NNarrator
It's traditionally the grandest night in the World Wrestling Federation. WrestleMania: the great spectacle, the granddaddy of sports entertainment, a magical night where dreams become reality, where legends stand immortal, where incredible feats of athleticism are indelibly etched in the annals of time.
But this year, a tempest engulfs utopia. This year, clouds of hatred and anger have eclipsed the heavens, shed darkness on the gods. We've watched as heroes stepped down from their pedestals, witnessed malicious attacks by a depraved Nation, beheld the dark, disturbing flashes from a once benevolent force.
Tonight, three determined men [Ahmed Johnson and the Legion of Doom] unite to wage war against an evil Nation. Their battleground: the cold, unforgiving streets of Chicago.
Tonight, two giants [The Undertaker and Sycho Sid] appear willing to shed their noble armor to embrace their dark sides, to possess the coveted gold.
And tonight, two angry young men [Bret Hart and Stone Cold Steve Austin] destined to destroy each other will endure intolerable pain in a brutal submission match.
It's WrestleMania, the Showcase of the Immortals, the greatest night in sports entertainment. It's supposed to be a night of celebration, a time to rejoice. But tonight, none of these men are smiling.
NNarrator
The first temptation is to say that tradition has abandoned WrestleMania; that this grand spectacle, this enticing blend of celebrity and athleticism has been taken hostage by a new generation of rogues. The "Baddest Man on the Planet" [Mike Tyson], the toughest SOB [Stone Cold Steve Austin], the reigning champion and #1 Degenerate [Shawn Michaels]. These are men determined to write their own destiny. To Hell with historians who upend their tale.
But tradition is indeed alive and well. Because after all, despite the brash bravado, it's the allure of World Wrestling Federation gold that has brought these men here tonight. The very belt that immortalized Andre, Hulk, and Sammartino; the symbol of excellence that inspired Gorilla Monsoon, "The Big Cat" Ernie Ladd, Classy Freddie Blassie; a lineage created by Vincent J. McMahon some fifty years ago. So tonight, through sacrifice and pain, through breathtaking displays of athleticism that defy mortal boundaries, these men that shun tradition are destined to become part of it.
It's WrestleMania. The grandest of spectacles, the Showcase of the Immortals, a time to revel in the occasion. And somewhere beyond the spotlights, the father of the World Wrestling Federation will revel in it, too.
[Opening of WrestleMania XX]
[From the darkness, we hear approaching footsteps. Vince McMahon appears in view looking around.]
NNarrator
Twenty years ago, one man had a vision. It began here...
[Closeup of McMahon staring towards the camera]
NNarrator
...and it would change our world.
[from WrestleMania 2] Welcome to WrestleMania!
NNarrator
As the vision grew, we cheered it on...
JVJesse "The Body" Ventura
[from Wrestlemania III] I never thought it could be done, Gorilla!
NNarrator
Stood in awe...
[from Wrestlemania III] The irresistible force meeting the immovable object!
NNarrator
Held onto our seats...
[from WrestleMania XIX] History has been made!
NNarrator
And gave up our hearts.
[from WrestleMania XII] The boyhood dream has come true!
NNarrator
We watched with utter disbelief...
[from Wrestlemania XII] No! He won't do the same!
[from Wrestlemania XIV] Oh! I can't believe my eyes!
NNarrator
Stunned silence...
[from WrestleMania XIV] The Austin Era has begun!
NNarrator
And sheer amazement.
[from WrestleMania XIX] Oh my god!
NNarrator
But above all, we've been inspired, and enriched, by the vision.
[from WrestleMania XIX] Welcome to WrestleMania!
EGEddie Guerrero
Sometimes, things are so special in your life that words cannot explain...
BLBrock Lesnar
The history, alone, in that place makes Madison Square Garden special...
My family's gonna come there. My wife, my mom, my dad, my daughter...
Everything that I've ever wanted out of life comes down to this one day, this one short period of time...
My passion. The thing you dream about, and consumes you...
KAKurt Angle
People are gonna remember this forever...
MFMick Foley
People will say, "Y'know, that match was worth coming back for."
BSBig Show
You haven't lived, you haven't breathed, until you've danced at WrestleMania...
NNarrator
Tonight will be like no other! Tonight is the Showcase Of The Immortals! They will achieve the impossible and forge new beginnings! Tonight men will hunt down their dreams! Tonight no one holds back! And tonight is where it all begins...
[McMahon smiles at the camera]
[Camera pulls back to see his son Shane McMahon, alongside newborn Declan James McMahon. Three generations of McMahons.]