Before the main cards even began, six men climbed into the ring for an experimental match called . Edge, Chris Jericho, Kane, Shelton Benjamin, Christian, and Chris Benoit beat each other senseless with steel ladders. When Edge finally unhooked that briefcase, nobody realized they were witnessing the birth of a concept that would create "ultimate opportunists" for decades to come. The Legend vs. The Legend Killer
The main events were a literal passing of the torch. Two young powerhouses, both former members of the villainous "Evolution" faction, stood on the precipice of greatness. WrestleMania 21
The night of was defined by three moments that would rewrite the DNA of the industry: The Ladder of Opportunity Before the main cards even began, six men
In the mid-card, the stakes were personal. , the arrogant young "Legend Killer," took on The Undertaker . This wasn't just a match; it was a psychological thriller. When Orton reversed a chokeslam into an RKO mid-air, the arena gasped—for a split second, everyone thought "The Streak" was dead. But the Deadman rose, delivered a Tombstone, and moved to 13-0, proving that even in Hollywood, some icons were untouchable. The Changing of the Guard The Legend vs
The year was 2005, and the air in Los Angeles felt different. For the first time in years, the WWE wasn’t just putting on a wrestling show; they were "going Hollywood." The Staples Center was buzzing, not with the gritty nostalgia of the Attitude Era, but with the polished, cinematic ambition of a new generation.
, with his "Word Life" chains and relentless energy, took down JBL to win his first WWE Championship.
, the "Animal," unleashed a fury on Triple H to capture the World Heavyweight title.