Lecture Notes: WrestleMania 17 - A Legendary Event

Introduction

• WrestleMania 17 often considered the greatest WrestleMania of all time.
• WrestleMania 17 marked the culmination of the wrestling boom and the Attitude Era.
• Defined a generation and capped off a historic period in wrestling.

Background

• Wrestling Boom (1995-2001):

  • WCW and WWF pivotal in making wrestling mainstream.
  • Peak viewership with up to 8 million viewers on Monday nights.
  • Wrestling shirts, magazine covers, and commercials part of pop culture.

• End of an Era:

  • End of the Monday Night Wars; WCW bought shortly before WrestleMania.
  • WrestleMania 17 marked the end of the Attitude Era.

Significant Matches and Storylines

1. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock

• Two of the biggest wrestling stars.
• Main event of WrestleMania 17.
• Defined as the climax of the wrestling boom, showcasing the best of the era.

2. The Undertaker vs. Triple H

• Simple storyline of dominance and revenge.
• Known for being a classic Texas brawl.

3. Father vs. Son: Shane McMahon vs. Vince McMahon

• Storyline involving family drama and corporate power struggle.
• Highlighted the era's penchant for over-the-top storylines.

4. TLC Tag-Team Match: Hardys vs. Edge & Christian vs. Dudleys

• Iconic match known for its intense and dangerous spots.
• Defined tag team wrestling during the era.

Main Event: Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock

• Considered a dream match, representing the peak of the company's success.
• Notable for its physicality and the shocking storyline twist.
• Vince McMahon's interference leading to a controversial ending.

Conclusion

• WrestleMania 17 remembered as a historic and iconic event.
• Felt like a season finale to the Attitude Era.
• Built over several years, it remains a defining moment in wrestling history.