View source for WrestleMania XX

{{short description|2004 World Wrestling Entertainment pay-per-view event}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2014}}
{{Use American English|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox Wrestling event
|name       = WrestleMania XX
|image      = WrestleManiaXX.jpg
|caption    = Promotional poster
|alt        =
|tagline    = Where It All Begins... Again.
|promotion  = [[World Wrestling Entertainment]]
|brand      = [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]]<br />[[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown!]]
|date       = {{start date|2004|3|14}}
|venue      = [[Madison Square Garden]]
|city       = [[New York City, New York]]
|attendance = 20,000<ref name="Google Books">Google Books: [https://books.google.com/books?id=zbwxAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA153 WWE 50 - Kevin Sullivan - Google Books]</ref>
|buyrate    = 1,020,000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wrestlenomics.com/resources/wwe-pay-per-view-buys-wwf-ppv-buyrate/|title=WWE Pay-Per-View Buys (1993-2015)|work=Wrestlenomics|date=March 25, 2020|access-date=January 22, 2021}}</ref>
|lastevent  = [[No Way Out (2004)|No Way Out]]
|nextevent  = [[Backlash (2004)|Backlash]]
|event      = [[WrestleMania]]
|lastevent2 = [[WrestleMania XIX|XIX]]
|nextevent2 = [[WrestleMania 21|21]]
}}
'''WrestleMania XX''' was a 2004 [[professional wrestling]] [[pay-per-view]] (PPV) [[List of WWE pay-per-view events|event]] produced by [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE). It was the 20th annual [[WrestleMania]] and took place on March 14, 2004, at [[Madison Square Garden]] in [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]], held for wrestlers from the promotion's [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] and [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown!]] [[WWE brand extension|brand divisions]]. This was the third WrestleMania at Madison Square Garden, after [[WrestleMania I]] in 1985 and [[WrestleMania X]] in 1994, and the fourth of six WrestleManias in the [[New York metropolitan area]], alongside WrestleMania I, [[WrestleMania 2|2]], X, [[WrestleMania 29|29]], and [[WrestleMania 35|35]]. This is the most recent WrestleMania to be held at Madison Square Garden and its calendar date of March 14 is the earliest date for a WrestleMania.

The match card featured two billed [[main event]]s. The card's final match, which was the main event for the Raw brand, was a [[triple threat match]] for the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]], which saw champion [[Triple H]] defending the title against [[Shawn Michaels]], and that [[Royal Rumble (2004)|year's]] [[Royal Rumble match]] winner, [[Chris Benoit]], who won the match, making Triple H submit via the [[Professional wrestling holds#Crossface|Crippler Crossface]], resulting in his first and only world championship in WWE. The main event for the SmackDown! brand featured [[Eddie Guerrero]] versus [[Kurt Angle]] for the [[WWE Championship]], which Guerrero won by a [[Pin (professional wrestling)#Small package|Small Package pin]]. The event also featured the return of [[The Undertaker]] in his Deadman persona, who defeated [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] after a [[Piledriver (professional wrestling)#Tombstone piledriver|Tombstone Piledriver]]. [[John Cena]] made his in-ring WrestleMania debut at the event, defeating [[Big Show]] to win his first title in WWE, the [[WWE United States Championship]].

Also on the card was a match between [[Bill Goldberg|Goldberg]] and [[Brock Lesnar]] with [["Stone Cold" Steve Austin]] as the [[special guest referee]]. This was both Lesnar's and Goldberg's final match in WWE until [[Extreme Rules (2012)|Extreme Rules 2012]] and [[Survivor Series (2016)|Survivor Series 2016]], respectively. After Goldberg won the match following a [[Powerslam#Suplex powerslam|Jackhammer]], both men were given a [[Stunner (professional wrestling)|Stone Cold Stunner]] by Austin on their way out. The event also featured the in-ring return of [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]], teaming up with [[Mick Foley]] and reuniting the [[Rock 'n' Sock Connection]] to take on [[Evolution (professional wrestling)|Evolution]] ([[Randy Orton]], [[Dave Bautista|Batista]], and [[Ric Flair]]) in a [[Handicap match|3-on-2 Handicap match]], in which Evolution were victorious. This would be The Rock's final match in WWE until [[Survivor Series 2011]].

The event [[gross (economics)|grossed]] $2.4 million in ticket sales, making the pay-per-view the highest grossing event ever for WWE at Madison Square Garden.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/2004/2004_03_14.2.jsp|title=WrestleMania XX Sets Record As Highest Grossing Event For World Wrestling Entertainment at Madison Square Garden|work=[[WWE]]|date=March 14, 2004|access-date=January 24, 2008}}</ref> More than 20,000 people from 16 countries and 48 [[U.S. state|states]] attended the event, which was also televised in more than 90 countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/2004/2004_03_14.1.jsp|title=More Than 20,000 Attend WrestleMania XX As World Wrestling Entertainment Triumphantly Returns To Madison Square Garden|work=[[WWE]]|date=March 14, 2004|access-date=January 24, 2008}}</ref> The event generated an estimated $13.5 million of economic activity for New York City and created an equivalent of 96 full-year jobs.<ref name="EconomicImpact">{{cite web|title=WWE taps location for WrestleMania|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/2005/2005_03_03_1.jsp|date=March 3, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016113057/https://corporate.wwe.com/news/2005/2005_03_03_1.jsp |archive-date=October 16, 2014|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=November 19, 2022}}</ref>

==Production==

===Background===
[[File:Madison Square Garden (MSG) - Full (48124330357).jpg|thumb|The event was held at [[Madison Square Garden]] in [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]].]]
[[WrestleMania]] is considered [[World Wrestling Entertainment]]'s (WWE) flagship [[professional wrestling]] [[pay-per-view]] (PPV) event, having first been held in [[WrestleMania I|1985]]. It has become the longest-running professional wrestling event in history and is held annually between mid-March to mid-April.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|last2=Clapp|first2=John|date=April 3, 2013|title=WrestleMania 29 press conference brings WWE to Radio City Music Hall|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/29/wrestlemania-press-conference-radio-city-music-hall|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=March 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407013602/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/29/wrestlemania-press-conference-radio-city-music-hall|archive-date=April 7, 2013|url-status=live|quote=...&nbsp;WWE's flagship event lights up MetLife Stadium&nbsp;... WrestleMania}}</ref> It was the first of WWE's original four pay-per-views – which includes [[Royal Rumble]], [[SummerSlam]], and [[Survivor Series]] – referred to as the "Big Four".<ref>Ian Hamilton. ''Wrestling's Sinking Ship: What Happens to an Industry Without Competition'' (p. 160)</ref> WrestleMania XX was scheduled to be held on March 14, 2004, at [[Madison Square Garden]] in [[New York City, New York]], the third time at this venue, after WrestleMania I in 1985 and [[WrestleMania X]] in 1994. The event featured wrestlers from the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] and [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown!]] [[WWE brand extension|brand divisions]].<ref name="WrestleMania XX Results"/>

===Storylines===
The event comprised 12 matches that resulted from scripted storylines. Results were predetermined by WWE's writers on the Raw and SmackDown! brands,<ref>{{cite web|title=How Pro Wrestling Works|url=https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/pro-wrestling.htm|last=Grabianowski|first=Ed|work=HowStuffWorks|date=January 13, 2006|publisher=[[Discovery Communications]]|access-date=March 5, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129050844/https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/pro-wrestling.htm|archive-date=November 29, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Live & Televised Entertainment|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=March 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218142749/https://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp|archive-date=February 18, 2009}}</ref> while storylines were produced on WWE's weekly television shows, ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' and ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown!]]''.

The main [[Feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] heading into the pay-per-view was for the Raw brand, with [[Triple H]], [[Shawn Michaels]], and [[Chris Benoit]] feuding over the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]]. The rivalry began on the December 29 episode of ''Raw'', when Michaels challenged Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship in Michaels' hometown of [[San Antonio]], Texas. It appeared as if Michaels would win, with the then-[[Professional wrestling authority figures#General Managers|Raw General Manager]] [[Eric Bischoff]] coming into the ring at the last minute and making the pinfall, counting to three for what appeared to be Michaels winning the title. However, as Michaels' shoulders were on the mat at the same time as Triple H's, the match was later declared a draw, and Triple H retained the championship. At the [[Royal Rumble (2004)|Royal Rumble]], Triple H and Michaels again faced each other in a [[Last Man Standing match]] for the title, which resulted in another [[Professional wrestling#Draw|draw]]. As a result, Triple H retained the title yet again, but leaving open the question as to which of the two truly deserved the championship.<ref name="SLAM! Report - RR 2004">{{cite web|url=https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/01/26/325195.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629012220/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/01/26/325195.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 29, 2015|title=Benoit wins the 'Rumble'|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|first=John|last=Powell|date=January 26, 2004|access-date=January 27, 2008}}</ref> Later that night, during the [[Royal Rumble match]], SmackDown!'s Benoit won the match by last eliminating [[Big Show]], after being the first entrant to the event (a feat that, at the time, had only been achieved by Shawn Michaels).<ref name="WWE Royal Rumble '04 ME">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/1988118/mainevent/|title=Chris Benoit (spot No. 1) wins the Royal Rumble Match|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=January 27, 2008}}</ref> The following night on Raw, Michaels and Triple H were involved in an in-ring confrontation when Raw's [[Professional wrestling authority figures#Temporary/Honorary General Managers|Sheriff]] [[Stone Cold Steve Austin|Steve Austin]] made his way to the ring. He stated that, although Michaels should have a rematch, he had to "enforce the law", and that even though the Royal Rumble rules gave the winner of the match a shot at "the (world) championship", there was not any specification as to which world title that was. Benoit, who at the time was a member of the SmackDown! brand, then came to the ring and said he was taking advantage of the loophole, joining the Raw brand and challenging Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XX.<ref name="SLAM! Report - Raw January 26th, 2004">{{cite web|url=https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2004/01/27/326881.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310140537/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2004/01/27/326881.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 10, 2016|title=Raw: Mrs. Foley's little boy is back|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|first=Nick|last=Tylwalk|date=January 27, 2004|access-date=January 27, 2008}}</ref><ref name="Raw - January 26th 04">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040126.html|title=Raw Results – January 26, 2004|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=January 27, 2008}}</ref> On the February 9 episode of ''Raw'', a contract signing took place between Benoit and Triple H. As Triple H signed his name on the paper, Michaels came out to inform Benoit that the last thing he wanted to do is "rain on [his] parade". He then stated that he, more than anybody, can respect Benoit's effort to win the Royal Rumble match and earn a World title shot, but suggested that Benoit should've stayed on ''SmackDown!'' to take care of business while Michaels, himself, was trying to finish his feud with Triple H. Benoit refused to relinquish his guaranteed title shot, resulting in Michaels hitting Benoit with [[superkick|Sweet Chin Music]] and signing the contract himself. After the two men wrestled a match marred by interference from the champion on the February 16 episode of ''Raw'', Austin decided to make Triple H's title defense a [[triple threat match]]. On the March 1 episode of ''Raw'', after Michaels and Benoit lost to [[Randy Orton]] and [[Dave Bautista|Batista]], Triple H's stablemates in [[Evolution (professional wrestling)|Evolution]], the entire group attacked Michaels and Benoit, ending with Triple H hitting both with the [[Facebuster#Double underhook facebuster|Pedigree]] and rubbing his World title belt into their faces while they lied motionless in the ring.

The main feud for the SmackDown! brand was between [[Eddie Guerrero]] and [[Kurt Angle]] for the [[WWE Championship]]. Angle and Guerrero were initially allies while Guerrero feuded with his nephew [[Chavo Guerrero Jr.|Chavo Guerrero]]. This changed when, on the January 29 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Guerrero last eliminated Angle in a 15-man Royal Rumble match, to earn a shot at the WWE Championship. At [[No Way Out (2004)|No Way Out]], Kurt Angle defeated The Big Show and [[John Cena]] in a triple threat match to earn a title shot at WrestleMania, and Guerrero defeated [[Brock Lesnar]] for the WWE Championship. On the February 19 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Angle was the [[special guest referee]] in a WWE Championship match between Eddie Guerrero and Chavo Guerrero. As Eddie was about to gain the victory, Angle stopped the 3-count and [[Turn (professional wrestling)|turned]] on Guerrero. On the February 26 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Guerrero was eager to get his revenge on Angle, but when he finally saw Angle, he shoved [[Professional wrestling authority figures#General Managers 2|SmackDown! General Manager]] [[Paul Heyman]] and his assistant [[Dawn Marie Psaltis|Dawn Marie]] out of his way, only for Heyman to have Guerrero escorted out of the arena by security. Guerrero was scheduled to team with John Cena to take on Chavo Guerrero and the Big Show in a tag team match that night, but due to Guerrero being escorted out of the arena, he was replaced by [[Rey Mysterio]] for the tag match, which Mysterio and Cena won. Later that night, Angle appeared and stated that he attacked Guerrero for the SmackDown! fans and for the WWE. He then referred to Guerrero as a former drug addict who should not represent SmackDown! as the WWE Champion, and stated that, one day, people would be thanking him for giving them a champion to be proud of. Guerrero then re-entered the arena and assaulted Angle until he was arrested on the orders of Heyman. As Guerrero got taken out of the building in [[handcuffs]], Angle made some insulting comments to him, before the officers drove away with Guerrero in the police car. On the March 4 episode of ''SmackDown!'', during Guerrero's match with Heyman (while he was handcuffed), Angle interfered and knocked him down a few times, until Guerrero defended himself by spitting on Angle. As Guerrero begged Angle to hit him with the WWE Championship belt, Angle did so and raised the title belt over his head to hype their match at Wrestlemania XX.

This was the first WrestleMania to have matches billed as "inter-promotional", which means that a party from ''Raw'' would wrestle a party from ''SmackDown!''. WWE owner [[Vince McMahon]] named three matches to be inter-promotional on the February 16 episode of ''Raw''. The first was a [[tag team]] match featuring SmackDown!'s [[Torrie Wilson]] and [[Sable (wrestler)|Sable]], who had recently been featured in a pictorial in [[Playboy magazine]], against Raw's [[Stacy Keibler]] and [[Jackie Gayda|Miss Jackie]], who had protested the decision made by [[Hugh Hefner]] not to feature them in his magazine.<ref name="2/14raw">edition of February 14, 2004 of ''Raw''</ref>

On the January 26 episode of ''Raw'', [[Bill Goldberg|Goldberg]] came to the ring, and demanded a match between himself and Brock Lesnar, with whom he had problems over the past two months. At the Royal Rumble, Goldberg was entered in the Royal Rumble match, only to have Lesnar (who, as the reigning WWE Champion, was not entered into the match) interfere and execute an [[Facebuster#Red Wedding|F-5]], causing Goldberg to be eliminated by Kurt Angle. On the February 2 episode of ''Raw'', as a result of the rivalry between the two wrestlers, Sheriff Steve Austin gave Goldberg the option of attending No Way Out by giving him a front-row ticket. At No Way Out, Goldberg was seen arriving at the arena and being escorted to his front seat by security. [[Professional wrestling authority figures#General Managers 2|SmackDown! General Manager]] [[Paul Heyman]] then gave a promotional in-ring speech on how ''SmackDown!'' was the better program than ''Raw''. Lesnar then came down to the ring to promote his match and to insult Goldberg. Goldberg immediately jumped over the barricade and entered the ring, where Lesnar performed a running shoulder block to Goldberg's stomach and tried to perform another F-5 on him. However, Goldberg countered it and lifted Lesnar vertically in the air before slamming him down in a [[Powerslam#Suplex powerslam|Jackhammer]]. Goldberg was then escorted out of the arena by security.<ref name="Slam">{{cite web|url=https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/02/16/350132.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305012919/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/02/16/350132.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 5, 2016|access-date=December 1, 2007|title=Guerrero crowned at No Way Out|last=Roopansingh|first=Jaya|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|date=February 15, 2007}}</ref><ref name="PWTorch2">{{cite web|url=https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_7177.shtml|title=2/15 WWE No Way Out PPV review: Keller's ongoing "virtual time" analysis of live event|last=Keller|first=Wade|date=February 15, 2004|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 22, 2008}}</ref> During Lesnar's WWE title defense against Eddie Guerrero later that night, Goldberg returned to the arena and interfered by executing a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Spear|Spear]], which caused Lesnar to lose the title after Guerrero nailed him with a [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Frog splash|Frog splash]]. On the February 23 episode of ''Raw'', Vince McMahon set the interpromotional singles match as pitting Lesnar versus Goldberg for WrestleMania XX, with Austin as the special guest referee. Later that night during the match between McMahon and Eric Bischoff, Lesnar appeared and nailed Austin with an F-5, before stealing Austin's [[All-terrain vehicle|four-wheeler]].<ref name="2/14raw"/> On the February 26 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Lesnar stated that he appeared on ''Raw'' just to get back at Austin for giving Goldberg the front-row seat ticket and suggesting that Goldberg would attack Lesnar at No Way Out. Behind the scenes, it was widely known that the match would be Goldberg's last in WWE. Only a week before WrestleMania, rumors surfaced that Lesnar, too, was leaving, in order to pursue a career in the [[National Football League]]. On the March 11 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Austin appeared to get his four-wheeler back from Lesnar, only for the entire roster to get in his way by orders of SmackDown! General Manager Heyman. Moments later, the entire roster decided to move aside and let Austin by to confront Lesnar in the ring. As Austin got into the ring, he and Lesnar traded punches, with Austin ramming Lesnar headfirst into the steel ring post and attempting to nail Lesnar with the [[stunner (professional wrestling)|Stone Cold Stunner]], only for Lesnar to escape, leaving Austin to finally get back his four-wheeler and close the show with his trademark beer bash.

The next match was at the request of [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]], and had its roots in a match at [[Survivor Series (2003)|Survivor Series]], in which Kane's [[kayfabe|storyline]] brother, [[The Undertaker]] challenged [[Vince McMahon]] to a [[Professional wrestling match types#Container-based variations|Buried Alive match]]. Kane interfered in the match and buried his brother under several tons of dirt, apparently killing him.<ref name="2/14raw"/> On the November 20 episode of SmackDown!, Kane appeared to give the eulogy for his brother, claiming that The Undertaker was no longer his brother and had died a long time before, as he no longer embraced his dark side. This rewarded him with a match for the World Heavyweight Championship at [[Armageddon (2003)|Armageddon]], which was won by Triple H in a Triple Threat Match also involving Goldberg. Kane participated in the [[Royal Rumble (2004)|Royal Rumble]] and was eliminated by [[Booker T (wrestler)|Booker T]] when The Undertaker's old theme music began playing and distracted him. Over the following weeks, Kane repeatedly insisted that The Undertaker was "dead", only to be met with various paranormal incidents, such as a rainstorm over the ramp on which he stood. On the March 8 episode of ''Raw'', Kane appeared in the ring and saw an empty [[Coffin|casket]]; as he opened it, he saw an [[urn]] inside of it. He then grabbed the microphone and stated that it was going to take more than an empty casket and an urn to intimidate him. He then stated that The Undertaker's legacy, his 11–0 WrestleMania streak and his life, was coming to an end. As Kane that he was not afraid of The Undertaker, the lights went out, and the 10,000-pound wrestling ring was lifted off the ground with Kane standing in it and tilted sideways, which would be the final message sent from The Undertaker before their match at WrestleMania XX.

A rivalry had been simmering for some time between [[Mick Foley]] and [[Randy Orton]]. On the June 23 episode of ''Raw'', following an on-air ceremony honoring Foley for his achievements, Orton and [[Ric Flair]] attacked him backstage and threw him down a flight of stairs. Foley returned as the replacement for Steve Austin as Raw co-general manager and gave himself a shot at Orton's [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]] on the December 15 episode of ''Raw'', but he walked out of the match and would not face Orton, even after Orton spat on him. On the January 19 episode of ''Raw'', a furious Austin declared that Foley would be entered in the Royal Rumble match and be expected to return and wrestle, which he did by eliminating Orton (and himself) from the match. On the March 1 episode of ''Raw'', Foley was later joined by [[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]] in the feud, and the re-formed [[Rock 'n' Sock Connection]] challenged Orton, [[Dave Bautista|Batista]], and Flair to a handicap tag team match at WrestleMania.

==Event==

===Preliminary matches===
{| class=wikitable style="font-size:90%; margin: 0.5em 0 0.5em 1em; float: right; clear: right;"
|+Other on-screen personnel
|-
!Role:
!Name:
|-
|rowspan=4|English [[Sports commentator|commentators]]
|[[Jim Ross]] {{small|(Raw)}}
|-
|[[Jerry Lawler]] {{small|(Raw)}}
|-
|[[Michael Cole (wrestling)|Michael Cole]] {{small|(SmackDown!)}}
|-
|[[Tazz]] {{small|(SmackDown!)}}
|-
|rowspan=2|Spanish commentators
|[[Carlos Cabrera]]
|-
|[[Hugo Savinovich]]
|-
|[[Interviewer]]
|[[Lilian Garcia]]
|-
|rowspan=2|[[Ring announcer]]s
|[[Tony Chimel]] {{small|(SmackDown!)}}
|-
|[[Howard Finkel]] {{small|(Raw)}}
|-
|rowspan=10|[[Referee (professional wrestling)|Referees]]
|[[Charles Robinson (referee)|Charles Robinson]] {{small|(SmackDown!)}}
|-
|[[Nick Patrick (referee)|Nick Patrick]] {{small|(SmackDown!)}}
|-
|[[Jim Korderas]] {{small|(SmackDown!)}}
|-
|[[Brian Hebner]] {{small|(SmackDown!)}}
|-
|[[Mike Chioda]] {{small|(Raw)}}
|-
|Chad Patton {{small|(Raw)}}
|-
|[[Earl Hebner]] {{small|(Raw)}}
|-
|[[Jack Doan]] {{small|(Raw)}}
|-
|[[Tim White (wrestling)|Tim White]] {{small|(Raw)}}
|-
|[[Stone Cold Steve Austin]] {{small|(Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar)}}
|}

[[Image:John Cena as United States Champion 2.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[John Cena]] made his first title win at this event, defeating [[Big Show]] for the [[WWE United States Championship|United States Championship]].]]
WrestleMania XX began with the [[Boys Choir of Harlem]] singing "[[America the Beautiful]]".<ref name="SLAM! Report">{{cite web|first=John|last=Powell|url=https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/03/15/382634.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630131007/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/03/15/382634.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 30, 2015|title=WrestleMania XX bombs|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|date=March 15, 2004|access-date=January 24, 2008}}</ref><ref name="411R">{{cite web|url=https://www.411mania.com/wrestling/tv_reports/31151|access-date=January 26, 2008|title=WrestleMania XX Report|last=Pankonin|first=John|work=[[411Mania]]|date=March 14, 2004}}</ref> The first match that aired was a [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|singles match]] between [[Big Show]] and [[John Cena]] for the [[WWE United States Championship]], the first time the title was ever defended at the event. The match began with Big Show beating down Cena, who then came back, executing an [[Professional wrestling throws#Fireman's carry takeover|FU]] for a near-fall against Big Show. Cena grabbed his [[John Cena#In wrestling|signature chain]] and tried to attack Big Show with it, however, the [[Referee (professional wrestling)|referee]] saw the chain and confiscated it due to its being illegal in the match. With the referee distracted, Cena hit Big Show with hidden [[brass knuckles]] and executed another FU to win the match and the title.<ref name="WM20"/><ref name="Gerweck Report">{{cite web|url=https://www.gerweck.net/wrestlemaniaxx.htm|access-date=January 26, 2008|title=WrestleMania XX results|publisher=Gerweck}}</ref>

The next match was a [[fatal four-way tag team match]] – involving [[Rob Van Dam]] and [[Booker Huffman|Booker T]], [[Lance Cade|Garrison Cade]], and [[Mark Jindrak]], the [[Dudley Boyz]] ([[Bubba Ray Dudley]] and [[D-Von Dudley]]), and [[La Résistance (professional wrestling)|La Résistance]] ([[René Goguen|René Duprée]] and [[Rob Conway]]) – for the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|World Tag Team Championship]]. The match saw quick action between all four teams, and ended when Conway was pinned by Van Dam after Booker T performed a [[Scissor kick (strike)|scissor kick]] on him, which was then followed by Van Dam's [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Frog splash|Five-Star Frog Splash]], leading to the two retaining the titles.<ref name="WM20"/>

The third match was between [[Christian Cage|Christian]] and [[Chris Jericho]]. The match centered around both men furiously attacking each other; Christian won the match after Jericho's love interest, [[Trish Stratus]], attacked Jericho thinking he was Christian, allowing Christian to roll him up for the win. Following the match, Stratus turned on Jericho and slapped him several times, allowing Christian to perform the [[Facebuster#Inverted double underhook facebuster|Unprettier]] on Jericho. This was the last match officiated by referee [[Tim White (wrestling)|Tim White]], who retired after this event.<ref name="WM20"/>

Next up was a [[handicap match]] featuring [[Evolution (professional wrestling)|Evolution]] ([[Randy Orton]], [[Dave Bautista|Batista]], and [[Ric Flair]]) against the [[Rock 'n' Sock Connection]] ([[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]] and [[Mick Foley]]). Evolution won the match when Orton pinned Foley after executing an [[Cutter (professional wrestling)#Jumping cutter|RKO]].<ref name="WM20"/>

"Mean" [[Gene Okerlund]] then introduced the [[WWE Hall of Fame]] Class of [[WWE Hall of Fame#2004|2004]]. This was followed by the inter-promotional Playboy Evening Gown match between the team of [[Torrie Wilson]] and [[Rena Mero|Sable]] against [[Stacy Keibler]] and [[Jackie Gayda|Miss Jackie]], where both teams wore [[lingerie]]. Wilson and Sable won after Wilson pinned Jackie with a [[Pin (professional wrestling)#Roll up|roll up]].<ref name="WM20"/>

The next match was a [[Professional wrestling match types#Gauntlet match|Cruiserweight Open]] for the [[WWE Cruiserweight Championship (1991–2007)|Cruiserweight Championship]]. [[Último Dragón]] and [[Shannon Moore]] started the match, with Dragón getting a pinfall victory after a [[DDT (professional wrestling)#Standing shiranui|Dragon-DDT]], but was then forced to [[Submission wrestling|submit]] by [[Jamie Noble]], with a Dragon Sleeper, who next eliminated [[Shoichi Funaki|Funaki]] in 8 seconds. [[James Maritato|Nunzio]] was then in the match, but was eliminated after being [[Professional wrestling#Countout|counted out]] of the match when he was unable to return to the ring by the referee's count of ten. [[Billy Kidman]] then entered the match, pinning and eliminating Noble, following a top rope [[Powerbomb|BK-Bomb]]. Kidman was then pinned and eliminated by [[Rey Mysterio, Jr.|Rey Mysterio]] with a [[Powerbomb#Sunset Flip Powerbomb|Sunset Flip Powerbomb]] from the top rope. [[Yoshihiro Tajiri|Tajiri]] was the next entrant, but was also pinned by Mysterio, following a [[Pin (professional wrestling)#Victory roll|Victory Roll]]. [[James Yun|Akio]] was the next scheduled entrant but was unable to compete, due to being inadvertently attacked by Tajiri with his signature [[Asian mist|green mist]] that he spat out of his mouth when Mysterio ducked. The Cruiserweight Champion, [[Chavo Guerrero Jr.|Chavo Guerrero]], was the final entrant; and he pinned Mysterio with a reversal of Mysterio's Sunset Flip to win with the assistance of his father [[Chavo Guerrero Sr.|Chavo Classic]], thus retaining the title. This was the last time in WrestleMania that the Cruiserweight Championship was defended.<ref name="WM20"/>

The seventh match featured [[Brock Lesnar]] and [[Bill Goldberg|Goldberg]], with special guest referee [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]]. The beginning of the match began with both men staring each other down, jawing back and forth, with no physical action for several minutes, causing an exasperated Austin at one point to coax them into locking up. The fact that they both were leaving the WWE immediately after the match, as well as the lack of effort brought forth by both Goldberg and Lesnar, drew large [[Heat (professional wrestling)|heat]] from the fans throughout the match, with fans chanting, "You sold out", [[Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye|the chorus of Steam's "Na Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye"]], "Austin", "This match sucks", "We want [[Bret Hart|Bret]]", "Boring", "Goldberg sucks", and "[[Hulk Hogan|Hogan]]". Goldberg then executed a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Spear|Spear]] on Lesnar for a near-fall. Lesnar then executed the [[Facebuster#Red Wedding|F-5]] on Goldberg for a near-fall. Afterward, Lesnar tried to use Goldberg's signature spear on him and missed, hitting the ring post, allowing Goldberg to execute another spear and a [[Professional wrestling throws#Jackhammer|Jackhammer]] for the victory. After the match, Lesnar responded to the fans' criticism by gesturing his [[The finger|middle finger]], seemingly at the crowd, but which was actually directed towards Vince McMahon, and to Austin. Austin then executed a [[Stunner (professional wrestling)|Stone Cold Stunner]] on both competitors, to the crowd's delight, and celebrated with [[beer]] in the ring.<ref name="WM20"/>

The next match was another four-way tag team match for the [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Championship]], involving [[Solofa Fatu|Rikishi]] and [[Scotty 2 Hotty]] versus the [[Acolyte Protection Agency|APA]] ([[John Layfield|Bradshaw]] and [[Ron Simmons|Faarooq]]), the [[Basham Brothers]] ([[Doug Basham]] and [[Danny Holly|Danny Basham]]), and the [[World's Greatest Tag Team]] ([[Shelton Benjamin]] and [[Charlie Haas]]). Rikishi and Scotty retained the title after Rikishi pinned Danny with a [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving seated senton|Banzai Drop]].<ref name="WM20"/>

[[Image:Victoriachampion.jpg|upright|thumb|[[Lisa Marie Varon|Victoria]] as [[WWE Women's Championship (1956–2010)|WWE Women's Champion]] entering the event]]
The ninth match was between [[Lisa Maria Varon|Victoria]] and [[Nora Greenwald|Molly Holly]] for the [[WWE Women's Championship (1956–2010)|WWE Women's Championship]], where Holly would have her hair shaved if she lost. Victoria would counter a [[Neckbreaker#Gory neckbreaker|Widow's peak]] attempt by Holly into a [[Pin (professional wrestling)#Backslide|backslide pin]] to win the match and retain the WWE Women's Championship. Holly tried running towards the backstage area to escape the match's stipulation, but was eventually stopped by Victoria, who would knock her out and shave her bald.<ref name="WWEFacts">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm20/factsstats/|access-date=February 5, 2008|title=WWE WrestleMania XX Facts|work=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref name="WM20"/>

===Main event matches===
The 10th match of the night was for the [[WWE Championship]], between the champion [[Eddie Guerrero]] and the challenger [[Kurt Angle]]. The match began with both men maneuvering on the mat. Guerrero then performed a [[DDT (professional wrestling)|DDT]] and Frog Splash on Angle that would result in a pin attempt. Angle then recovered and applied an [[Professional wrestling holds#Ankle lock|ankle lock]], but Guerrero escaped the hold by rolling through it and throwing Angle out of the ring. As Angle was outside, Guerrero loosened his own boot. When Angle returned to the ring, he tried to apply the hold again. This time, Guerrero pushed Angle off with his other foot and allowed his boot to come off and thus break free from Angle's hold. With Angle confused, Guerrero pinned Angle with a [[Pin (professional wrestling)#Roll-up|roll-up]] with his feet on the ropes to win the match and retain the WWE Championship.<ref name="WM20"/>

The 11th match of the event was the encounter between [[The Undertaker]] and [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]]. After Kane made his entrance, he was seen looking toward the entrance ramp saying, "You're not coming back tonight. You're not coming back, I buried you alive." After this, the lights in the arena went out and [[Percy Pringle|Paul Bearer]], The Undertaker's former manager and Kane's (storyline) father, was heard screaming "Oh, yes!". Blue light began to fill the arena as Bearer, carrying The Undertaker's former trademark [[urn]], led a group of [[Druid]]s, all chanting and carrying torches, onto the entrance ramp. As the Druids made a formation at the top of the ramp, Bearer walked to ringside, turned and said to Kane, "My son... You're no son of mine." He then turned back to face the entryway and raised the urn to summon The Undertaker. As Kane continued to watch in the ring, refusing to believe his brother was back, The Undertaker entered the arena in his "Deadman" persona, wearing a long black trenchcoat and hat, and walked through the Druid formation. Bearer met him at ringside and directed him to the ring steps, where The Undertaker raised his arms to bring the arena lights back up. Before the match officially got underway, a now visibly shaken and distressed Kane began shouting at his brother repeatedly, saying things like "I killed you!", "I buried you alive!", and "You're not real!", while The Undertaker simply stood staring stoically at Kane. Eventually, Kane decided to see if The Undertaker was indeed standing in front of him by slowly inching forward with his hand outstretched. The Undertaker responded by punching Kane, knocking him down; and the match got underway. The two continued brawling until Kane delivered a [[Chokeslam]] to The Undertaker, who sat up shortly afterward while Kane was taunting Paul Bearer. The Undertaker then retaliated with a Chokeslam of his own and a [[Piledriver (professional wrestling)#Tombstone piledriver|Tombstone piledriver]] to win the match and remain undefeated at WrestleMania with a 12–0 record.<ref name="WM20"/>

[[Image:Chris Benoit in the Ring.jpg|upright|thumb|right|[[Chris Benoit]], one of the challengers in the main event]]
The main event was a triple threat match for the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]] between [[Chris Benoit]], [[Shawn Michaels]], and champion [[Triple H]]. The match started with Benoit and Michaels wanting to face Triple H, but would wrestle each other to try and gain an advantage, before Triple H's intervention led to the match going back-and-forth between all three men, performing their signature holds and maneuvers throughout. Benoit soon gained control over Michaels when he applied the [[Professional wrestling holds#Crossface|Crippler Crossface]]. As Michaels was about to submit, Triple H saved the match, attacking both men. Triple H and Michaels then teamed up to [[Professional wrestling double-team maneuvers#Double suplex|suplex]] Benoit through a broadcast table. Triple H performed the [[Facebuster#Double underhook facebuster|Pedigree]] on Michaels and Benoit broke up a pinfall. Michaels then attempted [[Professional wrestling attacks#Superkick|Sweet Chin Music]] on Benoit, who countered it by throwing Michaels out of the ring. As this occurred, Triple H again attempted to execute a Pedigree on Benoit, but Benoit countered and applied the Crippler Crossface, with Triple H submitting, making it the first time ever that a WrestleMania main event ended in a submission. As a result, Benoit won the match and the World Heavyweight Championship, crying tears of joy. After the match, Eddie Guerrero came to the ring and the two champions embraced while confetti showered down as the event ended.<ref name="WrestleMania XX Main Event">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm20/mainevent|title=Chris Benoit vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H – World Heavyweight Championship|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=January 24, 2008}}</ref><ref name="WM20"/>

==Reception==
WrestleMania XX was met with a generally mixed-to-positive critical reception. Robert Leighty Jr. of ''[[411Mania]]'' gave the event an overall score of 7.3 out of 10.0 and noted that:

<blockquote>
This is a very long show with a lot of filler to get as many people as possible involved, but the Main Matches all delivered in some way. The 2 Main Title matches were fantastic, and the handicap match was a blast. You throw in a strong Jericho/Christian match and the unique crowd response of Goldberg/Lesnar and you have a strong WrestleMania. Not the greatest ever thanks to a mediocre run in the middle, but a good show that could have been better.<ref>{{cite web|first=Robert|last=Leighty Jr|title=From the Bowery: WrestleMania XX|url=https://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/119640/From-the-Bowery:-WrestleMania-XX.htm|work=[[411Mania]]|access-date=December 25, 2010}}</ref>
</blockquote>

The triple threat match between Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit, and Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship received critical acclaim, with many wrestling publications and websites calling this match one of the greatest wrestling matches of all time. Leighty wrote that the main event was, "The greatest three-way match in the history of professional wrestling. Everything was perfect about this match including the finish." The match was #2 on [[IGN]]'s list of Top 20 Matches in WrestleMania History.<ref>{{cite web|first=Jon|last=Robinson|title=Top 20 Matches in Wrestlemania History|url=https://uk.sports.ign.com/articles/775/775590p19.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081021023459/https://uk.sports.ign.com/articles/775/775590p19.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 21, 2008|access-date=December 25, 2010}}</ref> However, due to the events surrounding the [[Chris Benoit double-murder and suicide|death of Chris Benoit]], the match is rarely, if ever, mentioned by the WWE.

John Powell of ''[[Canadian Online Explorer]]''{{'}}s professional wrestling section rated the entire event 4 out of 10 stars, which was a lower rating than he gave to the [[WrestleMania XIX|previous year's event]]. The Triple Threat match between Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit, and Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship receiving the highest rating of 7.5 out of 10 stars; the match between Eddie Guerrero and Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship was rated 7 out of 10 stars; the match between The Undertaker and Kane was rated 2 out of 10 stars; and the match between Bill Goldberg and Brock Lesnar received the lowest rating, 0 out of 10 stars.<ref>{{cite web|first=John|last=Powell|title=WrestleMania XX bombs|url=https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/03/15/382634.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630131007/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/03/15/382634.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 30, 2015|access-date=December 25, 2010}}</ref>

The Goldberg–Lesnar match is widely considered one of the worst matches in WrestleMania history. Writing for [[Bleacher Report]], Mike Krakalovich named it the 4th worst match in the history of the event.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Krakalovich|first=Mike|date=April 1, 2009|title=The Worst Matches in WrestleMania History—in My Opinion|work=Bleacher Report|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/148977-the-worst-matches-in-wrestlemania-historyin-my-opinion}}</ref> The match was also inducted into [[WrestleCrap]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Reynolds|first=RD|title=Title of the Specific Article|work=WrestleCrap|url=https://www.wrestlecrap.com/inductions/goldberg-vs-brock-lesnar/}}</ref>

==Aftermath==
[[File:EddieandBenoitWMXX.jpg|thumb|right|[[Eddie Guerrero]] and [[Chris Benoit]] walked out of WrestleMania XX as World Champions.]]
[[Brock Lesnar]] and [[Bill Goldberg|Goldberg]] left the WWE after their event,<ref name="SLAM! Report"/> but both returned to WWE (Lesnar in 2012, Goldberg in 2016) and reignited their rivalry, including feuding for several months on social media and during promotional work for the ''[[WWE 2K17]]'' video game, which featured Lesnar as the cover star and Goldberg as the pre-order bonus.<ref name="Raw10102016">{{cite web|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|title=Keller's WWE Monday Night Raw Review 10/10: Live ongoing coverage including Hell in a Cell developments, Paul Heyman|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/10/10/kellers-wwe-monday-night-raw-review-1010-live-ongoing-coverage-including-hell-cell-developments-paul-heyman/|first=Wade|last=Keller|date=October 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013004634/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/10/10/kellers-wwe-monday-night-raw-review-1010-live-ongoing-coverage-including-hell-cell-developments-paul-heyman/|archive-date=October 13, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=October 10, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Raw10172016">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=Keller's WWE Raw Review 10/17: Goldberg returns, Lita interviews Charlotte and Sasha, Owens declares Foley has vendetta|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/10/17/kellers-wwe-raw-review-1017-goldberg-returns-lita-interviews-charlotte-sasha-owens-declares-foley-personal-vendetta/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=October 17, 2016|access-date=October 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021160433/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/10/17/kellers-wwe-raw-review-1017-goldberg-returns-lita-interviews-charlotte-sasha-owens-declares-foley-personal-vendetta/|archive-date=October 21, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> This would set up a rematch between the two at the [[Survivor Series (2016)|2016 Survivor Series]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Namako|first=Jason|title=Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg made official for the WWE Survivor Series PPV on November 20 in Toronto|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/68696-brock-lesnar-vs-goldberg-made-official-wwe-survivor-series-ppv-november-20-toronto/|work=WrestleView|date=October 25, 2016|access-date=October 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026234915/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/68696-brock-lesnar-vs-goldberg-made-official-wwe-survivor-series-ppv-november-20-toronto/|archive-date=October 26, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> which Goldberg won in one minute and 26 seconds.<ref name="SSeries2016">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=Keller's WWE Survivor Series PPV Report 11/20: Goldberg vs. Lesnar, Raw vs. Smackdown, The Miz vs. Sami Zayn, more|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/11/20/kellers-wwe-survivor-series-ppv-report-1120-goldberg-vs-lesnar-raw-vs-smackdown-miz-vs-sami-zayn/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=November 20, 2016|access-date=November 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123063722/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/11/20/kellers-wwe-survivor-series-ppv-report-1120-goldberg-vs-lesnar-raw-vs-smackdown-miz-vs-sami-zayn/|archive-date=November 23, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> After Goldberg entered himself into the [[Royal Rumble (2017)|2017 Royal Rumble]] match the next night on ''Raw'',<ref name="Raw11212016">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=Keller's WWE Raw Report 11/21: Goldberg addresses crowd after his huge victory over Lesnar at Survivor Series, plus full show report|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/11/21/kellers-wwe-raw-report-1121-goldberg-addresses-crowd-huge-victory-lesnar-survivor-series-plus-full-show-report/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=November 21, 2016|access-date=November 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124123843/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/11/21/kellers-wwe-raw-report-1121-goldberg-addresses-crowd-huge-victory-lesnar-survivor-series-plus-full-show-report/|archive-date=November 24, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Lesnar's advocate [[Paul Heyman]] said that Lesnar would also be in the match after being embarrassed at Survivor Series;<ref name="Raw11282016">{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/11/28/kellers-wwe-raw-report-1128-live-coverage-charlotte-defends-sasha-banks-new-day-defends-anderson-gallows/|title=Keller's WWE Raw Report 11/28: Live coverage – Charlotte defends against Sasha Banks, New Day defends against Anderson & Gallows|date=November 28, 2016|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=November 28, 2016|archive-date=November 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129124116/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/11/28/kellers-wwe-raw-report-1128-live-coverage-charlotte-defends-sasha-banks-new-day-defends-anderson-gallows/|url-status=live}}</ref> however, Goldberg eliminated Lesnar.<ref name="RR2017">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=Keller's WWE Royal Rumble Report 1/29: Ongoing results updated throughout evening including Owens-Reigns, Styles-Cena, Rumble match|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/29/kellers-wwe-royal-rumble-report-129-ongoing-results-updated-throughout-evening-including-owens-reigns-styles-cena-rumble-match/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=January 29, 2017|access-date=January 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201041100/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/29/kellers-wwe-royal-rumble-report-129-ongoing-results-updated-throughout-evening-including-owens-reigns-styles-cena-rumble-match/|archive-date=February 1, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Lesnar challenged Goldberg to a final match at [[WrestleMania 33]]<ref name="Raw01302017">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=Keller's WWE Raw Report 1/30: Ongoing coverage of Royal Rumble fallout including Owens celebration cut short by ominous Strowman news|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/30/kellers-wwe-raw-report-130-ongoing-coverage-royal-rumble-fallout-including-owens-celebration-cut-short-ominous-strowman-news/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=January 30, 2017|access-date=January 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201183437/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/01/30/kellers-wwe-raw-report-130-ongoing-coverage-royal-rumble-fallout-including-owens-celebration-cut-short-ominous-strowman-news/|archive-date=February 1, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> which Goldberg accepted.<ref name="Raw02062017">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=Keller's WWE Raw Report 2/6: Samoa Joe signs his Raw contract, Seth Rollins update, Bayley vs. Jax, Goldberg, more|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/02/06/kellers-wwe-raw-report-26-samoa-joe-speaks-seth-rollins-update-latest-post-rumble-developments/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=February 6, 2017|access-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207192515/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/02/06/kellers-wwe-raw-report-26-samoa-joe-speaks-seth-rollins-update-latest-post-rumble-developments/|archive-date=February 7, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The match then became a championship match after Goldberg defeated [[Kevin Owens]] at [[Fastlane (2017)|Fastlane]] to win the [[WWE Universal Championship|Universal Championship]].<ref name="Fastlane2017">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=Keller's WWE Fastlane PPV Report 3/5: Owens vs. Goldberg for Universal Title, Bayley vs. Charlotte, Reigns vs. Strowman|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/03/05/kellers-wwe-fastlane-ppv-report-35-owens-vs-goldberg-universal-title-bayley-vs-charlotte-reigns-vs-strowman/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=March 5, 2017|access-date=March 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306134008/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/03/05/kellers-wwe-fastlane-ppv-report-35-owens-vs-goldberg-universal-title-bayley-vs-charlotte-reigns-vs-strowman/|archive-date=March 6, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> At WrestleMania 33, Lesnar defeated Goldberg to win the championship and end the feud.<ref name="WM33">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=Keller's WrestleMania 33 main card report 4/2: Reigns vs. Undertaker, Lesnar vs. Goldberg, Owens vs. Jericho, Orton vs. Wyatt, Styles vs. Shane, more|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/02/kellers-wrestlemania-33-main-card-report-42-reigns-vs-undertaker-lesnar-vs-goldberg-owens-vs-jericho-orton-vs-wyatt-styles-vs-shane/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=April 2, 2017|access-date=April 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403110748/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/04/02/kellers-wrestlemania-33-main-card-report-42-reigns-vs-undertaker-lesnar-vs-goldberg-owens-vs-jericho-orton-vs-wyatt-styles-vs-shane/|archive-date=April 3, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

At [[Backlash (2004)|Backlash]], the original main event match was between Chris Benoit and Shawn Michaels for the World Heavyweight Championship.<ref name="OWW results - March 22">{{cite web|url=https://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040322.html|title=Raw results – March 22, 2004|access-date=February 5, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Triple H appeared to be out of the picture, as the annual [[WWE Draft|WWE Draft Lottery]] took place eight days after WrestleMania; and he was [[2004 WWE draft lottery|drafted]] to ''SmackDown!''.<ref name="OWW results - March 22"/> Almost immediately after the draft lottery, Triple H was traded back to ''Raw'';<ref>{{cite web|url=https://onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/t/triple-h.html|title=Online World of Wrestling Profiles – Triple H|access-date=February 5, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> and on March 29 he demanded that the intended match at Backlash be changed to Benoit and Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship.<ref name="OWW results - March 29">{{cite web|url=https://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040329.html|title=Raw results – March 29, 2004|access-date=February 5, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Raw [[Professional wrestling authority figures#Raw brand authorities|general manager]] [[Eric Bischoff]] liked the idea of the match, but concluded that he had promised Michaels a World title match at Backlash.<ref name="OWW results - March 22"/> To solve this, Bischoff [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Book|booked]] a return triple threat match to serve as the main event for Backlash.<ref name="OWW results - March 29"/> Benoit emerged victorious by submission for the second consecutive pay-per-view, this time forcing Michaels to submit to a [[Sharpshooter (professional wrestling)|Sharpshooter]].<ref>{{cite web|first=John|last=Powell|url=https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/04/19/427888.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712211912/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/04/19/427888.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 12, 2015|title=Feature bouts save Backlash|access-date=February 6, 2008|date=April 19, 2004|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Benoit went on to hold the title until August 2004, losing it to Randy Orton at [[SummerSlam (2004)|SummerSlam]].

The feud between Kurt Angle and Eddie Guerrero continued. Angle, however, went in for surgery on his neck shortly after WrestleMania and was not scheduled to return to action for some time. To cover this in storyline, Angle was made the [[Kayfabe|on-screen]] [[Professional wrestling authority figures#General managers 2|General Manager of SmackDown!]] after previous General Manager Paul Heyman was drafted off the brand and promptly quit rather than work for his hated rival Bischoff.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040325.html|title=SmackDown! results – March 25, 2004|access-date=February 6, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> On the April 15 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Angle's [[Legit (professional wrestling)|legitimate]] neck problems were further incorporated into the story<ref>{{cite web|url=https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/angle.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429201100/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/angle.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 29, 2015|title=Kurt Angle|last1=Milner|first1=John|last2=Kamchen|first2=Richard|access-date=March 17, 2015|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> by having Big Show [[chokeslam]] Angle off a ledge and render him crippled to the point where he could not walk without crutches and required a wheelchair.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040415.html|title=SmackDown! results – April 15, 2004|access-date=February 8, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/k/kurt-angle.html|title=Online World of Wrestling Profiles – Kurt Angle|access-date=February 8, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> At [[The Great American Bash (2004)|The Great American Bash]], Guerrero defended his title in a [[Strap match|Texas Bull Rope match]] against [[John "Bradshaw" Layfield]] (JBL). The match ended with Guerrero appearing to have won, but Angle reversed the decision and awarded the match and WWE Championship to JBL.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hoffco-inc.com/wwe/ppv/ppv/gab04.html|title=The Great American Bash 2004 review|access-date=February 8, 2008|publisher=hoffco-inc.com}}</ref>

Shortly after The Great American Bash, Angle interfered in a steel cage match for the WWE Championship between JBL and Guerrero on the July 15 episode of ''SmackDown!'' under the guise of a masked wrestler named "El Gran Luchador" and cost Guerrero the match, but was exposed by Guerrero. On the July 22 episode of ''SmackDown!'', WWE Chairman [[Vince McMahon]] confronted Angle, who was still using crutches and the wheelchair, demanding his resignation for faking his handicap. When Angle would not do so, McMahon fired him and began attacking him with one of the crutches. McMahon saw that Angle was completely healthy as he fended off the attack and thus put him back on the active roster and ordered Angle to wrestle Guerrero at [[SummerSlam (2004)|SummerSlam]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040722.html|title=SmackDown! results – July 22, 2004|access-date=February 8, 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Angle defeated Guerrero after he forced Guerrero to submit to the [[ankle lock]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Jason|last=Clevett|url=https://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/08/16/585826.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712192437/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/08/16/585826.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 12, 2015|title=Orton-Benoit, Guerrero-Angle save SummerSlam|access-date=February 11, 2008|date=August 16, 2004|publisher=SLAM! Sports}}</ref> At [[Survivor Series (2004)|Survivor Series]] their feud finally ended in a Four-on-Four Traditional Survivor Series Tag Team Match, with Guerrero's team (composed of [[Eddie Guerrero]], [[Big Show|The Big Show]], [[Rob Van Dam]], and [[John Cena]]) being victorious against Team Angle (composed of [[Kurt Angle]], [[Luther Reigns]], [[Mark Jindrak]], and [[Carly Colón|Carlito]]).

After WrestleMania XX, Trish Stratus teamed with Christian in a losing effort against Chris Jericho in a handicap match at Backlash. Elsewhere in the Divas Division, Victoria retained her WWE Women's Championship against Lita at the same event. On the ''SmackDown!'' side, Sable reverted to her heel persona and engaged in a short feud with Torrie Wilson.

Cactus Jack and Randy Orton continued their feud at Backlash, with Jack challenging Orton to a hardcore match for the Intercontinental Championship. Orton won after performing an [[Cutter (professional wrestling)#Jumping cutter|RKO]] to slam Cactus Jack onto a barbed wire baseball bat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html#2004|title=WWE Backlash|access-date=August 3, 2016}}</ref>

After WrestleMania, Kane and The Undertaker went their separate ways. Before the year was out, both men would receive shots at their respective brands' top championships. Kane faced Chris Benoit at [[WWE Bad Blood (2004)|Bad Blood]] for the World Heavyweight Championship, while The Undertaker received multiple shots at John "Bradshaw" Layfield for the WWE Championship, the last of which came at [[Armageddon (2004)|Armageddon]] in December. Kane spent the rest of his time in a feud with Lita and Matt Hardy, which led to the debut of [[Gene Snitsky]] and a feud with him.

==Results==
{{Pro wrestling results table
| results = <ref name="SLAM! Report"/><ref name="WrestleMania XX Undercard">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm20/results|title=WrestleMania XX Results|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=January 24, 2008}}</ref><ref name="WrestleMania XX Results">{{cite web|url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/wrestlemania20.html|title=WrestleMania XX Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=January 26, 2008}}</ref>
| times = <ref name="WM20">{{cite web|url=https://tjrwrestling.net/review/wwe-wrestlemania-20-review/|title=WWE WrestleMania 20 Review|date=March 14, 2022|last=Canton|first=John|work=TJR Wrestling|access-date=September 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315164353/https://tjrwrestling.net/review/wwe-wrestlemania-20-review/|archive-date=March 15, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
| match1 = [[John Cena]] defeated [[Big Show]] (c) by [[pinfall]]
| stip1 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]] for the [[WWE United States Championship]]
| time1 = 9:12
| match2 = [[Rob Van Dam]] and [[Booker T (wrestler)|Booker T]] (c) defeated [[Lance Cade|Garrison Cade]] and [[Mark Jindrak]], [[The Dudley Boyz]] ([[Bubba Ray Dudley]] and [[D-Von Dudley]]) and [[La Résistance (professional wrestling)|La Résistance]] ([[René Duprée]] and [[Rob Conway]]) by [[pinfall]]
| stip2 = [[Fatal four-way tag team match]] for the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 1971–2010)|World Tag Team Championship]]
| time2 = 7:52
| match3 = [[Christian Cage|Christian]] defeated [[Chris Jericho]] by [[pinfall]]
| stip3 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]]
| time3 = 14:43
| match4 = [[Evolution (professional wrestling)|Evolution]] ([[Randy Orton]], [[Dave Bautista|Batista]] and [[Ric Flair]]) defeated [[Rock 'n' Sock Connection]] ([[Dwayne Johnson|The Rock]] and [[Mick Foley]]) by [[pinfall]]
| stip4 = [[Handicap match|3-on-2 Handicap match]]
| time4 = 17:01
| match5 = [[Torrie Wilson]] and [[Sable (wrestler)|Sable]] defeated [[Jackie Gayda|Miss Jackie]] and [[Stacy Keibler]]
| stip5 = [[Playboy]] [[Evening Gown match|Evening Gown Women's Tag Team match]]
| time5 = 2:33
| match6 = [[Chavo Guerrero Jr.|Chavo Guerrero]] (c) (with [[Chavo Guerrero Sr.]]) defeated [[Jimmy Yang|Akio]], [[Billy Kidman]], [[Shoichi Funaki|Funaki]], [[Jamie Noble]], [[Nunzio (wrestler)|Nunzio]], [[Rey Mysterio]], [[Shannon Moore]], [[Yoshihiro Tajiri|Tajiri]] and [[Último Dragón]]
| stip6 = [[Gauntlet match|Cruiserweight Open]] for the [[WWE Cruiserweight Championship (1991–2007)|WWE Cruiserweight Championship]]
| time6 = 10:30
| match7 = [[Bill Goldberg|Goldberg]] defeated [[Brock Lesnar]] by [[pinfall]]
| stip7 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]] with [["Stone Cold" Steve Austin]] as [[special guest referee]]
| time7 = 13:43
| match8 = [[Too Cool]] ([[Rikishi (wrestler)|Rikishi]] and [[Scotty 2 Hotty]]) (c) defeated [[World's Greatest Tag Team]] ([[Shelton Benjamin]] and [[Charlie Haas]]), [[Basham Brothers]] ([[Doug Basham]] and [[Daniel Hollie|Danny Basham]]) and [[Acolytes Protection Agency|The APA]] ([[Ron Simmons|Faarooq]] and [[John Layfield|Bradshaw]]) by [[pinfall]]
| stip8 = [[Fatal four-way tag team match]] for the [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Championship]]
| time8 = 6:02
| match9 = [[Lisa Marie Varon|Victoria]] (c) defeated [[Molly Holly]] by [[pinfall]]
| stip9 = [[Hair vs. Title match]] for the [[WWE Women's Championship (1956–2010)|WWE Women's Championship]]
| time9 = 4:52
| match10 = [[Eddie Guerrero]] (c) defeated [[Kurt Angle]] by [[pinfall]]
| stip10 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]] for the [[WWE Championship]]
| time10 = 21:34
| match11 = [[The Undertaker]] (with [[Paul Bearer]]) defeated [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] by [[pinfall]]
| stip11 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]]
| time11 = 7:46
| match12 = [[Chris Benoit]] defeated [[Triple H]] (c) and [[Shawn Michaels]] by [[Submission (professional wrestling)|submission]]
| stip12 = [[Triple threat match]] for the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]]
| time12 = 24:47
| caption = 
}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/20/ The Official Website of WrestleMania XX]

{{2004 WWE pay-per-view events}}
{{WWEPPV|WrestleMania}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Wrestlemania 20}}
[[Category:WrestleMania]]
[[Category:2004 in New York City]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling shows in New York City]]
[[Category:2004 WWE pay-per-view events]]
[[Category:March 2004 in the United States]]