54,087 fans jammed Seattle's SAFECO Field on March 30, 2003, for certainly one of the greatest WWE productions that I, personally, have ever seen. Now I'm not going to get into any intricate comparison on what is THE greatest WrestleMania of all time, but I will say that this was a beautifully crafted, technical and nostalgic event. Let's get to the action, shall we?
Cruiserweight Championship Matt Hardy vs. Rey Mysterio
A fast-paced kick-off to this event; great opener. Mysterio displayed his always amazing aerial prowess, and Hardy showed us why he is one of the more valuable players in the WWE. Time didn't effect this one for me as there was much more to come. 6.5/10
The Undertaker vs. Big Show & A-Train
Will Undertaker's unprecedented WrestleMania streak FINALLY be broken by the terrifying duo of the new Natural Disasters?? (note the sarcasim)Surprisingly not that bad a match if you consider some of the talent involved here. I don't like Limp Bizkit that much, but they complimented Taker's entrance quite nicely here. 5/10
Women's Championship Victoria vs. Jazz vs. Trish Stratus
This match just shows that the Women's division is getting better and better each year. Great action in this match; I'm going to go out on a limb and call this the best women's match of all-time (no bullsh*t) Great performance by all involved, even Steven Richards who unfortunately will never get anywhere by wearing those little pink tights (haha) 6.5/10
WWE Tag Team Championship Team Angle vs. Los Guerreros vs. Chris Benoit & Rhyno
Why, oh why did Benoit get shafted into midcard hell on the biggest card of the year? The same goes for Guerrero, but he and Chavo work well as a tag-team. Anyways, these three teams were great as always; I'm really impressed at how much Team Angle has evolved recently. I had no problems with this match, except for the amount of time that was given. Great contest nonetheless. 7/10
Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho
What can I say about this match other than it was just beautiful. Some may criticize it's pace, but it built-up well over time, and actually told a story. The selling was very believable, and I could almost feel Jericho's ongoing urge to show and prove he is better than his childhood hero. Everything was great about this contest, from the background story to the moves to even the lighting used. The definate show-stealer here. Simply Amazing. 9.5/10
World Heavyweight Championship Triple H vs. Booker T
Now this one was quite a shocker to me. Definately Triple H's best perfomance in 2003. Booker was great as usual. I loved how the Harlem Hangover and Indian Deathlock were pulled out. Flair was hilarious as usual, and King was at his comedic best in this one. Great match that represented Raw quite nicely. 7.5/10
"20 Years in The Making" - Street Fight Vince McMahon vs. Hulk Hogan
The most-billed match on the card without a doubt. I didn't expect much from this, but it was just what it needed to be. A shocking return (although i wish they hadn't used HIM on later television) and a great bump made this worth it. Ohh, and I can't forget Vince's sick, bloody impression when he looks over the ring apron...that was pure GENIUS. Haha the finger he gave Hogan after the match was funny as well. A brutal, bloody and barbaric street fight. 8/10
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock
This match was no where near as good as their match at X-Seven, but I will stop comparing and say that it added to this unbelievable card very well. Some funny moments here, from the new and improved HEEL Rock (yea) and the ending was very well-done and came as a shock to the crowd. You can always expect a great match from these two. 7.5/10
WWE Championship Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar
Well, here it is, a wrestling purist's dream. Olympic Champion vs. NCAA Champion. Two of WWE's best going at it for the richest prize in the game. This match was great, especially considering how Kurt Angle was risking paralysis by competing; he is one of the most gutsy, professional and inspirational wrestlers ever, no doubt about it. I also appreciate the fact that the rookie Lesnar continued the match in a concussed state after somewhat of a blown spot that made yours truly CRINGE. As a matter of fact, I was cringing during the entire match. So Angle walks in risking his health, and Brock leaves almost just as bad - how ironic is that? Great main event to end of the show! 8.5/10
Overall, WrestleMania XIX was wonderful and should be considered one of the greatest of all-time (comes close with X-Seven) The extras weren't anything special but damnit why couldn't John Cena spit his freestyle on the actual show rather than on Heat which I missed? Oh well, anyways, WrestleMania XIX is a sick event that culminated a year of hard work and dedication. Recommended to everyone, even if you don't follow wrestling.
Final Rating: 9/10
Peace
