WrestleMania 24: The Ultimate Highlights Guide

What's up, wrestling fans! Get ready to take a trip down memory lane because we're diving deep into WrestleMania 24 highlights. This event, folks, was a monumental occasion, packed with unforgettable moments that still get us talking today. From epic championship battles to shocking debuts and emotional farewells, WrestleMania 24 had it all. So grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let's relive some of the most electrifying action from this legendary pay-per-view. We're talking about a show that truly defined an era and cemented its place in WWE history.

The Undertaker vs. Edge: A Classic Showdown for the World Heavyweight Championship

Ah, the legendary streak! When we talk about WrestleMania 24 highlights, one match that immediately springs to mind is the epic clash between The Undertaker and Edge for the World Heavyweight Championship. This wasn't just any match; it was a battle of titans, a high-stakes encounter that had the entire arena on the edge of their seats. Edge, the "Rated-R Superstar," was at the peak of his villainous game, determined to end The Undertaker's undefeated streak at WrestleMania. The Undertaker, the "Phenom," was on a mission to solidify his legacy and add another championship to his illustrious career. The storytelling leading up to this match was pure gold, with Edge using every dirty trick in the book to get inside The Undertaker's head. But when the bell rang, it was pure, unadulterated wrestling magic. The pacing was impeccable, the near-falls were heart-stopping, and the drama was off the charts. You had high-flying maneuvers, brutal power moves, and moments where it truly felt like the streak was in jeopardy. Edge pulled out all the stops, even using a camera man and a ladder to try and gain an advantage. The Undertaker, ever the resilient force, fought back with his signature power and intensity. The atmosphere in the Citrus Bowl was electric, with the crowd roaring with every impactful blow and every near submission. Ultimately, The Undertaker's resilience prevailed. He locked in the Hells Gate submission hold, forcing Edge to tap out and extending his legendary streak to an astonishing 16-0. This match wasn't just about a championship; it was about legacy, about overcoming adversity, and about one of the greatest WrestleMania matches of all time. The visual of The Undertaker celebrating with the World Heavyweight Championship, his streak intact, is an image etched forever in the minds of wrestling fans. It was a masterclass in in-ring storytelling and a testament to the enduring appeal of The Undertaker's WrestleMania mystique. If you're looking for pure wrestling drama and a defining moment in WrestleMania history, this match is an absolute must-watch from WrestleMania 24.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Big Show: The "Money" Meets the "Giant"

Now, let's talk about a celebrity involvement that actually delivered! A massive talking point from WrestleMania 24 highlights was undoubtedly the highly anticipated showdown between undefeated boxing champion Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr. and the "World's Largest Athlete," Big Show. This match was a spectacle, a true clash of worlds that brought a whole new audience to the WWE. Mayweather, known for his defensive prowess in the boxing ring, stepped into the squared circle to face a man who literally dwarfed him. The build-up was intense, with Mayweather famously delivering a low blow to Big Show during an episode of SmackDown, drawing the ire of the WWE Universe and setting the stage for this colossal confrontation. The hype surrounding this match was immense, and people were genuinely curious to see how the legendary boxer would fare against a wrestling behemoth. The "Money" persona of Mayweather was on full display, adding to the spectacle and the intrigue. When the bell rang, it was a David vs. Goliath scenario, but with a twist. Big Show, using his sheer size and power, dominated much of the early action. He landed some devastating blows, and it looked like Mayweather might be in serious trouble. However, Mayweather, true to his "Pretty Boy" persona, used his agility and quick reflexes to evade Big Show's attacks. The key moment, and arguably the most talked-about spot, involved Mayweather's entourage, The Money Team, interfering. They distracted Big Show, allowing Mayweather to land a series of punches, including one with a foreign object (brass knuckles), right to Big Show's jaw. This single, well-placed shot was enough to knock the giant down, and Mayweather secured the pinfall victory. The crowd's reaction was mixed – some booed the interference and the "cheap" win, while others cheered for the underdog boxer's surprising victory. Regardless of opinion, it was a memorable moment that showcased Mayweather's ability to draw attention and create buzz. The visual of Mayweather standing tall over the fallen Big Show, microphone in hand, was an iconic image from WrestleMania 24. This match proved that while Mayweather might not have had the wrestling skills of a seasoned pro, he had the showmanship and the ability to create a massive event. It was a unique attraction that contributed significantly to the overall excitement and star power of WrestleMania 24, making it a definite highlight for many fans.

Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho: A Masterclass in Professional Wrestling

When you think about pure wrestling skill and emotional storytelling, the WrestleMania 24 highlights must include the incredible bout between Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho. These two, guys, are absolute legends in the game, and their encounter at WrestleMania 24 was nothing short of a wrestling clinic. Jericho, the "Ayatollah of Rock 'n' Rolla," saw Michaels as the benchmark, the standard to surpass. He felt overshadowed by Michaels' legacy and was driven by a burning desire to prove he was the better wrestler, the true "Face of WWE." Michaels, the "Heartbreak Kid," was in his element, still delivering performances that defied his age and experience. The narrative was compelling: Jericho's obsession with Michaels, his attempts to emulate Michaels' moves, and his growing bitterness. This wasn't just about winning a match; it was about pride, legacy, and proving who the real icon was. The match itself was a beautiful display of technical prowess, intricate counters, and dramatic near-falls. Both men knew each other's game inside and out, leading to a chess match-like quality where every move was calculated. You saw sequences of reversals that were so fluid and seamless, it was breathtaking. Jericho targeted Michaels' eye, a callback to their previous encounters and a strategic attempt to weaken his opponent. Michaels, ever the showman, fought through the pain and the adversity, digging deep to keep himself in the fight. The crowd was absolutely invested, hanging on every single move, every submission attempt, and every desperate kick-out. The storytelling reached its peak when Jericho, in a moment of extreme frustration and perhaps even admiration, superkicked Michaels. However, the referee was down, and Jericho, conflicted, couldn't capitalize immediately. The match continued, with both men exchanging their signature maneuvers, the Sweet Chin Music and the Walls of Jericho. The crowd was on its feet, sensing that this was something special. The true emotional climax came when Michaels, despite being blinded by Jericho's actions, managed to connect with a perfectly timed Sweet Chin Music. Jericho, seemingly out cold, fell to the mat, and Michaels got the three count. The victory was emotional for Michaels, but the post-match events were even more poignant. Jericho, showing a rare moment of respect, crawled over to Michaels and whispered "I'm sorry." It was a powerful display of sportsmanship, the kind that elevates wrestling beyond mere entertainment. This match is a prime example of why these two are considered among the greatest, delivering a contest that was both technically brilliant and emotionally resonant, a true highlight of WrestleMania 24.

Triple H vs. John Cena vs. Edge: A Triple Threat for the WWE Championship

And what's a WrestleMania without a massive main event for the WWE Championship? At WrestleMania 24, the stakes were sky-high as Triple H, John Cena, and Edge went head-to-head in a thrilling triple-threat match. This match had everything: star power, championship prestige, and the intense rivalries that define WWE. Triple H, "The Game," was looking to cement his legacy as a multiple-time WWE Champion. John Cena, the "Champs Champ," was making his triumphant return from injury, looking to reclaim the title he so famously held. And Edge, the "Rated-R Superstar," was aiming to prove he was the top dog in WWE by holding both the World Heavyweight and WWE Championships simultaneously. The dynamics of a triple-threat match are always fascinating, with alliances shifting and betrayals looming. You had moments where two competitors would team up momentarily to take down the third, only for the temporary truce to shatter seconds later. The action was fast-paced and chaotic, with multiple bodies hitting the canvas and near-falls galore. Cena, with his incredible energy and resilience, was a force to be reckoned with. Triple H, with his brute strength and experience, was a constant threat. And Edge, ever the opportunistic villain, was always lurking, ready to strike when the moment was right. The crowd was electric, buzzing with anticipation for who would walk out as WWE Champion. There were signature moves from all three superstars, showcasing their unique styles and their determination to win. The finish, however, was somewhat controversial and added another layer to the drama. After a grueling battle, it was Edge who ultimately emerged victorious. He capitalized on a moment of exhaustion from both Cena and Triple H, delivering a devastating Spear to Triple H to secure the pinfall and walk out as the WWE Champion. This victory was significant as it solidified Edge's reign as a dominant force in WWE, holding two major championships at the same time. The match itself was a showcase of the main event talent WWE had at its disposal, delivering a high-octane contest that kept fans hooked until the very end. It was a fitting culmination to a night filled with incredible action and memorable moments, proving why these three superstars are main event players.

Other Memorable Moments and Matches

Beyond the main events, WrestleMania 24 highlights were sprinkled with other fantastic bouts and unforgettable segments that deserve a shout-out. One such match was the CM Punk vs. Chavo Guerrero ECW Championship match. Punk, the "Best in the World," was on his ascent, and this victory was a crucial step in his career, showcasing his incredible talent and cementing his status as a future star. The match was hard-hitting and athletic, with Punk ultimately defeating Guerrero to become the new ECW Champion. Another notable match was the tag team battle for the WWE Tag Team Championship, featuring John Morrison & The Miz against Kane & CM Punk. While Morrison and The Miz didn't win the titles, their performance demonstrated their potential as a unit and their high-energy style, which would become a hallmark of their careers. We also saw the return of Mr. McMahon in a surprising and humorous segment where he was revealed to be the "Chairman of the Board" character, bald and all. This added a touch of classic WWE absurdity and generated a lot of laughs. And let's not forget the Money in the Bank ladder match. This multi-man spectacle is always a crowd-pleaser, and WrestleMania 24 was no exception. Featuring a stacked lineup including Mr. Kennedy, CM Punk, Edge, Finlay, Jeff Hardy, and Shelton Benjamin, it was a high-risk, high-reward contest filled with death-defying leaps and breathtaking spots. Ultimately, CM Punk climbed the ladder to seize the coveted briefcase, a pivotal moment in his career that set him on a path to championship glory. These additional moments, guys, were crucial in making WrestleMania 24 the incredible event it was, offering a diverse range of matches and memorable segments that catered to all types of wrestling fans. They proved that even beyond the main storylines, there was plenty of action and excitement to go around, making the entire show a resounding success and a true highlight reel.

Conclusion: A WrestleMania for the Ages

So there you have it, guys! A deep dive into the WrestleMania 24 highlights. From the spiritual battle of The Undertaker and Edge, to the celebrity spectacle of Mayweather vs. Big Show, the technical brilliance of Michaels vs. Jericho, and the epic WWE Championship triple-threat, this event delivered on all fronts. WrestleMania 24 wasn't just a wrestling show; it was a collection of unforgettable moments, legendary performances, and pivotal career milestones. It showcased the best of what WWE had to offer, both in terms of in-ring action and captivating storytelling. The legacy of WrestleMania 24 is cemented in its iconic matches and the indelible memories it created for fans worldwide. Whether you were there live or watching from home, the echoes of that night in Orlando continue to resonate. It was a night where streaks were extended, careers were defined, and the magic of WrestleMania was on full display. If you haven't seen it in a while, or if you're new to the wrestling world, do yourself a favor and revisit WrestleMania 24. You won't be disappointed by the sheer quality and the lasting impact of this truly special event. It remains a benchmark for what a WrestleMania should be – a grand spectacle filled with passion, drama, and unparalleled athleticism. A truly legendary night in wrestling history!