#4. WrestleMania XXIV is Criminally Underrated
What are the essential ingredients of a great WrestleMania? An excellent build, top stars, and a genuinely spectacular feel contribute significantly to the success of The Show of Shows. WrestleMania XXIV had it all.
More than 70,000 fans were packed inside the Citrus Bowl for a memorable, action-packed, and emotional evening. The excitement was palpable as WWE had nailed the build-up to the show. The main event put the spotlight on one of the greatest SmackDown feuds of all time.
For a year, Edge had made it his mission to keep the World Heavyweight Championship off The Undertaker. The Ultimate Opportunist was always one step ahead of Taker, and the Phenom had not beaten the World Champion up until Mania 24. On RAW’s side of things, three of WWE’s best, Randy Orton, Triple H, and John Cena, were fighting for the top prize.
After Orton intentionally got himself disqualified to retain the WWE Title at No Way Out 2008, Cena was deprived of a fair opportunity at the belt. On the same night, HHH won the Men’s Elimination Chamber. All of these events led to a colossal Triple Threat at WrestleMania XXIV.
Meanwhile, Ric Flair’s career was winding down, and the Nature Boy was nearing retirement. He found himself opposite Shawn Michaels, a man who respected and loved him. The build was emotional, and the eventual match left everyone in tears. Furthermore, the undercard featured exciting battles like the Money in the Bank Ladder match.
