WWE: Greatest Superstars of the 21st Century DVD Review

From the beginning of what we call pro-wrestling, there have been those who were stars and those who were much more than that – the Superstars.

Every era had their icons, those grapplers who defined the sport, who pioneered aspects of what we see today, from entrance music, flamboyance, showmanship, charisma, technical prowess, toughness or a combination of all of the above.

From the in-ring prowess of a guy like Lou Thesz, through the groundbreaking character of “Superstar” Billy Graham to the magnetism of Hulk Hogan through to the modern day icons of Shawn Michaels and Undertaker, each one has left their mark on the industry.

It’s these legends of the squared-circle that are the foundation of what we see today and, in this collection, we celebrate those who have made marks since the turn of the century. Now, some of the people on the list had their start before the year 2000, but it’s been in the time since then that they really took it to the next level in WWE.

Who made the cut? Who just missed out? Who deserves to be there, but isn’t? Who doesn’t deserve to be there, but is? The only way to find out is to sit back and watch as WWE list the Greatest SuperStars of the 21st Century.

Certificate: 12

Running Time: 6hrs 28mins (main feature and bonus matches)

Discs: 3

Countdown – Disc 1

Signature
Open
Ground Breaking Superstars
Chris Jericho
Edge
Triple H
JBL
Kane
Kurt Angle
The Rock
Randy Orton
Brock Lesnar
Decade of the Divas
Jeff Hardy
Big Show
Eddie Guerrero
Shawn Michaels
Booker T
Stone Cold Steve Austin
The Undertaker
Rey Mysterio
Batista
John Cena
Greatest Superstars of the 21st Century

Matches – Disc 2

WCW Championship Match: Booker T v The Rock – SummerSlam (19th August, 2001)
Intercontinental Championship Match: Chris Jericho v Rob Van Dam – Raw (16th September, 2002)
World Heavyweight Championship Match: Triple H v Kane – Raw (23rd June, 2003)
60 Minute Iron Man Match for the WWE Championship: Kurt Angle v Brock Lesnar – SmackDown! (18th September, 2003)
WWE Championship Match: Eddie Guerrero v Rey Mysterio – SmackDown! (18th March, 2004)

Matches – Disc 3

Fatal 4-Way Match for the WWE Championship: JBL v The Undertaker v Eddie Guerrero v Booker T – Armageddon (12th December, 2004)
Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship: JBL v Big Show v Kurt Angle – Royal Rumble (30th January, 2005)
World Heavyweight Championship Match: Triple H v Edge – Raw (7th February, 2005)
Women’s Championship Match: Lita v Trish Stratus – Unforgiven (17th September, 2006)
Triple Threat Match – Winner Faces John Cena For The WWE Championship At WrestleMania 23: Shawn Michaels v Randy Orton v Edge – Raw (5th February, 2007)
8 -Man Tag Team Match: John Cena & Batista & Shawn Michaels & The Undertaker v Randy Orton & Edge & Mr. Kennedy & MVP – Raw (15th February, 2007)
World Heavyweight Championship Match: Batista v The Undertaker – WrestleMania 23 (1st April, 2007)

Now, unlike the previously released Top 50 SuperStars of All Time DVD, this isn’t a countdown leading to the #1 guy since the year 2000. The main feature is basically just a brief highlight package of the wrestler in question with some comments from their peers on why they deserve a place on the list.

As with anything of this nature, there are going to be guys you feel should be on there and guys you have no idea why they made the cut. With that in mind, however, it’s hard to argue that the guys on the list deserve their place for one reason or another.

When introducing a wrestler, a little mini-bio appears showing what years they were active in WWE in the 2000-2010 time-frame. With some of them, like Triple H, Undertaker and Kane, being active for the entire period and others, like Brock Lesnar having a short stint (he was only in the promotion for exactly two WWE calendar years).

It’s a nice set-up and it means no-one overstays their welcome, although some talents get more time than others. Surprisingly, there is literally nothing negative mentioned about either Kurt Angle or Jeff Hardy; a move that continues the tradition set by the Top 50 countdown from a few months ago.

Matches

Only thirteen matches are featured on the DVD release (the Blu-Ray has more – see below), but they are all fantastic to re-visit a second time. The first bout (Rock v Booker T, with a cameo from the APA – and a brutal Clothesline from Hell on Shane McMahon) is great and is amazingly enhanced by a killer crowd and the greatest commentary duo of the 21st Century – Paul Heyman and Jim Ross.

Seriously, they just worked so well together and had a chemistry that, in my opinion, surpassed that of JR & King at their peak. Heyman knew how to get the best out of Ross and also make sure everyone was put over while also favouring the heels. The closest we could get today is if JBL comes out of retirement and Jim Ross is paired with him.

Jericho v Van Dam is a great TV match (featuring an appearance by Triple H – wearing a frankly bizarre “No Foreplay” t-shirt), Kane v Triple H is the match for Kane’s mask that was pretty damn good and the rest of the bouts on show are great examples of why the guys on the list are on the list in the first place.

For me, the best match on the card is the 60min Iron Man Match between Brock and Angle (which is shown in its entirety – minus commercial breaks), with the RAW Eight-Man Tag being up there, as are Batista v Undertaker and Rey v Eddie.

Oh, and when a simple single-leg step-through gets a huge pop (the reaction when the fans realise Trish is going for a Sharpshooter on Lita IN CANADA), you know you’ve got a great crowd.

Overview

The best thing WWE did was not make this a countdown of the top names. It saves a lot of arguing over who should be above who and stops Kurt Angle from whining like a little bitch on Twitter too.

I can’t argue with the wrestlers featured as they all, for various reasons, belong there. Of course, there are omissions (the obvious one being Chris Benoit), but you’ll find that in any list because “your” guy isn’t there.

Of course, the real attraction with a collection like this is the matches on the second and third discs. Thankfully, they’ve put a lot of TV matches in there, which means there’s less chance you have them on another release and also that you may come across a gem that you forgot about.

Blu-Ray owners get additional content -:

Eight additional segments from the wrestlers listed…

“Everything Evolves” – Raw (3rd February, 2003)
Kane’s Eulogy for the Undertaker – SmackDown! (20th November, 2003)
JBL is Not Afraid of the Undertaker – SmackDown! (5th August, 2004)
Every Man for Himself – SmackDown! (27th January, 2005)
Kurt Angle Does Not Suck – Raw (7th November, 2005)
The Coronation of King Booker – SmackDown! (26th May, 2006)
John Cena & Randy Orton Get Together – Backlash (27th April, 2007)
Chris Jericho’s Highlight Reel – Raw (9th June, 2008)

… and three extra matches -:

Fatal 4-Way Elimination Match for WWE Championship: Randy Orton v John Cena v Triple H v JBL – Backlash (27th April, 2008)
World Heavyweight Championship Scramble Match: Batista v Rey Mysterio v Kane v JBL v Chris Jericho – Unforgiven (7th September, 2008)
Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match for the World Heavyweight Championship: Jeff Hardy v CM Punk – SummerSlam (23rd August, 2009)

This is worth price for the matches alone.

Points: 8/10

Buy It:

UK: DVD / Blu-ray

USA: DVD / Blu-ray

Canada: DVD / Blu-ray

Cookie	Description
_pxvid	This cookie is used for detection of the browser and distinguishing whether it is a real user or malicious bot.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	This cookies is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin. The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	This cookie is used to keep track of which cookies the user have approved for this site.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-preferences	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Preferences".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-uncategorized	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Uncategorized".
CraftSessionId	This cookie name is associated with the Craft web content management system, where is functions as an anonymous session identifier.
csrftoken	This cookie is associated with Django web development platform for python. Used to help protect the website against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks
DSID	To note specific user identity. Contains hashed/encrypted unique ID.
JSESSIONID	Used by sites written in JSP. General purpose platform session cookies that are used to maintain users' state across page requests.
PHPSESSID	This cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
viewed_cookie_policy	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Description
b30msc
btc
CMST
cref
d
gpl
i
icts
ig_did
mdata
na_rn
na_sc_e
na_sr
na_srp
session_depth
visitor-id

Cookie	Description
__gads	This cookie is set by Google and stored under the name dounleclick.com. This cookie is used to track how many times users see a particular advert which helps in measuring the success of the campaign and calculate the revenue generated by the campaign. These cookies can only be read from the domain that it is set on so it will not track any data while browsing through another sites.
__stid	The cookie is set by ShareThis. The cookie is used for site analytics to determine the pages visited, the amount of time spent, etc.
_ga	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_60765351_1	Google uses this cookie to distinguish users.
_gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
demdex	This cookie is set under the domain demdex.net and is used by Adobe Audience Manager to help identify a unique visitor across domains.
DigiTrust.v1.identity	Registers data on visitors’ website-behaviour. This is used for internal analysis and website optimization.
dmvk	This cookie is set by DailyMotion who display videos, it registers statistical data of visitors' behaviour on the website.
gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
GPS	This cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
is_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
sc_is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
v1st	This is set by DailyMotion to display videos.

Cookie	Description
__asc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__auc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__qca	This cookie is associated with Quantcast and is used for collecting anonymized data to analyze log data from different websites to create reports that enables the website owners and advertisers provide ads for the appropriate audience segments.
_cc_aud	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_cc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_dc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_id	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_kuid_	The cookie is set by Krux Digital under the domain krxd.net. The cookie stores a unique ID to identify a returning user for the purpose of targeted advertising.
_px2	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxff_tm	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxhd	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
ab	This cookie is generally provided by agkn.com and is used for advertising purposes.
ad-privacy	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content to the users.
ayl_visitor	This cookie registers data on the visitor. The information is used to optimize advertisement relevance.
bafp	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bafp_t	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_pl	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rf_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rt_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_t_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_td_2d31c94105a0aa6d1ceaea0c86c6b656	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bito	This cookie is generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bitoIsSecure	This cookies are generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bsc	The cookies is set by ownerIQ for the purpose of providing relevant advertisement
CMID	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPRO	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPS	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
dc_id	This cookie is used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement as well as help measure the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. They are usually placed by advertising networks with the website operator's permission. They remember that you have visited a website and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers.
did	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
didts	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
dpm	The cookie is set by demdex.net. This cookie assigns a unique ID to each visiting user that allows third-party advertisers target that users with relevant ads.
eud	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
euds	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
everest_g_v2	The cookie is set under eversttech.net domain. The purpose of the cookie is to map clicks to other events on the client's website.
evo5_popin_instance	Prevents an interaction from reoccurring for visitors not accepting 3rd party cookies.
id	This cookie is set by DoubleClick (which is owned by Google) to build a profile of the website visitor's interests and show relevant ads on other sites.
IDE	Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
io.narrative.guid.v2	This cookie is generally provided by io.narrative.io and is used for advertising purposes.
KADUSERCOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
KTPCACOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
matchliveramp	This cookie is provided by w55c.net and is used for advertising purposes.
mc	This cookie is associated with Quantserve to track anonymously how a user interact with the website.
mxpim	This cookie is generally provided by mxptint.net for advertising purposes.
na_tc	This is a Social Media sharing tracking cookie.
NID	This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users.
nnls	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxrc	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxvid	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
rlas3	The cookie is set by rlcdn.com. The cookie is used to serve relevant ads to the visitor as well as limit the time the visitor sees an and also measure the effectiveness of the campaign.

Cookie	Description
__jid	Cookies set on the website by the third-party commenting platform Disqus.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
disqus_unique	These cookies are set by Disqus so that users can comment on website/platform.
G_ENABLED_IDPS	The cookie is used by Google and is used for Google Single Sign On.
mid	The cookie is set by Instagram. The cookie is used to distinguish users and to show relevant content, for better user experience and security.
na_id	This cookie is set by Addthis.com to enable sharing of links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
ouid	The cookie is set by Addthis which enables the content of the website to be shared across different networking and social sharing websites.
ov	This is a generic functional cookie that provides enhanced functionality and personalisation.
ts	This cookie is generally provided by PayPal and supports payment services in the website.
vuid	These cookies are used by the Vimeo video player on websites.

WWE: Greatest Superstars of the 21st Century DVD Review

Countdown – Disc 1

Matches – Disc 2

Matches – Disc 3

Matches

Overview

You might also like

FIND THE TOPICS YOU WANT...

Recommended for you