In this WrestleMania X-Seven review, The Rock defends the WWF title against Steve Austin, Vince McMahon squares off with Shane McMahon, and much more.
Let’s jump in.
Show: WrestleMania X-Seven
Date: April 1, 2001
VIDEO: An awesome opening video package with narration from Freddie Blassie.
RINGSIDE: Jim Ross and Paul Heyman open up the show with “My Way” from Limp Bizkit playing in the background. This is, of course, Heyman’s first WrestleMania on commentary.
William Regal vs. (c) Chris Jericho – Intercontinental Title
We get a video package hyping the storyline, which included Commissioner Regal putting Jericho through the wringer. That led to Jericho pissing in Regal’s tea. Sometimes all you need to start a feud is a little urine in a man’s drink. Regal’s chest looks like chopped meat in the early going, and he goes the technical route to work over Jericho’s shoulder. Regal controls most of the match, and when Jericho tries to turn him over for the Walls, the shoulder won’t allow him to do it. Regal stretches him to put even more damage on the shoulder, but Jericho manages to reach the ropes. After more back and forth, Jericho hits the Lionsault to retain.
Blake’s Take: A pretty straightforward match with the heel focusing on a single body part, only for the babyface to find enough to win. Jericho and Regal know their wrestling psychology, and this was simple but effective. (Recommended)
IN THE PARKING LOT: A limo pulls up with a “WCW 1” license plate. It’s Shane McMahon.
BACKSTAGE: Bradshaw is pissed off, and Farooq and Jacqueline try to calm him down.
Right to Censor (Val Venis, Bull Buchanan, & The Goodfather) vs. Tazz & The Accolytes (w/Jacqueline)
Tazz’s entrance theme is on WWF The Music Vol. 5, and I thought that was one of the better CDs in this era. The Right to Censor really was a wild group when you look back at it. All hell breaks loose before the bell rings, then it continues with a flurry of offense from both sides. The fans came to see the RTC get their asses kicked, and that seemed to be the aim of this match. Bradshaw with a superplex to Val, then he ducks a Goodfather splash and hits the Clothesline From Hell for the victory.
Blake’s Take: Sometimes the crowd just wants to see the annoying heels get what they deserve. That’s what this was, and it worked fine.
BACKSTAGE: Trish Stratus rolls Linda McMahon around in a wheelchair, and Stephanie McMahon cuts them off in the hallway. Steph mocks Linda and wants Trish to get the victory celebration ready for after the match. This storyline was something.
Big Show vs. Kane vs. (c) Raven – Hardcore Title
I haven’t watched this match since 2001, but I do remember thinking it was a hidden gem. Let’s see if that holds true 22 years later. Raven and Kane start fighting before Show even makes his entrance. Once he does, Kane throws Raven to Show, who catches him. Kane decides to go up top and fly off onto Show in a nice sequence. All three fight into the crowd, and it’s total chaos as you would expect. They make their way to the back, where Kane throws Raven through a wall, then Show slams Kane onto some pallets. Show tries to padlock an area to keep Kane out, but Kane breaks the door. He’s done that before, folks! Kane throws Raven through a glass window, and Show literally puts Kane through a door. Those two put each other through a door after that. Raven hops on a golf cart, so Show hops on the back. They run into a chain fence, so Kane decides to do them one better and grab his own golf cart. He then proceeds to try to run over Raven’s foot. This match is pure nonsense and I love it. JR with the line of the match after Show throws Raven onto a table of catering: “There goes the Snapple.” Not the Snapple! They finally make their way back to the stage, and Kane gives a big boot to Show, who is holding Raven above his head. That sends them off the stage through some padding. Kane jumps off the stage with a leg drop onto Show to win the title.
Blake’s Take: By no means a technical classic, but this was everything I wanted in a WWF hardcore match in this era. A lot of big spots and a 7-foot monster hitting a Hulk Hogan leg drop off a stage. What more could you ask for? (Recommended)
BACKSTAGE: Kurt Angle is watching footage of Chris Benoit making him tap out during a recent segment. Edge and Christian are in a good mood, but Angle reiterates to them that he never officially tapped out.
AT WWF NEW YORK: Jimmy Snuka is there with fans.
RINGSIDE: Jonathan Coachman interviews an Australian woman who says “WWF RULES!”
BACKSTAGE: The Rock is here, and he’s already getting booed by the fans.
Eddie Guerrero (w/Perry Saturn) vs. (c) Test – European Title
JR makes it clear that he hates Saturn’s obnoxious hat. The story in the early going is that Eddie has no answer for Test’s power. Also, Saturn takes the hat off, much to JR’s delight. Eddie goes for the hurricanrana off the top, but Test counters with a flying elbow to the face for a two count. Eddie distracts the referee to allow Saturn to get a few cheap shots in with Test’s leg tied up in the ropes. Eddie works over Test’s leg for a while after that to try to eliminate the size advantage. Test regains the momentum with two tilt-a-whirl slams, but Eddie kicks out at two. Eddie with a low blow that the referee doesn’t see, and the latter also somehow doesn’t see Saturn coming in the ring and hitting a snap suplex. The timing wasn’t great on that one, but it only gets Eddie a near fall. Test with the pump handle slam, and Eddie kicks out again. Saturn is back in the ring, and Test hits the big boot to both him and Eddie. However, here comes Dean Malenko to break up the count, which the referee once again doesn’t see. Test goes after Malenko, and what do you know, the referee is distracted again. That’s enough to allow Saturn to slip Eddie the belt, and he hits Test with it to win the title.
Blake’s Take: Lots of shenanigans from the Radicalz, and at times, it did make the referee look like a complete buffoon. But Eddie winning was the right move, and it’s always enjoyable to watch his underhanded tactics as a heel.
BACKSTAGE: Michael Cole with Mick Foley, who will referee Vince vs. Shane. Cole isn’t sure Foley can be fair, but he will be…..right here in Houston, Texas!
BACKSTAGE: Steve Austin has arrived, and he looks deep in thought.
RINGSIDE: Angle says he isn’t a big fan of the state of Texas. He’s curious why the state flag is missing 49 stars. He also calls the fans “bull riding, beer-bellied, Texas yeehaws” in a pretty tremendous line.
Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit
Heyman’s excitement for this match is obvious: “This is as excited as a man can get with his clothes on.” They jockey for position as Angle tries to prove he’s the better technical wrestler. The crowd is eating this thing up. Angle regroups on the outside after Benoit goes for the Crossface, then Benoit does it again but Angle gets to the ropes. Angles turns up his aggression, as Heyman notes Angle is turning it into a brawl after getting outwrestled by Benoit. Great commentary there. Angle stays on offense for a bit, but Benoit fights back with chops. That doesn’t last, with Angle hitting multiple belly-to-belly suplexes to regain control. They exchange some vicious chops, and Benoit eventually hits a superplex off the top for a near fall. Two German suplexes from Benoit, but Angle goes for the Ankle Lock. However, Benoit counters into an Ankle Lock of his own before Angle fights out. Then Benoit locks on the Crossface in the middle of the ring, which Angle counters into his own Crossface before Benoit gets to the ropes. Awesome sequence. Benoit kicks Angle into the referee, and Angle taps to the Crossface….but the referee is still down. Angle hits the Angle Slam, but Benoit kicks out at two and three quarters. Angle goes for a moonsault, and Benoit gets the knees up. Benoit with the flying headbutt for another near fall. However, it’s Angle who counters another technical sequence, and he holds Benoit’s tights to score the victory.
Blake’s Take: This was great stuff from these two. They played up Angle’s frustration at Benoit’s ability to counter his technical wrestling moves, which forced him to find another way to win by any means necessary. Heyman was also fantastic in pushing the story of this match. (Must-See)
BACKSTAGE: Cole asks Regal how he’s doing. He’s fine, but what’s not fine is his desk. That’s because Kamala and Kim Chee are in there, with Kamala dancing on it. Regal’s response to Kamala wanting him to rub the moon on his belly is hilarious.
VIDEO: Members of the U.S. Army hang out with WWF superstars at a pep rally. This is worth watching for Angle’s comments alone.
BACKSTAGE: Kevin Kelly asks Angle if he respects Benoit. Angle loses it, and Benoit runs in and locks on the Crossface again as officials try to break it up.
VIDEO: We see highlights of the build to Chyna vs. Ivory.
Chyna vs. (c) Ivory – Women’s Title
JR and Heyman reveal that Chyna has signed a clause saying she can’t sue if Ivory injures her, which plays off the neck injury and stretcher angle at the Royal Rumble. The RTC is also banned from ringside. Ivory hits Chyna with the belt before the bell rings, then she goes to work on Chyna’s neck. Chyna takes over the match from there, and she pulls Ivory up to take a few more shots before hitting the power bomb to win the title.
Blake’s Take: Just like with the other RTC match, this accomplished what it needed to accomplish. The babyface triumphs, and the heel gets put in their place.
BACKSTAGE: Vince, Stephanie, and Trish with medicated Linda. Cole barges in and wants Vince’s reaction to the shocking development of Shane buying WCW. Vince says if he wants shocking, he’ll get shocking, and he guarantees it. Wonder what he means by that?!
VIDEO: All the craziness that led to Vince vs. Shane. That included Trish oiling up Vince for a massage, Vince making Trish bark like a dog, Vince and Trish exchanging tongues in front of Linda, and more wholesome entertainment like that.
RINGSIDE: Shane gives a shout to his new WCW friends in the suites. I spot Mark Jindrak, Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, Chavo Guerrero Jr., Stacy Keibler, Shawn Stasiak, Mike Sanders (maybe?), Hugh Morrus, and John Laurinaitis.
Shane McMahon vs. Vince McMahon (w/Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley) – Street Fight w/ Special Guest Referee: Mick Foley
Shane takes out his aggression on Vince early on, and that leads to Stephanie getting involved and slapping the taste out of Shane’s mouth. Shane beats the hell out of Vince with a sign of some sort, then wraps an extension cord around his neck. Shane continues the beatdown and nails Vince with multiple kendo stick shots. Now he’s onto hitting Vince with a TV monitor and putting him on the Spanish announce table. Then comes the famous spot with Shane missing the flying elbow after Stephanie pulls Vince out of the way. And here comes Trish rolling Linda down the aisle. Trish checks on Vince and proceeds to slap him right in the face, so Stephanie slaps Trish and they brawl in the ring. Foley pulls Stephanie off, and she slaps him before running away. Trish chases Stephanie to the back as Vince locks eyes with Linda. Yep, she’s still medicated. Foley tries to get Linda out of the way, so Vince nails him with two chair shots. Vince picks Linda up and rolls her in the ring. He puts her in the corner in a chair, then throws in Shane and four trash cans. Vince pops Shane with a trash can and taunts Linda. Vince goes for the trash can shot for a third time, but SHE’S ALIVE. Seriously, the pop when Linda stands ups and kicks Vince is the nuts is truly insane. One of the loudest pops in this era, and that’s saying something. Foley beats up Vince, which allows Shane to hit the highlight reel coast-to-coast jump to smash the trash can in Vince’s face for the win.
Blake’s Take: The definition of Sports Entertainment. How could you not be sports entertained by this match? It hit all the McMahon family tropes and, again, Linda’s return to civilization was just nuts. It’s not a wrestling masterpiece, but for what it aimed to be, it’s pretty much perfect. (Must-See)
VIDEO: The Hardy Boyz were at WWF Axess, and Kevin Kelly asks them about TLC 2. Matt says their feud with Edge and Christian and The Dudley Boyz is personal. Jeff says he’s going into the match like it’s his last.
BACKSTAGE: Triple H has his game face on, and The Undertaker is warming up.
The Hardy Boyz vs. Edge and Christian vs. (c) The Dudley Boyz – TLC Match for the Tag Team Titles
JR plays up both Lita and Spike Dudley being injured, so they aren’t ringside with their teams. Rhyno had gored Lita in the build to the match. There’s no way to go move for move on a match like this, so we’ll hit the highlights. The crowd chants for tables a minute into the action, which makes sense. Plenty of ladder use right off the bat, with Edge and Christian dueling with Matt and Jeff, who hit a double team move off the ladder onto Christian. Then it’s the WASSUP from Bubba Ray and D’Von onto Edge. They make the fans happy by getting the tables. They power bomb Jeff through Edge on the table and set up multiple tables outside the ring. Bubba delivers a stiff ladder shot to Matt, and now all six men are climbing three separate ladders. Of course, they all fly off, including Christian going straight from the top of the ladder all the way to the floor. The other five at least had the ropes or mat break their fall.
Spike arrives, and he hits the bulldog on Edge before doing the same to Christian from the top through a ladder on the outside. Now it’s Rhyno’s turn to join the mix, and he spears Matt through a table in the corner. Next up is Lita, thong hanging out and all. She goes after Edge, but Rhino picks her up. Spike makes the save with a low blow to Rhyno, then she hits a hurricanrana off the top to Rhyno. Spike with a chair shot to Rhyno, and that causes him to fall into the ladder and send Edge flying. Bubba and D’Von hit the Dudleyville Device, but Lita cracks Spike with a chair. She also takes her shirt off, and the crowd seems pleased at that development. However, she turns around into a 3D from the Dudleyz. Edge and Christian hit Bubba with chairs and my goodness this match is wild.
Jeff with the Swanton off a ladder on the outside, and he dives through Rhyno and Spike. Four ladders now set up in the ring, and Christian and D’Von are hanging by the titles. They fall off as Jeff tries to walk across the other three ladders, but that doesn’t work. He climbs up instead and in yet another creative spot, he’s holding onto the titles as Bubba grabs the ladder to move it to one corner. Jeff still has it hooked with his feet though. That leads to Edge climbing the big ladder in the opposite corner, and he jumps to the middle of the ring and spears Jeff. INCREDIBLE. But wait, there’s more. Bubba and Matt climb the big ladder in the ring, and Rhyno shoves it to send them flying through the two tables that were set up on the outside. D’Von tries to climb the ladder, but Edge holds onto him as Rhyno puts Christian on his shoulders to allow him to retrieve the titles for the win.
Blake’s Take: I know we like to compare matches to other matches, but I haven’t rewatched the original TLC Match in a while. So, from a comparison standpoint, it’s hard to rate the two until I load that one up again. I’ve heard people say they enjoyed the first better since it didn’t have the interference, which is fine. However, this is still a classic in every way. (Legendary)
VIDEO: Highlights from WWF Axess. Some guy spent $205 on a Mr. Socko. I never went to one of these, but it seemed like an awesome deal.
IN THE RING: Howard Finkel announces the Houston Astrodome attendance record of 67,925.
RINGSIDE: Mean Gene Okerlund and Bobby Heenan make their way out to call the battle royal. Two of the best in any field in the history of pro wrestling and hearing the excitement in their voices to have the opportunity to return is so awesome.
The Bushwhackers vs. Duke “The Dumpster” Droese vs. The Iron Sheik vs. Earthquake vs. The Goon vs. Doink The Clown vs. Kamala vs. Repo Man vs. Jim Cornette vs. Nikolai Volkoff vs. Michael Hayes vs. One Man Gang vs. The Gobbly Gooker vs. Tugboat vs. Hillbilly Jim vs. Brother Love vs. Sgt. Slaughter – Gimmick Battle Royal
Heenan’s comments during each man’s entrance are pure gold. On Repo Man: “Last week, he repoed his own car. This man is nuts.” There are so many more gems like that. Earthquake throws out his former tag team partner Tugboat to push the any man for himself theme. Kamala throws out Earthquake though. It’s hilarious to see Jim Cornette and Bruce Prichard in this thing. The final four are Slaughter, Hillbilly, Love, and Sheiky Baby. Of course, since Sheik couldn’t be thrown over the top rope due to various injuries in his career, he’s your winner. After the match, Slaughter comes back in and locks on the Cobra Clutch to send Sheik to the mat.
Blake’s Take: Gene and Heenan were so great here. The nostalgia was real with all these memorable characters returning to the spotlight.
VIDEO: We look at the build to Triple H vs. The Undertaker, which included Stephanie getting a restraining order against The Undertaker. She should’ve gotten that years ago! Taker manages to get the match approved by Regal by having Kane hold Stephanie above his head while threatening to throw her from a balcony. Well, that’s one way to do it.
ON THE STAGE: Motorhead plays Triple H’s theme as he makes his way to the ring.
Triple H vs. The Undertaker
JR reminds us that this is the first-ever meeting between the two on pay-per-view. In a comical opening to the match, they brawl outside the ring and quickly break the makeshift Spanish announce table. It never had a chance. Meanwhile, also shares this trivia note: Taker has never lost at WrestleMania. Interesting! Taker controls things to start, and he attempts to go old school but Triple H throws him off the top. Triple H goes to his cerebral style and tries for three straight pinfalls but to no avail. He also shoves referee Mike Chioda, who shoves him back. Triple H throws the timekeeper over the guardrail and grabs the sledgehammer. He shoves Chioda once again, which leads to Chioda taking the sledgehammer from him. As he puts it out of the ring, Triple H goes for the Pedigree, but Taker slingshots him into Chioda in the corner. Taker with the chokeslam for a near fall. And now Taker kicks Chioda and gives him an elbow drop to the head. Absolutely hilarious stuff.
Heyman questions whether Taker has criminal intentions in another good line. Taker backdrops Triple H into the crowd and they fight towards the hard cam. They brawl around the electrical equipment and the crowd is loving it. Triple H nails Taker with two chair shots to the head before hauling off with a gazillion more. However, Taker regroups and choke slams Triple H off the camera tower to the padding on the floor. Taker then hits an elbow drop off the tower while the EMTs check on Triple H. Taker assaults the EMTs because we’ve learned by now that anyone in a supervisor role in this match is fair game. The security team has the hardest job of the match as they try to clear a path for the two to fight back to the ring.
Chioda is somehow still out in the ring, so Taker picks up the sledgehammer because why the hell not at this point? He goes to hit Triple H with it, but Triple H kicks him in the balls. However, Taker counters Triple H’s sledgehammer attempt with a big boot. Triple H makes the mistake of going for the Tombstone, and Taker counters it with his own but…there’s no referee since Chioda took a kick and elbow drop about a half hour ago. Taker goes for the Last Ride, but Triple H brings the sledgehammer with him and pops Taker in the head with it. CHIODA IS BACK. Triple H goes for the pin, but Taker kicks out at two and three quarters. Taker is bleeding like a stuck pig. Triple H with corner punches, but Taker picks him up and hits the Last Ride for the victory to move to 9-0 at WrestleMania.
Blake’s Take: This matched worked the Attitude Era brawl formula very well. There was brawling, ref bumps, fighting in the crowd, weapons, and more. To be honest, I recall thinking this was underwhelming in previous years. However, on this rewatch, I found it to be a bit underrated. (Must-See)
BACKSTAGE: The Rock makes his way to the ring, while Austin stares at himself in the mirror. The subtle hints are great when you know how things unfold.
VIDEO: Yes, this is THE video package. I consider it the best in wrestling history. You’ve got “My Way” and highlights from JR’s legendary sit-down interview with Rock and Austin. “I need to beat you, Rock. I need it more than anything you could ever imagine.” Truly iconic. This is WWE production at its finest.
Steve Austin vs. (c) The Rock – No DQ Match for the WWF Title
The No DQ stipulation is a late addition to the match, and JR questions it. The foreshadowing was well done. Debra was involved in the build to the match, but they scrapped her involvement despite hyping she’d be in Rock’s corner. It was the right move to make it just about the rivalry between these two. Austin goes right at Rock to start things off, and once again, JR assumes it’s Regal who added the No DQ element to the match. The crowd is split on Rock since many are rooting for the hometown hero in Austin. They fight into the crowd, and boy did the security team earn their money on this show. Back in the ring and Austin is in control as Heyman points out Austin’s more aggressive approach to prove just how badly he wants the title. Austin with the superplex off the top for a two count. And now Austin takes the padding off the turnbuckle to add another hint of what he has in mind, but Rock regains the advantage with a jumping clothesline and suplex for a near fall.
Back outside the ring, and Rock backs referee Earl Hebner into the steps. As they turn around to Austin, he wallops Rock with the title belt. Rock is bleeding and they destroy the English announce table. Back inside and it’s mounted punches from Austin, then he applies the choke on Rock. Heyman reiterates that they don’t know the reason why this is No DQ. Austin with a near fall and he’s back to punching and kicking Rock in the face. Rock hits back-to-back clotheslines as the crowd boos him, then he gives Austin the middle finger before sending him face-first into the turnbuckle. Rock grabs the ring bell and he hammers a bloody Austin with it, but Austin kicks out at two and a half.
Rock controls the action for a bit until Austin slams him on the guardrail. Austin catapults Rock head-first into the ring post and both men are down on the outside. Austin grabs the TV monitor and nails Rock with it. Heyman asks yet again who made the No DQ rule. Meanwhile, Austin gets a two count on Rock. Double bird salute from Austin, but Rock counters a Stunner attempt into a Sharpshooter. Austin finally reaches the ropes to break the hold and man are both men a crimson mask at this point. Austin locks on a Sharpshooter of his own, but Rock manages to fight out. Another Sharpshooter from Austin and Rock grabs the ropes. Austin won’t let go and gives Hebner the bird. Austin then goes back to the past with the Million Dollar Dream, and JR points out he hasn’t brought that move out in years. Rock pushes off in the corner and gets a near fall on Austin.
Back and forth again, and it’s Rock who hits the Stunner on Austin. However, Austin kicks out at two and three quarters. The crowd starts to boo, and it’s because Vince is walking down the aisle. Austin hits a spinebuster and it’s another near fall. Rock then hits a spinebuster and drops the People’s Elbow….but Vince pulls Rock off of Austin. Rock’s facial expressions are priceless as he chases Vince around ringside, but he slides back in the ring and Austin hits a Rock Bottom for yet another dramatic two count. Austin goes for the Stunner, but Rock throws him into Hebner, who is knocked to the outside. Austin hits the low blow on Rock, and he wants Vince to hit Rock with a chair. He does just that and Vince throws Hebner in, but Rock kicks out again. Austin goes to hit Rock with a chair, but Rock reverses into the Rock Bottom. Vince grabs Hebner to prevent the count, and Rock throws him into the ring. However, he turns around to a Stunner from Austin…..but Rock kicks out! What an incredible finishing sequence. Vince hands Austin the chair once again, and Austin hits a brutal chair shot…..but Rock kicks out! Austin just brutalizes Rock with the chair and JR loses his mind as Austin scores the pin to win the title.
IN THE RING: Austin offers a handshake to Vince, and both JR and Heyman are pure gold with their reactions. Austin and Vince drink a beer over Rock, with JR ranting about Austin’s decision to join up with Vince. Rock stumbles to his feet, and Austin hits him with the belt for good measure.
Blake’s Take: Easily the best Austin/Rock match ever. You can certainly question the decision to turn Austin heel and align him with Vince, but in the moment, it was a stunning development that made fans want to see what came next. Even if the follow-up didn’t deliver, it doesn’t change the fact that this was awesome. The atmosphere only added to the greatness. (Legendary)
BLAKE’S TAKE ON WRESTLEMANIA X-SEVEN
Overall Rating: 10/10
Thoughts: Some shows are better through the lens of nostalgia than in reality. This is not one of those shows. Even two decades later, it’s one of the best pay-per-views I’ve ever seen. It had everything that a WWE fan during this time period could want. Every match was different, and the variety is unparalleled even in an era that featured a plethora of different characters. This is the peak of the Attitude Era and nothing since has been able to match it.
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