The Wrestlemania 23 Report (04/01/07)
Submitted by Chad Matthews on Sunday, April 1, 2007 at 8:26 PM EST
Wrestlemania 23 (April 1, 2007)
Aretha Franklin sang “America, the Beautiful”…
Announcers: Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler (Raw), Michael Cole and JBL (SD), Tazz and Joey Styles (ECW)
Match 1: Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Edge vs. CM Punk vs. King Booker (w/ Queen Sharmell) vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Mr. Kennedy vs. Matt Hardy vs. Finlay vs. Randy Orton
-(CMV1 note- Kennedy did his usual pre-match schtick from the ramp). All the men stared at each other as the opening bell sounded. They all looked up at the briefcase, and then the fighting go underway. Orton and Kennedy fought on the outside near a few ladders set up on the ramp. Finlay went to the to rope and dove onto the wrestlers below (on the floor). Edge, meanwhile, got a ladder set up in the ring, but Matt Hardy stopped him from climbing it. Orton and Finlay dashed up opposite sides of the ladders, but knocked the ladder over in the process. Jeff Hardy climbed the ladder, but Kennedy knocked him off. Hardy landed on his feet. Booker got a step ladder from under the ring, but Punk took it from him and used it as a weapon. Edge took it from Punk and smashed Punk in the face. He then grabbed a very tall ladder and put it b/t the ring and the guardrail. Punk was busted open from the earlier step ladder spot. Booker and Orton ended up in the ring together, w/ Book giving Orton a spinebuster. He gave one to Punk and Finlay, as well, and gave us a Spinaroonie. The Hardys sandwiched him with a ladder, though. Matt caught Edge with the Side Effect. The Hardys proceeded to set-up a ladder on top of a ladder (same thing that destroyed Joey Mercury’s nose). Finlay pushed Jeff off the top rope before the Hardys could perform their tandem offense on Edge. Edge suplexed Matt onto the ladder structure, but Kennedy tossed him out of the ring. Kennedy then turned his attention to Matt, setting him up on a ladder and going for the Kenton Bomb. However, Matt moved and sent Kennedy neck first onto the ladder. Jeff followed with a Swanton Bomb. The Hardys then cleaned house with a ladder, knocking everyone out of their way. Matt set the ladder up in the center of the ring. The Hardys climbed opposite sides of the ladder and fought at the top of it. Finlay tipped the ladder over and sent the two neck-first across the top rope. Edge then gave everyone in the match a spear. He went for another on Punk, but the Extremist jumped over him. Punk grabbed a ladder and used it on everyone before Edge speared him, sending the ladder into Finlay and Orton. The Rated-R Superstar retrieved another ladder (a really tall one) and headed for the ring. The ladder used extended more than halfway across the ring. Edge set the ladder up in the center of the ring and started his climb to the top. Orton tipped the ladder over, sending Edge over the top rope and out of the ring. Jeff then gave Orton a split-legged facebuster and re-set-up the ladder. Matt placed Edge on the ladder set-up b/t the apron and guardrail. Jeff went to the top of the in-ring ladder and gave Edge a leg drop thru a ladder!!! Holy shit! As Edge and Jeff felt the effects, Matt stared at them in disbelief. Several medical technicians surrounded the two and placed them on stretchers. Matt went into the ring and took down the big ladder. Orton took advantage of his distraction and gave him the RKO. The Legend Killer gave Finlay and Kennedy an RKO, as well. Orton then set-up a new ladder in the middle of the ring and climbed to the top. However, Punk threw another ladder into his back, knocking Orton off his perch. Punk set-up his ladder and went to the top. Orton regained his bearings and climbed back up his ladder. The two fought from opposite ladders before Orton gave Punk an RKO off the top of the ladder! Booker ended up standing alone in the ring, so he climbed a ladder. Orton recovered and tried to give Booker an RKO, but Book countered and gave Orton the Book End off the top of the ladder! The King headed to the top again, but Matt climbed the other side of the ladder. Sharmell got in the ring and pulled Matt’s leg. Hardy gained control of her and threatened to give her the TOF if Booker didn’t come down from the ladder. Book did come down, and got a Twist of Fate for his troubles. Hardy climbed the ladder, but Finlay tipped it backward. Finlay, who was bleeding from the top of the head, gave Hardy the Celtic Cross onto a ladder. He then set-up a ladder in the center of the ring. The Little Bastard went up the ladder for him. Kennedy knocked Finlay out of the way and went after the little guy. The LB slapped him twice, but Kennedy grabbed him off the ladder and gave him the Green Bay Plunge from the second to last rung off the ladder! Finlay blasted Kennedy and knocked him out of the ring, but Punk used a springboard dropkick to knock Finlay off the ladder. Punk proceeded to climb the ladder, but Kennedy met him at the top. The two brawled, but Punk pushed him off the ladder. Kennedy grabbed another ladder and blasted Punk from his spot atop the ladder. Ken climbed back up and grabbed the briefcase. Kennedy became Mr. Money in the Bank at 19:11. (CMV1 rating- ****) (CMV1 note- very good spotfest that was better than last year’s and equal to if not better than the original one two years ago. The Hardy-Edge spot will be remembered for years to come)
Stone Cold’s movie, “The Condemned,” premiered on Friday…
Backstage, Todd Grisham interviewed Kennedy. Kennedy congratulated himself and sent a message to all the world champions to grow eyes in the back of their heads…He said he was coming for them…
Match 2: The Great Khali vs. Kane
-They locked up, but Khali tossed Kane back like he was nothing. Kane kicked him in the gut in retaliation, but Khali knocked him back again and threw him out of the ring. Khali proceeded to knock Kane down with a clothesline and body slam him. He then used a trap grab to keep the Big Red Machine grounded. Kane got back to his feet, but Khali continued to dominate with simplistic offense. Eventually, Kane scored with a series of right hands and a splash in the corner. He then went to the top rope and scored with a diving clothesline. However, Khali did not fall to the mat. Kane ended up getting Khali tied up in the ropes and wailing away on him. He went to the outside soon after and retrieved his hook and chain. Khali stopped him from using it, though, giving him a monster chop to the head. He then ripped the turnbuckle cover off, but Kane took advantage of the ref’s distraction and low blowed Khali with the chain. Kane then slammed the monster for a near fall. He went for the chokeslam, but Khali went for one of his own. After a mid-ring scuffle, Khali gave Kane his two-handed chokeslam for the win. Khali defeated Kane at 5:31. After the match, Khali attacked Kane with the chain. (CMV1 rating- *) (CMV1 note- wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been, but it was still bad)
Backstage, Cryme Tyme consoled a bald Eugene. Extreme Expose was waiting for them. They danced until Moolah and Mae Young showed up. Eugene danced with the old ladies. Slick showed up and did some dancing of his own. Dusty Rhodes showed up and joined the party…so did Sgt. Slaughter, IRS, Jimmy Hart, and Ricky Steamboat! Ron Simmons showed up to give us a “Damn!”
The Detroit Tigers were in the house…
Match 3: United States Champion Chris Benoit vs. MVP
-(CMV1 note- MVP had cheerleaders lead him as far as the ramp). An extended lock-up to start, w/ MVP grabbing a headlock and taking Benoit to the mat. Benoit countered into a head scissor, but MVP eventually countered into a modified ankle lock. MVP switched to a headlock. Benoit got back to his feet and tried for a German suplex, but MVP blocked it. The Crippler went for the Crossface, but MVP countered again and sent Benoit out of the ring. Benoit then went for the Sharpshooter, but MVP countered yet again. They wrestled to the mat, where MVP used a series of quick maneuvers to place Benoit in an armbar. However, Benoit countered into a Crossface attempt. Back to their feet, MVP goaded Benoit into a test of strength before kicking him in the gut. Benoit fought back and placed Porter on the top rope. The Crippler went for a skyhigh superplex, but MVP countered, twisted his position, and draped Benoit’s arm hard across the top rope. Porter went to work on Benoit’s arm and shoulder. He used a series of kicks and shoulder thrusts to maintain control, but when he went for a roundhouse kick, Benoit countered and connected with three rolling German suplexes. Benoit went to the top, but MVP caught up to him and scored with a sky high superplex. Upon impact, Benoit hooked Porter’s feet with his own feet for a pinning combo, but MVP kicked out and went back to work on Benoit’s arm/shoulder. Porter threw Benoit shoulder-first into the ring post and gave him a back suplex. He then used a modified keylock to further wear him down. Benoit made it back to his feet. MVP went for a big boot, but Benoit delayed his charge. Benoit went in for the kill, but Porter connected with the big boot this time around. The Crippler went for the Crossface soon after, but MVP again countered the submission and went back to work on the injured arm. Porter connected with the “Baller’s Elbow” for a near fall. He went for a running big boot in the corner, but Benoit moved and connected with two German suplexes. Porter countered and went for one his own, but Benoit countered the counter and connected with three rolling German suplexes. Benoit went back to the top and connected with the diving headbutt. 1…2…3! Benoit retained at 9:22. (CMV1 rating- ** ¾) (CMV1 note- good counter wrestling throughout the match…they made the most of the time given to them and put on a nice bout to compliment this card)
Backstage, Donald Trump and the former Miss USA were hanging out. The Boogeyman showed up and scared the girl. Trump asked him for a sandwich…
A recap of the Hall of Fame ceremony was shown…
80,103 people packed Ford Field for Mania 23…a new attendance record!!
Howard Finkel introduced the 2007 HOF class: Dusty Rhodes, Curt Hennig, Mr. Fuji, Wild Samoans, Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler, Nick Bockwinkel, and The Sheik…
A video highlight package of the Taker-Batista feud was shown…
Match 4: World Heavyweight Champion Batista vs. Undertaker
-(CMV1 note- Teddy Long was the guest announcer for the match. The druids came out for Taker’s entrance). Batista speared Taker to start the match, and then unleashed a barrage of right hands on him in the corner. Taker came right back with a bunch of mixed strikes in the corner. Batista came right back with a pair of shoulder thrusts and a hard clothesline. The champ clotheslined Taker over the top rope, but the Deadman landed on his feet and pulled Bats under the bottom rope. Batista maintained control, but the crowd chanted for the Undertaker. The Animal threw Taker into the steel steps and rolled back into the ring. Bats went to the top rope and gave Taker a diving shoulder tackle (once Taker got back in the ring). Taker gave Dave a big boot, but Bats came back strong with another hard clothesline. The two then traded blows in the middle of the ring, but Batista regained control with a body slam. He went for a big boot, but Taker gave him a series of punches to the gut and uppercut. Bats battled right back. The crowd booed when Bats hit Taker and cheered when Taker hit Bats. Taker went on to splash Batista twice in the corner. He followed with snake eyes and a running big boot. Taker then scored with a leg drop for a near fall and went for Old School. The Deadman connected with his classic move and went for a chokeslam. Batista powered out, but Taker came back with a jumping clothesline. The crowd again got behind Taker, as the Deadman knocked Batista out of the ring. Taker followed him out and slammed his face into the ring. He then draped Bats on the ring apron so that his head and neck were hanging off, and gave the champion a leg drop. Taker followed with a beautiful dive over the top rope and onto Batista. The battle outside the ring continued, with Taker maintaining control until Batista countered an Irish whip and sent the Deadman crashing into a pile of steel chairs and ringside officials. Bats stomped and punched the challenger to build some much needed momentum. He then stripped two announce tables. Batista proceeded to give Taker a running powerslam off one announce table and thru the other! Taker motioned for Batista to bring it on. Back in the ring, Batista scored a near fall. Bats stayed on him, though, and went for the sit-out powerbomb. Taker countered and rammed him into the corner. He gave a pair of back elbow smashes, but Batista came back with a belly-to-belly suplex. The champ mounted the Deadman for a series of punches in the corner, but Taker hoisted him up and gave him the Last Ride powerbomb! 1…2…No!! Batista kicked out! The champ came back with a spinebuster and called for the Batista Bomb, but Taker sat up and eventually gave Bats a chokeslam for another near fall. The Deadman called for the Tombstone, but Batista caught him with a spear. The champ then set-up and delivered the Batista Bomb. 1…2…No! Taker kicked out! Batista was shocked, so he went for another one. However, Taker countered and back dropped Big Dave. He went for a clothesline, but Bats countered and went for a powerslam. The challenger countered and sent Bats into the turnbuckle. He then scored with the Tombstone. 1…2…3!! Taker defeated Batista to become World Champion at 15:49. (CMV1 rating- ****) (CMV1 note- Hats off to those two! I never thought it’d be that good. I had hoped that Batista’s recent interview w/ SI where he said he and Taker would steal the show was indicative that Bats was really motivated…and he was more motivated than he’s looked in 2 years. Taker had his carrying shoes on and did a wonderful job. The crowd was into and the match just clicked on all cylinders. Dare I say this was one of the nicest surprises in Wrestlemania history)
Backstage, Vince told Steph’s baby, w/ Steph standing right there, all the things he was going to do to Donald. Steph seemed a little uncomfortable. Apparently, the baby got scared and took a “Trump”
Match 5: RVD, Tommy Dreamer, Sabu, and Sandman vs. Marcus Cor Van, Matt Striker, Kevin Thorne (w/ Ariel), and Elijah Burke
-(CMV1 note- the Originals came to the ring thru the crowd). Sabu started against Striker, w/ Sabu using an early series of springboard leg lariats to dominate. He then set Striker up with his neck laying across the top rope. Sandman tagged in and hit a leg drop off the top rope onto Striker’s neck and upper back. Dreamer and Sandman used a double back elbow and double elbow drop to build momentum, but the New Breed gained control soon after with some cheap heel tactics. Cor Von tagged in and hit an underhook suplex on Dreamer before teaming up with Burke for a double back drop. Thorne tagged in and splashed Dreamer in the corner. He then locked on a rest hold. Thorne eventually used a modified spinebuster to give the New Breed total control. Cor Von came back in and hit a float-over suplex for a near fall. Dreamer came back and hit an awkward reverse DDT and neckbreaker combo on Cor Von and Burke. Tommy crawled to the corner and tagged RVD. Van Dam cleaned house and singled out Striker. He then clocked Thorne with a diving karate kick before catching Striker with a monkey flip out of the corner. RVD scored with Rolling Thunder, but Cor Von dragged him outside and clotheslined him. Sabu caught Cor Von with a plancha over the top, while Dreamer gave Striker a DDT. Van Dam hit the Five Star Frog Splash on Striker for the win. The ECW Originals won at 6:26. (CMV1 rating- * ¾) (CMV1 note- below average, but it was sufficiently entertaining for its short duration. I think most people were surprised that the Originals actually won)
A video highlight package for the Battle of the Billionaires was shown…
Match 6: Battle of the Billionaires (w/ Stone Cold Steve Austin as the special guest referee)- Umaga (w/ Vince McMahon and Armando Alejandro Estrada) vs. ECW Champion Bobby Lashley (w/ Donald Trump)
-(CMV1 note- during Trump’s entrance, money fell from the rafters). They ran right into each other as the match got underway. Lashley backed Umaga into the corner and splashed him. The ECW champ had to be pulled away by Austin for using too many punches in a row. Umaga used the distraction to his advantage, but Lashley came right back with a diving shoulder tackle off the second rope. Estrada got involved, so Lashley tossed him into the ring and gave him a running powerslam. Austin approved, as Lashley sent Estrada out of the ring. Umaga tried to Pearl Harbor Lashley, but the ECW champ ducked and sent Umaga swantoning onto the outside floor. Back in the ring, Lashley charged Umaga, but the Samoan Bulldozer moved, sending Lashley thru the second and top ropes and hard onto the floor. Umaga splashed Lashley in the center of the ring. He then choked him until Austin slapped him on the back. Umaga choked him again until Austin pulled him away by the hair. Lashley tried to fight back, but Umaga dropped him with a clothesline. Umaga then gave Lashley two Banzai drops and a Samoan drop. Lashley tried to come back with a slam, but his legs gave out. Umaga fell on top of him for a near fall. The ECW champ went on to counter an Umaga slam and knock Mr. McMahon off the apron and to the floor. Umaga caught Lashley with a high impact slam and went to the top rope. However, Lashley caught up to Umaga and threw him off the top rope. He followed with a running clothesline that nearly turned the Samoan inside out. Austin got to a nine count, but refused to count to ten. Shane came to ringside to make sure Vince was okay. Meanwhile, Umaga caught Lashley with an uppercut and placed him in the corner. He dug his fingers into Lashley’s face, so Austin grabbed him by the hair again. Shane hopped on the apron in protest. Austin tended to him, but then got blasted with the Samoan Spike from Umaga. Shane came in the ring and went after Lashley. Bobby turned the tables on Shane and tried to give him a belly-to-belly suplex, but Umaga intervened, set him up in the corner, and gave him a running rear splash (w/ some assistance from Shane). Vince then handed Shane a trash can. Shane went to the perpendicular corner and gave Lashley a coast-to-coast Van Terminator!! The product of Vince’s semen proceeded to take off his outer shirt and reveal a ref’s shirt. Umaga went to the top and splashed Lashley. Shane tried to count the three, but Austin dragged him out of the ring and beat him down. As Austin returned to the ring, Umaga punched right between the eyes. Vince slapped a fallen Austin, so Trump tackled the chairman to the delight of the crowd. Umaga, meanwhile, went for the Samoan Spike on Austin, but Stone Cold countered and hit the Stunner! Lashley followed with a spear. 1…2…3! Trump/Lashley defeated Umaga/McMahon at 13:00. After the match, Shane attacked Austin. Austin easily destroyed Shane w/ classic Rattlesnake offense. Vince, meanwhile, tried to escape from having to get his hair cut. However, Lashley caught up to him and carried him back to the ring. Austin gave him the Stunner and strapped him into the barber’s chair. Lashley, Austin, and Trump shaved his head bald. They put shaving cream on his head and made sure he was squeaky, clean bald. As Vince scampered away with his bald head, Austin stunned Trump. (CMV1 rating- ** ¾) (CMV1 note- entertaining match that took a lot short cuts, but didn’t let all the weeks of hype go to waste. Vince with a bald head looked pretty amusing, and it’ll be entertaining to hear his reaction)
A Backlash video promo aired, featuring HBK, Cena, Taker, Batista, and Edge…
Cole and JBL introduced highlights of Chavo and Gregory Helms vs. Carlito and Flair in the dark match prior to Mania 23. Flair and Carlito got the win…
Match 7: Lumberjack Match- Women’s Champion Melina vs. Ashley
(CMV1 note- the Lumber “Jills” were Jillian, Mickie, Candice, Torrie, Kelly, Victoria, Kristal, Layla, Trinity, Brooke, Maria, and Michelle)
-Ashley threw Melina down by her hair and mounted her for several punches. Melina rolled outside, but the girls tossed her right back into the ring. Ashley gave her a school girl for a near fall, but Melina took control for a brief period. The challenger buried her boot into the champion’s throat, but Melina came right back and choked Ashley across the top rope. The champion then grabbed Ashley’s legs and swirled her around in a circle. Melina proceeded to latch on a surfboard stretch, of sorts. Ashley came back with a modified head scissor and a monkey flip. She went to the second rope for an elbow drop, but Melina moved out of the way. The finish came when Melina reversed Ashley’s roll-up attempt into a roll-up of her own. Melina retained at 3:14. After the match, a massive cat fight ensued, w/ the face divas clearing the ring of the heel divas. (CMV1 rating- ½ *) (CMV1 note- at least they kept it short enough)
A video highlight package for the HBK-Cena feud was shown…
Match 8: WWE Champion John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels
-(CMV1 note- during Cena’s entrance, a Shelby Ford Mustang was shown flying up and down the streets of Detroit. It ended up in the parking garage of Ford Field and finally thru a glass plate near the entrance ramp. Cena was in the car). A fan jumped in the ring and tried to streak just before the match began. As the opening bell sounded, HBK was sitting on the top turnbuckle. HBK hopped down and motioned for Cena to join him in the center of the ring for a stare down. He offered a handshake, but Cena wouldn’t take it. Michaels slapped him, and then dodged Cena’s retaliatory punches. HBK did a DX crotch-chop. HBK applied a headlock and rotated b/t that hold and an armbar. Michaels again dodged all of Cena’s retaliatory punches and knocked the champ to the mat. HBK looked supremely confident in the early going. Cena, meanwhile, appeared frustrated. HBK went back to the armbar and added a few shoulder thrusts. Dueling chants broke out for Cena, who was taken to the mat by an HBK headlock. Cena battled back to his feet, but HBK took him right back to the mat with a headlock. The champ got back to his feet again and finally connected with a hard clothesline. HBK was rattled and rolled to the corner to re-coop. Once the action restarted, Cena took HBK down with a shoulder tackle. Michaels came back with a Thesz press, but Cena tossed him over the top rope soon after. HBK landed on the apron, though, and hotshotted Cena’s neck across the top rope. The challenger then hip tossed Cena over the top rope and to the floor. He blasted Cena with an enziguiri and proceeded to catch him with an Asai moonsault. Back in the ring, HBK confidently controlled the match, but looked shaky after that moonsault. Cena tried to comeback with a big boot in the corner, but HBK caught his foot and punched him in the knee. Michaels smelled blood and stomped away at Cena’s left knee. He dragged him to the ring post and wrapped Cena’s leg on the steel. The challenger continued to work over the champ’s knee with a chop block and several more stomps. Cena got to his feet after the ref asked if he could continue. Michaels wrapped Cena’s leg on the second rope and torqued it backward. Cena tried to get in a punch, but HBK ducked it and punched his knee. HBK caught him with a few knife edge chops, but Cena started to fight back with hard right hands. Cena scored with a really hard right hand that sent HBK flying backwards. However, Michaels recovered quickly, ran, and dove shoulder-first into Cena’s gut. They again traded blows in the corner until HBK went for another running shoulder thrust. Cena moved and sent Michaels head-first into the steel post, busting the challenger open. The champ smelled blood and took HBK’s head off with a clothesline. He then mounted him and punched his lights out. He connected with a pair of diving shoulder tackles and the Prototype spinning back drop. Cena went for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, which drew massive boos from the crowd. The champ connected and got ready for his finish. He went for the FU, but HBK countered. Cena sent Michaels flipping into the corner, though. The champ tried to follow with a clothesline, but HBK ducked and went for the super kick. Cena ducked and caused Michaels to kick the ref. He then went for the FU, but HBK countered into a DDT. As Michaels regained his bearings, he got noticeably pissed off at being busted open and exposed the bottom part of the ring steps. HBK dragged Cena to the steps and gave him a spike piledriver onto the steel. Michaels then heaved Cena’s limp body back into the ring. The top of Cena’s head was busted open. Back in the ring, HBK called for a ref. 1…2…No! Cena kicked out! HBK connected with a flying forearm and went to the top rope for a diving elbow drop. He nailed it and tuned up the band for Sweet Chin Music. Michaels went for it, but Cena scored with a desperation diving clothesline in counter. Back to their feet, the two traded blows in the middle of the ring. Cena went for the FU, but HBK countered into a sunset flip for a near fall. Michaels tried to follow with a Thesz press, but Cena caught him, hoisted him into FU position, and connected with his finisher. 1…2…No! HBK kicked out! Cena placed HBK on the top rope and went for a super FU. HBK elbowed his way out and knocked Cena to the mat. He connected with a diving cross body, but Cena rolled thru and picked HBK up into FU position. As the champ tried to drop the challenger on his back, HBK countered in mid-air and landed on his feet. Michaels went for the super kick, but Cena countered and went for the STFU. HBK countered and escaped, but Cena tried again. Michaels again countered, but Cena again went for it and finally locked it on. HBK inched toward the ropes and just barely grabbed them. The ref had to forcibly pull Cena off of HBK. With Cena distracted, HBK partially recovered. When Cena turned around, Michaels blasted him with Sweet Chin Music. 1…2…No!! Cena kicked out of the super kick! The two laid next to each other, both spent and nearly passed out from exhaustion. They finally made it back to their feet, each leaning on the other. Cena went for the FU, but HBK countered. The champ again locked on the STFU. Michaels struggled and finally tapped! Cena retained the WWE title via submission at 28:20. Cena cried after the match and eventually saluted Michaels, as the Showstopper headed to the back. (CMV1 rating- ****) (CMV1 note- it was a very hard hitting main-event, with a lot of high impact moves. The counters near the end were great. The overall result was a great Wrestlemania main-event)
Backstage Skits and Interviews - (CMV1 rating- ** ¾) (CMV1 note- I didn’t include the series of “All Grown Up” promos that they showed, but all of those were well-produced. There really wasn’t a lot to report on other than that. All of it was fine, but nothing stood out. I gave an extra half star for the always outstanding post-Mania recap video)
0-1.5 stars = Demand a refund and don't take no for an answer. If it was this bad, they should pay you to watch the next two PPVs, at least. (Great American Bash 2005)
1.75-2.25 stars = A below average PPV that wasn't worth the money spent watching. (ECW December to Dismember, Survivor Series 2006)
2.5-2.75 stars = An average to above average event that was worth watching on that given night. (New Year’s Revolution 2007, Armageddon 2006)
3.0-3.25 = A really good show that you'd buy on DVD and watch again (Royal Rumble 2007, Unforgiven 2006)
3.5 = This is how PPV should be done (Royal Rumble 2005)
3.75-5.0 = You never thought a PPV could be this good...
Wrestlemania 23’s Final Score = ** ¾ (CMV1 note- I concur with that rating, but this really was a much better show than I expected. Batista-Taker really pushed this event to Mania level and helped make up for the women’s match and the Kane-Khali bout. There were three, 4-star matches by my account, so you have to walk away feeling about that. Mania found a way to deliver once again. It’s a little saddening that the event has come and gone)
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