Wrestlemania XXIV Recap: Edge, Undertaker Steal the Show

Wrestlemania XXIV has been one for the books. We've seen history made and titles changing hands, plus the long-awaited Big Show/Mayweather fight. Here's a look back on the pay-per-view.

Wrestlemania opened with the Belfast Brawl between JBL and Finlay. The 74,000+ fans in the Citrus Bowl were thrilled to see Hornswoggle make his return after the steel cage beating from Layfield. The two went back and forth, with even Hornswoggle getting in a shot. However, JBL proved too much for the Irishman, and Finlay succumbed to the Clothesline From Hell.

Next up was the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. This year, there was a lot of excitement and even more astonishing and crowd-pleasing action than years past. In the end, it would come down to CM Punk and Chris Jericho, as Punk caught Jericho's foot in the ladder, giving him the chance to retrieve the precious briefcase.

Our next bout was the Battle for Brand Supremacy as Smackdown's own Animal, Batista, took on RAW's Samoan Bulldozer, Umaga. Umaga looked to have Batista tamed throughout the match, but as the Samoan attempted the Samoan Spike, Batista held him off, hitting a spinebuster and a Batista Bomb that almost knocked the Animal backwards. Batista then celebrated as William Regal looked on, shocked.

Footage was then shown from the 24-man Battle Royal from earlier. The winner would face Chavo Guerrero for the ECW Title that night. It came down to Kane and Mark Henry, with Kane big booting Henry over the ropes for the win.

As the challenger was introduced for the match, Chavo was looking down the aisle, wondering where he could be, but the Big Red Machine snuck up from behind, laying out Guerrero with a chokeslam for a quick championship win.

Shawn Michaels was then brought out for his match against Ric Flair. Lilian Garcia reminded us that if Flair lost, he must retire. This was a great match with plenty of back -and-forth action, as well as some high-flying stunts (one unsuccessful and one successful) from HBK. It was mainly Flair chops, Sweet Chin Music, and Figure Fours throughout.

Finally, HBK set up for the Music, and he hesitated (as he had done earlier in the bout) before looking at Flair and saying, "I'm sorry. I love you", before nailing the Superkick, pinning his hero, and crying over his body. Flair would then get up and make his final bows to the crowd.

Bunnymania wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Glamazon and Melina dominated throughout, although Maria had the chance for a win before Santino pulled her off. Lawler then left ringside and decked Marella as Phoenix hit a Fisherman's suplex on Maria for the win. Afterwards, Santino taunted Maria until Snoop Dogg came from ringside and clotheslined him, before planting a kiss on Maria. 

The WWE Championship was an unpredictable one. The three superstars fought each other with real passion, but in the end, Orton took a trick from Edge's playbook, as after HHH hit Cena with his Pedigree, Orton broke up the count with a kick to HHH's head, then proceeding to pin Cena for the win.

Next, Mayweather/Big Show. Really elaborate entrance from the boxer, as well as a good start to the match, being able to duck the giant and land some good punches, but then Show took over and dominated the 39-0 boxing great. Show was ready to finish him off, before Mayweather's manager came in with a chair, nailing Show on the back, and receiving a chokeslam for his troubles. That gave Mayweather time to grab the chair, bring Show to his knees, and take a pair of brass knuckles to help deliver his knockout jawbreaker punch.

Show failed to answer the 10-count, and Mayweather was declared the winner by knockout.

Finally, the match of the night, Edge vs. Undertaker. Both men gave it their all, and not even their patented finishers could finish the other off quickly. But in a stroke of misfortune, Taker took out the ref with a big boot, allowing Edge to use a videocamera (shades of Survivor Series) on the Deadman, and calling his faithful "Edge-Heads" for assistance.

Undertaker was able to dispose of them, but he ended up getting two Spears from Edge, and as Edge tried to close in on history, Undertaker locked in his submission hold, and Edge was forced to tap, giving Undertaker a 16-0 Wrestlemania record, as well as the World Heavyweight Championship.

All in all, a pretty good show. Best match by far was Edge/Taker, with HBK/Flair coming in a close second. For those wondering, WM XXV will be in Reliant Stadium in Houston next year.