Indy'd Indeed: A Decade Gone (2000-2009)

Would you like to write articles for The Wrestling Game and have them posted to the Main Board?

Please apply via PM to Mr. Indianapolis on s1. Unfortunately, s2 and s3 are incompatible at this time. :(

Thanks, and have a Happy New Year!

-TWG Publisher

As 2009 has ended, we have now officially ended the first decade of the year 2000, believe it or not. No longer will we be living in the 2000’s, now we’re living in the ‘10s. It might be kinda like the ‘90s, but with more fashion sense.

Hopefully the wrestling won’t revert back, as I’m rather enjoying Standing Shooting Star Presses... though maybe the entertainment value might. Despite the popularity of the ‘90s and the Attitude Era, we’ve had our own little era over the past decade. Many important things have happened, and I’d just like to revisit some of the best moments we’ve had of the past decade...

Moments of the Decade:

See if you can recognize some of these awesome moments that happened between 2000-2009. Relive the awesomeness and be glad it happened! Now, in nor particular order:

Jeff Hardy hits a Whisper of the Wind from the Steel Cage onto Umaga on RAW.

-Of all the great spots Jeff Hardy gave us in his career, I consider this to be one of the most impressive. It came after an incredible match, filled with tons of story, character, and great action; one of the best cage matches we’ve ever had, in my mind. I don’t even care about the Swanton to Orton through the stage.

John Cena hits an F-U on Big Show to win the United States Championship at Wrestlemania.

-This was John Cena’s first big Wrestlemania moment, and John Cena is the closest rehash of Hulk Hogan we’ve had since the man himself. No matter what anyone says, this was the next “Hogan slams André” moment, and no matter how many times it has been re-performed, nothing will beat the first time on the biggest stage of all.

Brock Lesnar superplexes Big Show, breaking the ring, on an episode of Smackdown.

-It didn’t have the feel of Hogan slamming André, but it gave many people around the world an incredible markout moment for a spot that had virtually never been seen before and only dreamed of. Lesnar was by no means the next Hogan, as he was an unstoppable force of a different variety, but he cemented his place in this decade with his actions.

Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrerro celebrate their World title victories at Wrestlemania.

It was an image played repeatedly, displaying the pinnacle of friendship in the WWE. It got even more airtime after Guerrerro’s untimely passing.... and was nixed completely after Benoit’s incredible end. Nevertheless, this was truly an inspiring moment, and will continue to be in my mind even with the shadow cast over one of the two greats.

Batista and John Cena restart the Royal Rumble Match in a draw, Batista winning immediately after.

This was the true first time we ever saw the two of these guys face off, and it was the penultimate step to their final goal; respective World championships at Wrestlemania. Many people have called this a botch, and I agree it certainly looked like such in the match itself. Regardless, the officials handled it so well, and Cena and Batista did such a good job with their roles after the match and before the restart that it hardly mattered. Both men won that match, but only Batista’s name went down in the history books.... until...

John Cena makes an early surprise return as the #30 entrant at the Royal Rumble.

This was the second time a #30 entrant had ever won a Royal Rumble, and it was arguably the biggest kept secret the WWE was even capable of pulling off. Even though Cena’s popularity had turned  marks, smarks, and fans against him, a majority of people put those ill thoughts aside and had a unified moment of cheer for “The Champ”. Of all the surprise entrants the Royal Rumble has ever had, this was the largest of the entire decade... to me.

Batista spears Undertaker off the stage in their Last Man Standing Match at Backlash.

Batista knows how to deliver a draw better than he does a win, in my humblest opinion. Undertaker and Batista had “one victory apiece and 2 draws, and in my book, that makes [them] even.” This was won a Rivalry of the Year, and I say it was well deserved. Many smarks first thought Undertaker and Batista would never deliver, and I think they did it 5 times in one year. Despite all this, their match at Backlash is my favorite, as it truly showed how ‘even’ they are. Never before have we seen Undertaker or Batista down for a 10-count... and we probably never will again. 

DX shoves Mr. McMahon’s head into Big Show’s buttcrack in the Handicap Hell in a Cell.

Say what you will about Big Show’s capabilities, but his larger-than-life figure has made him immortalized in many priceless spots; including this. Whilst DX has been able to do things to their boss that most people would only dream of, this was the pinnacle. To this day, Vince’s character has not spoken badly about DX on-screen since the big Hell in a Cell, so, for at least this decade, their rivalry has finished.... and what a way to do it!

Kane sets MVP’s back on fire in their Inferno Match at Armageddon.

This is one of the more forgotten spots... and probably deservedly so. 2000-2009 pretty much saw Kane go from bad to worse in his standing on the card. But this spot was the first time ever that anyone had ever truly been “set fire”. Even in previous Inferno Matches we had only gotten cheap finishes... like a hand on fire. But this? MVP’s entire back was put on fire. Of course, he was the first competitor that wore ring attire which could properly house a guard between the flames and his skin... he also didn’t have long hair that could catch fire either. It’s unfortunate that this spot will be virtually forgotten since it takes a bold kind of star to say “Yes, you can set me on fire”, regardless of protective gear.

Undertaker catches HBK from a Moonsault and reverses it into a Tombstone at WM25.

This is one of those perfect reversals that you just about almost never see, and it was used as the finish to what could only be considered that Match of the Year for 2009. It was the match that saved Wrestlemania 25. Furthermore.... it was the only time in the decade that Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker would face off in singles action. 

Evolution possesses all four championships of the RAW brand.

It’s the iconic moment of the most important stable in the decade. Evolution created Randy Orton and Batista, both of whom became important beings in the 2000-2009 era. It also put some fuel into Triple H, who probably wouldn’t have ended up with as many championship reigns had the Evolution story not gone off without a hitch. But this isn’t the only moment Evolution had...

Evolution turns on Randy Orton after winning the World Heavyweight Championship.

Randy Orton’s first title reign was important. As Chris Benoit acknowledged, Randy had finally “turn into a man”, and got legs of his own. While his title reign would be short-lived, especially considering the sizeable reign his similar cohort Batista got later on, it would be the important moment that showed the first big cracks in Evolution’s dominance. It was so important that even recently it was referenced. Triple H vs. Orton, Legacy vs. Evoluton... it all started here.

Rey Mysterio wins the World Heavyweight Championship and dedicates it to Eddie at Wrestlemania.

The loss of Eddie Guerrerro was arguably the saddest loss of all the people who have left us. It was not plagued by horrible speculations like Benoit, nor was it an inevitability like so many of those that wrestled in yesteryear. Even the recent tragedy of Umaga doesn’t seem to have affected people on the level Eddie did. Even though Rey’s reign was cursed by the tag of Eddie’s death, it was an important dedication to the memory of Guerrerro’s legacy, celebrated by his family and friends. The only thing that could make this reign any better would be to have Mysterio hold the belt again, without the capitalization on and exploitation of peoples’ emotions.

Rob Van Dam wins the WWE Championship at One Night Stand.

Speaking of inspiring title wins, this was another. Ended too short by Van Dam’s arrest, this was a tremendous moment for both the anti-Cena movement and true ECW alumni. Back when One Night Stand actually meant extreme, this was a great way to start the “new breed” of ECW. It’s unfortunate ECW became the empty shell that it is now, but it’s initiation was still terrific and iconic. Add the controversy behind Heyman’s count and you have one of the most influential moments in the WWE. Yes, this second cashing of Money in the Ban was well-executed... but nothing could top the first. Yes, I’m talking about....

Edge cashes in his Money in the Bank to beat John Cena for his first WWE Championship.

In what could only be considered perfect execution, this was the beginning of the Rated R Era, and the start of one of the best feuds the WWE had to offer from 2000-2009. Since Money in the Bank had never been used, no one had even fathomed its execution to be like this. John Cena, superman extraordinaire, outlasts 5 other men in an Elimination Chamber, but becomes easy pickings to Edge, who cashes in immediately following the match. Simply amazing. This moment is also important for ending Cena’s first title reign, which was one of the lengthiest in the decade.

Undertaker challenges Kurt Angle for the World title, destroying the ring with lightning.

When you’re talking ‘title challenges’, you’re normally expecting someone to call someone out, or even use the Money in the Bank, or complain to someone from the back. Normally. Undertaker has proven to be a different case many times. When Undertaker is booked to go after a title, he takes his shot. After Kurt Angle had defeated Mark Henry, Undertaker comes out to the ring in one of the most ominous scenes we’d ever seen from him and superplexes Big Show. That is to say; he strikes the ring with lightning and destroys the ring. Same concept. Different forces of nature. 

Most Influential Wrestlers of 2000-2009:

While by no means a comprehensive list, this is a shortlist of the people we will probably remember this decade for. You’ll probably remember others, I’m sure, but who really knows?

John Cena

He came, we saw; he conquered. It all happened in the past 10 years. All of it.

Triple H

In Evolution, he was the present. Apparently, the future and present are working side by side nowadays.

Batista

Batista has been Cena’s animalistic twin, and one of the big champs. It all happened this time around.

Randy Orton

He’s had a natural progression... probably the most naturally groomed run of any success in the 2000-2009 years. Now he’s at the peak of the mountain!

Edge

In tag teams, he brought us TLC. In singles, he brought us TLC. He’s racked up more title reigns in several years than most people will ever achieve in the WWE. He’s arguably the most successful wrestler to walk in the ring in this decade.

Brock Lesnar

-He had a brief run, and it will never be forgotten. He was a massive showing of power and was everything we wanted... and everything we shouldn’t get, based on his early departure.

Kurt Angle

In WWE, he rocked our world. Then he rocked our world again when he went to TNA. Truly influential.

Shawn Michaels & The Undertaker

Neither man really contributed much other than their continued existence, at least in comparison to everyone else. Both men were fully developed really before this 10 years, and they didn’t find an overwhelming amount of success. It’s hard to believe they’re still going, and we probably won’t have either much longer. Enjoy them while we can. :)

Anyway... 

I think it’s about time for me to be signing off for now. I hope you’ll take some time to remember  what you think the best moments are of 2000-2009. It’s a new age, and I can’t wait to see what the next decade will bring!

Happy New Year, TWG!

-Mr. Indy

Comments

1. Comment #1

   Perfect Article. Love it

   Posted by The Nemesis on Friday, January 01, 2010

2. Comment #2

   Like hell you were first :P

   Posted by The Nemesis on Friday, January 01, 2010

3. Comment #3

   I had nothing to do with this and blame tullo :P but then again who doesnt

   Posted by Remorce on Friday, January 01, 2010

4. Comment #4

   Most Influential Wrestlers of 2000-2009:
   
   wheres Eddie Guerrero on the list

   Posted by Ya Mum on Friday, January 01, 2010

5. Comment #5

   Very nice article Indy, best thing I've read in a long time.

   Posted by What / X Bionic / Afroman on Friday, January 01, 2010

6. Comment #6

   FIRST BWAHAHAHA
   Will comment later :P

   Posted by Sommerlund on Friday, January 01, 2010

7. Comment #7

   bah i saw that all the article writers gang is here so i thought i might drop by! Loved it...
   BTW: 1st comment

   Posted by Phenom The Vampire Lord on Saturday, January 02, 2010

8. Comment #8

   perfect article happy new year
   eddie won the world title he outsmarted kurt angle he insirped loads of wrestlers and fan including rey mysterio to win the world title

   Posted by matt on Saturday, January 02, 2010

9. Comment #9

   Well put together and thought out. I agreed with a lot more than I would have thought. Thumbs up!

   Posted by Donovan Keller on Saturday, January 02, 2010

10. Comment #10

    I'm sure over the next ten years that there'll be something more about TNA in there other than the fact that "He [Kurt Angle] rocked our world again when he went to TNA. Truly influential.

    Posted by Nick Mann on Friday, January 01, 2010

11. Comment #11

    Brilliant article. End of.

    Posted by DynBlaz on Friday, January 01, 2010

12. Comment #12

    Great article.

    Posted by "The Cow" Hairy Potter on Friday, January 01, 2010

13. Comment #13

    Absolutely spectacular article. This is in practically every way true.

    Posted by Portable Air Bag on Friday, January 01, 2010

14. Comment #14

    Great acticle but dude you missed alot. Moments of the Decade: how about the rise of the future TNA. And the death of a former wwe champion and one of the greatest wrestlers ever Eddie Guerrero. He changed history as we know it. If he didn't die, hell we would have had a 15 wwe champion by the end of his career and just image Eddie in tna. We would have saw Kurt vs Eddie the best ever.
    
    

    Posted by Punjabi Prodigy on Friday, January 01, 2010

15. Comment #15

    yeah, I too was sort of looking for eddie guerrero's name on the most influential wrestlers of the decade.

    Posted by the crazy mexican on Friday, January 01, 2010

16. Comment #16

    I dont think Guerrero was one of the most influential. What did he actually DO to make him so? Die?

    Posted by "that guy" on Friday, January 01, 2010

17. Comment #17

    Nice article i actually enjoyed reading it :D

    Posted by Jobber01 on Friday, January 01, 2010

18. Comment #18

    I saw a spelling mistake in their.....

    Posted by Bolar on Saturday, January 02, 2010

19. Comment #19

    LMAO @ Bolar...Great piece. Great Read. Then again, what else should I have expected?

    Posted by BoD on Saturday, January 02, 2010

20. Comment #20

    Great article as always :) Think Sheamus could get into that list cause he ended 2010 with a major shocker. But to be honest everyone had their moments. Miz and Morrison were definitely influential when it came to the Dirt Sheet, which tore apart every Superstar while making them both look like gods :D

    Posted by The Renegation on Sunday, January 03, 2010

21. Comment #21

    Only thing I'd add would be Rey's rumble win and the dedication of it too Eddie. It was one of those where you watched it, and couldn't believe it, even after rewatching it.
    
    Great article, though :)

    Posted by Mr pain on Saturday, January 02, 2010

22. Comment #22

    That doesn't make him influential. Most people have a 'first _________' to their name. Punk was the first to win 2 MITBs... and back to back! Undertaker was the first person 2 win the Royal Rumble from #30!!! Sheamus was the first redhead to win a world title in the WWE!!! Guerrero won the world championship once. Then he died. Was he awesome? Yeah. Did his death have an impact? Yeah. Did he really influence the WWE on the whole in 10 years? Shit no. RIP Eddie. You'll never be forgotten.

    Posted by "that guy" on Monday, January 04, 2010

23. Comment #23

    guerrero was the first mexican to win the world heavyweight championship

    Posted by the crazy mexican on Sunday, January 03, 2010

24. Comment #24

    well thought out and put together....Just to bad that 90% of all WWE is garbage.

    Posted by .. on Tuesday, January 05, 2010

25. Comment #25

    A.J. Styles is the most influential wrestler working today, he sets the standard in modern wrestling that all future stars will have to meet.

    Posted by ninjamissile3001 on Tuesday, January 05, 2010

26. Comment #26

    What? No mention of Jeff Jarrett? Tsk, tsk...

    Posted by Big Daddy Deuce on Wednesday, January 06, 2010

27. Comment #27

    2009 apart fom some high spots (WM25) was not very influential.
    
    People like Sheamus made a impact but people like Taker and Orton shaped WWE for so long, that is what gets you on the list.
    
    Maybe the Return of ECW could get on the lis but then it did turn in to a crappy C-Grade show so i guess not.
    
    Great article.

    Posted by CC on Thursday, January 07, 2010

28. Comment #28

    The noughties was a great decade for wrestling ,period. For starters, TNA, the second most influencal wrestling company on the planet. Was created in 2002. Then we have the early careers of the greatest in WWE today. (John Cena, Batista, Randy Orton). All ten wrestlemanias had a defining moment. From Benoit beating HHH and HBK to Cena catching his first world title.
    
    Most hardcore wrestling fans believe the WWE is a shadow of it's former self, but their wrong. A company that now has shows in a gazillion countries in a gazzilion languages makes alot of money. Saying WWE is shutting down soon is like saying Pamela Anderson will stop appearing in "dirty movies". Let's be honest. If Vince can give away $1 million every RAW for three months ,like he did last year, is he realy struggling for money?
    
    Great article as ever Mr. Indy-Dude. Some things, like Cena returning at #30 in the RR and winning is'nt realy one of my top best things of the decade. But the rest i would agree with. Also, thankyou for giving me the shot to comment. Not only is it good so we share our oppinions. You writers get to improve through our criticisms. Good or Bad.

    Posted by "The British Hero" Mason on Friday, January 08, 2010

29. Comment #29

    Moments of the Decade: WWE's "Sexiest" submission hold becomes illegal. Yes, the "Mind-Bottling" Crippler Crossface

    Posted by The Rabid Wolverine on Sunday, January 10, 2010

30. Comment #30

    hey comment # 28, u r wrong abt TNA.... I'm a hardcore wrestling fan and I belieave WWE sucks as much as WWF rocked..
    WWE was also good until about 2005... now look at WWE.. I stopped watching it in 2007... and now when i watch it, It looks as if its an entertainment show rather than being a wresttling show... However, it even fails to entertain me most of the time!

    Posted by Marson on Saturday, January 09, 2010

31. Comment #31

    Well, i get your point. But WWE is kind of like Nintendo. When Nintndo made the Wii they turned away alot of the hardcore gamers. ut they earned alot of money from families and parents. This is exactly what WWE has done. They turned away hardcore wrestling fans to attract to families and childen, but they are making moore money because of it.
    
    Also, i thank you for reading my comment and taking it into consideration.

    Posted by "The British Hero" Mason. on Sunday, January 10, 2010

Leave a comment