The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is currently experiencing a period of unprecedented financial success, consistently breaking records and outpacing its own storied history, as well as that of its competitors. The company’s prosperity is not just limited to its financial achievements; the quality of its programming is also receiving acclaim. WrestleMania, which took place last weekend, has been hailed as one of the greatest wrestling events ever, and the subsequent episodes of RAW, SmackDown, and NXT left fans largely satisfied with the high-caliber entertainment provided.
For those who yearn for the wrestling of yesteryear, there’s good news. There are regular features that delve into some of the most significant shows, matches, and moments from WWE’s rich past. A recent article took fans on a nostalgic journey through five memorable WWE events that occurred between 2011 and 2019. These included an emotional announcement, two unexpected Money in the Bank cash-ins, and other significant moments that have shaped the company’s history.
One of the most electrifying moments in WWE history took place on April 8th, 2013, during a live episode of Monday Night RAW at the IZOD Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The event was particularly notable for the match between World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio and his challengers, Zeb Colter and Jack Swagger. Following Del Rio’s victory, Dolph Ziggler seized the moment to cash in his Money in the Bank contract, much to the delight of the audience, and captured the World Title from Del Rio.
Another unforgettable moment occurred at WrestleMania 34 on April 8th, 2018, held at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event was a star-studded affair, culminating in a main event rematch between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship. In a surprising outcome, Lesnar emerged victorious over Reigns. The following year, on April 9th, 2019, the Hardy Boyz made history on SmackDown at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, by defeating The Usos to win the SmackDown Tag Team Title, marking their last tag team title win in the company.
The excitement continued on April 10th, 2018, when Carmella made a dramatic Money in the Bank cash-in on SmackDown, taking the SmackDown Women’s Championship from Charlotte Flair after a surprise attack by The IIconics. However, April 11th, 2011, was a day marked by sadness rather than celebration, as fans witnessed the unexpected retirement of Edge on RAW due to a severe neck injury. While this marked the end of an era, Edge would later make a remarkable return to the ring in 2020, eventually leaving WWE to compete in All Elite Wrestling under his real name, Adam Copeland.
The WWE universe is constantly evolving, with moments of triumph and heartbreak that continue to captivate audiences. From spectacular cash-ins to emotional farewells, the rich tapestry of WWE’s history is woven with the threads of these unforgettable events, leaving fans both nostalgic for the past and excited for the future of sports entertainment.
