WrestleMania is a tradition, a spectacle, and the ultimate proving ground for legends. Over the years, the biggest matches in history have unfolded right in front of millions of fans, shaping the legacy of the “Grandest Stage of Them All.” Some contests brought new stars to the forefront, while others became landmarks in WWE history. Here are ten of the most essential matches that made WrestleMania what it is today.
Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant
Let’s start with a true classic. In 1987, the world witnessed a moment that forever altered WWE history. Hulk Hogan, the face of WWE, went up against Andre the Giant in a match that was built on one question: Could Hulkamania overcome the 520-pound giant? And then, it happened—Hogan lifted Andre and slammed him to the mat.
Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart
Bret “The Hitman” Hart and Shawn Michaels faced off in the very first “Iron Man Match” at WrestleMania (1996). For 60 grueling minutes, these two squared off, neither man giving an inch. No falls in the first hour meant the match went into sudden end, and Michaels claimed victory, earning his first WWE Championship.
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock
WrestleMania X-Seven in 2001 saw Austin vs. The Rock (two icons of the ’90s) face off for the WWE Championship in one of the most heated rivalries ever. What made this match so unforgettable was the shocking twist when Stone Cold Steve Austin aligned with Vince McMahon to win the title.
The Undertaker vs. Triple H
The “End of an Era” match was the perfect send-off for the two pillars of WWE. In 2012, The Undertaker and Triple H stood against each other in Hell in a Cell, with Shawn Michaels serving as the referee. The atmosphere was electric. With the streak on the line, these two legends fought tooth and nail in a brutal war of attrition.
Ricky Steamboat vs. Macho Man Randy Savage
Steamboat and Savage gave fans a match in 1987, and that was so good that it became the standard by which all wrestling bouts are judged. The chemistry between these two was unreal. Savage, with his manic energy, and Steamboat, with his pure technical skill, created a spectacle full of fast-paced action and dramatic near-falls.
John Cena vs. The Rock
WrestleMania 28 was dubbed “Once in a Lifetime” for a reason. Fans were treated to a match that not only pitted two of the biggest stars of the modern era against each other, but it was also a clash of WWE generations. The Rock, the People’s Champion, returned to face John Cena, the current face of the company.
Hulk Hogan vs. Randy “Macho Man” Savage
Who could forget the explosion of the Mega Powers? After a thrilling partnership, Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage became bitter enemies when jealousy and mistrust tore their bond apart. WrestleMania V saw them square off for the WWE Championship, with Savage’s manager, Miss Elizabeth, caught in the middle. The match was full of raw emotion and high drama.
Becky Lynch vs. Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair
In 2019, WWE history was made when women headlined WrestleMania for the first time ever. The triple-threat match featuring Becky Lynch, Ronda Rousey, and Charlotte Flair was a monumental moment for women in sports entertainment. The action was fierce, and each woman brought their A-game. Finally, after an intense battle, Becky Lynch emerged victorious.
Owen Hart vs. Bret Hart
Siblings battling it out for pride—Owen Hart and Bret Hart’s match at WrestleMania X was a pure wrestling masterpiece. With Bret as the fan favorite and Owen determined to prove himself, the two brothers gave fans an emotionally flawless contest. Their rivalry would go on to become one of the most intense family feuds in WWE history.
Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker
No WrestleMania list would be complete without this clash. Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker faced off in 2009 in what would become one of the greatest matches of all time. The storytelling and the near falls—it had it all. For many, this was the match of the night, and it remains a high point in their careers.
10 WrestleMania Matches That Shaped the Legacy