The opening promo with Vince was cool, with Shane coming out with his own firstborn, to make it a 3-generation bit.
The opening match was surprisingly a title bout: Big Show defending the US title against John Cena. Cena opened with a funny rap. Better yet, he won the US title.
Next match was the RAW 4-way tag title match. It was better than I expected, but only okay. Champs Booker T and RVD retained.
The next match was Y2J versus Christian. I popped for one major thing in this bout: Tim White was back as the referee!
This was an excellent match, with Jericho losing thanks to an "accidental" mess-up by Trish Stratus - who then made a heel turn as Christian's girlfriend.
The Rock and Sock Connection faced the three members of Evolution next. They began with a funny promo by the Rock. The match itself had a lot of high spots by R&S, but much to my surprise they lost! Mick was going for Mr. Socko on Randy Orton, who countered with an RKO and a pin.
I'm a little puzzled that they brought these guys back to job them out, but it may make sense later.
The Hall of Fame inductees were introduced next, in a segment I saw as serious padding. They'd already had dumb skits with Coach looking for the Undertaker, then him finding Gene Okerland and Bobby Heenan necking with ladies in a closet, to have them revealed as Moolah and Mae Young. I guess Wrestlemania was an excuse to do another old lady gag.
The evening gown match came next, though it quickly became a regular tag match, except the ladies stripped down to their bras and panties. Torrie won with a handful of Ms. Jackie's panties.
The Cruiserweight open came next, with all the competitors starting around the ring. Ultimo Dragon slipped on the way down, much to my surprise. Rey Mysterio came out in an outfit designed on DC Comics Flash character, continuing his superhero costume theme.
The match not surprisingly was a spotfest. My favorite one was a shooting star press by Kidman onto Noble and Nunzio outside the ring.
Chavo came out the winner thanks to some cheating by his father.
Next up was the Lesnar versus Goldberg match. Fans chanted "You sold out!" at Brock, when they weren't chanting about how dull the match was. This match crawled.
Ultimately Goldberg won. The crowd really only got into it when Austin Stunned Brock, and a few minutes later Goldberg.
Wrestlemania 21, regular numbering back, was announced for LA. Vince then came out to thank everyone.
The Smackdown! 4-way tag was next. This match was simply a dud. The champs retained. That's all worth mentioning.
Jesse Ventura came out next for a pointless bit of time-wasting as he interviewed Donald Trump.
Victoria next defended her Woman's title against Molly Holly. Victoria retained, and eventually shaved Molly's head. I have to say the image of Molly strapped in the chair was a bit disturbing.
A promo was shown for Edge's return soon. It was interesting how they didn't say to which show.
The ironic thing was Kurt Angle walking out next to Molly getting her head shaved, and right after the promo of the guy who did it to him
His match against Eddie Guerrero is tied for Match of the Night. Great series' of counter-wrestling, great moves from both guys, and Eddie retaining in classic entertaining cheating fashion.
Kane versus the Undertaker was next. UT camew out to much in the way of classic stuff: Paul Bearer is back, as were the druids. 'taker's hair is a little longer, and he's wearing a more cowboy-themed hat.
The match was just vintage big-man brawl, but 'taker hit all his classic spots, and won with a Tombstone piledriver. He's now 12-0 at Wrestlemania.
Lastly came the other Match of the Night candidate: the Triple Threat, HHH defending against HBK and Chris Benoit.
Lots of false finishes, kicking out of everyone's finishes, HBK wearing a 'crimson mask' - and best of all Chris Benoit came out the new champion, with a clean win over HHH. Smarks are probably still cheering!
Overall, except for a few clunkers, this was a very enjoyable 'mania.
