The 2000s represent the most significant decade in WWE history, known for the Attitude Era’s peak and the ruthless era starting in 2002, which lasted about six years before transitioning into the PG era. The WWE roster was stacked with highly skilled performers, highlighted by stars like The Rock and Steve Austin leaving a lasting legacy. This era also introduced brand splits, fostering fierce competition between Raw and SmackDown, alongside memorable pay-per-view events renowned for their exceptional matches and storylines.
One of the standout events of the decade was Vengeance 2005, a Raw-exclusive pay-per-view where both the WWE Championship and World Heavyweight Championship were contested. John Cena defended his WWE title in a thrilling triple threat match against Chris Jericho and Christian, while Batista triumphed over Triple H in a brutal Hell in a Cell match to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.
Backlash 2000 recovered from a lackluster WrestleMania 16, showcasing standout matches such as Dean Malenko vs. Scotty 2 Hotty for the Light Heavyweight Championship and Chris Jericho’s strong Intercontinental title defense. The event featured action from Edge, Christian, Crush Holly, and Eddie Guerrero, with The Rock reclaiming the WWE Championship in the main event despite Shane McMahon serving as guest referee.
Unforgiven 2006 was notable for Trish Stratus capturing the WWE Women’s Championship in her retirement match against Lita, marking the end of an era for the female division. Johnny Nitro vs. Jeff Hardy delivered an underrated Intercontinental title match, while DX defeated Big Show and The McMahons in a unique handicap Hell in a Cell match. In a high-stakes TLC match, John Cena defeated Edge, forcing him to leave Raw for SmackDown if he lost.
WrestleMania 24 was the first outdoor WrestleMania in 15 years, held in Orlando, Florida, featuring strong performances from CM Punk, who won the Money in the Bank ladder match, and Shawn Michaels, who emotionally sent Ric Flair into retirement. Randy Orton retained the WWE Championship in a triple threat against Triple H and John Cena, while Floyd Mayweather Jr. defeated Big Show in a no-disqualification match, and The Undertaker recaptured the World Heavyweight Championship from Edge in the main event.
WrestleMania 21 marked a significant shift in WWE’s guard with Rey Mysterio defeating Eddie Guerrero for the WWE Tag Team Championship in a memorable match, and Edge making his mark by winning the inaugural Money in the Bank ladder match. The night also featured intense battles from Randy Orton vs. The Undertaker and a classic Kurt Angle vs. Shawn Michaels encounter, culminating in John Cena and Batista becoming first-time world champions.
Backlash 2004 showcased Randy Orton’s rise to superstardom in a no-holds-barred match against Cactus Jack for the Intercontinental Championship. Other highlights included strong matches from Chris Jericho, Victoria, and Edge, with Orton proving his mettle without Evolution’s backing.
Backlash 2007 was a solid event with all six matches being championship bouts. Noteworthy was Shane and Vince McMahon defeating Bobby Lashley for the ECW Championship in a handicap match, and a hard-hitting Last Man Standing match between Undertaker and Batista that ended in a draw. WWE Champion John Cena retained his title against Edge, Shawn Michaels, and Randy Orton in a Fatal Four-Way match.
WrestleMania 19 was a landmark event post-brand split, with Trish Stratus winning the Women’s Championship in a triple threat, and Shawn Michaels delivering an epic match against Chris Jericho. The Rock triumphed over Steve Austin for the first time at WrestleMania, while Triple H held onto the World Heavyweight Championship. Brock Lesnar clinched the WWE Championship, ending Kurt Angle’s reign.
SummerSlam 2002 stands out as one of the best in history, opening with Kurt Angle defeating Rey Mysterio and featuring strong matches like Edge vs. Eddie Guerrero and Rob Van Dam vs. Chris Benoit for the Intercontinental Championship. Shawn Michaels made a sensational return, defeating Triple H in an unauthorized street fight. The event ended with Brock Lesnar becoming the youngest WWE Champion by defeating The Rock.
WrestleMania 17 is widely regarded as the greatest WWE PPV ever, packed with unforgettable matches. The Undertaker extended his undefeated streak by beating Triple H, and Shane McMahon defeated Vince McMahon in a street fight with Mick Foley as the special guest referee. Edge and Christian won the tag titles in a legendary TLC match, and Steve Austin turned heel by defeating The Rock for the WWE Championship, solidifying one of wrestling’s most iconic moments.
Fan Take: This detailed look at the 2000s underscores why the decade is essential to WWE fans—it was a period that shaped modern wrestling with unforgettable rivalries, breakthrough talents, and game-changing events. For the sport, revisiting this era highlights the evolving storytelling and athleticism that continue to inspire WWE’s future.
