The 20 Greatest Matches In Wrestlemania History:
The granddaddy of them all. The show of shows. Wrestlemania. It’s been the grandest stage in wrestling’s history for the past 30 years. With Wrestlemania 30 coming up this weekend, I thought I’d take this opportunity to select my 20 greatest Mania matches ever. My criteria is based on a lot of things, but the wrestling itself is the primary focus. There are a few story or significance picks, but most of it is based on the in-ring action. So while you won’t be seeing much Hogan or Ultimate Warrior on this list, you’ll see a ton of athletic performers who’ve dazzled us with their athleticism.
20. Cena vs. HBK- WM 23
The biggest name of his era vs. the biggest name of the current era. These two legends squared off in one of the more back-and-forth, underrated main events in Mania history.
19. Edge vs. Undertaker - WM 24
One of the greatest matches of Edge’s career, and one of the biggest threats to the streak. This one gets lost in the shuffle, but it shouldn’t.
18. Guerrero vs. Angle- WM 20
A technical wrestling clinic from two of the best ring generals ever. This was one of the crowning moments on one of the top 5 Mania’s ever.
17. Punk vs. Y2J- WM 28
Punk’s Mania work the last few years has been excellent, and this is no exception. The counter-wrestling and intensity was unmatched as this bout stole the show.
16. Angle vs. Benoit- WM 17
One of the few under-card bouts to make the list. This was the second best match in a long litany of classics in this feud.
15. HBK vs. HHH vs. Benoit- WM 20
The best three way dance in Mania history. Its intensity is matched by few and it stands out as Benoit’s crowning moment, which he deserved at the time, no matter what happened later.
14. Foley vs. Edge- Hardcore- WM 22
The hardcore legend leaves his mark on the list. The chemistry between these two, and their ability to put their bodies on the line, made this a classic.
13. HBK vs. Y2J- WM 19
This is a personal favorite for me. It’s like mirror images, teacher vs. student. The heart and similar styles worked well, and the storyline is relatable to anyone. Wish I could put it higher.
12. Dudleys vs. Hardys vs. Edge/Christian- TLC- WM 17
Maybe the greatest tag match ever at Mania, not to mention the first time TLC was done there. This represents the new guard in tag team wrestling. Classic car wreck.
11. Rock vs. Austin- WM 17
The end of the attitude era. The best clash ever between its two top stars. The infamous Austin heel turn, and the brutality. Need I say more?
10. Undertaker vs. Punk- WM 29
Last years’ match of the year, and one of Taker’s best Mania outputs. Excellent story told by both. Personally glad this opens the top 10.
9. HBK vs. Flair- WM 24
You’re going to notice a ton of HBK here. Go figure. Flair’s “retirement” match, and his best match since the early 90’s. Personal story, great psychology. Go watch it.
8. Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart- WM 10
These guys are the Benoit and Jericho of the 90’s. Classic brother verses brother bout with submissions and counters abound.
7. Savage vs. Steamboat- WM 3
I’ve heard/seen it so much that I’m desensitized to it, but it is the first technical classic in Mania history. Excellent back-story, amazing crowd, great selling.
6. HBK vs. Angle- WM 21
My personal favorite, I wish it could be higher. Perhaps the most underrated match in Mania history. The submission work and selling is at it’s best. Long match that has the crowd into it the entire duration.
5. HBK vs. Razor- Ladder- WM 10
The ladder match to set the standard, that’s still talked about today. So ahead of it’s time, and the birth of Mr. Wrestlemania.
4. Rock vs. Hogan- WM 18
The “least pure” match of the list, but had the best crowd/environment of all time. Excellent counters, good heat, and it told a good story. Every fan should see, as the kings of two generations fight for the top spot.
3. Bret Hart vs. Austin- Submission- WM 13
Perhaps the most intense Mania match ever, from perhaps its most heated rivalry. The mix between pure submission work and bloody brawling is genius. This is the match that started the run of Austin 3:16.
2. Undertaker vs. HBK- WM 26
One of the greatest matches of all time. HBK’s farewell match vs. Taker’s greatest challenge to the streak, ever. The chemistry here, as well as the story of HBK going down in a blaze of glory, strikes the heart of any fan.
1. HBK vs. Bret Hart- Iron Man- WM 12
The two faces of the “new generation” era collided for the world title in a one hour classic. The real life heat always showed between these two, and the pacing and cardio these men showed was incredible. They hold your attention the entire hour and tell a story that most never could.
Until next time, valued readers…
-Jason Burke
Friday, March 27, 2015
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
WWE Wrestlemania 31 Preview/Predictions
It's that time of year again, wrestling fans...although it just doesn't seem to feel like it. In what normally is regarded as a national holiday in the households of professional wrestling historians, "Wrestlemania Week" just doesn't have the same allure as it usually does. That could be because we have a part-time WWE Champion who only appears a few times per year. It could be because 4 of the competitors in the 3 top matches are barely on the show, and only wrestle on special occasions. It could be because 7 of the most talented and deserving guys on the roster are relegated to an opening spot-fest ladder match, for an IC Title which is completely meaningless. Or it could be because the useless writers on the "creative team" (and I use that term loosely) are still relying on the big names that they created between 1995-2002 instead of creating new stars for the fans to get behind. No matter what the reason, it's still Wrestlemania, the biggest wrestling showcase all year. So lets go match by match and break down the card.
Pre-show: Tag Title Four Way
I wish this one was on the main card, because Cesaro, Kidd, and the Uso's deserve it. This should be a very fun, spot-filled match. I'm predicting (and hoping) the champions retain. Cesaro and Kidd are the best tag team to come along in WWE in years.
Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal
This has the potential to be very solid, or very boring, depending on its participants. So far in the line-up we have a bunch of has-beens who need to retire (Show/Kane/Henry) and a bunch of jobbers who have no chance to win. The intrigue here is in which NXT guy will be in the Battle Royal (I'm betting Neville) and if Sheamus will return in this match (I'm betting no). I'm predicting that IF Sheamus doesn't come back, Mizdow will win this thing and get a HUGE pop, in a cool moment.
AJ/Paige vs. The Bellas
I'm not terribly invested in this match, and I don't think it will get a ton of time. Though given that AJ and Paige are in it, it can't be bad. AJ/Paige get the win here. I hope they "give divas a chance" to shine.
7 Way Ladder Match for the IC Title
This should undoubtedly steal the show, given the guys that are involved. I hope this gets a ton of time, and lets each man have a moment or two to shine. All I can say is, there are three guys in this match that deserve so much better. Bryan, Ziggler, and Ambrose are main event caliber guys who are criminally mishandled. Any of them can win here, but I'll go with Bryan (to placate the fans and give him a Mania moment).
Rollins vs. Orton
This is a fresh match that should actually be very good. The build-up was very odd and contrived, but Orton is a hard worker, and Rollins is one of the best wrestlers in the world right now. He's the ONLY guy that has been steadily pushed at the top that WWE hasn't messed up yet. Orton wins here, because I think we'll see Rollins again later...
Cena vs. Rusev- US Title
Their last match at Fast Lane was actually very good. Both men step it up in big match environments, so I expect more of the same here. This may or may not be as good as last month, but should be good either way. Rusev is currently unpinned, and Cena doesn't need a secondary title. With that logic in tow, Cena wins. Why? Because WWE does whatever it wants. This puts me in mind of Cena's burial of Wyatt last year.
Wyatt vs. Taker
This is an absolute dream match with two of the greatest characters in wrestling history. So why am I not more excited for it? Because it's happening at least one year too late. Taker's streak is over, so this match has no stakes. Taker also looked incredibly bad last year, and hasn't wrestled (or even appeared) since. Plus, Wyatt can't afford another big loss to a guy who won't benefit from it. With that logic in tow, Taker wins. Why? Because WWE does whatever it wants. Do you notice a theme here? I hope this is good, but I don't have high hopes.
HHH vs. Sting
Again, another dream match. It's the icon, Sting's, first ever match in WWE. Talk about things that happened a few years too late. I do still care how this plays out, and both men are good in-ring competitors with a fire for big moments. But both men are old, neither will wrestle again for a year following this, and the build-up was lackluster. Sting undoubtedly gets the win, but WWE missed the optimum boat for this.
Lesnar vs. Reigns- World Title
Here's where things get interesting. Lesnar just announced yesterday that he's signed a new 3 year deal with WWE. So things aren't nearly as obvious as they were a few days ago. The smart crowd will undoubtedly rebel against the babyface Reigns, and cheer the heel Lesnar. My dream scenario is for Paul Heyman to turn on Lesnar and back Reigns, giving the crowd a reason to boo him within the context of storylines, and letting the genius Heyman be a mouthpiece for Reigns, who struggles on the mic. I'm betting this match winds up very good, as both men will be out to prove something, especially Reigns. We also have Rollins holding the MITB briefcase, and the acclaimed Raw the following night. My guess is, we walk out of Mania with a new World Champion. I'm going to go with Seth Rollins cashing in, but honestly, any of the three leaving as champion is now possible.
Pre-show: Tag Title Four Way
I wish this one was on the main card, because Cesaro, Kidd, and the Uso's deserve it. This should be a very fun, spot-filled match. I'm predicting (and hoping) the champions retain. Cesaro and Kidd are the best tag team to come along in WWE in years.
Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal
This has the potential to be very solid, or very boring, depending on its participants. So far in the line-up we have a bunch of has-beens who need to retire (Show/Kane/Henry) and a bunch of jobbers who have no chance to win. The intrigue here is in which NXT guy will be in the Battle Royal (I'm betting Neville) and if Sheamus will return in this match (I'm betting no). I'm predicting that IF Sheamus doesn't come back, Mizdow will win this thing and get a HUGE pop, in a cool moment.
AJ/Paige vs. The Bellas
I'm not terribly invested in this match, and I don't think it will get a ton of time. Though given that AJ and Paige are in it, it can't be bad. AJ/Paige get the win here. I hope they "give divas a chance" to shine.
7 Way Ladder Match for the IC Title
This should undoubtedly steal the show, given the guys that are involved. I hope this gets a ton of time, and lets each man have a moment or two to shine. All I can say is, there are three guys in this match that deserve so much better. Bryan, Ziggler, and Ambrose are main event caliber guys who are criminally mishandled. Any of them can win here, but I'll go with Bryan (to placate the fans and give him a Mania moment).
Rollins vs. Orton
This is a fresh match that should actually be very good. The build-up was very odd and contrived, but Orton is a hard worker, and Rollins is one of the best wrestlers in the world right now. He's the ONLY guy that has been steadily pushed at the top that WWE hasn't messed up yet. Orton wins here, because I think we'll see Rollins again later...
Cena vs. Rusev- US Title
Their last match at Fast Lane was actually very good. Both men step it up in big match environments, so I expect more of the same here. This may or may not be as good as last month, but should be good either way. Rusev is currently unpinned, and Cena doesn't need a secondary title. With that logic in tow, Cena wins. Why? Because WWE does whatever it wants. This puts me in mind of Cena's burial of Wyatt last year.
Wyatt vs. Taker
This is an absolute dream match with two of the greatest characters in wrestling history. So why am I not more excited for it? Because it's happening at least one year too late. Taker's streak is over, so this match has no stakes. Taker also looked incredibly bad last year, and hasn't wrestled (or even appeared) since. Plus, Wyatt can't afford another big loss to a guy who won't benefit from it. With that logic in tow, Taker wins. Why? Because WWE does whatever it wants. Do you notice a theme here? I hope this is good, but I don't have high hopes.
HHH vs. Sting
Again, another dream match. It's the icon, Sting's, first ever match in WWE. Talk about things that happened a few years too late. I do still care how this plays out, and both men are good in-ring competitors with a fire for big moments. But both men are old, neither will wrestle again for a year following this, and the build-up was lackluster. Sting undoubtedly gets the win, but WWE missed the optimum boat for this.
Lesnar vs. Reigns- World Title
Here's where things get interesting. Lesnar just announced yesterday that he's signed a new 3 year deal with WWE. So things aren't nearly as obvious as they were a few days ago. The smart crowd will undoubtedly rebel against the babyface Reigns, and cheer the heel Lesnar. My dream scenario is for Paul Heyman to turn on Lesnar and back Reigns, giving the crowd a reason to boo him within the context of storylines, and letting the genius Heyman be a mouthpiece for Reigns, who struggles on the mic. I'm betting this match winds up very good, as both men will be out to prove something, especially Reigns. We also have Rollins holding the MITB briefcase, and the acclaimed Raw the following night. My guess is, we walk out of Mania with a new World Champion. I'm going to go with Seth Rollins cashing in, but honestly, any of the three leaving as champion is now possible.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
How WWE SHOULD Book Wrestlemania 31
Are you tired of WWE’s same old shtick? Does the nonsensical booking want to make you pull your hair out? Well I thought I’d take a page right from the IWC this time, and engage in a wrestling pastime…fantasy booking. If I had my way (with the current roster in place), here’s how I’d logically book WWE’s biggest show of the year (yes, I said logically, which means Cena and Orton must be on the card).
Pre-show: Tag Title 4-Way: Usos vs. Miz/Mizdow vs. Ascension vs. Cesaro/Kidd
I’m sorry I couldn’t fit this on the regular show, but it’s a nice way to include some of the best workers and give the tag division the lift it needs. Mizdow can do his entertaining spots, and the Ascension can lose without looking weak or being pinned. I’d give the belts to Cesaro and Kidd personally (it’s a shame to see how far Cesaro has fallen in a year), but they won’t. So the Usos would pin Miz here, setting up their feud with Ascension and Mizdow’s split from Miz in an entertaining spot-fest.
1. Andre The Giant Battle Royal: Luke Harper Wins
I’ve got a show of 7 main events here plus this match, so this can go on first. You’d throw several of the tag match guys in there as well. I’d have it come down to Wade Barrett, Ryback, Cesaro, and Harper. Giving Harper this win is a way of really kick starting his solo career and giving him his first Mania moment he deserves.
2. Orton vs. Rollins
This one makes sense, given the history of the two, and Rollins turning on/taking out Orton. These two also seem to have chemistry, so the match should be very good. I give Rollins a big Mania win here with some underhanded tactics. This way Orton gets his heat back by attacking and punt-kicking Rollins after the match. That way people assume Rollins is too hurt to cash in his MITB contract later in the night.
3. Reigns vs. Rusev
I know Reigns is the golden boy, but he’s not ready to win the World Title just yet. Giving him a big match that’s lower on the card will lessen his heat with the crowd. These two big men could put on a very entertaining (non-title) match, and Reigns can be the one to cleanly end Rusev’s streak. This way Rusev isn’t just fed to Cena as it’s projected, and Reigns gets a big win over an undefeated monster, thereby looking very strong for the future.
4. Ziggler vs. HHH
Given recent history, this makes a ton of sense. Ziggler can boast how he was the one to get the win at Survivor Series and take out the Authority, and that he’s tired of HHH keeping him from being a main event star. This could easily steal the show. I have HHH using his Authority goons to cheat, and Sting coming down to even the odds, as Ziggler pins HHH with the Zig-Zag. This keeps the Sting-HHH feud going for the future, gives Sting a big appearance to pop the crowd, and gives Ziggler a huge Mania victory to propel him into the main event for good.
5. Wyatt vs. Taker
The chemistry and promos between these two would be excellent. The darkness and mind games of these characters is a natural fit, and Wyatt should have been the one to end the streak last year. But there’s no sense burying Wyatt here as Cena did last year. Taker is on his way out and Wyatt needs the signature win over a legend. He gets it here, but the lights go out and Taker disappears after the match, to protect him for a retirement match with Sting next year.
6. Divas Title- Paige vs. Naomi
So you’ll note that I did a title switch here. Have Paige beat Nikki Bella at the Rumble, to set up a match here between the two most athletic divas on the roster. These two would have the potential for an amazing feud if WWE let them. Either one could win here, but I put the belt on Naomi for some fresh blood and fresh match-ups.
7. Cena vs. Ambrose
They have a past of feuding over who got a hold of Rollins, and Ambrose doesn’t care who he goes after. This could be a classic face-on-face battle ala HBK vs. Bret or Cena vs. Batista (the first time) of two good guys who the fans cheer to see who’s the best. This keeps Cena near the top to draw the younger/casual fans and gives Ambrose the big match he needs. Ambrose has been losing like crazy lately, so he needs the win a ton more than Cena. Give him the clean victory with Dirty Deeds.
8. World Title- Lesnar vs. Bryan
This is the match we should have had at Summerslam. The classic small, quick underdog vs. the big, nasty, unstoppable bully. The fans would be going nuts over this, and I suspect the match would be great. Since Lesnar seems to be leaving and the fans are in love with Bryan, Bryan gets the clean win, overcoming the odds. Whether it’s best to have Lesnar lay him out after and have Rollins come cash in the MITB contract or not, I’m not sure. I’m fine with that ending, or the one with Bryan simply winning and getting the confetti again for a real title run.
So that, folks, is how WWE SHOULD book Wrestlemania. Hey, a guy can dream, can’t he?
-Jason Burke
Pre-show: Tag Title 4-Way: Usos vs. Miz/Mizdow vs. Ascension vs. Cesaro/Kidd
I’m sorry I couldn’t fit this on the regular show, but it’s a nice way to include some of the best workers and give the tag division the lift it needs. Mizdow can do his entertaining spots, and the Ascension can lose without looking weak or being pinned. I’d give the belts to Cesaro and Kidd personally (it’s a shame to see how far Cesaro has fallen in a year), but they won’t. So the Usos would pin Miz here, setting up their feud with Ascension and Mizdow’s split from Miz in an entertaining spot-fest.
1. Andre The Giant Battle Royal: Luke Harper Wins
I’ve got a show of 7 main events here plus this match, so this can go on first. You’d throw several of the tag match guys in there as well. I’d have it come down to Wade Barrett, Ryback, Cesaro, and Harper. Giving Harper this win is a way of really kick starting his solo career and giving him his first Mania moment he deserves.
2. Orton vs. Rollins
This one makes sense, given the history of the two, and Rollins turning on/taking out Orton. These two also seem to have chemistry, so the match should be very good. I give Rollins a big Mania win here with some underhanded tactics. This way Orton gets his heat back by attacking and punt-kicking Rollins after the match. That way people assume Rollins is too hurt to cash in his MITB contract later in the night.
3. Reigns vs. Rusev
I know Reigns is the golden boy, but he’s not ready to win the World Title just yet. Giving him a big match that’s lower on the card will lessen his heat with the crowd. These two big men could put on a very entertaining (non-title) match, and Reigns can be the one to cleanly end Rusev’s streak. This way Rusev isn’t just fed to Cena as it’s projected, and Reigns gets a big win over an undefeated monster, thereby looking very strong for the future.
4. Ziggler vs. HHH
Given recent history, this makes a ton of sense. Ziggler can boast how he was the one to get the win at Survivor Series and take out the Authority, and that he’s tired of HHH keeping him from being a main event star. This could easily steal the show. I have HHH using his Authority goons to cheat, and Sting coming down to even the odds, as Ziggler pins HHH with the Zig-Zag. This keeps the Sting-HHH feud going for the future, gives Sting a big appearance to pop the crowd, and gives Ziggler a huge Mania victory to propel him into the main event for good.
5. Wyatt vs. Taker
The chemistry and promos between these two would be excellent. The darkness and mind games of these characters is a natural fit, and Wyatt should have been the one to end the streak last year. But there’s no sense burying Wyatt here as Cena did last year. Taker is on his way out and Wyatt needs the signature win over a legend. He gets it here, but the lights go out and Taker disappears after the match, to protect him for a retirement match with Sting next year.
6. Divas Title- Paige vs. Naomi
So you’ll note that I did a title switch here. Have Paige beat Nikki Bella at the Rumble, to set up a match here between the two most athletic divas on the roster. These two would have the potential for an amazing feud if WWE let them. Either one could win here, but I put the belt on Naomi for some fresh blood and fresh match-ups.
7. Cena vs. Ambrose
They have a past of feuding over who got a hold of Rollins, and Ambrose doesn’t care who he goes after. This could be a classic face-on-face battle ala HBK vs. Bret or Cena vs. Batista (the first time) of two good guys who the fans cheer to see who’s the best. This keeps Cena near the top to draw the younger/casual fans and gives Ambrose the big match he needs. Ambrose has been losing like crazy lately, so he needs the win a ton more than Cena. Give him the clean victory with Dirty Deeds.
8. World Title- Lesnar vs. Bryan
This is the match we should have had at Summerslam. The classic small, quick underdog vs. the big, nasty, unstoppable bully. The fans would be going nuts over this, and I suspect the match would be great. Since Lesnar seems to be leaving and the fans are in love with Bryan, Bryan gets the clean win, overcoming the odds. Whether it’s best to have Lesnar lay him out after and have Rollins come cash in the MITB contract or not, I’m not sure. I’m fine with that ending, or the one with Bryan simply winning and getting the confetti again for a real title run.
So that, folks, is how WWE SHOULD book Wrestlemania. Hey, a guy can dream, can’t he?
-Jason Burke
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