WrestleMania XXIV

WrestleMania XXIV was the twenty-fourth installment of WrestleMania - a pay-per-view professional wrestling event held by World Wrestling Entertainment.

At the WWE's February pay-per-view No Way Out, boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. broke wrestler Big Show's nose. In response, Big Show challenged Mayweather to a "no disqualification" match at WrestleMania XXIV, which Mayweather accepted. Reportedly paid $20 million for his participation, Mayweather knocked out Big Show with the help of brass knuckles.SI.com: So 'Money' (March 30, 2008)

Perhaps the most emotional moment of WrestleMania XXIV was when Shawn Michaels defeated Ric Flair, retiring the 59-year-old pro wrestling veteran. Flair, who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame the night before, received a standing ovation from the crowd as he walked back to the dressing room.WWE.com: The End (March 30, 2008)

News reports later indicated over 40 fans suffered from minor injuries when a fireworks mishap occurred at the end of the event.FOXNews.com: Fireworks Malfunction Injures Dozens During Wrestlemania (March 31, 2008) The WWE issued an apology and stated it would investigate the matter.WWE.com: WWE Statement On Fireworks (March 30, 2008)

• The Undertaker def. Edge

• Orton def. HHH and Cena

• Floyd "Money" Mayweather def. Big Show
• HBK def. Ric Flair
• Kane won the battle royal
• JBL def. Finlay
• CM Punk won the Money in the Bank
• Batista def. Umaga
• Kane def. Chavo Guerrero
• Glamazon/Melina def Ashley/Maria

• Topix: WrestleMania News
• SI.com: So 'Money' (March 30, 2008)
  • The absurdity of the match, however, was probably best captured early on when Mayweather dangled on Wight's back and brought him down with a chokehold before Wight recovered and took out most of Mayweather's entourage.
• The Sweet Science: Money Mania! Mayweather Gets WWE KO Win (March 30, 2008)
• The Grand Rapids Press: Mayweather knocks out Big Show at WrestleMania (March 30, 2008)
• Orlando Sentinel blog: Mayweather Beats Big Show at Wrestlemania (March 30, 2008)
• ESPN.com: How will Mayweather-Big Show play out? (March 10, 2008)
• 411mania.com: Mayweather/Big Show Segment Nearly Turns into Legit Brawl (March 11, 2008)
• SI.com: Mayweather goes from WBC to WWE (February 25, 2008)
• Central Florida News 13: WrestleMania 24 Coming To Orlando
• Google News: WrestleMania XXIV

• • Kane won the battle royal after eliminating Mark Henry, and per the match stipulations, went on to face Chavo Guerrero for the ECW Championship later that night.

• • JBL pinned Finlay after a clothesline from hell.

• • CM Punk grabbed the briefcase after a head-to-head showdown with Chris Jericho at the top of the ladder. Jericho fell backwards and his ankle got caught in the rungs, allowing Punk to get the victory.

• • Batista pinned Umaga after a Batista Bomb.

• • Kane pinned Chavo Guerrero after a chokeslam. Chavo put up no offense, and the match itself lasted no longer than 10 seconds.

• • Shawn Michaels pinned Ric Flair after Sweet Chin Music. Michaels said "I'm sorry. I love you" before kicking Flair in the face. Flair's in-ring career is now over.

• • Beth Phoenix and Melina defeated Ashley and Maria, thanks to outside interference by Santino Marella. Phoenix pinned Maria after a fisherman suplex slam for the decision.

• • Randy Orton pinned John Cena to retain his title. Triple H pedigreed Cena, but as he went for the cover, Orton stiff-kicked him and got the pinfall. Orton retains his title.

• • Floyd "Money" Mayweather "knocked out" the Big Show after several chair shots, and a knockout punch using brass knuckles.

• • Undertaker made Edge tap out in a triangle submission hold. Edge speared Taker, but as he went for the pin, Taker caught him in the hold. Undertaker is the new World Heavyweight champion.

• Google Blog Search: WrestleMania XXIV