WrestleMania 24 is the final WrestleMania in the Ruthless Aggression Era. The card was a mixed bag, but who stole the show that night? Let's revisit every single match from WrestleMania 24, ranked from worst to best.
WrestleMania XXIV took place on March 30, 2008, and it was the first WrestleMania to emanate from the state of Florida. Furthermore, it was also the first WrestleMania to be staged outdoors in 15 years, since WrestleMania IX.
This night was memorable for being Ric Flair's retirement match, and Floyd Mayweather Jr. featured against Big Show. Moreover, the two World Title matches weren't too shabby either. Although, there was a slight power cut during the show which forced WWE to put a spotlight on in the ring. Nonetheless, WrestleMania XXIV was successful, and further WrestleManias have continued to take place outdoors due to the success of this 'Mania.
9 Chavo Guerrero Vs. Kane
The ECW Championship was defended just once at WrestleMania, and it was one of the worst matches in WrestleMania history. Kane won a 24-man Battle Royal on the pre-show, earning the right to face Chavo Guerrero for the ECW Title.
However, once ECW General Manager Armando Estrada introduced Kane's name, he snuck up behind Chavo and Chokeslammed him to become the new ECW Champion. It was the shortest match in WrestleMania history for eight years, clocking in at 11 seconds.
8 Beth Phoenix & Melina Vs. Ashley & Maria
Women's wrestling still wasn't functioning in the highest order but four women still had a chance to shine at WrestleMania. The formidable tag team of the reigning WWE Women's Champion Beth Phoenix and Melina collided with Ashley and Maria.
It was a Playboy BunnyMania Lumberjill match, with the WWE divas surrounding the ring. Snoop Dogg was at ringside, keeping a watchful eye on the action. Unfortunately, the lights went out briefly during this encounter was abysmal. The Glamazon picked up the victory for her team when she dropped Maria with a devastating Fisherwoman suplex. Afterward, Snoop hilariously clotheslined Santino Marella and kissed Maria.
7 Batista Vs. Umaga
There's no doubt that Batista is one of the greatest SmackDown wrestlers in the show's history, and he represented the blue brand in his clash with Raw's Umaga in a battle for brand supremacy match.
No disrespect to Umaga as he is a two-time Intercontinental Champion but The Animal would have been disappointed to not be featured in a marquee match since he competed for the World Heavyweight Championship in his two previous 'Mania outings. It was a decent encounter but hardly any build, leading up to this contest which saw Batista win with a botched Batista Bomb.
6 John Bradshaw Layfield Vs. Finlay
John Bradshaw Layfield and Finlay were tasked to get WrestleMania XXIV off to a flying start in a Belfast Brawl. Finlay was hellbent on getting some revenge for JBL's attack on himself and his son Hornswoggle in the weeks before WrestleMania.
As far as opening matches go at WrestleMania this is one of the most solid encounters, which was really good. It was a hard-hitting affair as expected with weapons involved. Nonetheless, the former WWE Champion prevailed in his penultimate WrestleMania by hitting Finlay in the leg with a kendo stick and a devastating Clothesline From Hell.
5 Floyd Mayweather Vs. Big Show
Boxing legend Floyd "Money" Mayweather collided with Big Show in a No Disqualification match in the penultimate match before the main event. Show was out for revenge after Mayweather legitimately broke Show's nose in his return to WWE at No Way Out 2008.
Despite this contest being a mismatch on paper, it was actually an exciting contest. Big Show looked extremely dominant by taking Mayweather's security out of the equation. Ultimately, the unbeaten boxer nailed Show with a pair of brass knuckles and won the match via knockout as Show could not answer the count of 10.
4 CM Punk Vs. John Morrison Vs. MVP Vs. Chris Jericho Vs. Shelton Benjamin Vs. Mr. Kennedy Vs. Carlito
The fourth Money in the Bank ladder match fielded an interesting bunch with Mr. Kennedy hoping to become the first back-to-back winner of this contest. However, standing in his way was the Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho, United States Champion MVP, Carlito, Shelton Benjamin, CM Punk, and John Morrison.
All seven participants put on a magnificent outing, and they risked their bodies in this brutal contest. MVP was closing in on a victory but Matt Hardy intervened and removed him from the match. Nonetheless, Punk took advantage and completed the first part of his back-to-back MITB triumph.
3 Randy Orton Vs. John Cena Vs. Triple H
The WWE Championship was defended in a triple threat match for the first time at WrestleMania XXIV. Three of the all-time greats, Randy Orton, John Cena, and Triple H, were desperate to leave the Citrus Bowl as the reigning WWE Champion.
This was an enthralling contest from start to finish, which encapsulates the greatness of all three men. They would have been disappointed to not close out the show, but it was an exceptional contest. The Cerebral Assassin was closing in on his 12th World Title reign after he executed his patented Pedigree on Big Match John. However, at the last second, Orton rescued his WWE Championship by punting The Game and pinning Cena.
2 Shawn Michaels Vs. Ric Flair
Unquestionably, Ric Flair's Career Threatening match against Mr. WrestleMania, Shawn Michaels, was the most emotional match on the card. Naitch knew that his WWE career was coming to an end but wanted to bow out in style.
The two legends tore the house down in a remarkable match that told a brilliant story. Michaels brought the curtain down on Flair's legendary career by hitting him with a jaw-dropping Sweet Chin Music. Michaels was victorious but quickly departed the scene, allowing an emotional Naitch to wave goodbye and embrace his family at ringside.
1 Edge Vs. The Undertaker
There were a few marquee matches at WrestleMania XXIV but Edge and The Undertaker rightfully got the nod to close out the show in The Ultimate Opportunist's World Heavyweight Championship title defense. It was the biggest match in Edge's career to date, and as the reigning champion, he actually got to walk out second.
Edge and Undertaker have tremendous in-ring chemistry together which is why this match clicked. There were plenty of false finishes and near falls in a clash that captivated the audience. The Rated-R Superstar nailed The Phenom with a Spear but Undertaker was playing possum and reversed it into Hell's Gate. Undertaker became the new World Heavyweight Champion, extending his WrestleMania unbeaten streak to 16-0.