If you were to name one wrestling event that rises above all others, which one would it be? The obvious answer would be, of course, Wrestlemania. Starting back in 1985, these events quickly became the most exciting and influential shows in wrestling history. Not only did it introduce new wrestling stars that soon became our favorites, but it also included memorable performances of some of the best known celebrities like the legend, Aretha Franklin, in the 23rd episode, the stunning Pamela Anderson in the 11th, the unpredictable rocker Ozzy Osbourne in the 2nd episode and even the potential presidential candidate Donald Trump in the 23rd, among many others. Here we’ve compiled a list of the best Wrestlemania shows that truly capture the beauty of professional wrestling in all its glory.
10. The Dudley Boyz vs Hardy Boyz vs Edge and Christian (E&C)
We’ll start off with a huge match that happened during the Wrestlemania XVII event in 2001. It was a great TLC match involving three of the most famous tag teams in WWE history: the Dudley Boyz, known for their hardcore wrestling style, the Hardy Boyz, the unofficial pioneers of using ladders in matches and E&C, mainly recognized by their silly routines and comedic style. Despite being the least hardcore of the three, Edge and Christian managed to take the win. This awesome show was a basis for all the tag team matches that followed.
9. Chris Jericho vs Shawn Michaels
The Wrestlemania XIX saw the comeback of Shawn Michaels in an exciting match against Chris Jericho. Shawn Michaels, the original leader of Degeneration-X, managed to come back to the ring after suffering a serious, potentially debilitating injury to the back. Threatened by his presence, Chris Jericho felt the inner urge to confront Michaels and justify his title of being the greatest technical writer. However, technique is not everything, as Michaels had displayed here. With the tenacity of a true wrestling superstar, he managed to defeat Jericho and put himself back on the pedestal.
8. Shawn Michaels vs Razor Ramon
Wrestlemania X gave us an incredible performance by the rising star, Shawn Michaels. The two were among the first ones to use ladders in a match, which would go on to become a regular thing in future WWE matches. One moment that clearly sticks out is the one where Ramon climbed the ladder and Shawn Michaels dropkicked it, making him jump off. It was clear right then that Michaels was on his way to the top, even though he eventually lost this match to Razor.
7. The Rock vs Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan left WWF in 1993 and was forced to return after WCW broke down financially. Needless to say, the fans were thrilled to see their favorite performer back in the ring and against none other than the beloved Rock. How much the crowd loved Hulk Hogan was apparent right at the beginning as they refused to boo him as they often do to all of the Heels. The Rock took the win, but it was Hulk who made the greatest impression there.
6. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs the Rock (Fight 2)
The second of three fights between two of the most beloved wrestlers in WWE was probably the most exciting one. The fight was a main event of the 17th Wrestlemania and it brought on a lot of excitement. This marked Sean Austin’s return after receiving a neck injury. The Rock, who used Austin’s absence to take his throne, refused to give in without a fight so, in order to take him down, Austin had to use everything at his disposal. In the end, it is with the help of Vince McMahon, Austin’s old enemy that he managed to defeat The Rock, once and for all.
5. Bret Hart vs Shawn Michaels
Wrestlemania XII presented the confrontation of a well-known champion wrestler Bret Hart and a slicker and probably more exciting Shawn Michaels. The two played out an over-an-hour-long match that displayed all the beauty of technical perfection seen in professional wrestling. While some claim that the match is a bit too ordinary, it certainly holds its place as an example of how a great match should be coordinated.
4. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs Bret Hart
The next Wrestlemania, the 13th, confronted the technical wrestling expert Bret Hart with the brutal strength of the returning “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. This match signifies the new “Attitude Era” that made wrestling much more exciting and dramatically better. Since Hart was something of an old school wrestler, this match represented the clash of the old vs the new, and clearly, though after much struggle, the new won. “The Attitude Era” brought on much more brutal matches laced with humor and drama, which is why this match belongs to the very top of Wrestlemania performances.
3. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat vs Randy Savage
The second place belongs to the epic fight between Ricky Steamboat, also known as The Dragon and the late Randy Savage. The match happened during the Wrestlemania III event, the same one that gave us the Hulk vs Andre encounter, and showed us yet another fantastic clash of the champions. The match was somewhat overshadowed by the Hogan event, but it is technically far superior and thus much more meaningful. In the end, it was Ricky Steamboat who took the win.
2. Hulk Hogan vs Andre the Giant
In Wrestlemania III. back in 1987, Hulk Hogan found his defining moment in a fight against Andre the Giant. This wrestler, nearly 7 and a half feet tall and weighing over 500 pounds, was considered a living world wonder. Hulk Hogan, however, wasn’t intimidated by his size, but instead, in the heat of the moment, did something no one ever expected him to do – he lifted Andre up and slammed him to the ground. This showed Hulk’s superiority and ultimately made him a complete wrestling champion.
1. Shawn Michaels vs The Undertaker
The most recent match in the list could also be the finest one yet. It happened during the Wrestlemania XXV in 2009, and centered on the feud between Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker. The Undertaker was the long-standing wrestling champion in many events, including this one, which is why Michaels thought of himself as the one who would take away his title. He failed eventually, but he made him work extra hard to do it. A dramatic match with great action and realistic fights, this one certainly belongs at the top of the list.
Wrestlemania’s greatness lies in the fact that it comprised some of the greatest stars from all eras of wrestling. It is a place where a lot of significant things happened. Without it, wrestling wouldn’t be the same. Take a look at the list, revisit and relive some of the greatest moments in the sport’s history. You will certainly enjoy it.
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
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