Last Updated on April 10, 2024 by Avik Das
WrestleMania was the brainchild of former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon whose vision was to make it a new frontier of professional wrestling. Since its beginning in 1985, WrestleMania gradually expanded its horizon over the years by hosting some biggest matches of all time, attracting acclaimed mainstream celebrities, generating record revenues, and creating innumerable WrestleMania moments. Today, we are on the periphery of WrestleMania 40, and each year, it is burgeoned to be the biggest Show of Shows of all time.
Rewinding twenty-one years ago, WrestleMania 19 happened on March 30, 2003. At the preliminary stage of the Ruthless Aggression era, WWE was making a transition from the Attitude Era, attempting to make new stars, and WWE WrestleMania 19 results played a pivotal role in changing the dynamic from one era to another. The pay-per-view consisted of ten matches, including the World Tag Team Championship match from the pre-show. We will rank the main nine show matches based on quality.
#9 The Undertaker Vs Big Show & A-Train (2-In-1 Handicap Match)
The Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak was a significant part of his unconceivable legacy. From Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Batista, Edge, John Cena to Ric Flair, many legends endeavored, came close but ultimately got defeated by The Phenom, keeping his streak untouched. However, not all WrestleMania battles of The Undertaker were memorable. In a Handicap match, he clashed against Big Show and A-Train. Having a numbers disadvantage, The Deadman was dominated earlier in the match, but Nathan Jones, the supposed tag team partner of The Undertaker, made a cameo by attacking Big Show. Taker seized the opportunity after Tombstoning A-Train for the win. It was an unusual monotonous Undertaker fight that lasted less than 10 minutes, making it one of the worst WrestleMania 19 matches.
#8 Triple H Vs Booker T (World Heavyweight Championship Match)
The World Heavyweight Champion Triple H defended the big gold belt against Booker T in one of the WrestleMania 19 mainevent level bouts. The beginning of their rivalry fell out after the 20-man Battle Royal match triumph, with The Game cutting a contentious promo, doubting the former WCW World Champion’s ability to win a world title in WWE. In the ring, their encounter was competitive, but Ric Flair, the Evolution member accompanying Hunter to the ring, was the party popper with his interferences. Both men had their moments in the match, but the Champion had the last laugh.
#7 Rey Mysterio Vs Matt Hardy (WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match)
The Cruiserweight battle between Matt Hardy and Rey Mysterio opened the main show of PPV. Rey Mysterio, the challenger, went one-on-one against the champion Matt Hardy.The high-flyers excelled, even though they were given less than six minutes to pull off a great match. Matt evaded a three-count following a 619, while Rey Mysterio didn’t surrender to a well-executed Twister Fate from Matt Hardy, but with the assistance of the ring ripe, he pinned Rey to retain the gold.
#6 Trish Stratus Vs Jazz Vs Victoria (Women’s Championship Match)
Victoria walked in as the Women’s Champion, but she didn’t succeed in retaining at the climax. The champion was clashing against Jazz and Trish Stratus in a triple-threat battle, with Victoria having Steven Richards by her side. Unlike a myriad of women’s matches from that era, the triple-threat battle was one of the best WrestleMania 19 matches of the show. Victoria and Jazz double-teamed against Trish earlier, and Steven was embroiled, trying to unsuccessfully attack Trish Stratus. Winning her fourth Women’s Championship, Trish made history at Safeco Field Stadium.
#5 Team Angle Vs Los Guerrors Vs Rhyno & Chris Benoit (WWE Tag Team Championship Match)
Not often do we get to witness tag team championship battles between three tag teams? The out-of-ordinary Triple Threat match happened between Team Angle, consisting of Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin; Los Guerreros, consisting of Eddie and Chavo Guerrero; and Rhyno and Chris Benoit. The fast-paced match between six brilliant performers was entertaining. Shelton Benjamin continued the title reign for Team Angle by successfully pinning Chavo Guerrero.
#4 Hulk Hogan Vs Vince McMahon (Street Fight)
After turning a babyface, Hulk Hogan still believed Hulkmania was running wild in the palatinate of WWE, but Vince McMahon disagreed. To settle their detestation and resentment against each other, they agreed to lock horns in one of the WrestleMania 19 matches. Starting with a test of strength, McMahon had the upper hand initially. It was an optimal street fight match, incorporating blood, chair shots, and outside interference. Roddy Piper aided Mr McMahon, but The Hulkster stood tall with his valiant efforts.
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#3 The Rock Vs Stone Cold Steve Austin
The greatest WWE rivalry of all time between Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock culminated at the Grandest Stage of All in 2003. After two failed attempts, The Great One added his name in history, claiming his maiden victory against his arch-rival at the Grandest Stage Of Them All. Furthermore, this was the retirement match of Austin’s career. Just like their previous WrestleMania encounters, their unerring chemistry and perspicacity gave us a classic. Both men kicked out each other’s finishers, and it took three Rock Bottoms from The Rock to secure the victory.
#2 Brock Lesnar Vs Kurt Angle (WWE Championship Match)
Two generational athletes, Brock Lesnar and Kurt Angle, featured in the WrestleMania 19 main event as the latter kept his WWE Championship on the line. As contemplated, the war of the behemoths was physical and vehement, with two former amateur wrestlers demonstrating the peak of athleticism in the ring. In the war of 21 minutes, they hit each other with their best shots but we sighted multiple kickouts. Lesnar’s heroic attempt of doing a Shooting Star Press and botching was the most infamous moment of the PPV. A third F5 saw The Next Big Thing prevailing over the Olympic gold medalist in one of the monumental main events in WrestleMania history.
#1 Shawn Michaels Vs Chris Jericho
The match between Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho was not the WrestleMania 19 main event but stole the show in the final analysis. For the superior quality of the match, even without a strong backstory and build-up like the rest of the matches of the PPV. An excellent HBK faced off against a young and motivated Chris Jericho. From Walls of Jericho to Sweet Chin Music, the battle of two adept technicians was loaded with close calls and near falls. Shawn’s roll-up win was the only drawback of the match. Besides being one of the best WrestleMania 19 matches, it was one of the most unforgettable fights in any edition of the Showcase of Immortals.
Avik Das is the founder of Sportsheed. He is a sports lover with broad knowledge of Professional Wrestling, MMA, Football, and Cricket. He has an English major and has previously written articles for various sports and entertainment websites
