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WrestleMania 22 took place April 2, 2006 in the Chicago, Illinois suburb of Rosemont at the Allstate Arena. It was the twenty-second annual WrestleMania pay-per-view event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment, and the third to take place in the Chicago area (along with WrestleMania 13 and a portion of WrestleMania 2). WrestleMania 22 was the highest grossing one-day event in the Allstate Arenas history, generating $2.5 million in ticket sales. [1] More than 17,155 people from sixteen countries and forty three states attended the event, while millions more watched in more than ninety countries. The event also was broadcast live to U.S. military personnel around the world by the Armed Forces Television Network. WWE claimed that tickets for the event sold out in less than two minutes after going on sale at 10:00 A.M. (CDT) on October 12, 2005.

The tagline for WrestleMania 22 was Big Time, based on the events main theme song, Big Time by Peter Gabriel. Secondary themes for the event include I Dare You by Shinedown, Baby Hates Me by Danko Jones and Save Me Sorrow by Bullets and Octane.

Jim Ross called the RAW matches alongside Jerry The King Lawler and Michael Cole called the SmackDown! matches alongside Tazz. Joey Styles provided commentary for the Hardcore match between Mick Foley and Edge. A post-game show featuring interviews and highlights, broadcast live after WrestleMania 22 on WWE.com, was hosted by RAW and SmackDown! announcers.

WrestleMania 22 is scheduled to be released on DVD on May 23, 2006.

Results:

Tag Team Championship Match - Kane&Big Show vs. Carlito & Masters



World Tag Team Champions Big Show & Kane def. Carlito & Chris Masters

It was not a good night for the brash, young challengers.

Carlito and Chris Masters seemed on their way to a World Tag Team Championship victory after Masters applied the Master Lock to Kane, but Big Show was there to break it up. Later, Masters attempted to stop a Kane chokeslam by coming off the top with a double axe-handle. But Kane rotated Carlito by his throat and Masters came down blasting his own partner.

A shocked Masters absorbed a big boot and Carlito fell to the chokeslam, and the champions retained. Afterward, Carlito and Masters had heated words in the ring as their alliance seemed on the brink of destructing on the biggest stage of them all.



Money In The Bank Match - (Raws) Rob Van Dam vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Ric Flair vs. (Smackdowns) Finlay vs. Lashley vs. Matt Hardy



RVD wins the Money in the Bank Ladder Match

“Mr. Pay-Per-View” is now “Mr. Money in the Bank.”

Rob Van Dam ultimately claimed the coveted briefcase after an athletic, innovative and carnage-filled Ladder Match. Now, RVD can force one world championship match any time during the next 12 months.

The match included many “Big Time” WrestleMania moments, including a number of never-before-seen feats. Shelton Benjamin propped a ladder against Ric Flair, then ran up it and launched into a moonsault to the outside that took out many of the RAW and SmackDown competitors. A three-man, spiked powerbomb out of the sunset-flip position sent Lashley shooting down from atop a ladder inches from victory. And RVD hit a Five Star Frog Splash from what seemed like a mile high. In the end, RVD, Shelton Benjamin and Matt Hardy were spread across two separate ladders within striking distance of the briefcase. Van Dam managed to force Hardy and Benjamin’s ladder over, sending them both smashing to the outside. RVD was then clear to secure the briefcase and become a dangerous challenger to the world championship at a time of his choosing.

The match also saw Ric Flair battle through a leg injury suffered from a precipitous drop from atop a ladder — returning to the match after being taken off by medics. Finlay nearly fought his way to victory, even using his shillelagh when necessary. Lashley showed great determination, even managing a Dominator on Shelton Benjamin through the fierce action. But it was “The Whole Dam Show” who would emerge from the frenetic environment with the win.



Womens Championship - Trish Stratus vs. Mickie James



Mickie James def. Trish Stratus (new Womens Champion)

She may be psycho, but Mickie James is one hell of a vicious competitor between the ropes. Mickie traded holds, kicks and punches in a highly charged Women’s Championship Match between two Divas with a great deal of checkered history. Trish took out all her frustration and anger for the emotional toll Mickie has taken over the past months with her obsessive behavior.

Trish seemed to take control of the match. But ultimately, Mickie managed to kick out of a massive Stratus powerbomb. Mickie followed with a sharp Mick Kick to Trish’s head, knocking Stratus unconscious. Mickie then covered Trish for the huge victory and the Women’s Championship.

Booker T & Sharmell vs. The Boogeyman

The Boogeyman def. Booker T & Sharmell (2-on-1 Match)

The Boogeyman haunted Booker T and Sharmell for weeks. And at WrestleMania, the bizarre newcomer scared up another impressive win. Booker T and Sharmell tried to use the 2-on-1 environment to their advantage, eventually even managing a Bookend from Booker.

But The Boogeyman powered out, then pulled out a huge glob of worms. He put the live, wiggling mass into his mouth, chewed some and then planted a vile kiss on Sharmell’s lips. It was enough to send her screaming to the backstage area. Booker then walked into a huge chokebomb from The Boogeyman, who picked up the win.



United States Championship - Chris Benoit vs. JBL



JBL def. Chris Benoit (new United States Champion)

He’s a self-proclaimed “Wrestling God.” After Sunday’s innovative-yet-controversial pin of Chris Benoit, he can also be called the United States Champion.

Chris Benoit battled hard against JBL, hitting German suplexes, Three Amigos and a diving headbutt at various times. And when he avoided the Clothesline from Hell and locked in the Crippler Crossface, it seemed a victory was only a tap away. But JBL rolled Benoit over into a pinning predicament, then applied crucial, additional leverage by grabbing hold of the ring ropes out of the referee’s view. Benoit had no way to kick out, and when the referee counted three, a shocked Benoit lost the United States Championship.



Hardcore Match - Mick Foley vs. Edge



Edge def. Mick Foley (Hardcore Match)

The Rated-R Superstar managed a gruesome victory over the Hardcore Legend at WrestleMania, but he paid dearly to improve his perfect WrestleMania record.

Ultimately, Edge speared Foley through the ring ropes and through a flaming table on the outside. Edge eventually recovered enough to make the winning cover in the falls-count-anywhere environment, but he was left twitching, bleeding and burned. As he finally rose in triumph, thumbtacks still protruded from his back. After absorbing blows from a barbed wire baseball bat — having steel and wire rip and tear and puncture his flesh all match long — it was unclear if Edge would ever be the same. Still, it was an intensely impressive win for Edge under conditions that seemed to favor the Hardcore Legend.

Along with thumbtacks, barbed wire, bats and other steel objects, Foley had a few special surprises for Edge. When the Rated-R Superstar connected with a spear, he reeled from the impact, grasping his arm which shockingly was sliced wide open with blood pouring from the wound. Foley grinned his sadistic grin, removed layers of clothing and revealed that he was actually wrapped in razor wire. He was a human torture device for his opponent. Foley also later succeeded in applying a barbed-wire Socko clawhold to both Lita and Edge. But ultimately, Foley would be forced through the air and a wall of wood and flame to be covered by Edge.



Casket MatchMatch - Undertaker vs. Mark Henry



Undertaker def. Mark Henry (Casket Match)

The legend of the Undertaker continues to grow — now to a perfect WrestleMania 14-0.

Mark Henry tried to use his size and power to drop the Deadman. He even hit a World’s Strongest Slam, but couldn’t capitalize with a pin under Casket Match rules. In the end, Undertaker would not be denied on the WrestleMania stage in the specialty match he made famous.

The Phenom somehow managed to hit a Last Ride on the massive Henry. He then soared onto Henry on the outside with a suicide dive worthy of “Big Time” moment status. That was followed by a Tombstone, setting the stage for Undertaker to roll Henry into the casket for the victory.



No Holds Barred - Shawn Michaels vs. Vince McMahon



Shawn Michaels def. Mr. McMahon (No Holds Barred Match)

Before sending Shawn Michaels on his hellish journey, Mr. McMahon demanded the return of the “old HBK.” After their No Holds Barred Match at WrestleMania, McMahon may be wishing he had let sleeping dogs lie.

The capacity Chicago crowd witnessed a side of Michaels that has long been absent — the “DX Attitude” side. On multiple occasions, HBK passed up opportunities to put away the massive, ripped Mr. McMahon. Instead, each time Michaels chose to inflict further damage and humiliation. All the while, Shane McMahon looked on helplessly while handcuffed to the ring ropes.

The first time, Michaels “tuned up the band” but stopped short. He then went under the ring to fetch a ladder, which he used to smash McMahon squarely in the head. The impact ripped McMahon wide open and blood gushed down his face. Michaels set up “Sweet Chin Music” again, but stopped short to get a trash can and table.

HBK was then set to hit his flying elbow smash from atop a ladder but instead turned back to retrieve an inconceivably tall ladder. HBK then placed a trash can over the head and chest of Mr. McMahon, placed him atop a table and scaled the massive ladder in the corner. Michaels sealed McMahon’s fate with a DX chop, then plummeted from the ladder, dropping an elbow through the trash can into the face of McMahon, with the impact sending them both through the table. The trash can was so badly dented that the referee frantically called for help, fearing that the jagged metal could have sliced into McMahon’s head or cut off the flow of oxygen.

A vengeful HBK prevented ringside medical personnel from reaching Mr. McMahon. Michaels had seemingly transformed right before the fans’ eyes into the HBK of old. Michaels finally finished Mr. McMahon with a superkick to mercifully end the match. Mr. McMahon was wheeled out on a gurney, but the ever-defiant WWE Chairman shot middle fingers in HBK’s direction as he was wheeled up the ramp.



Smackdown! Main Event - Triple Threat for the World Heavyweight Championship



Rey Mysterio def. Kurt Angle and Randy Orton in a Triple Threat Match (new World Heavyweight Champion)

Rey Mysterio may not be tall in stature, but he now has a “Big Time” WrestleMania moment that is one for the ages.

With all Randy Orton’s talk of destiny, it was the Wrestling Machine Kurt Angle who seemed destined to retain the World Heavyweight Championship. He put on a clinic, hitting a jaw-dropping German suplex to both Orton and Mysterio that sent Mysterio flying clear across the ring. He made both Orton and Mysterio tap to a grapevined ankle lock — only to be foiled each time by a second opponent who could distract the referee and physically detain him. He kicked out of an RKO and a seated senton pinning predicament. And ultimately, he would be desperately trying to reach the ring to break up a match-ending, championship-winning pin that didn’t directly involve him.

Instead, it was the desire and unique athleticism of Rey Mysterio that propelled him to a historic victory — one that was for both him and the late, great Eddie Guerrero.

After Angle hit Orton with an Angle Slam, he attempted to do the same to Mysterio. But Rey reversed it into an innovative arm drag that slingshot the champion wildly to the outside. Mysterio followed with a 619 to Orton and a West Cost Pop hurricanrana pin that earned the three-count. Mysterio held the World Heavyweight Championship high while he was greeted by Chavo and Vickie Guerrero at the top of the entrance ramp. It’s something many said Mysterio could never do. But Rey Mysterio is the World Heavyweight Champion.




Playboy Pillow Fight - Torrie Wilson vs. Candice



Torrie Wilson def. Candice (Playboy Pillow Fight)

As far as Torrie Wilson is concerned, Candice got what was coming to her in their WrestleMania Playboy Pillow Fight.

For weeks, Candice mocked Torrie while promoting her own Playboy cover. So at WrestleMania, it wasn’t a pleasant pillow-tossing affair. Torrie set the tone with a snap suplex and a backdrop. She then pulled off Candice’s dress and eventually scored the win with a rollup. It was sweet revenge for Torrie on the grandest stage of them all.

WWE Championship - John Cena vs. Triple H



WWE Champion John Cena def. Triple H

John Cena will long remember this WrestleMania victory, but he may not remember it fondly.

The Cerebral Assassin’s greatest mind game may have been turning the majority of the capacity crowd against the WWE Champion. The atmosphere was utterly electric in this charged, highly emotional environment. And the loudly derisive chants aimed at Cena must have had a psychological impact on the once unanimously popular champion.

The match seemed over after Triple H connected with his signature sledgehammer. But Cena willed his way out of consecutive covers. The Game next attempted a Pedigree, but The Champ escaped through the back door and instead hit an FU. The King of Kings answered with a kick out that put Cena into a state of dismay. The FU has ended countless matches, but not on this night. Cena stared into the rafters at fans who once supported him but had changed their allegiances. He seemed to be wondering if it wasn’t meant to be on this night with no much to overcome.

Out of desperation, Cena took to the top rope and attempted a flying cross-body. Triple H moved and quickly pounced for the Pedigree. The match-ending impact seemed imminent when Cena reversed it into the STFU. Triple H began to lose consciousness but fought back before his arm began to fall a third time. But Cena only cinched the submission in deeper, leaving The Game no choice but to tap out on the grandest stage of them all. Cena raised his WWE Championship in hard-fought victory, but his head still hung slightly. Clearly, this match was just as emotionally draining as it was physically draining.



Trivia

* WrestleMania 22 marked the first WrestleMania to not feature the winner of the Royal Rumble in the main event since WrestleMania XV in 1999.
* WrestleMania 22 marked the second WrestleMania at which Kurt Angle lost a title (three titles in total) despite not being pinned or made to submit.
* WrestleMania 22 was the fourth consecutive (and fifth overall) WrestleMania at which the WWE Intercontinental Championship was not contested. The title was similarly not contested at XII, XIX, XX and 21.
* WrestleMania 22 marked the first defense of the World Tag Team Championship in a traditional two on two tag team match since WrestleMania XV.
* WrestleMania 22 is the first WrestleMania since WrestleMania XV to utilize the font from the first fifteen WrestleMania events in the events logo.
* WrestleMania 22 was the second WrestleMania in which the main event ended via submission, after WrestleMania XX. In both cases, Triple H was the wrestler who submitted.
* WrestleMania 22 was the fourth WrestleMania to air on April 2, after V, XI and XVI. More WrestleMania events have been held on April 2 than on any other date.
* WrestleMania 22 was the sixth consecutive WrestleMania where the winner of the Royal Rumble successfully won the World Championship.
* WrestleMania 22 marked the second time in a row that a wrestler (Rey Mysterio) won a WWE championship after opening the show a year prior with a win. (John Cena did the same thing at Wrestlemania 21 winning the WWE Championship after opening Wrestlemania XX against The Big Show, winning the United States Championship)