Rivalries & Legendary Matches in 2004
The first half of 2004 marked a major shift in WWE history. This six-month stretch was packed with dramatic changes, the rise of new superstars, powerful championship victories, and the return of some legendary names. From shocking betrayals to emotional celebrations, WWE fans were treated to nonstop action and storytelling. The Ruthless Aggression Era reached new heights as Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, John Cena, and Randy Orton stepped into the spotlight. These months set the tone for what would become one of the most memorable years in WWE.
🗓️ January – Royal Rumble: A New Champion’s Destiny 🏆
🔥 Key Matches:
- Royal Rumble Match – Chris Benoit, Big Show, Randy Orton, Kurt Angle, Goldberg
- Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels (World Heavyweight Championship – Last Man Standing)
- Brock Lesnar vs. Hardcore Holly (WWE Championship)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Chris Benoit made history by entering the Royal Rumble at number one and outlasting 29 other superstars to earn a title shot at WrestleMania XX. His performance proved he was ready for the main event scene. Meanwhile, Triple H and Shawn Michaels battled to a standstill in one of the most violent Last Man Standing matches in RAW history. On SmackDown, Brock Lesnar easily took care of Hardcore Holly, showing he was more dominant than ever.
🗓️ February – No Way Out: The Return of a Legend ⛓️
🔥 Key Matches:
- Eddie Guerrero vs. Brock Lesnar (WWE Championship)
- Kurt Angle vs. John Cena vs. Big Show (No. 1 Contender’s Match)
- Goldberg confronts Evolution (Segment)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Eddie Guerrero captured the hearts of fans around the world by defeating Brock Lesnar to become WWE Champion. The underdog proved that anything was possible with heart, passion, and the support of the WWE Universe. On the same night, Kurt Angle defeated John Cena and Big Show to become the number one contender, while Goldberg sent a message to Evolution, setting the stage for his upcoming battle with Brock Lesnar.
🗓️ March – WrestleMania Hype Hits the Peak 🚓
🔥 Key Matches & Segments:
- Chris Benoit chooses to face Triple H for the World Heavyweight Title
- Eddie Guerrero and Kurt Angle’s rivalry intensifies
- The Rock returns to reunite with Mick Foley against Evolution
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Chris Benoit officially declared his intention to challenge Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XX. But with Shawn Michaels inserting himself into the mix, things became personal and chaotic. On SmackDown, Eddie Guerrero and Kurt Angle escalated their feud, trading insults and ambushes. Over on RAW, The Rock reunited with Mick Foley, reforming the Rock ‘n’ Sock Connection to take on Ric Flair, Batista, and Randy Orton of Evolution.
🗓️ April – WrestleMania XX: Where It All Begins Again 🎉
🔥 Key Matches:
- Chris Benoit vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels (World Heavyweight Championship)
- Eddie Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle (WWE Championship)
- The Undertaker vs. Kane
- Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar (Special Referee: Stone Cold Steve Austin)
- John Cena vs. Big Show (United States Championship)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
WrestleMania XX was a night of celebration and change. Chris Benoit made Triple H tap out in a stunning finish to become World Heavyweight Champion. His post-match hug with Eddie Guerrero, who had retained his WWE title earlier against Kurt Angle, brought fans to tears. The Undertaker returned with his classic Deadman persona and defeated Kane in a chilling showdown. Though the match between Goldberg and Brock Lesnar disappointed, Stone Cold Steve Austin delivered stunners to both, giving fans a lasting memory. John Cena kicked off the night by defeating Big Show to win his first championship, launching a legacy.
🗓️ May – Backlash: The Aftermath of WrestleMania 💥
🔥 Key Matches:
- Chris Benoit vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels (World Heavyweight Championship)
- Eddie Guerrero vs. JBL (WWE Championship)
- Randy Orton vs. Mick Foley (Hardcore Match – Intercontinental Championship)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
At Backlash, Chris Benoit again proved he belonged at the top by defending his title in another triple threat against Triple H and Shawn Michaels. On SmackDown, Eddie Guerrero began his fierce rivalry with JBL, who was no longer the friendly APA member but a dangerous businessman. Their match planted the seeds for an even more violent rematch. In one of the most talked-about matches of the night, Randy Orton earned respect by surviving Mick Foley in a brutal Hardcore Match, solidifying his status as a future world champion.
🗓️ June – Bad Blood: Rivalries Explode 📈
🔥 Key Matches:
- Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels (Hell in a Cell)
- Chris Benoit vs. Kane (World Heavyweight Championship)
- Eddie Guerrero vs. JBL (WWE Championship – Texas Bullrope Match)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Triple H and Shawn Michaels put an end to their long-standing feud in a bloody and brutal Hell in a Cell match that tested both men to their limits. Chris Benoit defended his title against the monstrous Kane, surviving with pure resilience. The most shocking moment came when JBL defeated Eddie Guerrero in a controversial Texas Bullrope Match to capture the WWE Championship, marking the beginning of his reign as one of WWE’s most hated villains.
🔥 2004 Summary – The First Half in Review
- Chris Benoit rose from underdog to respected champion 🏆
- Eddie Guerrero fulfilled his dream and inspired millions 🔥
- John Cena began his climb with a huge first title win 🎮
- Randy Orton earned toughness points in a Hardcore Match 👑
- Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels concluded with unforgiving violence ⚔️
With so many unforgettable moments and new stars rising, the second half of 2004 promised even more drama, rivalries, and groundbreaking action for the WWE Universe.
