Since 1985, WrestleMania has been WWE’s premier event—a can’t-miss phenomenon of sport and spectacle that transcends professional wrestling. The greatest moments, most heated rivalries, and biggest matches are reserved for the “Showcase of the Immortals.”
Fans often debate what the greatest WrestleMania matches are, resulting in a wide range of opinions. For many fans, the match between Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III stands out. It is a cultural cornerstone of the industry. It is iconic for some, while others consider it unspectacular.
Every list and ranking of this nature is subjective. My list is no more important or better than anyone else’s. Fans watch wrestling for different reasons: some appreciate the athleticism, while others are drawn to the drama. Many enjoy wrestling for all it has to offer.
WrestleMania often reflects the industry at its best. The combination of pomp and pageantry creates seminal moments and legendary matches that leave a lasting impression on the hearts and souls of every wrestling fan.
With so many great matches to consider, compiling this list was a challenge. Without further ado, here are Ringside Logic’s 50 Greatest WrestleMania Matches.
50. New Age Outlaws vs. Cactus Jack & Chainsaw Charlie – Dumpster Match – WrestleMania 14
This match is the odd duck entry on the list. Its historical significance is immaterial. However, this tag team title showdown was a fun-filled ride of carnage and chaos that rocked Boston’s FleetCenter. Terry Funk ditched the Chainsaw Charlie persona in favor of his legendary namesake, Cactus Jack, and Billy Gunn did an insane ladder spot into the dumpster, highlighting the extreme affair. One of the best matches I’ve ever seen live.
49. Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair: WrestleMania 38
Becky Lynch made her surprising return at SummerSlam 2021, where she beat Bianca Belair in 26 seconds, which fans did not love. Fans were mad at WWE for booking Belair to lose so quickly. Fans yearned for Belair to get her win back. On a night when Steve Austin and Cody Rhodes returned, Bianca Belair and Becky Lynch unleashed that special WrestleMania magic that created a fever-pitch atmosphere in AT&T Stadium.
48. Money in the Bank: WrestleMania 21
The inaugural Money in the Bank ladder match is a tremendous proof of concept that evolved from a WrestleMania staple to a landmark event in WWE. It all began in Hollywood with six wrestlers. Chris Benoit was the favorite to win, but his injured arm was a target. Kane was the most dangerous competitor, as it was a rare sight to see such a monster in a ladder match. Christian was the slimy weasel getting assists from his hired muscle, Tyson Tomko. Chris Jericho was on top of his game. Shelton Benjamin turned in an MVP performance. Edge proved why he is the ultimate opportunist as he sniped Benoit’s injured arm, clearing his way up the ladder to secure the now-infamous briefcase.
47. The Rock vs. John Cena: WrestleMania 28
Once in a lifetime (for the first time) saw a generational dream match between icons of two different eras. John Cena was WWE’s full-time lead, while The Rock had become Hollywood’s biggest action star. Both put on a performance that lived up to the big fight feel. The Miami crowd was hot for The Rock, but many assumed Cena would win since he was the full-time star of the company. The cinematic ending saw Cena fall victim to his own hubris, allowing The Rock to capitalize on the opportunity and secure the win. Cena sitting on the ramp, devastated by the loss, is a sight that will live in WrestleMania infamy.
46. Jake Roberts vs. Rick Martel – Blindfold Match: WrestleMania 7
The Blindfold Match between Jake Roberts and Rick Martel is the greatest example of audience participation in a wrestling match. Roberts used the audience inside the LA Sports Arena to find Martel. Cheers emerged when Roberts inquisitively pointed in the right direction, while the reverse was true for “The Model.” Stumbles, fumbles, and near misses made it all the more satisfying when Roberts finally hit the DDT. An excellent display of ring psychology.
45. Bill Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar – WrestleMania 33
Thirteen years earlier, Goldberg and Brock Lesnar had the worst high-profile match in WrestleMania history. A ferocious four minutes and forty-five seconds in Orlando delivered a make-good performance. It was Hulk vs. Doomsday, ruthlessly leveling each other with the big moves in their arsenal from the onset. Their fight was an energetic sprint to the finish, precisely what it needed to be.
44. Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks: WrestleMania 32
These ladies stole the show in a bell-to-bell classic that was, at the time, the greatest women’s wrestling match ever on the main roster. Flair, Lynch, and Banks got plenty of time to shine. Charlotte won by submitting Lynch with the Figure Eight while her father, Ric Flair, prevented Banks from breaking it up. Charlotte walked in as the Divas Champion and walked out as the new WWE Women’s Champion. Overall, you couldn’t have written a better way to usher in the new era of women’s wrestling in WWE.
43. AJ Styles vs. Shane McMahon: WrestleMania 33
Some would scoff at the idea that AJ Styles had one of the memorable matches of his career against Shane McMahon. Well, that is exactly what happened as they opened the show in Orlando. McMahon’s unorthodox daredevil style complemented Styles’ Matrix-like high-flying abilities. “The Phenomenal One” prevailed in a match that stole the show in such a fashion that no one that night would follow.
42. Seven Way Intercontinental Title Ladder Match: WrestleMania 31
Wade Barrett was the champion, defending against Dean Ambrose, Dolph Ziggler, Luke Harper, R-Truth, Stardust, and Daniel Bryan. This match was an entertaining car wreck, with table-crashing and ladder-bashing stunts galore. The holy #&%$ moment came when Luke Harper power bombed Dean Ambrose over the top rope and through a ladder bridged between the ring apron and the security rail. Barrett hit everyone with his Bull Hammer finisher in a last-ditch effort to claim victory. Bryan took out Barrett with the Busaiku Knee and headbutted his way through Ziggler to grab the title and become champion. WrestleMania 30 ended with Bryan winning gold, and WrestleMania 31 began with him proudly holding up more gold.
41. Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka: WrestleMania 34
A nonstop sprint from start to finish put the talents of Asuka and Charlotte Flair on full display. Many believed Asuka’s unbeaten record would remain intact, as it was the only time Charlotte went into a match as the underdog. Asuka delivered a suplex from the ring apron to the floor, a move that looked painful even to watch. It appeared there was a new SmackDown Women’s Champion on the horizon until Charlotte leveled Asuka with a spear, applied the Figure Eight, and surprisingly forced Asuka to tap out. Move for move and hold for hold, it was the best match on the card, marking the second time an undefeated streak was broken in the Superdome.
40. Undertaker vs. HHH: WrestleMania 17
The inaugural HHH/Undertaker match at WrestleMania gets lost in the shuffle due to the matches they had years later. Motorhead and motorcycles are revved up as the gift of WrestleMania 17 kept on giving with an action-packed co-main event between two pillars of the Attitude Era. It was an intense brawl throughout the Astrodome, featuring great moments that excited a record-breaking crowd.
39. Roman Reigns vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Edge: WrestleMania 37
While Reigns was already established as a WrestleMania main event player, this was his first time as the Tribal Chief. Edge won the Royal Rumble, and Bryan was a surprise addition. Reigns overcame the odds as he dragged Edge on top of Bryan and, in a rare moment, pinned both men simultaneously to retain the title. It’s a great story that definitively told the world that Roman Reigns was indeed “The Head of the Table.”
38. Macho Man” Randy Savage vs. Hulk Hogan: WrestleMania 5
“The Mega Powers Explode” is a phrase synonymous with wrestling lore. Jealousy, betrayal, and heartbreak laid the foundation of the greatest story WWE has ever told. Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage fought over the WWE Championship, but the affection of their manager, Miss Elizabeth, was equally as important. Hogan’s intense approach complemented Savage’s rage. The match perfectly encapsulated the notion that pro wrestling is a male soap opera in the best way possible.
37. Ronda Rousey & Kurt Angle vs. Triple H & Stephanie McMahon: WrestleMania 34
This mixed tag team match was much better than it had any business to be. It was Ronda Rousey’s debut, Kurt Angle hadn’t been wrestling full-time, and Stephanie McMahon hadn’t had a match in years. While Triple H did much of the heavy lifting, everyone else played their part extremely well. This match threw the audience through a loop at every turn, which was augmented by Rousey’s performance, who more than held her own.
36. Gunther vs. Sheamus vs. Drew McIntyre: WrestleMania 39
It had been a while since the Intercontinental title match stole the show at WrestleMania, but that’s happened. Gunther was already becoming one of the great IC champions, with memorable matches against Sheamus and McIntyre. Now, all three of them were in the same match and brought the best out of each other with a hard-hitting affair.
35. Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens vs. The Usos: WrestleMania 39:
The Bloodline saga was so good; it forced a tag team title match to headline WrestleMania for the first time. Owens was in his second consecutive Mania main event while Zayn, Jimmy, and Jey Uso occupied that space for the first time. When the bell rang, all four men not only lived up to the hype but exceeded it. Zayn finally got his revenge when he drilled Jey with three Helluva Kicks to win the titles for himself and his best friend.
34. Undertaker vs. Batista: WrestleMania 23
If there was ever a time for the streak to end, it was against Batista, who WWE was pushing as one of its two top stars. Undertaker won the Royal Rumble that year, but it was the first time the winner wasn’t booked in the main event. The atmosphere was electric as a true heavyweight clash unfolded. The back-and-forth battle was highly entertaining, with Batista matching the Undertaker’s aggression. There were several moments where it looked like the Streak might end, especially when Batista power slammed Undertaker through the announcer’s table. The effort and passion from both wrestlers were evident as they fed off the crowd’s energy. Ultimately, Undertaker won his first world title in five years, and “The Animal” proved he had the goods to deliver a classic.
33. Ric Flair vs. Randy Savage: WrestleMania 8
The world expected Hulk Hogan versus Ric Flair, but what we got was much better. Randy Savage was an enraged husband who wanted to rip Flair apart for claiming he had an affair with his wife, Miss. Elizabeth. The WWF Title was an afterthought. Savage couldn’t maintain control because Flair and Mr. Perfect repeatedly broke the rules. Savage eventually got the roll-up and unexpectedly held the tights to win the title. It was a rare moment of the babyface cheating to win. However, after the ridiculous amount of chicanery, no one blamed Savage for fighting fire with fire.
32. Gunther vs. Sami Zayn: WrestleMania 40
If any match echoed Rocky Balboa vs. Ivan Drago, it was the Intercontinental Title showdown between Gunther and Sami Zayn. Gunther was unstoppable during his record-breaking 666-day title reign. Gunther countering Zayn’s Blue Thunder Bomb with a rear-naked choke early on set a grueling tone for the challenger. Despite Gunther’s dominance, Zayn wouldn’t quit, countering a superplex to hit with a top rope brainbuster, followed by two Helluva kicks for the win. The crowd went wild as Zayn embraced his wife.
31. Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins: WrestleMania 38
Rhodes’ high-profile return as Rollins’ mystery opponent was celebrated with great fanfare due to his wrestling exploits abroad. Rollins felt slighted by the possibility he wouldn’t get a match on the show. The last thing Rollins wanted was to be the footnote of a big return. Meanwhile, Rhodes needed to prove he had evolved beyond the kid who left WWE six years prior. The sheer intensity exhibited in the match perfectly complements the story between these two. Neither wrestler wanted to be dwarfed by the enormity of the moment. Ultimately, Rhodes prevailed, setting the stage to become the industry’s top star.
30. Triple H vs. Daniel Bryan: WrestleMania 30
In an unfair set of circumstances, Daniel Bryan needed to beat Triple H in order to compete in the main event for the WWE Championship. Art imitated life as Bryan was being held down for being a smaller technical wrestler, rather than a massive bodybuilder, who traditionally gets ahead. This match was a tremendous back-and-forth battle as Bryan wouldn’t be denied despite Triple H using some innovative offense on his already injured shoulder. Bryan won, but “The Game” blindsided Bryan in a fit of rage, injuring him ahead of the main event.
29. Undertaker vs. Triple H: WrestleMania 27
Triple H targeted the legendary streak to gain revenge for the Undertaker ending Shawn Michaels’ career the year prior. Aggression-fueled intentions skipped the feeling-out process, causing carnage in and outside the ring. The Undertaker received a lengthy beating, which made it all the more shocking when he survived his own Tombstone piledriver in the most shocking kickout in WrestleMania history. Undertaker came back and miraculously submitted Triple H with Hell’s Gate. Undertaker won, but he didn’t look like the winner, having to be taken out on a stretcher, a sight unseen until 19-0.
28. Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho: WrestleMania 19
Many consider Shawn Michaels the greatest of all time, while Chris Jericho was often seen as the “Next Shawn Michaels.” A packed Safeco Field witnessed a dream match where both wrestlers demonstrated an incredible will to win. HBK was determined not to lose to the man often viewed as his successor, while Y2J aimed to step out of Michaels’ shadow, the man who had greatly influenced his career. Despite throwing everything at each other, Michaels secured the victory with a roll-up pin. After the match, Jericho embraced Michaels, leading everyone to believe that deep down, Jericho still respected Michaels until Jericho kicked him low and left him in the ring.
27. Daniel Bryan vs. Kofi Kingston: WrestleMania 35
Before Cody Rhodes finished his story, Kofi Kingston had his 11-year journey to complete. The sheer hypocrisy of Daniel Bryan’s belittlement of Kingston fueled the fire of the KofiMania movement. The goodwill Kofi earned over the years was clouded by the fear that he would never win the big one due to his perpetual mid-card status. The match is wonderfully paced and takes full advantage of the audience’s emotional state of hope and dread. Kofi hits Bryan with Trouble in Paradise to flip the script and become champion.
26. Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant: WrestleMania 3
To many, this is the biggest match in history—often the first match that comes to mind when people think of professional wrestling. In many ways, modern WWE lore starts here. It was drama personified early in the match when Hogan barely kicked out after a failed bodyslam attempt. Hogan came back from the jaws of defeat to “Hulk Up” and delivered the bodyslam heard around the world. It’s a moment people tell their kids about. Everyone remembers where they were when Hulk Hogan slammed Andre the Giant.
25. Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels – Iron Match: WrestleMania 12
Depending on who you talk to, the Iron Man Match is either highly overrated or severely underrated. This is the greatest match of all time if you judge Hart and Michaels’ performance solely on the crisp execution of moves. They made the battle look effortless in a manner that may never be duplicated. While they didn’t hold the audience the entire time, the last twenty minutes capping off the scoreless draw augmented Michaels’ overtime victory to realize the boyhood dream.
24. Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar: WrestleMania 19
When Brock Lesnar debuted on the Raw after WrestleMania 18, an inevitable showdown with Kurt Angle became the most anticipated match in WWE. An Olympic gold medalist facing a National Champion in the squared circle was as close as possible to the real thing. Angle was arguably the best wrestler in the world, and in his rookie year, Lesnar’s aptitude for the craft exceeded expectations. The action was a sublime marriage of amateur and pro wrestling styles, which is remarkable considering Angle wrestled the match with a broken neck. Lesnar nearly ended the match in tragedy when he under-rotated attempting a Shooting Star Press off the top rope and landed on his head. It’s a move Lesnar has done impressively many times during his developmental days in OVW. It would have been a tremendous finish, as most had never seen him do the move. Despite being rocked by the bad landing, Lesnar delivered an F5 to defeat Angle for the title.
23. Edge vs. Mick Foley: WrestleMania 22
Edge was on the doorstep of superstardom. He blamed Mick Foley for his first WWE Title reign lasting only three weeks. The “Ultimate Opportunist” made Foley’s life a living hell, setting the stage for their hardcore match. Joey Styles was on commentary to provide some “extreme” authenticity. Thumbtacks, razor wire, and barbed wire Socko made for an intense theater of mayhem. The fiery finale saw Edge Spear Foley through the ropes into a flaming table. Edge won the match, and Foley finally got his WrestleMania moment.
22. Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels II: WrestleMania 26
On par with their legendary clash the year prior, the stakes were increased like never before. Michaels cost Undertaker the world title, and Taker agreed to the rematch if Michaels put his career on the line. Career vs. The Streak was so big that it eclipsed the two championship matches, taking its rightful spot in the main event. Michaels attacked Undertaker at the opening bell, highlighting the enormity of the moment. The match produced an ending for the ages when, in a rare act of mercy, Undertaker wanted…hoped a beaten HBK would stay down. Michaels mustered the last bit of energy he had and slapped the Undertaker in the face. An enraged “Phenom” snatched up Michaels and delivered a jumping Tombstone for the win, and Shawn Michaels’ career was no more.
21. The Rock vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin: WrestleMania 17
Echoes of Limp Bizkit’s “My Way” resonate for those who fondly remember WrestleMania 17. The Rock and Steve Austin were the top stars during wrestling’s hottest era. The anticipation grew when Howard Finkel surprisingly announced the No Disqualification stipulation. The match was fast-paced and masterfully told the story of Austin’s desperation to reclaim the WWF Title. Resorting to heel tactics, Austin escalated the brutality, leading to Vince McMahon’s unexpected involvement. After delivering a barrage of chair shots, Austin pinned The Rock. The post-match hug and beer toast with McMahon surprised everyone. Fans awaited the inevitable Stone Cold Stunner. It never came. The unwanted heel turn cast a large shadow over a legendary encounter.
20. Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes: WrestleMania 40
The sophomore clash between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns is the greatest sequel in wrestling history. Fans were captivated like never before as Rhodes looked to finish his story against the most dominant faction in recent memory, The Bloodline, led by the most dominant champion of all time, Reigns. If their first encounter the previous year was akin to Infinity War, the match at WrestleMania 40 was Endgame. Surprise run-ins by multiple stars and legends evened the playing field. The combination of family legacies and the pursuit of championship glory created an unforgettable storm of sport and spectacle.
19. Eddie Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle: WrestleMania 20
Two dissimilar characters with contrasting styles put on a masterclass of storytelling that showed why Kurt Angle and Eddie Guerrero are two of the best to ever do it. Angle’s determination was apparent with every suplex he threw and every ankle lock he applied. Guerrero’s comeback thrilled the Madison Square Garden faithful. Angle seemingly tortured Guerrero with the ankle lock. Guerrero escaped by loosening and slipping out of his boot. Guerrero cleverly caught Angle with an inside cradle, utilizing the ropes for leverage to secure the pin. Guerrero was never hurt, and he loosened his boot, knowing Angle would go for the ankle again. Fans were never so happy to see someone cheat to retain the title.
18. Undertaker vs. CM Punk: WrestleMania 29
The last classic match of the Undertaker’s undefeated streak sits atop many lists of Mania classics. Similar to Rock/Hogan, nothing else on the show mattered after this match. Playing into the real-life passing of Undertaker’s long-time manager, Paul Bearer, made the drama palpable, if not a bit uncomfortable. But that’s CM Punk’s wheelhouse, saying and doing things that most people think but never do. The twists and turns throughout the match spoke to their instinctive chemistry. Taker’s zombie situp while in Punk’s Anaconda Vice left an indelible impression in the minds of wrestling fans everywhere.
17. Roddy Piper vs. Bret Hart: WrestleMania 8
A wrestling match featuring two beloved characters can be quite challenging, as it risks dividing the audience. Roddy Piper, an icon in wrestling, defended the Intercontinental Title against the rising Bret Hart. Piper, known for his brawling style, aimed to outwrestle Hart but found himself outmaneuvered by the technician. The match intensified when Piper landed a sneaky overhand right, cutting Hart’s eye and revealing a glimpse of his heel persona. A pivotal moment came when Piper nearly struck Hart with the ring bell, but the crowd’s reaction persuaded him to stop. Piper then applied a sleeper hold, but Hart countered, rolling backward for the pin. In a heartfelt conclusion, Piper raised Hart’s hand and placed the championship belt around his waist, marking the first time he was pinned cleanly in a WWE ring.
16. Triple H vs. Chris Benoit vs. Shawn Michaels: WrestleMania 20
Benoit won the Royal Rumble to earn his title shot, but Michaels got his name on the contract, making it a triple threat match. Michaels and Triple H were so hell-bent on ending their rivalry that they treated Benoit like an annoyance who was stopping them from doing the real work. The double suplex spot through the table made everyone believe Benoit was removed from the equation. Benoit came back, took out Michaels, and locked Triple H in the Crossface, who sold it as the most agonizing thing ever before tapping out. Benoit’s win followed the hallmark moment of him and Eddie Guerrero hugging amidst a confetti-filled celebration. While this match and moment are tainted by tragedy, Triple H and Shawn Michaels still deserve their flowers.
15: Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior: WrestleMania 6
Champion vs. Champion. Title for Title. This was the wrestling equivalent of Superman vs. Batman. It was an epic dream match; babyface against babyface matches were rare at the time. Fan support was split evenly. You were either Team Hogan or Team Warrior. The Warrior won in a torch-passing moment to capture the world and intercontinental titles. Some feel that the match’s “less is more” approach no longer holds up today. However, at the time, it was a great achievement, and its historical significance is undeniable.
14. Sasha Banks vs. Bianca Belair: WrestleMania 37
Arguably, the best match of WrestleMania 37 provided a hallmark moment when two Black women headlined for the first time. Putting aside the historical context, it remains a stellar match, where Belair and Banks exceeded lofty expectations. The hair whip spot with the Belair’s long braid was perfect. Banks pulled on the braid throughout the match. In a live-by-the-sword, die-by-the-sword moment, Belair had enough and whipped Banks with one hard shot that echoed throughout the stadium before hitting KOD for the win. It was a torch-passing moment in an era where WWE is criticized for failing to create new stars.
13. Kurt Angle vs. Shawn Michaels: WrestleMania 21
Sure, there was a story, and we got some fun moments via “Sexy Kurt” in the build-up to the match. On fight night, the powers that be let Shawn Michaels and Kurt Angle do their thing. It was a match between two of the absolute best, and they put on a mat classic tour de force for the ages. Angle kept attacking Michaels with the Ankle Lock, but HBK never tapped out…Not this time. Once the shock of Michaels’ submission wore off, everyone realized they had witnessed something special.
12. Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley: WrestleMania 39
This match was supposed to be the main event. However, the success of The Bloodline story was too big to ignore. The consolation prize of the co-main event didn’t stop Flair and Ripley from tearing the house down. It was also a redemption match after their lackluster performance at WrestleMania 36. While the pandemic had caused some disruptions, Rhea Ripley wasn’t the Rhea Ripley we have today. Charlotte is one of the best big-match wrestlers in the women’s division, and the two delivered a big fight feel that saw the passing of the torch to Ripley.
11. Razor Ramon vs. Shawn Michaels – Ladder Match: WrestleMania 10
Everyone walked into WrestleMania 10 wondering who would leave with the WWF title. However, everyone walked out talking about the ladder match for the undisputed Intercontinental Championship. Razor Ramon was the recognized champion, but Shawn Michaels never lost the title. It’s the blueprint, the forbearer, the standard for every other ladder match that followed. While many ladder matches today focus on death-defying stunts, Shawn and Razor’s performance centered on who could climb the ladder and grab the belts first. Both wrestlers delivered a show-stealing performance, resulting in an all-time classic match that brought a new and exciting concept to the wrestling genre.
Honorable Mention – Hulk Hogan & Mr. T vs. ‘Rowdy” Roddy Piper & “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff: WrestleMania
Mr. T was a pop culture icon of the 80s, and Hulk Hogan was pivotal to WWE’s success. Add Roddy Piper’s nuclear heat and Muhammad Ali as the special guest referee, and you have a recipe for blockbuster success. While not a classic match, its importance can’t be overstated. The crowd alone is a testament to the thrilling atmosphere of the moment. WrestleMania would have been a one-and-done affair if this match hadn’t succeeded.
10. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock: WrestleMania 19
Austin/Rock III is the crescendo of their trilogy. Austin won their first two encounters, and The Rock was determined not to go 0-3. Unlike WrestleMania 15 with its overbooked shenanigans and WrestleMania 17 with its ill-conceived heel turn, Austin and Rock truly shined by having the stage to themselves. Hollywood Rock was a heat magnet, while Austin was as loved as ever. The ending provided a fitting conclusion, as it took three Rock Bottoms to put Austin away. The last Rock Bottom is the best you will ever see, as it looked and sounded like Dwayne was trying to put Austin right through the ring. No one knew this would be Austin’s last match until afterward, making the final outing between two bona fide superstars a chef’s kiss. It felt like they were fighting for something bigger than themselves. This was how it was meant to be.
9. Ultimate Warrior vs. Randy Savage: WrestleMania 7
Two titans of the squared circle who personified professional wrestling put their careers on the line. Great action and high-stakes drama were executed to their fullest. Warrior somehow came back after taking five of Savage’s signature elbow drops and vanquished the Macho King. Moments later, the Macho Man was reborn as he reunited with the lovely Miss Elizabeth. Tears galore were shed as wrestling’s it couple paraded around the ring.
8. Daniel Bryan vs. Batista vs. Randy Orton: WrestleMania 30
Daniel Bryan was never supposed to be in the main event of WrestleMania. Dave Batista and Randy Orton were scheduled to have the top spot all to themselves. All involved did a masterful job of illustrating the corrupt corporate Authority attempting to stop Bryan from reaching the top of the mountain. After being carried out on a stretcher, Bryan returned and tapped out Batista with the YES Lock to win the championship. It was the perfect ending for the first WrestleMania main event on the WWE Network.
7. Owen Hart vs. Bret Hart: WrestleMania 10
Holy opening matches! It was a brilliant back-and-forth outing where Bret Hart was forced to fight his baby brother, Owen Hart. The contest was a technical marvel that incorporated many elements of Japanese style, which was previously unseen in WWE at the time. Owen not only held his own but everyone’s surprise; he countered a victory roll to score the win. No shenanigans; it was clean as a whistle. Owen Hart’s coming-out party produced a memorable WrestleMania classic and elevated him as a featured player.
6. Undertaker vs. HHH – Hell in a Cell: WrestleMania 28
The “End of an Era,” but was it really? It doesn’t matter. The match is so good that we gladly accept the lie. Undertaker had his back against the wall where, for the first time, there was sympathy for the “Phenom,” which is hard to generate for a towering colossus. The intense action, drama, and suspense were accentuated by the near-fall of all near-falls, as guest referee Shawn Michaels hit Sweet Chin Music, followed by a Pedigree from HHH. Undertaker miraculously kicked out and won, extending the streak to 20-0.
5. TLC 2 – Dudley Boyz vs. Hardy Boyz vs. Edge & Christian: WrestleMania 17
TLC 2 said, “Hold my beer,” when fans said nothing would top the WrestleMania 2000 ladder match and the inaugural TLC match. Three legendary tag teams had the best match at the greatest WrestleMania ever. Spike Dudley and Lita made their presence felt, while Rhyno provided critical assists to Edge & Christian. A cornucopia of highlights lives in infamy, including Jeff Hardy’s swanton off the top of the ladder through the table to the floor. And, of course, Edge hitting that iconic spear on Jeff Hardy epitomizes that even the highest bars can be raised.
4. The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan: WrestleMania 18
The Rock and Hulk Hogan didn’t just steal the show; they straight-up hijacked it. It was a legit dream match that we never thought would happen. When the bell rang, two maestros conducted the SkyDome orchestra to a continuous crescendo. The stare-down alone was worth the price of admission. This match introduced tiring out the crowd to where the rest of the show is met with apathy. To the surprise of many, nWo’s Hulk Hogan could do no wrong as the people’s champion was thrust into the “villain” role—a true masterpiece on how wrestlers work for the crowd.
3. Ricky Steamboat vs. Randy Savage: WrestleMania 3
Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat put on a performance that stole the show at the most historic WrestleMania. WWE’s reputation for only producing cartoon-style wrestling was shattered by the athletic mastery on display. The initial lockup alone had an intensity that signaled both men wanted this bad. Steamboat desperately wanted revenge after Savage injured his throat with the ring bell. The grace, beauty, technicality, theater, and brilliance of this affair are why this match still holds up. A generation of fans has called this the best WrestleMania, Intercontinental title, and wrestling match ever.
2. Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin: WrestleMania 13
What can be said that hasn’t already been said about this epic encounter? Bret Hart and Steve Austin brought the best out of each other. Ken Shamrock, fresh off his UFC run, brought an air of legitimacy as the special referee for this submission match. The ending produced the most iconic moment in any wrestling match. Austin made one last effort to escape the Sharpshooter as the crimson mask engulfed his face. The infamous double turn saw Hart become the villain, and Austin was jettisoned to superstardom of the highest level. In 2025, Hart vs. Austin became the first match inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
1. Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels: WrestleMania 25
Every wrestling fan remembers where they were on April 5, 2009. Michael Hickenbottom and Mark Calaway didn’t put on just another excellent performance. They produced a classic match that a generation looks to as the capstone of their fandom. Shawn Michaels was the biggest threat to the Undertaker’s undefeated streak. The drama was augmented by every well-chosen and well-timed move, sell, and facial reaction. Everything they did in the ring meant something. This outing transformed the streak from famous to infamous as we all reveled in grappling euphoria.
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