Wednesday, APRIL 1 - 10:00 AM (CT)

-With WrestleMania ever so close, I want to look back at the last time the biggest show of the year came to Houston, Texas. WrestleMania X-Seven, which emulated from the Houston Astrodome, is the only WrestleMania to date I have been to live. That show is also widely regarded as one of the best WrestleManias ever.

This was arguably the last show of the Attitude Era, as Vince McMahon had already purchased WCW and ECW. A lot of people think the product went downhill from this point. However, if this was the last show of that Era, it was a damn good way to go out.

This was also the first WrestleMania to feature the huge stage, screen, and ramp that has become a fixture every year since. Every year, it is very fun to see how WWE is able to top themselves in terms of the set and stage.

That year, Steve Austin and The Rock tore the roof off of the place in a fantastic no disqualification main event for the then WWF Championship. It also was the night Austin turned heel and joined his longtime nemesis, Vince McMahon.

The heel turn was well done because not a lot of people saw it coming. Of course, Vince sort of gave it away earlier in the show when he said, "Shocking? Later tonight, I'll show you shocking." Well, the Houston crowd could not have cared less, as they cheered Austin loudly and for the first time since becoming an ultra popular babyface, The Rock heard boos directed at him.

This show had a fantastic undercard that featured matches that were all built up nicely. It also had the very fun and nostalgic gimmick battle royal, which was a nice blast from the past. I'll never forget Bobby Heenan saying, as The Iron Sheik came to the ring, "By the time The Iron Sheik gets to the ring, it'll be WrestleMania 37!" Classic line and the entire show just clicked.

From TLC II, to Chris Jericho vs. William Regal for the Intercontinental Championship, the card was packed from top to bottom. Oddly enough, Hulk Hogan and Shawn Michaels would return at the next two WrestleManias, respectively, but this show is the one that gets the most praise.

This Sunday, WrestleMania returns to Houston. This show does not have the steam going into it that WrestleMania X-Seven had, but who knows? Perhaps the fans will get fortunate and will witness one of the best Manias of all time.

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