This week in WWE history: Two former world champions retire at WrestleMania, scary botch, and more (March 25-March 31)

WWE is currently undergoing a massive increase in both popularity and business, a level of success they haven’t seen in nearly 25 years. The last time the Stamford-based company was this popular was during the renowned Attitude Era.

With WrestleMania 40 quickly approaching, all eyes are focused on the highly anticipated event. The company is currently enjoying a level of popularity not seen in years, making it clear that the Sports Entertainment powerhouse is in a favorable position.

Undoubtedly, success is not achieved without enduring a long journey of failures, challenges, and achievements. WWE’s current state is a result of approximately 70 years of history, which played a significant role in molding the organization into the beloved entity it is in 2024.

This article will retell the stories of five memorable WrestleMania events and the significant moments that made them stand out.

During this week in WWE history, there have been five significant matches, moments, or events that took place:

#5. The End of an Era: Shawn Michaels’ Retirement at WrestleMania 26

The 26th annual WrestleMania event was the first entry on this list. It took place on March 28th, 2010, at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

This WWE show, much like numerous other WrestleMania events, was filled with top talent. The standout match of the night was the main event, where Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker faced off in a highly anticipated rematch from the previous year. Despite an impressive performance from HBK, The Phenom ultimately emerged as the victor.

This time, the encounter held even greater significance. Advertised as Streak vs. Career, the match between The Deadman and The HeartBreak Kid lasted approximately 24 minutes. In the end, The Undertaker proved to be too formidable for Michaels. Despite making a one-time comeback in Saudi Arabia, this would ultimately be HBK’s last match, and it certainly left a lasting impression.

#4. The Austin Era: WrestleMania 14 and Beyond

At WrestleMania 14 in Boston on March 29, 1998, one of the most remarkable and unforgettable moments in WWE history occurred.

The main event of the show featured Stone Cold Steve Austin challenging Shawn Michaels for the WWE Championship. Prior to this, Austin had never held a world championship, while Shawn had been one of the prominent figures in the company for several years.

Despite being a member of D-Generation X, Mike Tyson, who served as the referee, switched sides due to his dissatisfaction with Shawn Michaels’ behavior. After a tough battle, Stone Cold Steve Austin defeated HBK to win his first WWF Title and usher in the “Austin Era.”The end of the match saw Tyson deliver a knockout punch and join Austin in celebration.

#3. Seth Rollins’ Historic Money in the Bank Cash-In at WrestleMania 31

On March 29, 2015, WWE put on a memorable WrestleMania 31 event at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, located in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Despite high expectations for Roman Reigns in his match against Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania 31, the outcome took an unexpected turn. The match was anticipated to be a standout moment for Reigns, but it ultimately proved to be a surprising twist that caught everyone off guard.

Seth Rollins, holder of the WWE Money in the Bank contract, quickly entered the ring and used his briefcase to turn the ongoing match into a Triple Threat Match. This ultimately resulted in The Visionary claiming his very first world title with the company, known famously as The Heist Of The Century.

#2. Brock Lesnar’s WrestleMania 19 Match Had a Terrifying Botch on March 30, 2003

The next item on this list showcases a truly frightening moment. On March 30, 2003, WWE hosted the 19th edition of WrestleMania, known as the “Showcase of the Immortals,”at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington, with an attendance of approximately 54,000 enthusiastic fans.

Despite the stacked lineup of the show, the main event of the night was undeniably the most thrilling match between Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship. Although The Next Big Thing emerged as the victor, one specific moment from the intense battle continues to be remembered to this day.

Despite his successful track record in OVW, Lesnar never attempted the Shooting Star Press again. This was due to a botched attempt during a match where he landed on his neck. Thankfully, Lesnar did not sustain any serious injuries and was able to finish the match.

#1. Ric Flair’s “Retirement”from WWE at WrestleMania 24: March 30, 2008

The last item on this week’s list is WWE WrestleMania 24, which took place at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida on March 30, 2008. The Stamford-based promotion announced an estimated 74,000 attendees at The Show of Shows.

The retirement match between Shawn Michaels and Ric Flair at WrestleMania 24 was the most memorable event of the night, despite the numerous big matches that took place. Despite his reluctance, Michaels ultimately delivered a powerful superkick to Flair in a classic match that served as the perfect farewell to the Nature Boy’s legendary career.

Despite receiving a heartwarming ovation from the crowd, Flair’s proper goodbye on RAW was short-lived. Soon enough, he would be back in the ring for matches in Australia and with TNA Wrestling, ultimately diminishing the impact of his farewell.