A WWE Hall of Famer recently reminisced about a legendary WrestleMania match that remains significant nearly 25 years later. The match took place at WWE WrestleMania 17 in April 2001 and was the second Table, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) match for the WWF Tag Team Championships. During this event, The Dudley Boyz lost the titles to Edge & Christian in a triple threat match also involving The Hardy Boyz.
In a recent conversation with Dennis Salcedo, Devon Dudley highlighted the match’s importance, noting that even decades later, it’s still widely talked about. He emphasized how the six wrestlers used tables, ladders, and chairs, plus the added presence of Rita, Rhino, and Spike Dudley, to create a story without confusion or missteps. Devon expressed gratitude for being able to execute the match perfectly, stating that everything fell into place on that night.
Reflecting on the match’s legacy, Devon remarked on the modern TLC matches’ increased risk, calling their original encounter the “granddaddy of TLC.” He contrasted the emphasis on storytelling in their era with today’s focus on high-risk maneuvers, likening pro wrestling to Shakespeare for its narrative depth. Devon also shared how each TLC match helped him improve his craft by learning to sell moves, timing, and making comebacks within the match flow.
He admitted that earlier in his career, he felt compelled to do something spectacular for the live audience, but after watching the WrestleMania 17 TLC match, he reevaluated this mindset. Devon’s reflections underscore the artistry and storytelling that defined that era’s wrestling matches.
Fan Take: This reflection highlights how foundational storytelling and teamwork were in the golden era of TLC matches, setting a high bar for today’s performers. For WWE fans, it’s a reminder of the blend of drama and athleticism that made those matches unforgettable, and it challenges current wrestlers to balance spectacle with compelling narratives to keep the sport evolving.
