It’s crazy to believe that we are finally approaching twenty years since one of the most iconic WrestleManias was produced.

Now, to be clear, there is a person who made dubious history, three years later, even after playing a vital role in solidifying what is arguably one of the greatest main events.

It was around this time that Triple H was dominating the main event scene, with his third World Heavyweight Championship reign.  His only real threat was Shawn Micheals, a former world champion in his own right.  But, an unexpected individual punched his ticket into the WrestleMania XX main event.

Chris Benoit, “The Rabid Wolverine”, shocked the world, when he outlasted 29 other men, to win the 2004 Royal Rumble.  Along came the opportunity to challenge Triple H, for the gold.  Because facing the champion wasn’t difficult enough, Micheals had himself inserted into the picture, thus making it the first ever triple-threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship.

It was a hard hitting emotional matchup, to say the least.  You have Triple H and Shawn Michaels, best friends and bitter rivals, at the same time.  And Chris Benoit, a 18-year veteran, closing in on his WrestleMania moment. 

All three competitors brought everything to the table.  Nothing was held back.  Benoit pulled out everything in his more versatile arsenal.  The brutal impact of the Diving Headbutt and German Suplexes.  The stinging pain of the Sharpshooter.  And incapacitating grip of the Crossface.  Triple H and Shawn Michaels were no slouches.  Every punch and every kick was delivered to inflict pain.  Despite how devastating Triple H and Michaels respectively hit the Pedigree and Sweet Chin Music, toothless aggression prevailed.  Benoit locked in the Crossface, in the middle of the ring. Triple H had no choice but to tap out.

The crowning moment was capped off with Eddie Guerrero, Benoit’s best friend, who had successfully defended his WWE Championship against Kurt Angle earlier that night, joining the celebration.  Two unlikely veterans defied the odds, and walked out of WrestleMania 20 as champions.  A priceless moment.

We all know the tragic end of Benoit and Guerrero.  Guerrero’s legacy is immortalized and universally praised.  Benoit is now more associated with his heinous and unforgivable crime.

Twenty years later, WrestleMania is now a two-night spectacle, with a roster that outshines its 2004 predecessor. So much has changed, that hype is now on a whole different level. Hopefully, years down the line, WrestleMania 40 is remembered for the best it had to offer.