The WORST Moment From Every WWE WrestleMania
21. Big Show Goes Sumo (WrestleMania 21)
Nobody asked for this, and nobody deserved to see it.
Seeing Big Show in sumo gear and having to pay for the privilege was an insult. Yes, Vince McMahon wanted to put on another midcard attraction for ‘Mania 21, but did he need to choose this?! Akebono won in just over a minute, and that short timing was a mercy killing. It was too late for everyone's eyeballs though. Way too late.
Incredibly, this sumo exhibition proved to be the middle stinker in a trio of matches for Ake. He worked a SmackDown taping before ‘Mania, then teamed with Show on a house show that July. By all accounts, none of those matches clicked with audiences. Backstage, WWE bosses realised that the big sumo grappler didn't have a lick of pro talent, so they cut their losses on hopes of turning him into a crossover star.
If you're a masochist and enjoy checking out the worst of wrestling, then some of the moments in this collection may tickle your fancy. Don't be tempted to watch Show vs. Akebono, whatever you do. If you absolutely must see what horrors await, then absolutely never check it out in polite company with those who think this WWE stuff isn't for them.
The 'Mania 21 calamity will put them off for good.
On his day, Show could do some superb stuff against non-wrestlers. His 2008 match with Floyd Mayweather went off without a hitch. Unfortunately, the brief altercation with Akebono went off without a stitch. Well, almost. Did anyone actually cry out to see Paul Wight in Rikishi-style gear?