Wrestlemania 24


release year: 2008
genre: vintage wrestling pay-per-view
viewing setting: home DVD 9/17-18/24

synopsis: This 24th annual wrestling mega-event was the 2008 edition, with 9 total matches, some of which were great.

where it happened: Orlando

impressions: This one had a total of nine competitions, not all of which lasted that long, plus some fluff. Notable guests with roles included Kim Kardashian and Snoop Dogg (maye those two should have fought each other.) As always, I won't go into great detail, but just mention the highlights:
  • a "Belfast brawl" match between JBL and Finlay (and Hornswoggle) with lots of metal objects being deployed
  • a thankfully brief segment with Kim Kardashian and her high-pitched voice
  • a particularly painful-looking 7-way ladder match for "Money in the Bank"
  • the 2008 Hall of Fame inductees
  • a fairly inane promotional segment with Snoop Dogg
  • a big-guys match between Batista and Umaga
  • a fast squash match between Kane and Chavo Guerrero for the ECW championship
  • Ric Flair vs Shawn Michaels in a (supposed) career-threatening match which was really entertaining given that Flair was 59 at the time
  • a womens' tag team match with "lumberjack" format (meaning a bunch more people stand around the ring to beat on anyone who leaves it)...it was okay but the commentary was great, so many funny quotes that I stopped trying to write them down...also a surprise assist from Jerry Lawler...and Snoop Dogg looking perpetually stoned
  • a solid and very physical match between Randy Orton, John Cena, and Triple H
  • an unusual match between 7' Big Show and legit boxing champion Floyd Mayweather
  • the Undertaker vs Edge with some great moves by both guys
    •

    fun quote #1: 
    "One has to attempt to go inside the mind of the wealthy and the wicked...referring to JBL and what he must be thinking right now. One could perhaps assume that it is complete annihilation...and getting it done early.

    fun quote #2: 
    "The table was set for JBL...and maybe that was his last supper."

    fun quote #3: 
    "There's only one rule, and that rule is to be able to climb the ladder and retrieve the briefcase!"

    fun quote #4: 
    "I don't know who's gonna win this thing, but the ladders aren't going to lose."

    fun quote #5: 
    "It's a slap-fest out there!"

    fun quote #6: 
    "Michaels couldn't pull the trigger, and the Nature Boy does! He who hesitates is lost!"

    fun quote #7: 
    "Just avoiding the Big Show is not gonna win this match!"

    fun quote #8: 
    "Mayweather's handler saying he can't be doing that...but he CAN be doing that! He can do anything in this match. Anything goes!

    final word: Decent but not spectacular Wrestlemania.

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