The End of Eras and New Beginnings
May the fourth is a date that resonates with fans of a certain science-fiction universe, but in the annals of professional wrestling, it marks something just as profound: a day of transitions. It is a date where one of the most powerful brands in entertainment history took its final bow, where championships found new homes in moments of brutal brilliance, and where future heroes made their first stand. Looking back on May 04 reveals a cross-section of the sport’s modern history, a timeline of changing styles, evolving corporate identities, and the constants that never fade: the roar of the crowd and the weight of the gold.
The Last Gasps of the Federation
The turn of the millennium was a fertile period for pure in-ring action, and few rivalries defined that work-rate-focused era better than the one between Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit. Their chemistry was undeniable, a blend of technical mastery and simmering violence that produced classic after classic. On May 04, 2000, during a SmackDown taping in Richmond, Virginia, they added another chapter. Jericho defeated Benoit to capture his third WWF Intercontinental Championship, a title that was arguably as prestigious as the World Title at the time thanks to the efforts of men like these. It was a rugged, intense affair that saw the title change hands, a brief stop in Jericho's journey before Benoit would reclaim it just four days later on Raw.
Two years later, the Federation itself would have its last ride. On May 04, 2002, the World Wrestling Federation held Insurrextion at the Wembley Arena in London. The event itself was a standard UK-exclusive pay-per-view, headlined by Triple H defeating The Undertaker and a wild four-way hardcore match. Yet, its historical significance is immense. This was the final televised event to ever carry the iconic “WWF” block logo. Just two days later, the company would officially become World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), closing the book on the Attitude Era and the brand name that had defined wrestling for a generation of fans.
However, the event is remembered for more than just a name change. The return flight from London to the United States became the infamous “Plane Ride from Hell,” a chaotic, alcohol-fueled disaster that resulted in lawsuits and the firings of Scott Hall and Curt Hennig. It stands as a stark and necessary criticism of the company's backstage culture at the time. The glamour of an international tour and a main event between legends was irrevocably tainted by the unprofessional and dangerous behavior that unfolded at 30,000 feet, a reminder that the stories behind the curtain are often more complex and disturbing than the fiction inside the ring.
Champions, Old and New
The Intercontinental Championship once again became the focus on this date in 2014. At the Extreme Rules pay-per-view, Bad News Barrett defeated Big E to win the title, marking his fourth reign. The “Bad News” gimmick had finally gotten over with crowds, who delighted in shouting the catchphrase along with the bearer of bad tidings. For a moment, it seemed like Barrett, a former bare-knuckle boxer with a great look and promo skills, was finally breaking through the ceiling. This title win felt like a potential launching point for a main event run that sadly never materialized due to injuries and inconsistent booking, a common tale for many talented performers of that era.
A year later, on May 04, 2015, one of the most memorable debuts in Raw history took place in Montreal, Quebec. The legendary Bret Hart came out to a thunderous ovation in his home country to introduce the opponent for John Cena's weekly U.S. Championship Open Challenge. That opponent was NXT standout and fellow Montrealer, Sami Zayn. The arena erupted. For a few brief minutes, it was pure magic—the hometown hero, endorsed by a Canadian icon, stepping up to the company's top star. Zayn fought with incredible fire in a fantastic match, but famously injured his shoulder while simply raising his arms to pump up the crowd before the bell even rang. He finished the match in a gutsy, painful performance that only endeared him more to the fans, but the injury would sideline him for months, a bittersweet beginning to his main roster career.
The Modern Landscape
The theme of wrestling's global expansion continued on May 04, 2024, with the Backlash France Premium Live Event. Held in Lyon, it was the first-ever WWE PLE to be held in the country, and the European crowd made sure it was an unforgettable night. The sound in the LDLC Arena was deafening from start to finish, a passionate, sustained roar that elevated every single match. The main event saw Cody Rhodes retain his Undisputed WWE Championship against AJ Styles in a masterful contest that blended modern athleticism with old-school storytelling. The event was a resounding success, proving the viability of major international PLEs and showcasing a French fanbase that was more than ready for its moment in the spotlight.
Finally, May 04 also marks the birthday of one of modern wrestling’s most unique characters, Orange Cassidy, born in 1984. Initially dismissed by some as a comedy wrestler, Cassidy’s blend of supposed slothfulness and explosive bursts of athleticism got him over in a way few could have predicted. His rise in All Elite Wrestling to become a workhorse multi-time International Champion has proven his doubters wrong. His success represents a different philosophy of wrestling, one less concerned with muscular giants and more with characters who forge a genuine, often strange, connection with the audience. On a day marked by so many traditional wrestling milestones, Cassidy’s birthday is a fitting nod to the sport's ever-expanding definition of what a star can be.