We are so close to WrestleMania 33! I’ve never been more
excited for one before, because well I’ll be in Orlando for it live for the first time in my life. In being
in WrestleMania mode, I’ve watched so many past WrestleMania’s from the past 17
years or so these past few weeks. I started watching WWE around Mania’ 19, so
if you’re expecting matches from before 16, well that just wasn’t my era. Not
that there weren’t amazing matches prior. These matches have just always
resonated with me, and made my wrestling experience as a fan awesome over the
course of my personal WWE experience.
20. The Shield vs Randy Orton, Sheamus, and Big show
WrestleMania 29
This match is kind of
special to me because it was my very first live WrestleMania on PPV experience.
I was never able to afford them in the past(ya know being a kid and all), and I finally was able to this
time being out on my own working and what not. This match right here was my first one I ever got to see, since it opened
the show. Now looking back, it’s awesome to see the Shield trio going over on
three former world champions on the biggest stage. These three guys are three
of the biggest stars WWE has actually done a good job building up, and they
will main event Manias for years to come.
WrestleMania 25
I remember the build to this match was pretty great, granted
it was kind of 5 years late, since the turn on Orton happened 5 years ago. But
Randy is one of my favorites of all time, and this is the year when he legitimized
himself as one of my all-time favorites, the “voices in my head” Orton was
born. Even though this match didn’t live up to the hype, it’s Orton’s only one
of two WrestleMania’s he main evented. Both of which he sadly lost.
18. Randy Orton vs Triple H vs John Cena for the WWE Title
WrestleMania 24
I personally love this match for the mere fact nearly
everyone thought Cena or Triple H was walking out champ, and then boom Randy
takes the win and keeps his title.
17. John Cena Vs The Rock
WrestleMania 28
In my wrestling watching experience, I’m not sure there was
ever a match that had a yearlong build like this one. What was crazier to me is
that I heard people who weren’t even big wrestling fans talking about who’s
going to win. That was a hard match to live up to no matter who you are, but
for The Rock being out for so long, I thought it was pretty cool and a dream
match you thought you’d never see. I was also happy The Rock got the win in their
first match, the second one was to predictable and we all knew Cena would win.
16. Money In The Bank Ladder Match Randy Orton vs Jeff Hardy
vs Finlay vs Edge vs Matt Hardy vs. Mr. Kennedy vs. Booker T vs CM Punk
WrestleMania 23
This was the third money in the bank ladder match ever, when
it was still at Mania’, although I never cared for Mr. Kennedy who ended up
winning it, the match was great. We saw Matt and Jeff Hardy back in ladder
matches. Then that amazing moment when Jeff jumped off a ladder onto Edge
through another ladder. It was the first time a ladder was broken in half like
a table, a trend that was used over and over afterwards. Plus, that RKO to CM
Punk off the ladder!
15. Shawn Michaels vs Chris Jericho
WrestleMania 19
This was right around when I first tuned into WWE when I was
in about 3rd grade. One of the earliest feuds I remember these guys
being in. Although as I said I never got to watch every PPV live, due to nobody
expecting any one’s parents to fork over $50 a PPV, I still enjoyed this match
later on. What an awesome match between two of the greatest of all time.
14. Jeff Hardy Vs Matt Hardy Extreme Rules Match
WrestleMania 25
This was a pretty cool match, considering The Hardys were
always my favorite team when I was a kid. The match had a few big spots,
although I was rooting for Jeff. That twist of fate with the chair wrapped
around Jeff’s neck was brutal, when Matt took the win.
13. Triangle Ladder match for the Tag Team Titles. Dudley
Boyz vs The Hardy Boyz vs Edge & Christian
WrestleMania 16
This was before my time, this was an attitude era type of
match. However, I have seen this match many times. I remember getting a boxset
anthology set that included WrestleMania 16 through WrestleMania 20 for a
birthday or something. I loved this one, so much awesomeness from these three
teams. That amazing Swanton from Jeff to Bubba off a ladder and through a table
is a Mania’ moment I will never forget.
12. Randy Orton vs Seth Rollins
WrestleMania 31
This may be surprising to some people, but there’s something
about this match that’s just great. For one these guys mix well together, and
the fact Orton delivered four RKO’s in this match between Rollins and his two
security guards, was awesome. One of my original favorites taking on one of my
new favorites. Not to mention one of my favorite Mania’ moments when Orton
delivered that amazing RKO off the curb stomp at the end of the match to take
the win.
11. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs The Rock
WrestleMania 19
This was the third Mania’ match for these two guys and Stone
Cold had the last two victories over The Rock. The Rock was out to prove he
could beat Stone Cold on the big stage, this would also be the last time Stone
Cold would ever compete in a match, and man what a way to go out in a blaze of
glory. Even though he lost, it’s a damn good match. A great way to close his in-ring
career and for one of the biggest rivalries to ever grace our screens, to come
to an end. It’s sad when my WWE experience began, two of the all-time greats
were coming to an end of their wrestling careers. But that’s why the network is
great because we can go back and re-live this stuff. Don’t get me wrong I’ve
seen plenty of stunners and beer guzzling, after this, because Stone Cold may
not have been in matches, but he was still kicking ass.
10. Money In The Bank Ladder Match Edge vs Chris Benoit vs
Kane vs Shelton Benjamin vs Chris Jericho vs. Christian
WrestleMania 21
To me this was a history making match, considering how many
money in the bank matches have followed it. The very first one, and still one
of the best. You take three of the very best mid card guys and they put on a
clinic. Shelton really shined in this match, but this is what started Edge’s
first world title run, and making him a main eventer. I miss this match at
Mania’ over a PPV of its own.
9. John Cena vs Shawn Michaels for the WWE Title
WrestleMania 23
From what I understand, originally this was supposed to be
Cena vs Triple H, but he got injured so they changed it for Michaels to fill
in. But I’m glad they did, because this match had it all. You can say what you
want about Cena, but when it comes to big matches, he always puts on a good
show. And of course, when you have Mr. WrestleMania Shawn Michaels himself in
basically any Mania’ match it’s probably going to be good. Although this particular
time, I wanted Shawn to win, but Cena took the win.
8. Shawn Michaels vs The Undertaker
WrestleMania 25
What do you get when you put two of the greatest of all time
in WrestleMania matches in one match? You get arguably one of the best matches
of all time. These two stole the show that night, I’m not sure if anyone was
expecting any less from these guys. Undertaker put on some of his best Mania’
matches, from 21 through 29, I think most would agree.
7. Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels Career vs Streak Match
WrestleMania 26
To follow their match from a year prior, they went at it
again, only this time Michaels puts his career on the line. Obviously, you know
Michaels lost. But it was the best way he could’ve possibly went out. Putting
this as the main event over both world title matches, was the right call. A
very emotional match, and Shawn hasn’t wrestled a match since.
6. Randy Orton vs The Undertaker
WrestleMania 21
An Undertaker Mania match I feel that is very underrated as
time has gone on. Orton’s first solo bout at WrestleMania against a huge
legend. What some might not remember is the Undertaker’s undefeated streak at
Mania’ wasn’t even really a big thing until this match. This was the first time
someone was out to beat The Undertaker to end his streak at WrestleMania. What
was a start to Undertaker’s next ten Mania’ matches where his streak became
almost a mythical thing and a huge deal to beat him. So, in a way we can thank
Orton for starting this trend and that choke slam into an RKO was amazing!
5. Stone Cold vs The Rock for the WWE Title No DQ Match
WrestleMania 17
The second match in the trilogy of Mania’ matches between
these guys, and arguably the best one. This entire WrestleMania is considered
one of the best of all time, and it is the first WrestleMania I ever saw if I remember
correctly. My brother and I rented it on VHS, and were blown away by the whole
card. Especially this main event, and then seeing Stone Cold team with Vince.
4. Undertaker Vs Tripe H Hell in a Cell End of an Era match
WrestleMania 28
If you haven’t noticed there’s a trend here, with thinking
Undertaker matches are some of the best. But who would argue that? This was an
intense bout following their bout from the year before, and Shawn Michaels was
the special guest referee, a perfect set up. These two beat the holy hell out
of each other. Two men who have more WrestleMania matches than anyone else in
the history of the business. Then the walk with all three of them to the ramp
together was very heart wrenching. I feel privileged after a match like this,
to grow up when I did, in that era.
3. Kurt angle vs Shawn Michaels
WrestleMania 21
I actually remember their feud going into this match and not
being super excited for it. Granted I was still a newer fan to the WWE. But I
was a dumb kid, because this match is amazing. Two totally different styles of
wrestling, that mixed so well. I don’t think anyone expected Angle to pull out
the win, let alone for Shawn to tap out. It’s matches like this that make me
feel honored I get to see Kurt Angle inducted into the Hall of Fame this year
live.
2. Edge vs Mick Foley Hardcore Match
WrestleMania 22
I’ll never forget that Christmas as a kid I got WrestleMania
22 on DVD. I was so pumped, and this match here always blew my mind. So much
awesomeness, that burning table spear to me is an under rated Mania’ moment
they should show more when thinking of past Mania’ moments. Edge looked genuinely
petrified afterwards like he was a different person.
1.
TLC #2 for the Tag Team titles Edge &
Christian vs. Dudley Boyz vs The Hardy Boyz
WrestleMania 17
This match right here, also on that VHS tape we rented so long
ago, certainly solidified me as a fan for life. Wow is really all you can say,
these three teams literally put everything on the line. There’s so many amazing
moments in this match. I would give anything to have seen it live, be it on TV
or in person. Most of these other matches are pretty even as far as how much I
like each of them but this one I have to say is probably my favorite
WrestleMania match of all time thus far.
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