WrestleMania 24 in Orlando: Where are the stars today?

WrestleMania 33 is a little under three weeks away now and as always, WWE fans are excited to see what the company has in store for us on April 2.

Our two major title matches will see Goldberg defend the Universal Championship against Brock Lesnar, while Bray Wyatt puts his WWE title on the line against Randy Orton.

WRESTLEMANIA 24

However, the last time WWE were in Orlando for the Grandest Stage of Them All was nine years ago – and it looked very different so it’s time to look back at the event which took place inside of the Citrus Bowl, and see where the stars that competed are today.

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JBL DEF. FINLAY

After winning the Belfast Brawl, JBL had one more WrestleMania left in him before calling it a day, and is now part of the four-man announcing team on SmackDown LIVE.

Finlay is still with the WWE, working as a backstage producer.

CM PUNK WINS MONEY IN THE BANK

CM Punk captured the briefcase back in 2008, and his sour relationship with the company has been well-documented as he’s now searching for a second fight in the UFC.

Shelton Benjamin is rumoured to be making his WWE return in the coming months after a shoulder injury, while Carlito, MVP, Mr. Kennedy and John Morrison are plying their trade elsewhere.

The only man from that match to remain with the company to this day is Chris Jericho.

BATISTA DEF. UMAGA

Batista hasn’t looked back since leaving the WWE, as he’s managed to carve out a successful Hollywood career with big roles in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, Spectre and more.

This was Umaga’s final WrestleMania as he left the company shortly after, and sadly passed away of heart failure in 2009.

KANE DEF. CHAVO GUERRERO – ECW CHAMPIONSHIP

Kane won a battle royal earlier in the night to earn this opportunity, and made good use of it by defeating Chavo in 11 seconds. He’s still with the company where he makes sporadic appearances, while Chavo is on the independent scene in a backstage role with Lucha Underground.

SHAWN MICHAELS DEF. RIC FLAIR

A memorable match that probably won’t be forgotten,. It saw Michaels end Flair’s career who makes the odd appearance on television in Charlotte’s feuds.

Michaels has tried his hand at the film business, while the retired Hall of Famer is also said to be working at the WWE Performance Center.

BETH PHOENIX & MELINA DEF. MARIA AND ASHLEY

Beth Phoenix makes her return to the company this year where she’ll be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, while Melina is still enjoying success on the independent scene with multiple championship wins.

Maria appears regularly on the independent scene alongside her husband Mike Bennett, but it’s Ashley who’s moved away from the wrestling business as she’s now a mother and is also involved in a civil lawsuit against the WWE.

RANDY ORTON DEF. JOHN CENA & TRIPLE H – WWE CHAMPIONSHIP

Orton retained his WWE title in a triple threat match and fast forward nine years, he’s involved in another WWE title match where he’ll take on Bray Wyatt.

Cena is still with the company, although many claim on a part-time basis, and is set to team up with Nikki Bella to take on The Miz and Maryse this year.

Despite being in charge of NXT amongst other numerous backstage roles, Triple H will lace up the boots again this year where he’s expected to take on Seth Rollins.

FLOYD MAYWEATHER DEF. THE BIG SHOW

Floyd had a successful celebrity stint that night where he defeated The Big Show, and has now confirmed that he’s coming out of boxing retirement only for UFC’s Conor McGregor – another who’s been linked to a WrestleMania role.

The Big Show could be involved in another celebrity match this year, with his contract expiring in February 2018, he’s desperate to get Shaquille O’Neal inside the ring on April 2.

THE UNDERTAKER DEF. EDGE – WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

The Undertaker captured the World Heavyweight Championship by submitting Edge in their epic rivalry, and is somehow still going strong as he prepares to take on Roman Reigns this year.

Since retiring, Edge has become a Hall of Famer and has done some fantastic work alongside Christian on the Network with sporadic in-ring returns, and is also starting a podcast with his best friend.