The 40 Best WrestleMania Matches, Ranked
The 40 Best WrestleMania Matches, Ranked
Originally Written for ONE37PM
Hey everyone! It’s The Wrestling Classic here with another list for ONE37pm. This month I have been tasked with writing an article where I rank the 40 best WrestleMania matches of all time. This is a hard task, especially when it comes to WrestleMania. The WWE always goes above and beyond to make sure they deliver at the biggest show of the year. I have covered WrestleMania in the past when I ranked every event and even when I ranked every match The Undertaker had at WrestleMania. This task is no different.
The criteria for this list are based on the substance of the actual matches. That means I am not considering the overall rivalry or build-up to the matches. There are matches missing from this list that were highly significant, had amazing build-ups, and did big in drawing power for the WWF/E. To be quite honest, Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant and Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior didn’t make this list because the matches themselves aren’t something I desire to go back to watch.
The multi-man ladder matches, whether for the Money in the Bank contract or the Intercontinental Championship, weren’t considered for this list either because they would take up most of this list as they’re all pretty memorable. It’s not hard to steal the show with a multi-man ladder match including innovative moments and high spots. They actually deserve to be ranked on their own separate list.
Now read this list as if it’s a catalog for someone who never watched wrestling or is new to watching wrestling but wants to watch some of the best matches from WrestleMania. Be sure to share with your wrestling friends to get into some serious debates!
40. Sting vs. Triple H
WrestleMania 31
This was the long-anticipated first WrestleMania appearance of “The Icon” Sting and his only in-ring appearance at the event. “The Stinger” had been the franchise of World Championship Wrestling for so long and a staple in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling for years. So when he finally made his WWE debut at Survivor Series 2014, it was truly something special. Sting’s first opponent would be none other than Triple H – they played off the “Monday Night Wars” era as this would have been a dream match back then. This match played off of everyone’s nostalgia that lived through that era as both D-Generation X and the nWo would get involved. It’s honestly a must-watch for anyone who was born in the 90s.
39. “Macho Man” Randy Savage vs. Hulk Hogan
WrestleMania V
As an adult who has been in a handful of relationships now, I feel like the “Macho Man’s” paranoia was justified and the “Hulkster” had lust in his eyes for Elizabeth. However, Randy Savage’s paranoia and alleged “jealousy” got the best of him at WrestleMania V when he dropped the WWF Championship to Hulk Hogan. The popularity of “Hulkamania” helped launch the WrestleMania franchise and the Hulkster played a huge role in the first nine years of the event. Although some of his other matches hold a higher level of importance, did bigger business, and may have had more anticipation behind them, Savage gave him his best WrestleMania match during those early years. It had an amazing year-long build and sent the fans home happy by the end of it all.
38. Seth Rollins vs. Finn Bálor vs. The Miz
WrestleMania 34
37. Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair
WrestleMania 36
This was one of the matches I watched back specifically before writing this list. I also felt like it was appropriate since Rhea Ripley will be challenging Charlotte Flair for her Smackdown Women’s Championship this year at WrestleMania (2023). This was the 2020 WrestleMania that took place at the Performance Center and had no fans in the building. It’s really easy for everything from this particular WrestleMania to be written off outside of the two cinematic matches it presented, plus Drew McIntyre dethroning Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship and Edge’s return match against Randy Orton. If you can get over the awkwardness of it being the mid-pandemic WrestleMania and the excessive amount of moans or groans from both women, it’s a really good match.
36. Eddie Guerrero vs. Kurt Angle
WrestleMania XX
35. Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair
WrestleMania 38
34. Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins
WrestleMania 31
33. Roman Reigns vs. Edge vs. Daniel Bryan
WrestleMania 37
32. The Undertaker vs. Triple H
WrestleMania X-Seven
It’s crazy to think that when Triple H faced The Undertaker at WrestleMania X-Seven, he was sort of looked at as the younger star facing off against the proven seasoned vet. Triple H had been with the company for about six years but had only really spent about two years at the top of the card. Taker had been with the company since 1990 and had been on top since nearly day one. This match flies under the radar because they had two great matches at WrestleMania years later in their career. But I’ll always prefer this match over their clash at WrestleMania XXVII.
31. Daniel Bryan vs. Kofi Kingston
WrestleMania 35
30. Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka
WrestleMania 34
29. Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle vs. Stephanie McMahon and Triple H
WrestleMania 34
28. John Cena vs. The Rock
WrestleMania XXVIII
27. The Undertaker vs. Randy Orton
WrestleMania 21
26. The Rock vs. Hollywood Hogan
WestleMania X8
From the moment the WWF teased bringing in the New World Order stable, the matches people wanted to see were “Hollywood” Hogan versus either The Rock or “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. When Rocky eventually stepped into the ring with his fellow wrestling icon, the unexpected occurred when most of the fans in attendance turned on The Rock and booed him every time he gained the advantage. Although Hogan returned as part of the villainous nWo faction, the WWF fans had finally grown to miss their old hero. The Toronto crowd created such a powerful here atmosphere that made this match so unforgettable. Although the “Hulkster” passed the torch to the “Great One,” by the end of the match it didn’t seem like the fans wanted that at all. This clash between Hall of Fame caliber talent secures its spot here among the best WrestleMania matches.
25. Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar
WrestleMania XIX
24. “Macho Man” Randy Savage vs. Ric Flair
WrestleMania VIII
All’s fair in love and war. This rivalry between “Macho Man” Randy Savage and the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair included both. This was Flair’s only appearance at a WrestleMania during his 90s run in the WWF. Although the obvious plan would be Hogan versus Flair at this show, that sadly wasn’t the case. Instead, fans were treated to a storyline where Flair made false claims about having had a relationship with Miss Elizabeth before Randy, thereby making things super personal between the two. Their match felt more like a fight than a wrestling match – it ended up being so great thanks to an amalgamation of pre-match controversy, a rare element of blood, and unbridled passion. This WWF Championship encounter is most certainly one of the best WrestleMania matches I’ve ever seen.
23. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Benoit
WrestleMania XX
I know for a lot of people it’s difficult for them to watch a match with Chris Benoit in it, considering the terrifying and tragic events that took place at the end of his life. I completely understand those feelings and it’s one of the reasons why this match is kind of written off by most wrestling fans. I’m not going to spend a lot of time on it but in respect to this being the only time Triple H and Shawn Michaels faced off against each other at a WrestleMania too, I still wanted to place it on this list.
22. The Undertaker vs. Batista
WrestleMania 23
21. Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho
WrestleMania XIX
It was 2003 and Shawn Michaels at the time had recently returned to being a full-time wrestler heading into his first WrestleMania. When Chris Jericho made his WWE debut in 1999, Michaels was retired from the ring. Jericho grew up idolizing “HBK” and he finally had a chance to wrestle against his role model. The only thing that changed is that Jericho truly in his heart believed he had become better than his hero. These competitors are two of the best in the ring – HBK was rejuvenated and Jericho was at the top of his game. It was a fantastic competitive match that sometimes gets forgotten.
20. Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton vs. Batista
WrestleMania XXX
This match was originally just supposed to be Randy Orton versus Batista. And the original plan for another match at this ‘Mania was supposed to be Daniel Bryan versus Sheamus. However, Bryan was SO over (and CM Punk walked out at the time, thus leaving Triple H without a match) that they had to call an audible to include Bryan in the main event picture. It was one of the rare times the fans actually controlled the story. Although you almost knew Bryan winning was inevitable, it was still a feel-good moment to see him overcome three of the most dominant stars (Triple H earlier in the night) of the last decade in a drama-filled action-packed match. This Triple Threat classic is indeed one of the best WrestleMania matches
19. CM Punk vs. The Undertaker
WrestleMania 29
CM Punk was the man in 2013 after having an incredible 434-day title reign as the WWE Champion. In a perfect world, Punk would have been in the main event of ‘Mania 29 defending the championship against both Cena and Rocky. However, when that wasn’t the case, he got a shot at the ‘Taker’s undefeated streak. It was the best match that night and, considering how much of a roll Punk had been on for the last two years, it wasn’t unbelievable that he could end the streak. It was also one of the rare occasions where fans wanted to see “The Phenom’s” streak come to an end. Punk came super close in a very competitive match that would be his last WrestleMania match in the WWE.
18. Bret “Hitman” Hart vs. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper
WrestleMania VIII
I feel like for the most part, this match between “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Bret “Hitman” Hart for the Intercontinental Championship is underappreciated. Piper was an established top name in the WWF for a very long time and Hart was on the come up as a singles competitor at this time. Initially, the match was contested in friendly competition. But as it progressed, you could see “Hot Rod” get more frustrated with the “Hitman.” In a moment of opportunity and pure irritation, Piper had the opportunity to cheat. He didn’t do it, although the temptation was definitely there for him to bash Hart in the head with the timekeeper’s bell. He put over Hart the right way and it was just a great match overall. This IC Championship encounter is most definitely one of the best WrestleMania matches contested for a title.
17. Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins
WrestleMania 38
16. Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair
WrestleMania XXIV
15. Sasha Banks vs. Bianca Belair
WrestleMania 37
When it all just clicks, it simply clicks. That is exactly what happened when Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair clashed at ‘Mania 37. The build-up was not good at all, but the match didn’t have a single flaw. The production was a bit hampered than usual for 2021 WWE standards as there was a rainstorm earlier in the day and it added this simplicity to the atmosphere of an old-school wrestling match. It was the veteran passing the torch to the new young star here. It was the first time two black women were in the main event of WrestleMania, which also makes this one so special. It was historic for so many reasons but overall, the match was just so simple yet highly significant.
14. Edge vs. Mick Foley
WrestleMania 22
Everyone knows that Mick Foley is a legend and one of the most over-stars of the “Attitude Era.” However, if you looked back at Foley’s Wrestlemania history prior to ‘Mania 22, he never really had a defining WrestleMania moment. Although he teamed with The Rock to face Evolution at ‘Mania XX, they lost and it wasn’t really a “moment,” per se. That all changed at ‘Mania 22 when he faced Edge in a hardcore match that fans will never forget. It was bloody, brutal, and perfect for the “Hardcore Legend.” This match also elevated Edge as a tough guy if you didn’t think he was already. Foley also got his ‘Mania moment when Edge speared him through a flaming table, which blew everyone’s minds and confirmed its placing among the best WrestleMania matches of all time.
13. “Macho Man” Randy Savage vs. Ultimate Warrior
WrestleMania VII
12. The Undertaker vs. Triple H
WrestleMania XXVIII
11. The Rock vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
WrestleMania XIX
This was the final match in the Austin and Rock trilogy at WrestleMania. At the time the fans didn’t know this, but it was also “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s last match for 19 years until he returned at ‘Mania 38. The Rock was back to being the villain in the midst of his “Hollywood Rock” persona while “Stone Cold” was the beloved fan favorite who had just recently returned to the company after walking out a year prior. These two always had great chemistry and both were in their prime here, so it was a fun encounter overall. It also kind of felt like a farewell to the “Attitude Era” in many ways. This match is my personal favorite of their entire trilogy.
10. Charlotte Flair vs. Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch
WrestleMania 32
9. Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle
WrestleMania 21
8. Shawn Micaels vs. Razor Ramon
WrestleMania X
It was the first ever “recognized” ladder match in the WWF. Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon were on the come-up in 1994 and wrestled over the workhorse championship at the time. The match was super innovative at the time and something we had never seen before on a big stage, so every high spot felt fresh. It’s a stand-out performance for both superstars and left a lot of moments to be included in future highlight reels. Although we have seen some crazy things in ladder matches since then, none of them would have existed without this bout. You can’t do a list of the best WrestleMania matches and not include this one.
7. Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker
WrestleMania XXVI
6. The Rock vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
WrestleMania X-Seven
Steve Austin and The Rock are two of the two biggest names in professional wrestling and were two of the most popular stars at the time fighting over the grandest prize in the business. Although they had wrestled at WrestleMania before, the atmosphere was different this time as they were both super over with the fans rather than one of them coming into the match as the villain. Both guys were also a lot more confident and cemented in their roles by 2001. The match was an all-out brawl and the heel turn from Austin at the end was something nobody could have ever expected. This bloody championship brawl will always be considered as being one of the best WrestleMania matches.
5. Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart
WrestleMania X
In arguably the best opening match in ‘Mania history, the Hart brothers gave us an opening match masterpiece. These two knew each other so well, which made every counter and transition come off as super calculated. Bret Hart was the former World Champion and Owen Hart wanted to prove that he was better than his older brother. The outcome of Owen winning was shocking and added to both men’s overall feud. If you are a fan of the art of professional wrestling, go out of your way to watch this match.
4. The Hardy Boyz vs. Edge and Christian vs. The Dudley Boyz
WrestleMania X-Seven
This is the Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match that changed the game. This was a demolition derby of crazy high spots that set the bar for all future TLC and ladder matches going forward. All three teams had their first TLC match at SummerSlam 2000 and decided to hit the repeat button at ‘Mania. I think just based on the way the Dudleyz, Hardyz, and Edge and Christian put their bodies on the line is enough to make this one of the greatest WrestleMania matches of all time. Will wrestling fans ever forget Edge spearing a hanging Jeff Hardy by jumping off a ladder in the air? In addition to that, even Lita, Rhyno, and Spike Dudley were involved in the match. This one simultaneously is entertaining, ridiculous, and historic.
3. Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker
WrestleMania 25
2. “Macho Man” Randy Savage vs. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat
WrestleMania III
If you’re over the age of 25, then this is most likely one of your favorite wrestler’s favorite matches when they were coming up. The “Macho Man” Randy Savage and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat were ahead of their time with this match in terms of speed and the style of their performance in this encounter for the Intercontinental Championship. Years later we would see a lot of superstars who are considered workhorses that were inspired by this match and these two legends. Although Andre The Giant and Hulk Hogan drew the crowd, this match clearly stole the show. This held the spot as the greatest WrestleMania match for an entire decade.
1. Bret “The Hitman” Hart vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
WrestleMania 13
This match is my personal favorite match of all time. What can I say about it that I haven’t said before in previous articles such as when I ranked the best matches of Steve Austin and Bret Hart. This match had a little bit of everything from technical wrestling, brawling, and impeccable storytelling with a double turn taking place at the very end of it all. Hart walked in as the hero but walked out as the villain. Austin walked in as the bad guy but walked out as everyone’s favorite anti-hero. The image of Steve Austin in the sharpshooter with blood drenched all over his face is iconic to this day.
I hope you all enjoyed this list of the best WrestleMania matches of all time. Let me know if I missed any matches you think should have made this list but didn’t on social media or in my personal Discord.
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