31 Manias in 31 Days: Rewriting Wrestlemania XXIV

[LODemolition]

Today's installment of my "Rewriting WrestleMania" series takes us back to 2008 and my personal favorite WrestleMania venue of all time, the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida for WrestleMania XXIV. The marquee matches were World Heavyweight Champion Edge defending versus The Undertaker, who had never been able to defend Edge previously; a triple threat for the WWE Championship between champ Randy Orton, John Cena, and Triple H; and Ric Flair put his career on the line against "The Showstopper" Shawn Michaels. This is one of my favorite WrestleManias of all-time, but there are still some changes I'd make to improve it even more. Here are the results.

March 30, 2008
Citrus Bowl (Orlando, FL)

1. (Dark) 24-Man Battle Royal for an ECW Championship shot:

Kane won by last eliminating Mark Henry.

2. Belfast Brawl:

JBL def. Finlay w/ Hornswoggle

3. Money in the Bank Ladder Match:

CM Punk def. Shelton Benjamin, Chris Jericho, Carlito, MVP, Mr. Kennedy, and John Morrison

4. Batista def. Umaga

5. ECW Championship:

Kane def. Chavo Guerrero (c) to become new champion.

6. Career Threatening Match:

Shawn Michaels def. Ric Flair, forcing Flair to retire.

7. Lumberjill Tag Team Match:

Beth Phoenix and Melina w/ Santino Marella def. Maria and Ashley

8. WWE Championship Triple Threat:

Randy Orton (c) def. John Cena and Triple H to retain.

9. No Disqualification Match:

Floyd Mayweather def. Big Show by knockout.

10. World Heavweight Championship:

The Undertaker def. Edge (c) to become new champion.


*Rewriting WrestleMania XXIV*


1. Belfast Brawl: JBL def. Finlay w/ Hornswoggle

Wouldn't change anything here. It was a great opener and didn't run too long. Everything was done right here.

2. ECW Championship Fatal 4-Way: Kane def. Mark Henry (c), Big Daddy V, and The Great Khali

I'd eliminate the ECW battle royal and just make it a 4-way between 4 of the biggest monsters WWE had to offer. I'd still have Kane win the title, but I wouldn't have had a mismatch of him against Chavo. Henry walks into Mania with the gold and defends against 3 others who can hold their own against him.

3. Money in the Bank Ladder Match: CM Punk def. MVP, Carlito, Shelton Benjamin, Matt Hardy, Mr. Kennedy, Kofi Kingston, and Cody Rhodes

CM Punk made for a great choice to give the briefcase to, so I obviously wouldn't change that. I would however have had Chris Jericho and John Morrison in their own matches, defending their respective titles. I'd also have had Matt Hardy be a surprise entrant in the match, as he interferred anyway to get revenge on MVP. But I know I'm nitpicking here, the important thing is they got the winner right.

4. WWE Tag Team Championship: The Miz & John Morrison (c) def. Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder

Once again, WWE did not showcase their tag team division at this year's WrestleMania. Miz and Morrison wer the champs at the time, and I think they should have had Hawkins and Ryder take them on in an attempt to bring more gold to Edge's stable "La Familia", who Chavo was also a part of and ECW Champion at the time. I might have made this a triple threat with The Colons, but I'm not sure if Primo was under contract yet. Regardless, I'd have Miz and Morrison retain.

5. Batista def. Big Show

Big Show's match with Floyd Mayweather was ridiculous and you could feel the crowd begin to grow slightly restless during this bout. I'd have paired Batista with him instead of Umaga, and have The Animal go over a still credible Big Show.

6. Intercontinental Championship: Chris Jericho (c) def. Jeff Hardy

I'm not sure why Jeff Hardy wasn't a part of WM24. If he was injured or suspended, then I would insert Kofi Kingston as the challenger. Both guys are opponents I would've loved to see go 1 on 1 with Jericho for the IC strap. And if CM Punk weren't aperfect choice for MITB winner, I would have considered him as well. Either way, Jericho should have defended the title instead of going for the briefcase. I'd have him retain, whether it be against Hardy or Kingston. I hated it when they included the IC or US Champ in the MITB match. It always made their title look meaningless. This is one of the reasons these championships lost so much of their prestige.

7. WWE Championship Triple Threat: Randy Orton (c) def. John Cena and Triple H

I wouldn't change a thing about this match. All of them intertwined pretty great into one feud and I was surprised that it didn't drag on too long. It lasted 14 minutes, which I felt was just about right. I also loved the ending, with Orton punting Triple H in the skull and covering Cena just after he had been on the receiving end of a Pedigree. Orton retaining was the right call, as it was time for a new face besides Cena or Triple H to hold the WWE gold.

8. Women's Championship Triple Threat: Beth Phoenix (c) def. Mickie James and Melina

The Glamazon should've defended her title here instead of being in a tag match. I'd put the 3 best women wrestlers in the title match and have Beth Phoenix retain convincingly as she was the most impressive diva to come along since Chyna.

9. Career Threatening Match: Shawn Michaels def. Rc Flair

The only thing I'd change is I'd put this match on next to last. You could argue this deserved to even be a double main event. Everything about this was perfect, with a reluctant Shawn Michaels saying, "I'm sorry, I love you" before delivering the superkick and covering a crying Ric Flair. Flair's 35-year career came to an end and he left to a standing ovation from 75,000 fans including his 4 children in the front row. Even though the outcome was completely predictable, this is easily one of my 10 favorite WrestleMania matches.

10. World Heavyweight Championship: The Undertaker def. Edge

I also wouldn't change anything about this match as it was a huge improvement over Taker's opponents in the past 2 Manias. Edge seemed like a legitimate threat to end the streak, being World Champion and previously undefeated against The Dead Man. It might have been a bit redundant though, having Taker win the World Title at Mania back to back years, which is why I put him against Orton at WM23 instead of Batista. It was an excellent match and definitely the right call to go on last rather than the WWE Championship match. A great ending to a great WrestleMania.


Feel free to comment and/or post your rewritten WrestleMania XXIV.

 

[Aquaman6686]

I absolutely loved WrestleMania 24. I really don't have much I'd change. The only match I had a problem with was Big Show vs. Floyd Mayweather, I despise celebrity matches and always will. Rather than that, I'd have Big Show challenge Chris Jericho for the Intercontinental Championship (with Jericho retaining) and Jericho's spot in MITB being filled by one of the guys from the Battle Royal, maybe The Miz.

The only other minor tweak I'd make is I'd put the WWE Championship match right before the World Heavyweight Championship match. I hate WWE's "separation between the main events" crap.

 

[Dagger Dias]

Another good one.... Only a couple of changes that I would make here. I did like that the winner of the battle royal in the pre-show got to have an ECW Championship shot later in the evening, but the "match" that we got was an insult. Kane still defeats Chavo Guerrero, but it would get extended by a few minutes so they can get an actual match. The other thing that I would change is the divas match. Melina would not be on my Wrestlemania 24 card whatsoever. Beth Phoenix with Santino in her corner would put her Womens Championship on the line against Maria who would have Ashley in her corner. Beth retains. The rest of the show would remain the same as the actual version.

 

[MMK]

WRESTLEMANIA 24

World Heavyweight Championship
Shawn Michaels def. Ric Flair
I would give Flair one last run as World Champion with the big gold belt. Flair def Edge for the title at the Royal Rumble, maybe with help from The Undertaker. The match with Shawn is exactly as it was, only Flair gets to go out defending the world title one last time.

WWE Championship
John Cena (c) def. Randy Orton and Batista
Replace Triple H with Batista and have a feud between the three faces of the new millenium WWE (whether we want them to be or not). Cena wins and is the undisputed face of his generation

Hell In A Cell
The Undertaker def. Edge
Really don't think this match required a championship to be on the line. At this point the streak sells itself. Not to mention that it's a hell in a cell. Plus taking the title out of the equation allows for the title to be at stake in another match thus giving the card a bit more depth

Money in the Bank Ladder Match:
CM Punk def. Mr Kennedy, MVP, Shelton Benjamin, Santino Marella, John Morrison and The Miz
Taking Jericho out in favor of the Miz who I believe was teaming with Morrison at the time. Seems odd to have one member of the team in the match, but not the other. With both in you can tease dissension and have them do some cool double team moves with the ladder. Punk still gets the win.

Triple H vs Chris Jericho
I never had these two meeting at Wrestlemania 18, so this would be a fresh rivalry for WM24. Both have multiple title reigns, but neither needed to be in the title picture at this point. Jericho had just returned in the fall of 07 and in my opinion sticking him in the MITB match seemed a bit lazy and obvious. He deserved a storyline/feud of his own. Plus, during the build to mania they can swap opponents with Shawn and Flair over the course of several Raws. Flair vs Jericho, Triple H vs Michaels, Triple H vs Flair, Michaels vs Jericho, a tag match, etc.

WWE Tag Team Championship: Lumberjack match
Hawkins & Ryder def The Acolytes: Faarooq & Bradshaw
Seeing as how Edge is facing The Undertaker, and Hawkins & Ryder were Edge's disciples, why not bring back The Undertakers Ministry of Darkness Disciples for one night only to even things up a bit. The JBL gimmick was 4 years old at this point and had basically run its course. During the buildup to Mania, I'd have The Acolytes reunite to come to the aid of the Undertaker during a 3 on 1 beatdown at the hands of Edge and his two cronies. Seeing as how Hawkins and Ryder may very well try to get themselves counted out or dq'd at mania to avoid a beating at the hands of The Undertakers' minions, the lumberjack stipulation is added in order to make sure the champions don't try to weasel their way out of things.
(Lumberjacks: Cade & Murdoch, Cryme Tyme, Deuce and Domino, Snitsky & Festus, Carlito & Primo)

Intercontinental Championship
Cody Rhodes def Kofi Kingston
Too early for either to be in the Money In The Bank as that would be a stepping stone to the WWE or World championship, but the IC title deserved to be defended and these two could have done a great job. He should never have been paried up with Bob Holly of all people to begin his wwe tenure. Just start him off as a cocky kid who thinks that because of his pedigree he should be an instant star. Heel Cody gets the win and his first IC title reign.

Womens Championship
Beth Phoenix def Melina

Giants Battle Royal
Umaga def Kane/ Big Show/ Mark Henry/ Khali/ Big Daddy V
Throw all the big monsters and freaks together with Umaga coming out on top as the new top beast in town

 

[RkoMachine]

The only things I would change would be the 2 Main Events. I feel like here was a great chance to do Cena vs Taker. So instead of Edge/Taker I would go with Cena/Taker for the WWE TITLE for the Main Event. And Randy Orton/Edge for the WHC. TRIPLE H vs Shawn Michaels would open the show in an incredible and possibly best opener ever to see who would face Ric Flair later on, Michaels wins. The Flair Michaels match goes exactly the same

 

[Double S]

I'd make one change being hhh out of the 3 way and he'd fight mayweather, less size difference would help, and cena and orton deserved one on one

 

[Mac]

I wouldn't change a thing about this WM outside of scrapping the ECW match.

 

[Wrestlingaholic]

To the OP: Jeff Hardy was suspended about two weeks before Wrestlemania; he had already qualified for the Money in the Bank ladder match on WWE tv, but his suspension obviously ruled him out, hence why there were only seven competitors in the match.

The best Wrestlemania I have attended, and 2nd best wrestling card (after ROH Supercard of Honor the previous night - what a weekend that was) that I have attended, I wouldn't change a thing on this one. Solidly a top 3 Wrestlemania alongside 17 and 19

 

[WarMachineUSA]

Word is that if not for a few injuries (Rey Mysterio) and failed drug tests (Jeff Hardy and Mr. Kennedy failed drug tests), this mania would have looked like this:

1. Belfast Brawl
JBL def. Finlay w/ Hornswoggle
*may not have happened. Mr. Kennedy was supposed to be Vince's son but was dropped from the angle after a failed drug test

2. Money in the Bank
Jeff Hardy def. Rey Mysterio, Shelton Benjamin, Carlito, John Morrison, The Miz, Chris Jericho and CM Punk
*Jeff Hardy was supposed to win but was suspended because of a failed drug test
*Rey tore his biceps and was injured at No Way Out

3. Batista def. Umaga

4. ECW Championship
Kane def. Chavo Guerrero to become new champion

5. Shawn Michaels def. Ric Flair

6. United States Championship
Matt Hardy def. MVP to become new champion
*Matt was healthy but was held out because Jeff was suspended

7. Beth Phoenix and Melina def. Candice Michelle and Maria
*Candice was hurt the week before the event

8. Floyd Mayweather def. Big Show

9. Triple H def. Mr. Kennedy
*Triple H was supposed to fight for the McMahon family honor that Mr. Kennedy stole as Vince's illegitimate son. This story line was loosely played out the following year when Randy Orton took out all members of the McMahon family.

10. WWE Championship
John Cena def. Randy Orton to become new champion

11. World Heavyweight Championship
Undertaker def. Edge to become new champion

 

[shooter_mcgavin]

This is the kind of WM in which I would probably make some changes but is fine with the card overall.

If I were to change one thing I would have added MVP vs. Matt Hardy for the US Title. Sometimes I am not sure how WWE's thought process on this is since they had a great year long program that deserved to close at WM. Matt Hardy wasn't on the card but he looked like he was at least cleared to compete at that point.

If I were to update the card i say I am fine with the big four matches.

United States Championship
MVP vs. Matt Hardy

Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Chris Jericho vs. Shelton Bejamin vs. Carlito vs. CM Punk vs. John Morrison vs. Chavao Guerrero vs. Kane vs. Mr. Kennedy
- Change the people around so we don't have to have that 10 second joke of an ECW Title Match

Cross Promotional Match
Umaga vs. Batista
- They kept this match short, so whatever.

Tag Team Match
John Bradshaw Layfield and Mr. McMahon vs. Finlay and Hornswoggle
- This feud involved Mr. McMahon dominating the screen time with Hornswoggle. The fact that Mr. McMahon wasn't even involved in the actual match is a bit strange. I say Mr. McMahon and JBL wins with McMahon pinning Hornswoggle.

Diva's Match
Beth Phoenix w/ Santino Marellla vs. Maria
- Just keep it one on one no Lumber Jills ok Snoop Dogg can be here still. But a one on one the match would have been shorter (and actually better if you can believe that).

 

[Kris Benwa]

I really like this the way is but there are a couple things I'd change.

1. I'd change the winner of the MITB match. Punk wasn't supposed to win but did then had a shaky reign as champ then got another chance and knocked without of the park that time. I say take away the first time and pick between any one of the other guys and that'd be fine with me. I have the easiest time making a story out of Y2J winning it though he could have even went through his HBK feud mostly the same way because he had a guarantee in to the WHC and Batista could have brought it to RAW during the draft and it could have played into how it started with those three. Also add in Umaga as the 8th guy for #2...

2. I never liked the idea of Triple H being in the WWE title match because I never saw how it made sense but it was only to move him and the title to Smackdown a few months later. It also gives Orton a chance to escape without decisively beating either guy. Part of me wants to change the battle for brand supremacy to Triple H vs Batista in a friendly match like Dolp vs Bryan would be
.maybe have Triple H def Batista, then they branch off and everything goes as it did except Batista beating edge and getting drafted the next night.

3. John Cena def Orton to regain the WWE championship. The next night Orton wants a rematch and JBL and Triple H having won their matches make their claims to a title match. In the 4 way Cena gets out JBL who comes back and jumps Cena and gets him out then Triple H beats Orton to win it then everything goes like in 1 and 2.

Everything else is good with me

 

[Deoxyribonucleic A.C.I.D.]

The only thing I'd change for this Wrestlemania is to keep Jeff Hardy away from the stupid drugs.

Do you know what was the original plans for Hardy? Hardy was supposed to win the MITB briefcase and then cash in the same night on Randy Orton and become the new WWE Champion. What a moment that could have been!

EDIT: Also having Triple H vs Batista instead of Umaga vs Batista for brand supremancy would be a nice fit, but not a necessary one.