New York Football Draft Grades

It's a little early to really make these out now, but its always fun to try. All of the picks have been made and the 2020 NFL draft is in the books. Teams have reloaded for the future. Of course, its too early to tell now how well each of the picks is going to work out, if at all, but its at least kind of cool to see what might work and what wont.

On Paper, both the Jets and Giants looked good with who they picked. Lets take a bit of a deeper look at it now.

New York Giants
Picks
Round 1, Pick No. 4: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Round 2, Pick No. 36: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
Round 3, Pick No. 99 (comp pick): Matt Peart, OT, UConn
Round 4, Pick No. 110: Darnay Holmes, CB, UCLA
Round 5, Pick No. 150: Shane Lemieux, OL, Oregon
Round 6, Pick No. 183: Cam Brown, EDGE, Penn State
Round 7, Pick No. 218: Carter Coughlin, EDGE, Minnesota
Round 7, Pick No. 238 (from Saints): TJ Brunson, LB, South Carolina
Round 7, Pick No. 247 (comp pick): Chris Williamson, CB, Minnesota
Round 7, Pick No. 255 (comp pick): Tae Crowder, LB, Georgia

Now Dave Gettelman has been taking flak over some of this decisions in the past, but I must say some of the moves he made at this year's draft were pretty damn good. Taking Andrew Thomas has the possibility to have great returns. He has the talent and makings to be a franchise left tackle. Even if he doesn't play that well, he still has the makings of being a stud. He won't bottom out. That was a huge way of addressing one of their biggest problems was taking care of the offensive line. They added more to that in the third round by grabbing Matt Peart out of UConn. He still got time and a little room to be able to develop at tackle, and from every indication I've gotten, if that won't work out, they might try moving him to guard. Grabbing McKinney from Bama in the second round was a solid move, he was the first safety taken off the board in this draft. Sure, there was a flashier player sitting there in Isiah Simmons, but McKinney is not only more versatile but more dependable from reports I've read.

They went out and were able to set up in the areas they needed the most: Edge Rusher, secondary help and most important Offensive line. No true way to tell now how great this could turn out to be, but on paper, Dave Gettelman did himself a pretty good job.

Grade: A-

New York Jets
Picks
Round 1, Pick No. 11: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Round 2, Pick No. 59: Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
Round 3, Pick No. 68 (from Giants): Ashtyn Davis, S, California
Round 3, Pick No. 79: Jabari Zuniga, EDGE, Florida
Round 4, Pick No. 120: La'Mical Perine, RB, Florida
Round 4, Pick No. 125 (from Bears through Patriots): James Morgan, QB, Florida International
Round 4, Pick No. 129 (from Patriots through Ravens and Patriots):​ Cameron Clark, OT, Charlotte
Round 5, Pick No. 158: Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
Round 6, Pick No. 191: Braden Mann, P, Texas A&M

Much like Gettelman, Joe Douglas had a lot to prove with his first draft with the Jets. Starting it off with Becton at the line was a good move. He's got all the potential in the world to be a stud on the O-Line, which is something the Jets badly need. Sure, Tristin Warfs maybe the better pass protector who went two picks later, but with Becton potential, they had to grab him there. The other big thing that the Jets really needed to address was the wide receiver position. They did that by grabbing Mims in round two from Baylor. They needed to find somebody who could replace Robby Andersen and they may have snagged him and then some with selecting Mims. He's got good size and fantastic speed, which could end up going along great with being Sam Darnold's primary target. he's got the raw ability to be able to pull it off, and much like Becton the sky is the limit.

They grabbed a QB late which raised a few eyebrows but they also got defensive and punting help. The only thing that sticks out with me with the Jets was that they went with pure athletic talent. That could possibly work, but I think the Giants had the better draft as far as more proven commodity at having long careers. The potential is sure there for the Jets draft picks and Joe Douglas came out with a pretty good start

Grade: B+

Best New York Basketball Playoff Moments

Playoff time. It's one of the most fun times of the year for us sports fans. This week was supposed to be the kickoff to the NBA playoffs, with at least on paper, the Nets making it for the second year in a row. We did this earlier this month with the Hockey playoffs, so now lets do one for Basketball. Both metro area teams have provided their fans with amazing moments come spring time and the post season. So lets take a look back at the top five most memorable moments for the local teams come playoff time. We start it off in Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Nets
5. First Series Win In Brooklyn
After moving from New Jersey to Brooklyn in 2013, there was some questions as to how well the team would adjust. They did just fine, making the playoffs in each of the first three years in Brooklyn. What stands out is that 2014 run. Sure they were ousted in the 2nd round in five by Miami, but it was the opening round seven game series win over the Raptors that stands out. It was the first win outside of Jersey. Joe Johnson lead the way with 26 points in the final game, a dramatic 104-103 win in the seventh game. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett were impacts in that game too, which is why this win and moment sticks out

4. Nets Sweep Battle Of New York
Up until the 2004 season, the Knicks had dominated the battle between the two clubs. That changed in 2004. The Nets were coming off back to back years as the Eastern Conference Champions. Jason Kidd and Kenyon Martin paced the way for the Nets, who won each contest by almost double digits. It was the first time the Nets really stepped out of the Knicks shadow and stating that they were going to be a big deal in the area basketball scene.

3. Martin Double Dips
Game four of the 2003 finals was a bit of a coming out party for Kenyon Martin, He'd been good for the Nets most of those playoff runs but this game was seen as more of a coming out party at the time for him. Once game four was finished, Martin led the Nets with 20 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks. He powered them to a 77-76 slugfest win to pull even in the series. Sadly it wouldn't last as the Nets fell to the Spurs in six games, but still.

2. Kidd Goes Off
There's little doubt that Jason Kidd was a solid, yet underrated, point guard in this league. He had a brilliant run during his seven year tenure with the Nets from 2001-2008. It was in 23002 where Kidd was at his best, at least with the Nets. Kidd kickstarted one of the best turnarounds in NBA history. Kidd's play was the driving force for the New Jersey Nets to reach their first-ever NBA Finals in his first season with the team. Kidd dropped a triple-double (15 points, 13 rebounds, 13 assists) to guide the Nets past the Celtics in Game 6 of the 2002 Eastern Conference Finals. Ewing was hurt, and Larry Johnson stepped up in a big way. Johnson put the Knicks ahead on a 4-point play after trailing by three with 5.7 seconds left. The Knicks won Game 3, taking a 2-1 series lead and would go on to reach the NBA Finals.

1. Title To Nets
After winning the 1974 ABA title, the New York Nets won their second championship two years later in the league's final game, also marking the franchise's last title. Julius Erving was named the MVP, as the Nets defeated the Denver Nuggets 112-106 at Nassau Coliseum

New York Knicks
5. Larry Johnson's Four Point Play
1999 wasn't exactly supposed to be the Knicks year. After all, they were the 8th seed in the East. Yes they fell to the best team in the league in the Spurs, but they shocked everybody by beating the 2nd seeded Pacers to get to the finals. And it was all thanks to one guy in game six. Larry Johnson.

4. Starks Go Boom
Simply known as "The Dunk". That's all you have to say, and Knicks fans smile. Game two of the 1993 Eastern Conference finals between the Knicks and Bulls. John Starks blew by B.J. Armstrong and flew over Horace Grant for a left-handed throwdown which became the most famous slam in Knicks history. It gave the team a 2-0 over one of the greatest teams in league history

3. Houston We Have Tipoff
We talked about this run a little earlier and it all started with this. New York took on the top seeded Miami Heat in the first round of the 99 playoffs and it was Alan Houston coming up huge at the right moment. Houston had his big moment in game five. He hit a game-winning runner from the foul line in the deciding fifth-game of the first round series, which hit the rim and backboard before falling through the net with 0.8 seconds left.

2. Ewing Signature Moment
Twenty one years is a long time to wait. The Knciks had a chance to erase a few demons in 1994. They couldn't get the big one, winning the title, but they managed to not only make the finals, but push the Rockets all the way to game seven. Knicks had to go to seven games with the Pacers, and it turned into the Patrick Ewing Show! Ewing's 24 points and 22 rebounds, including a putback slam in the final 30 seconds put the staple on his career at that time. It's one of the signature moments for Patrick really in a hell of a career

1. Here Comes Willis
This one should have gone without saying. Reed was hurt in game five and missed game six of the 1970 finals. He was the heart and soul of that team. Game seven rolled around, and just minutes before tipoff, he walked out onto the floor. The crowed went crazy after he hit the game's first two shots, which kickstarted the night. Walt Frazier was the star of the night, controlling the game with 36 points and 19 assists, but it was Willis making his return as the inspirational leader that got the Knicks to where they needed to be.

More Good In Sports

So we had done something like this about a month ago when all this started, and figured now would be a good time to revisit this. We have nothing going on as far as live games go from the sports world right now, and there is no timetable just yet as to when we are going to get that back. We talked about last month what athletes were doing to help out arena staff. There are teams and athletes that are helping by giving back to their local communities try and rebuild.

So here's some of what teams and athletes are doing to help out during this crisis.

Major League Baseball
The league said it will donate $1 million to emergency food services, and each team pledged $1 million for ballpark workers affected by the shutdown. It has also announced support for minor-leaguers, who haven't been paid since August.

Jason Heyward
-Donated $200,000 to virus relief in Chicago, split between two organizations. He is giving $100,000 each to the Greater Chicago Food Depository and MASK, an organization that is collecting supplies and food for families impacted by the virus.

Anthony Rizzo
-Provided hundreds of hot meals to doctors and nurses through his foundation. The Rizzo Foundation donated the food to a Children’s Hospital in Chicago and another Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, Fla. by teaming up with local restaurants and vendors, according to WLS-TV.

Arthur Blank, Falcons Owner
-The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation announced it would give nearly $5.4 million in funding for virus recovery assistance to organizations in Georgia and Montana. Blank, the owner of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, donated to several organizations in both states.

Robert Kraft, Patriots Owner
-Robert Kraft sent the organization’s private plane to China to pick up much-needed protective equipment for medical workers in the state, according to multiple reports.

Tom Brady
-Brady announced that he has teamed up with Wheels Up to give 10 million meals to Feeding America.

Drew Brees
-Drew announced via social media that he and his wife were donating $5 million to the state of Louisiana to help communities impacted by the coronavirus pandemic

Matthew Stafford
-Stafford and his family donated meals to local hospital workers. Stafford, along with his wife Kelly, committed $100,000 to local charities to help local charities and school students.

Russell Wilson
-Wilson, who was one of the first athletes to jump in and start helping out, along with his wife, Ciara, announced they would donate 1 million meals to a Seattle food bank.

Chandler Jones
-The Arizona Cardinals announced that linebacker Chandler Jones would donate 150,000 meals to food banks in both Arizona and his hometown of Endicott, N.Y.

Karl-Anthony Towns
-Towns announced that he has donated $100,000 to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to help get coronavirus test kits to the public.

Stephen Curry
-Curry, along with his wife, Ayesha, raised thousands of dollars on Facebook in a campaign for Feeding America.

There is still plenty of good in a time of crisis!

Best New York Playoff Hockey Moments

Well, this is supposed to be one of the best times of the year for hockey fans. The Stanley Cup playoffs were supposed to have kicked off this week. But, alas, because of whats going on in the world right now, that can't happen at the moment. Fear not, we as hockey fans here in New York have had some great moments and memories to look back fondly on. Both the Islanders and Rangers have provided their fans with unforgettable moments, way too many to try and recount here. But, in the spirit of that time and those moments, I've come up with a top five for each franchise. So here are the top five playoff moments for both the Islanders and Rangers. We start this list on Broadway.

Rangers
5. Davidson Stuns Isles
1979 was supposed to be a big year for the Islanders, who finished the year with the best record in all of hockey. 51 wins and 116 points, meanwhile the Rangers finished with 40 wins and 91 points. But thanks to the brilliant goaltending of John Davidson, the Rangers shocked the hockey world and pulled off the upset. Beating the Isles in six games. JD played every minute of that playoff run, winning 11 games in the playoffs that year. In the upset of the Islanders, he allowed a grand total of 13 goals in the series, shutting down that high powered offense in the six game series. To make this run even better, the Rangers pushed the Montreal Canadiens to five games in the finals before falling, but it was the play of JD in the 2nd round against the Isles that makes this memorable and worthy of putting on this list.

4. King Crowns Caps
The lockout shortened 2013 season was a tough one for most of the league, but the Rangers made most of it, winning 28 of their 44 games and making the playoffs. During that first round series, they found themselves down a 3-2 hole after getting downed in DC. Against the ropes, they needed their best players to step up. They did. Henrik Lundqvist played out of his mind in that series, more so at the end of the series. There had been some debate as to who the greatest goalie is in Rangers history, and this series and performance over the final two games, put Hank right near the top of the discussion. Over the final two games, the Rangers outscored Washington 6-0 and Hank stopped an unreal 62 shots over that span. He was playing like a man possessed and some argue that there has been no finer display of netminding in Hank's career then this.

3. Captain Clutch Delivers
1994 was supposed to be the Rangers year. 52 wins and 112 points, both good enough for the best record in all of hockey. They started that playoff run with a couple of easy series wins, sweeping the Islanders and beating the Caps in five. Then ran into a little trouble with the Devils. It was the last two games of this series that will go down in not only Ranger but Stanley Cup Lure. First its game six, a must win game for the boys from Broadway. Mark Messier made the comments in the paper that they had to win on this night. And they did, thanks to their leader. He started it by setting up a goal by Kovalev in the second. Then he took the game over in the 3rd, scoring a natural hat trick, the last one an empty netter to seal it. The Captain game through when it matters most.

2. Matteau! Matteau! Matteau!
This one was easy to pick. Two nights after Messier cashed in on the prediction with the Hat Trick, the Rangers needed another hero. This time, it came in the form of grinder Stephan Matteau. He came to New York in a trade with the Hawks at the deadline and scored 4 goals in 12 regular season games, and added six more in the playoffs. The last one was one of the biggest in team history. After the Devils tied the game late in regulation, this battle raged into overtime. Then a second one. Early on in the second OT, it happened:


1. The Waiting Is Over!
After the goal above, it was on to face the Canucks in the Stanley Cup Finals. The 1940s chants had been hanging over the Rangers for years, and they were looking for a way to break it. It took seven games, but it finally happened. One of the biggest moments came in Game Four in Vancouver, a 4-1 Rangers win. The moment was Mike Richter making the kick save on the Pavel Bure Penalty Shot. The moment that tops this list came ten days later. Mark Messier jammed home the go ahead (game winner) late in the 2nd period. Trevor Linden cut the Ranger lead to one in the 3rd but it wasn't enough. As time ticked down, well you already know the rest:


Now on to the boys from the Island!

Islanders
5. JP Parise Wins First Series
There was magic in the air for the Islanders in 1975. It was their third year in the league and for the first two seasons, they had looked a little flat. Then in 75, the Isles shocked the hockey world and made the playoffs. It started off with a three game series against the Rangers. The teams split the first two games. Game three went into overtime. It took only eleven seconds for it to happen. JP Parise cashed in a cross ice pass to end the game and the series, sending the Islanders on to the next round. Up until that point, it was the fastest overtime goal in Playoff history. The Islanders would pull off a miracle in round two coming back from down 0-3 against the Pens to win that series and almost doing it again in the next round before falling in seven games to the Flyers. But all of this started with that JP goal eleven seconds into OT at MSG.

4. Bates Buried Penalty Shot
The 2002 opening round series between the Islanders and Maple Leafs was a bitter and hard fought series, the best one of the first round that year. Sure the Leafs won the series (the only series lost to a team that made this list), but it was in game four that still gives a lot of fans chills even to this day. Game was tied at three with two and a half minutes left in regulation.Shawn Bates got knocked down on a breakaway and was rewarded a penalty shot. It was only the third time in Islander history that a penalty shot had been taken in the Stanley Cup playoffs. He didn't miss:


Its a moment that still gives me chills even now writing this!

3. Tonelli Keeps Streak Alive
1982 was the 3rd year of the four in a row for the Islanders. But it almost wasn't to be.They met the Penguins in the opening round. Went up 2-0 on the series, only to see the Pens come back and force a game five. Pittsburgh kept the surprises coming, taking a 3-1 lead into the 3rd period. Then the Islanders got to work. Mike McEwan cut the lead in half. Tonelli tied the game with a little over two minutes left in regulation. He kept it going in Overtime, causing a turnover in the Penguin end and dashing up the ice. He got knocked down, got the puck to Bob Nystom who took a shot, which was stopped. Tonelli jammed at the rebound and scored, sending the Isles on to the next round. One of the hardest working guys on the team got rewarded for his outstanding efforts.

2. The Easter Epic
By the time the 1987 playoffs rolled around, the Islanders had been on a bit of a downward trend since the Cup run. But that 87 team showed it still had a little magic in it. the Islanders came back from down 3-1 in the series to force a game seven, which they also had to come back in. Bryan Trottier scored with a little less than six minutes left in regulation to force overtime. It would take a lot longer then that to decide this one. This marathon contest lasted into the 4th overtime period before Pat Lafontaine finally ended the game and series, sending the Isles on to the next round. The goal was scored at 2:37 AM, Easter Sunday. Magic still had some left in the Islanders tank.

1. The Goal That Started The Dynasty
May 24th, 1980. Its a date that all Islanders fans know very very well. It started the last great Dynasty in the game of hockey. There was a lot riding on that season for the Islanders. They had been upset by the Rangers the year before (see above) and struggled for most of the season. But things started to turn around and the Isles got hot at the right time. It lead to tough series wins over the Kings Bruins and Sabers before the showdown in the Finals against the Flyers. Series went to game six, and nobody on the Islanders wanted to have to go back to game seven in Philadelphia. New York took a lead on two controversial goals by Denis Potvin and Duane Sutter, but the Flyers battled back to force overtime. Early in the first overtime, the Islanders got the goal that started they Dynasty. Tonelli to Nystrom HE SCORES!!! BOB NYSTROM SCORES THE GOAL, THE ISLANDERS WIN THE STANLEY CUP!

There you have it the best playoff moments in New York Hockey history!

Basketball Hall Makes Call

Its one things to be good. Its another to be great. It's yet another to be hall of fame worthy! The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame made the announcement over the weekend as to which athletes will have the honor of getting inducted into it's hallowed halls. This years induction class is headlined by Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett. They aren't the only ones getting the call. Joining them are WNBA champion and 10-time All-Star Tamika Catchings, former Houston Rockets coach Rudy Tomjanovich, former collegiate coach Eddie Sutton, Baylor women's basketball coach Kim Mulkey, former women's college basketball coach Barbara Stevens and former FIBA and IOC executive Patrick Baumann.

We start from the bench with Rudy Tomjonavoich, who started his career in the NBA as a player. he played 11 seasons for the Rockets, where he was a five time all star and his number 45 was retired by the team. After his playing days he took over behind the bench. He won two titles (1994 and 1995) in Houston. he started as an assistant coach from 83-92 and then took over as head coach from 93 to 03. He finished his coaching career from 2004 to 2005 as the Lakers bench boss. He was considered by a few of his brethren to be a genius. He, of course, deflected those notions, which was just his manor and style. He had a reputation as a players coach, with his easy going style and hands off manor made him a joy to play for. A lot of players were eager to play for him and you could see why during his time in Houston.

Now for the three headlining players, we start with Tim Duncan. Duncan played for the Spurs from 1997 to 2016. During his career, he racked up 26,406 points in his career, with his number being retired by San Antonio. He won five NBA titles and was a two time league MVP. He was a 15 time all star, a ten time first team all NBA team, a three time second team and a two time third team. What made Tim Duncan so great was how consistent he was. As a big man at power forward, he averaged a double double in his career for points and rebounds. Not only was he consistent during the regular season, he came up clutch in the playoffs too. He not only had higher averages in the playoffs then he did during the regular season, he also won the finals MVP three times during his career. That speaks volumes for how clutch he was during the biggest time of the year.

Then we go to Kevin Garnett. KG played 21 years in the NBA between the Timberwolves, Celtics, Nets and Timberwolves again. He was on the 2008 Celtics team that won the title and was league MVP in 2004. Garnett was a 15 time all star, four time all first team, three time all second team and two time all third team. He finished his career scoring 26,071 points during his career. KG was known for being one of the better all around players in this game, being able to excel at both ends of the floor. He was the face of the Timberwolves franchise and deserves every honor he's gotten in his fantastic career.

Finally, there's the biggest star of this year's class, Kobe Bryant. Even if this wasn't a Posthumous induction, there was little doubt in anybody's mind that Kobe was going to get in, which sucks he won't be around to see it, having passed away back in January. Kobe played his entire twenty year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe won five NBA titles, winning finals MVP twice. He was a 14 time all star, an eleven time first teamer, a two time second teamer and a two time third teamer. He finished his career scoring 33,643 points during his fantastic career. What made Kobe so great was his competative nature. He wanted to be the very best in the game, and on a lot of nights, he was. He was even called by Adam Silver as one of the greatest players in the history of the game. He could do a little bit of everything and do it well, becoming the first player in league history to score 30,000 points and register 6,000 assists. He also had this look on his face most nights that was intimidating as hell to play against. he lived up to his Black Mamba nickname night in and night out.

There you have it, the 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame class!

Greatest Mania Matches Ever

The big weekend has arrived. It's the grandest show in all of sports entertainment. Wrestlemania 36 has arrived. We broke the card down on the podcast earlier but now we take a look at some of the past matches from the show of shows. Sure, Mania has had a few duds over the years, but, more often than not, its had some classic matches. Ones that will stand the test of time. And that's what we get into here. In honor of the 36th edition of Wrestlemania, here are the 36 greatest matches to ever take place at the historic event.

36: Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant Wrestlemania III
This match helped push Mania really into the mainstream. It was billed as the irresistible force meeting the immovable object. Hogan and Andre for the title. This was why everybody tuned into the 3rd edition of Mania. It was a slow moving match but it did its job. Everybody lost their minds when Hulk slammed the Giant and retained the title. The win, and the bodyslam, were one of the most significant moments in sports entertainment history.

35: Mick Foley vs Edge Wrestlemania 22
One of the more violent matches to ever take place at the show of shows. Hardcore rules and Edge and Foley left it all in the ring. The spear through the flaming table is still one of the more talked about spots in the history of the event. It took this kind of wrestling to another level on this grand of a stage.

34: Hulk Hogan vs Ultimate Warrior Wrestlemania VI
Passing of the torch between Hogan and Warrior. This match had a lot of hype going into it as it was the two mega stars at the moment and is what drew a lot of fans attention into the business in the first place. They were larger than life characters and the match was billed as such. Too bad there was a lot of backstage politicking with Hogan down the road, but still for what it was, the match was solid.

33: Bret Hart vs Roddy Piper Wrestlemania VIII
Very underrated technical classic between these two. While the match listed above was a showdown between two muscle bound guys, this was a technical classic in the early years of the show. Hitman and the Hot Rod went out there and showed that a technical match could be just as effective as anything. They went out and had the fans standing by the time the whole thing was over.

32: Hulk Hogan vs Randy Savage Wrestlemania V
Battle of the two biggest stars in the company at the time. The Mega Powers had exploded from the year before. It was the biggest wrestler in the business (because he was hyped to the moon) against the best wrestler in the game (because he actually had ability to wrestle). Hulk was good but Macho was so much better. Shame Savage never really got a proper run as a guy of his talent level really deserved.

31: CM Punk vs Undertaker Wrestlemania 29
Last win of the streak. It's the most talked about streak in not only sports entertainment but one of the most talk about in possibly all of sports. Punk put up a good fight, but Taker pulled it out on this night in what turned out to be the last win of the streak. More on that later (authors note: this was an even more enjoyable fight because I was in the crowd at MetLife that night).

30: Undertaker vs Triple H Wrestlemania XXVII
Another end of an era match. This was viewed as the closing of the attitude era with Taker battling Hunter with HBK as the ref inside hell in a cell. It was  brutal fight that really saw the Deadman and the Game leave it all in the ring. For as solid as this match was, this wasn't the best match the two ever had at the show of shows, but more on that later.

29: Shawn Michaels vs Chris Jericho Wrestlemania XIX
Two of the best all around performers of their generation stole the show that night. And you'r going to be seeing Shawn's name come up a lot on this list because they didn't call him Mr Wrestlemania for nothing. What he and Jericho did that night reminded me a little of Hart and Piper from Mania VI. A mat classic which wasn't really done as much anymore.

28: Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns Wrestlemania XXXI
This gets on here for how shocking an ending to the show it was. People weren't really crazy about Roman really getting shot after shot at the title. And Brock annoyed fans for a while because he had the title held up because he was a part timer who showed up when the money was right. It makes sense because Brock is a big market draw but thats not the point. The point here was the shock that Seth Rollins came out and cahsed in his money in the bank contract and, after losing to Randy Orton earlier in the night, walked out as WWE Champion.

27: Daniel Bryan vs Triple H Wrestlemania XXX
Yes movement hit its peak and lead to what would happen later that night. But this gets the nod here because of how far the Authority had pushed down Bryan over the course of the year. He was so over with the fans and wasn't getting the respect he deserved from the higher ups, and this was his chance to kick it right down their throats. he did when he beat Hunter to earn a shot at the title and got inserted into that nights main event with Orton and Batista. More on that later.

26: Shawn Michaels vs John Cena Wrestlemania XXIII
Night that showed that Cena could hang in the ring with anybody. Cena walked in as Champion and walked out the same way. He stepped his game up that night going against one of the very best that this business has to offer. Shawn showed that he could still go with anybody and Cena managed to meet him for the test.

25: Brock Lesnar vs Undertaker Wrestlemania XXX
The night the streak died, and its depressing to write about. This was one thing that anybody who follows the business was hoping one of two things would happen. Either it would keep going, or it should have died four years earlier against Shawn, but again more on that later. This match proved two things. one that Taker was starting to slightly lose a step. And two, that Brock was the big ticket draw he felt he was. He was the guy who snapped the streak. There's a few theories as to why Brock was the one who ended it, but as of now, nobody knows the truth who really pulled the l=plug on the streak.

24: Charlotte vs Becky vs Sasha Wrestlemania 32
First time the Women really got to show their skills at a higher level. It had that big fight feel to it going in. It showcased the talents of all three women involved and it took what we saw in Women's wrestling to another level. Since then it has reached even greater heights, but it kind of really shifted into that higher gear with this fight.

23: Daniel Bryan vs Randy Orton vs Batista Wrestlemania XXX
The Yes movement was finally capped off with the Bryan win! He had garnered such a wave of fan support Bryan worked himself into the two matches he had on this night. We talked earlier about the win over Hunter. Now there was this. He had to get through Batista, who nobody wanted there, and Orton, the Champion. Bryan did it against all the odds and walked away with the gold. Sadly the run wasn;'t very long, or worthy of a guy of Bryan's talent level, but this was still an awesome moment

22: Becky Lynch vs Charlotte Flair vs Ronda Rousy Wrestlemania 35
First time ever that Women headlined Mania. The baddest woman on the planet was the big draw obviously. And she did a good job holding her own as champion. You had Charlotte in there who not only had the name, but could also go. then there was Becky, who basically made herself a big name in the game and had all the momentum in the world, walking away as not only "The Man" but "Becky two Belts" as well.

21: Undertaker vs Triple H Wrestlemania XVII
Fantastic fight from bell to bell and this one is the better match between the two. This was Taker's American Badass gimmick, which was a total changeup from his previous runs with the company. The two took this fight all over the Astrodome in Huston. It was just so well built going into the fight and they pulled it off beautifully.

20: Shawn Michaels vs Ric Flair Wrestlemania XXIV
The ending of Ric Flair's in ring WWE Career and it couldn't have come against anybody better. Slick Ric is considered, rightfully so in my mind, as the best performer this business has ever seen. Shawn is considered right there behind Ric in that regards and many would agree. Flair had done it all in almost five decades in the wrestling business. He deserved to have his career go out with grace and style and this was the right way to do it.

19: Money In The Bank Ladder Match Wrestlemania XXI
The original MiTB that started it all. It had it all in the first go around and set the bar for what was to come in this kind of match. Edge (who won the thing), Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho, Shelton Benjamin, Kane and Christian had thrown everything they had at eachother in this fight. High spots all over the place and a fantastic ending. Edge walked away with the briefcase and this would kickstart the run that put Edge on the map as a main event player in this business.

18: Brock Lesnar vs Kurt Angle Wrestlemania XIX
Showcase of two of the best of the 2000's. Brock and Kurt went at it in a classic match that had all the buildup to it. Kurt and Brock were both at thee top of their game. Brock almost broke his neck trying the shooting star press from the top rope. He somehow managed to finish the match and walk away as World Champion. It was a solid fight and a good finish.

17: Stone Cold vs Shawn Michaels Wrestlemania XIV
The Austin Era has begun! This was what kickstarted the hottest streak in Wrestling. Austin was the top man from here on out. He had started his ascension to the top at the Royal Rumble. He fastrack to the top was put into overdrive with this title win. It was also the final match in the 1990's for Shawn Michaels. He was in a lot of pain with his back injury and still managed to put on an outstanding match. It was a asymbolic passing of the tourch from the biggest star of the early 90s to the man who was going to carry the company flag into the 21st century

16: The Rock vs John Cena Wrestlemania XXVIII
Once in a lifetime. Rock and Cena's first meeting at the big event was talked about for over a month leading up to the big showdown. tow of the biggest stars of this lifetime going head to head at the show of shows and it lived up to the hype. Rock got the win in a celebrity appearance and it was one that would stick with fans for quite some time.

15:  The Rock vs Stone Cold Wrestlemania XV
First ever meeting on the biggest stage of them all for the two biggest stars of that era. This had been building since that year's Royal Rumble. Rock was the mega heel and Austin was the working man's hero. It was the perfect matchup for that time, as it was a battle of the two biggest rising star's in the business. Both guys went out and put on a fantastic matchup, with Austin winning the belt for the second year in a row at the show of shows.

14: Kofi Kingston vs Daniel Bryan Wrestlemania 35
Kofi Mania runs wild. For eleven years, Kofi had been busting his ass in this business, and never really getting his proper due for what he had been doing in the company. He had given everything he had to this point and never really got the just due which he had earned. The Company had never seen him as a bigtime player. He walked through hell to get his shot at Bryan and the title at the big event,. And he came through. Kofi won the gold on a very emotional night in Jersey. Of course the title run wasn't what it should have been, but still he was given the shot he had flat out earned.

13: Eddie Guerrero vs Kurt Angle Wrestlemania XX
Eddie gets his mania moment. Eddie had been one of the best high flyers this business had ever seen. He had his demons away from the ring too, sure. But he overcame them and earned himself a title run in 2003. It started at No Way Out that year, beating Brock for the gold. Then, in his first big test with the Title, he had to defend it against the Wrestling Machine in Angle at MSG. No small task. Eddie walked out the same way he walked in, with the Title around his waist. Great match between two great performers.

12: Stone Cold vs The Rock Wrestlemania XVII
First time ever Austin turned and joined sides with Vince. That's what made this match so interesting and vital for the company. It had never EVER been thought of, that the Texas Rattlesnake would ever side with his arch rival in Vince. And it happened against the Great One, two years after their first clash. The first go around may have been the better match, but this one was more important for company direction, with Austin turning Heel and Joining sides with Vince.

11: Shawn Michaels vs Kurt Angle Wrestlemania XXI
A technical classic between two of the in ring best. This one went back and forth the entire night, with Angle getting the win via submission. But you want to take a look at how to tell a good story throughout the course of a match. This is one to watch. It shows how to get a crowd emotionally invested in a big fight.

10: Bret Hart vs Owen Hart Wrestlemania X
Technical classic that kicked off the tenth anniversary show at MSG. It was the battle of brothers which had been building up for so long, and it finally came to a head on the biggest night of the WWE calendar. Owen had wanted for a long time to step out of the shadow of big brother. He got a chance to prove it on this night. He beat Bret in the opening match on the show, proving that he could go. Bret got the last laugh at the end of the night, walking out as WWE Champion, but still this was a very important match, putting Owen on the map as solid worker. Shame he never got a proper shot at the big gold belt.

9: Shawn Michaels vs Razor Ramon Wrestlemania X
This match took place later on the card and stole the show from the one listed just above. This was the match that put the use of ladders on the map. And it was for the Intercontinental Title no less. Shawn and Razor were both great workers and this match set the standard for others to go out and not only try and match, but surpass. It was, and still is one of the most talked about matches to this day in the history of the show

8: Chris Benoit vs Triple H vs Shawn Michaels Wrestlemania XX
The night Benoit reached the top of the mountain. I know its not popular because of what happened a few years later, but this match still needs to be talked about. It was almost the same kind of run to the title that Kofi would have fifteen years later. Benoit was one of the best the business had ever seen and had never really gotten his due because he wasn't a high flyer or a really big dude. He just went out every night and beat the crap out of people. He had never really been viewed as a main level guy. But he managed to earn this shot and took the most of it.

7: Bret Hart vs Stone Cold Steve Austin Wrestlemania XIII
The I quit match that pushed Stone Cold to the next level A knock down, drag out fight that had the people standing by the end of it. Austin went in Heel and Bret the Face. By the time the night ended we had a double turn. Austin passed out in the Sharpshooter, face covered in blood. Bret looked like a total dick, and Austin had become a hero to the fans for not quitting. He had started to become our guy on this night. And the rest is history.

6: Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart Wrestlemania XII
The Iron Man Match. Shining moment for both guys really, at least from a fan point of view. Bret might not have been happy if you believe his side of the ending. Still this is one of the great fights in the history of the show it had it all. The overtime ending made it even more special. And for the record Shawn's entrance is one of the greatest the show ever saw.

5: The Rock vs Hulk Hogan Wrestlemania XVIII
Two of the faces of the wrestling business finally clashed at the grandest stage of them all. Again, this match told an amazing story. It was a battle of old school against new school. It was the biggest star of the eighties against the biggest star of the present day. One of those moments that gave you chills just watching them face off at the start of the match. Wow man wow.

4: Hardy's vs Dudley's vs Edge & Christian Wrestlemania XVII
TLC II and it was fantastic and then some. Any other ladder match that has ever taken place since then has been compared to this. Which is really hard to do since there isn't much that comes even close to this. Edge and Christian walked out with the titles and there were high spots all over the place. I dare you to find me a better ladder match than this one, at any event WWE has ever produced.

3: Shaw Michaels vs Undertaker Wrestlemania XXVI
The end (at the time) of one of the greatest in ring careers ever. Not quite as good as the first encounter, more on that in a moment. Still this one had a lot riding on it. Streak vs Career. Which, looking back on it now I find this almost kind of ironic. Shawn had ended Ric Flair's career at this very show just two years earlier in Orlando. Shaw thought he could be the one to snap the streak and was willing to put his career on the line for it, which he did. It wasn't meant to be and saw the end of the in ring career of the best all around performer of the 90s. What Ric Flair did in the 80's, Shawn was to the 90s he was that good. And this couldn't have been a better way to go out.

2: Ricky Steamboat vs Randy Savage Wrestlmania III
There's a lot of people who have sited this match as the reason they got into this business in the first place, and its obvious to see why. This match was the best match on that show. Sure the main attraction was Hulk against Andre, but this match is talked about just as much. it really was a beautiful masterpiece. It was a perfect blend of technical skill and flying spots. It told a story perfectly.

1. Shawn Michaels vs Undertaker Wrestlemnaia XXV
This one will stand the test of time as one of the greatest encounters in wrestling history. It was Shawn really believing he was going to snap the streak of Taker. He came oh so close to being the one who would actually doing it. It had you on the edge of your seat from the time both men started making their way to the ring right up until the final bell. this really is a master class in what makes a great Mania Match!