Taking a trip down memory lane, we revisit the electrifying WWE live event that unfolded at the newly inaugurated Glendale Arena, marking the first house show of the year. The atmosphere was vibrant, with a decent crowd filling the lower level sections that offered a direct view of the ring. While the upper level remained vacant, the energy in the arena mirrored the seamless transition between televised WWE content and the live experience.
Opening Matches: The World’s Greatest Tag Team and Surprises
The evening commenced with The World’s Greatest Tag Team facing off against Spanky & Paul London. The match showcased fast-paced action, with Haas and Benjamin portraying excellent heels. Despite the dynamic performance, Spanky and London found themselves on the losing end. The surprise element was introduced early on when Paul Heyman made an unexpected appearance, setting the stage for an exciting U.S. Title match later in the evening.
Unconventional Matches Glendale Arena and Unexpected Turns
The night unfolded with diverse matchups, including The Cat taking on Jamie Noble and Scotty 2 Hotty facing Nunzio. While The Cat secured a victory over Noble, the matches were relatively short. Hardcore Holly & Bradshaw’s victory over Matt Morgan & A-Train added an intense element to the event, showcasing the smooth execution of their finishers.
Marquee Matches: Benoit, Mysterio, and the Basham Brothers
Chris Benoit and Chuck Palumbo delivered a gripping encounter, culminating in Benoit’s victory by submission. The Triple Threat Cruiserweight Title match featuring Rey Mysterio, Tajiri, and Billy Kidman added flair, with Rey retaining his title. The unexpected twist in the post-match handshake between Rey and Kidman kept the audience engaged.
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The highlight of the night was the intense WWE Tag Team Title match, with the Basham Brothers defending against Los Guerreros and Akio & Sakoda. The swerve involving Chavo turning on Eddie provided a dramatic moment, showcasing storytelling brilliance.
Entertaining Segments: Tiny Teddie Contest and Surprise Returns
Dawn Marie emerged victorious in the Tiny Teddie contest, adding an entertaining segment to the event. The surprise return of Brock Lesnar during the U.S. Title match between Big Show and John Cena added an unexpected twist. The ensuing chaos, involving Brock Lesnar, Cena, Benoit, and Rey Mysterio, brought the night to a thrilling conclusion.
As the event concluded, Rey Mysterio treated the audience to a memorable freestyle rap, incorporating local references and leaving the crowd in high spirits. The surprise appearances and well-executed matches made this WWE live event a standout moment in the wrestling archives.
