Top 20 Wrestlemania Matches Of All Time

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