now face JBL at WrestleMania 21.
If the former United States Champion can recreate the magic that carried him over the mighty Big Show at WrestleMania XX, SmackDown! may be in store for at new WWE Champion on April 3.
JBL, however, is not likely to sit back and let Cena walk all over him. Like him or not, JBL demands respect. By the time WrestleMania comes around, JBL will have held the WWE Championship longer than any other man in past 10 years (277 days). Many of sports-entertainment`s greatest names have captured the WWE Championship. But over the past decade, nobody has been able to hold on to it longer than JBL, not Stone Cold Steve Austin, not Shawn Michaels, not Undertaker and not Bret Hart. Clearly, this is a feat that demands respect.
In addition to JBL`s lengthy championship reign, he has also managed to get a psychological strangle hold on Cena in the weeks leading up to their WrestleMania encounter. On the March 3, edition of SmackDown!, JBL hit Cena with his WWE Championship, allowing Chief of Staff Orlando Jordan to get the victory over Cena for the coveted United States Championship.
To make matters even worse for Cena, SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long recently announced that the challenger would lose his WrestleMania opportunity if he even touches the champion (unless physically provoked by JBL) prior to their WrestleMania encounter. Following the announcement, JBL has gone to great efforts in an attempt to get Cena to attack him. The champion has even targeted Cena`s mother, claiming she has spent much time on her back.
Up until now, Cena has been able to control his temper. But will he be able to do this all the way up until WrestleMania? If so, can he recreate the same WrestleMania magic that carried him over Big Show at last year`s event? Or will JBL successfully defend his WWE Championship again, this time, on the biggest stage of them all? Watch WrestleMania 21 to find out.
World Heavyweight Championship
Triple H (c) vs. Batista
When Triple H and Ric Flair united to create the strongest faction in wrestling today, they knew they needed to bring somebody in as their heavy. They needed somebody with immense strength and an animalistic instinct in the ring. With those qualities in mind, they tapped RAW newcomer Batista in January 2003 to join them in Evolution.
The addition of Batista proved to be a wise one. In addition to ensuring Triple H`s status as the World Heavyweight Champion, Batista also teamed with Ric Flair to capture the World Tag Team Championship on two occasions.
For two long years, Batista and Triple H, along with Ric Flair, stood united as the strongest force on RAW. During this time, Batista learned from the best, watching every move of The Game and 16-time World Champion Ric Flair. Then, 24 months after their formation, Evolution began to crumble. It all started at the 2005 Royal Rumble when Batista last eliminated John Cena, earning a World Championship match at WrestleMania 21.
Realizing the huge opportunity in front on him, Batista took several weeks to decide which championship he wanted to compete for at WrestleMania -- The WWE Championship or the World Heavyweight Championship.
During this time, World Heavyweight Champion and fellow Evolution member Triple H took it upon himself to try and sway Batista`s decision towards SmackDown! and the WWE Championship. At first, The Game arranged for SmackDown! Superstars JBL and Big Show to appear on the TitanTron above the RAW entranceway. Both SmackDown! Superstars made malicious comments towards Batista, designed to get The Animal to choose SmackDown! over RAW.
Triple H even went so far as to have Batista nearly run down by JBL`s limo. Eventually, all of this information found its way back to Batista, which made his decision all that much easier. However, it should be noted that Batista claims to have made his decision well before these acts began.
Batista then went on to decimate both The Nature Boy and The Game, highlighted by a Batista Bomb delivered to Triple H through a table. Batista then signed the RAW contract and told a fallen Game that he would take the World Heavyweight Championship from him at WrestleMania 21.
Seven days after Batista signed on to face Triple H, who will be competing in his 10th straight WrestleMania, at WrestleMania 21, The Game sent a message to his challenger by dismantling The Hurricane on RAW. Later in the evening, Evolution interrupted Batista`s Q&A with Jim Ross. But when Ric Flair charged the ring, Triple H balked. As a result, "The Nature Boy" suffered through a spinebuster and Batista Bomb while The Game was frenzied outside the ring.
The following week, Batista once again sent a strong message to the World Heavyweight Champion. Not only did the big man defeat the legendary Ric Flair, but he also got a hold of Triple H`s signature sledgehammer and broke it in half over his knee.
Then, with just six days before their WrestleMania encounter, Triple H and Batista had a final face-to-face showdown on RAW — meeting in a war of words orchestrated by RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff. But what started as trash-talk broke down into a six-pier brawl.
Bischoff was intent on preventing the "Face-off" encounter from getting out of hand. He surrounded the ring with security guards and warned both men against any physicality. It didn`t matter. Batista was able to set off the Cerebral Assassin with comments that hit a little too close to home, resulting in The Game slapping Batista across the face. It was the beginning of the end of Bischoff`s in-ring conference — as the two Superstars battled through a mass of humanity to tear into each other. It was just a taste of the ferocity that can be expected when they square off with the stakes at their highest at the biggest event of the year -- WrestleMania 21.
Will Triple H be able to walk away from WrestleMania with the World Heavyweight Championship? Or will their be a new leader on RAW in Batista? Watch WrestleMania live on pay-per-view to find out.
Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle
Shawn Michaels` issues with Kurt Angle date back to January`s Royal Rumble. It was at the Rumble that an upset Angle took HBK out of action, eliminating Michaels` opportunity to compete for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania.
While Theodore Long was at a recent Monday Night RAW, HBK told the SmackDown! General Manager that he wanted to face Angle at WrestleMania 21. Upon hearing the news, Angle`s first reaction was one of absolute silence. Kurt Angle, however, would not stay silent for long.
After Michaels defeated Edge in a grueling Street Fight on a recent edition of RAW, Kurt Angle jumped the ringside barrier and attacked the already beaten and bloody Michaels. After Angle left HBK in a pool of his own blood, he grabbed the microphone and told HBK that he accepted his challenge for a match at WrestleMania 21.
Never one to be outdone, HBK traveled to SmackDown! days later and returned the favor. Disguised as a television camera man, Michaels climbed into the SmackDown! ring and delivered a surprise attack on Angle.
HBK`s surprise appearance clearly got under Angle`s skin, as the SmackDown! Superstar announced that he was going to accomplish all the things Michaels accomplished during he amazing career. However, Angle said he would do it in just four weeks.
Angle`s first test was a Ladder Match, which he accomplished. The Olympic gold medal winner then set out to defeat one-half of the Rockers, Marty Jannetty. Angle was successful in defeating Jannetty, but not before the former Rocker opened many eyes with his timeless wrestling skills.
Angle didn`t stop there. The Olympic gold medalist even brought in HBK`s former manager Sensational Sherri to sing Michaels` entrance theme with him. The parody ended in Angle applying the ankle lock to Sherri.
Then, with just six days remaining before their WrestleMania showdown, the Olympic Gold Medalist emerged from a RAW crowd in the middle of HBK`s match with Muhammad Hassan in an attempt to soften up his WrestleMania opponent. The plan backfired when HBK battled out of an Angle Slam attempt, then barely missed with "Sweet Chin Music." When Angle bailed from the ring, Michaels settled for a superkick to the chin of Hassan. Security guards eventually separated Angle and Michaels, but there will be no one to come between them at the pay-per-view on April 3.
Clearly, the animosity between these two WWE Superstars has reached the boiling point. But have we seen the last of the physicality between Angle and HBK until WrestleMania? What will happen when these two finally square off in the middle of the ring? Continue watching RAW and SmackDown! for more on this developing story.
Piper`s Pit w/ Stone Cold
On April 2, the legendary "Rowdy" Roddy Piper will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. One night later at WrestleMania 21, Piper will bring back the famed Piper`s Pit interview segment. His guest - Stone Cold Steve Austin.
It has been a year since fans have seen Stone Cold on WWE television. What better place for his triumphant return than on Piper`s Pit at the biggest event of the year - WrestleMania?
What will happen when two of the most opinionated Superstars in WWE history have a live mic in their hands at WrestleMania? When WWE.com asked Piper this same question, he simply replied, "You ain`t seen nothin` yet."
Be sure to order WrestleMania live on pay-per-view, Sunday, April 3, to see these two legends back in WWE.
Legend vs. Legend Killer
The Undertaker vs. Randy Orton
Just ask Randy Orton and he`ll tell you that he is a legend killer. The list of greats that he has taken out with his patented RKO contains the biggest names in the history of sports-entertainment, including Mick Foley, Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels, Jake "the Snake Roberts and Hall of Famers Sgt. Slaughter and Harley Race.
Now, however, Orton has propelled himself into a position where he will take on one of the most legendary figures of all time - Undertaker! Can the Legend Killer actually defeat the legend at WrestleMania 21?
In addition to Undertaker`s amazingly intimidating aura, the Deadman also boasts the greatest WrestleMania recod ever, a whopping 12-0. Undertaker`s dozen victories did not come against just anybody, either.
Money-In-The-Bank Ladder Match
Christian vs. Kane vs. Benoit vs. Jericho vs. Edge vs. Benjamin
With some of the biggest matches in WrestleMania history already named, Chris Jericho decided to make some waves of his own.
After defeating Maven on Monday Night RAW, Y2J provided a rather cryptic message concerning his idea for WrestleMania. According to Jericho, his idea is a chance of a lifetime, and it includes five other elite Superstars. And finally, Jericho proclaimed that it includes a large steel ladder.
Despite Y2J`s announcement, there were still numerous questions left unanswered. Who else would compete in the match? What is the chance of a lifetime Jericho was referring to?
These questions were cleared up the following week on RAW when General Manager Eric Bischoff officially announced the Money-In-The-Bank Ladder Match. The winner of this match would receive an opportunity at the World Heavyweight Championship. This opportunity could be "banked" by the winning Superstar. Over the following 12 months, he could choose to use it whenever he wants, up to and including WrestleMania 22.
Who will compete in this historic match? Using RAW Superstars` past WrestleMania success, Bischoff decided to include Christian, Edge, Chris Benoit, Shelton Benjamin and Kane, as well as Chris Jericho.
Six days prior to WrestleMania 21, Chris Jericho welcomed five of the six "Money in the Bank" Ladder Match participants to the Highlight Reel. When the segment disintegrated, Bischoff converted it into a six-man tag-team match also featuring Tyson Tomko. The team of Jericho, Chris Benoit and Shelton Benjamin notched the win when in-fighting opened the door for the Walls of Jericho on Tomko. But the winning team didn`t emerge unscathed. Benoit was badly cut near his eye from the strength of his own series of headbutts. Afterward, the final Ladder Match combatant, Kane, cleared the ring with a ladder and chokeslams.
Six great Superstars will compete in a match that can only have one winner. Who will it be? Watch WrestleMania 21 to find out.
Women`s Championship
Trish Stratus (c) vs. Christy Hemme
Trish Stratus will be quick to tell you that she is the greatest Women`s Champion of all time. And with six reigns under her belt, it`s hard to argue with her.
On Sunday, April 3, live on pay-per-view, Trish will put the Women`s Championship on the line against newcomer Christy Hemme.
Ever since Christy announced that she was going to be featured nude in the April issue of Playboy Magazine, Trish has focused all of her attention on making the fiery redhead`s life miserable. Trish even went so far as to knock Christy out cold with a Chick Kick and spray paint the word SLUT on her back.
With a limited wrestling background, Christy appears to be an easy target for Trish. So much so that Trish thought Christy was joking when the Playboy cover girl challenged her. It was no joke, though. And to take it a step further, Christy announed that she has been training with former Women`s Champion Lita.
Will Christy`s training with Lita pay off at WrestleMania? Or will Trish once again prove why she claims to be the greatest Women`s Champion of all time? Watch WrestleMania 21 to find out.
Sumo Match
Big Show vs. Akebono
It all started in early February when SmackDown! visited Japan and former Sumo Grand Champion Akebono was in attendance.
Big Show invited Akebono to the ring, but there was no animosity on this night as both giants exchanged a respectful handshake.
A few weeks later, Funaki, SmackDown!`s proclaimed No. 1 announcer, tracked Big Show down backstage and told him word out of Japan was that Akebono wanted to face Show at WrestleMania 21 on April 3 in Los Angeles.
Then, on the March 10 edition of SmackDown!, Big Show told Josh Mathews that he gladly accepted the challenge, even though it will be a Sumo style match, something that figures to give Akebono a major edge.
As a result of Big Show`s acceptance, WWE fans are now in store for the largest match in WrestleMania history. Heading into the match, Show admits that he may be out of his element. But Akebono, according to Big Show, is the only man on the planet that the Sumo champion cannot push around.
Don`t miss WrestleMania 21, live on pay-per-view, to see how this collision of International giants turns out.
Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio
In what figures to be one of the highest-profile match between two Latinos in the history of wrestling, Eddie Guerrero will face Rey Mysterio at WrestleMania 21.
Ironically, both men currently share the WWE Tag Team Championship. However, for one night, their egos and amazing athletic ability will overshadow their loyalty for each other in what figures to be an unforgettable encounter.
Chavo Guerrero actually planted the seeds for this match over the last few weeks. Chavo teased Eddie that Mysterio had been stealing Latino Heat`s spotlight for some time now. He even brought up the fact that at last year`s WrestleMania Eddie was WWE Champion.
Eddie, never one to take a back seat to any Superstar, decided the time was right to challenge his good friend. Mysterio accepted on the March 24 edition of SmackDown!, promising Eddie and the fans that they would tear the roof off the STAPLES Center on April 3.
Don`t miss WrestleMania to find out how this battle of Latino legends turns out.