Wrestlemania 23:
- Mr Kennedy Vs CM Punk Vs Edge Vs Finlay Vs Jeff Hardy Vs King Booker Vs Matt Hardy Vs Randy Orton – Money in the Bank Ladder Match - 4 ¼* - One of the most loved Money in the Bank Ladder Matches with plenty of great spots including one with Edge & Jeff Hardy which helped innovated what you can do in a ladder match in the modern era. Wish Mr Kennedy could’ve had a championship run, but unfortunately he would get injured and have to lose the briefcase to first time winner – Edge. This was also CM Punk’s debut Wrestlemania match, meaning that it was the first ECW wrestler to wrestle there since the inception of WWECW.
- The Undertaker Vs Batista – World Heavyweight Championship – 4* - This was Takers year, he had won the 2007 Royal Rumble, he put on two great tag matches with Shawn, Cena and Batista and then he started his great feud with Batista. This was only the first chapter in their feud and if you keep reading this list you’ll see how good these matches were. This was also Undertaker’s first World Championship win in almost 5 years, making it extra special. This was absolutely my match of the night at Wrestlemania 23, I believe it should have main evented. There’s rumors that after the match finished Batista walked backstage and screamed ‘Follow that’ in frustration of not being the main event.
- Bobby Lashley Vs Umaga – ‘Battle of the Billionaire’s Vince McMahon Vs Donald Trump’, Hair Vs Hair Match – 3* - This match actually really helped this Wrestlemania have such a huge PPV buy. People were interested to see Trump’s hair get shaved because people believed it was fake hair. This match is literally just two mates taking the piss out of each other, McMahon and Trump are close friends and Trump actually has been very involved with past Wrestlemania’s.
- John Cena Vs Shawn Michaels – WWE Championship – 4* - Wrestlemania Rewind discussing the match.
Wrestlemania 24:
- Shawn Michaels Vs Ric Flair - Career Threatening Match - 3 ½* - This match had a retirement stipulation to it; where if Ric Flair lost he would have to retire. This isn’t the best wrestling match of all time, but it’s one of the saddest and storytelling matches of all time. Honestly, Ric Flair has had one of the best careers of all times with so many endless classics its no wonder why people consider of the greatest wrestler of all time. The whole weekend was super special for Flair – he was inducted to the WWE Hall of Fame, he had this match and then the next night on Raw, he was given a farewell speech which resulted in tons of past wrestlers, present wrestlers, crew members and everyone in the back including Undertaker and Vince McMahon to come out and pay their respects to him.
- Floyd Mayweather Vs Big Show – No Disqualification Match – 3* - Over a decade later since the infamous Bigelow Vs Taylor match, WWE decided to have another big celebrity match up. This time it would feature arguably the best boxer in the world against the World’s Largest Athlete. This match actually is a lot of fun, and isn’t as bad as people expected it to be, the returning Big Show who looked much slimmer to when we last saw him was a positive as well. Also Wrestlemania Rewind discussing the match.
- The Undertaker Vs Edge – World Heavyweight Championship – 4 ¼* - This was the main event of Wrestlemania 24, an almost year long feud between Undertaker and Edge, and now finally they’d have a one on one match at the biggest stage of them all. This would be their first match in their feud, but it’s nothing short of amazing. It’s really good to see over the years Edge grow from a tag-team wrestler into this great single performer going one on one with one of the best of all time – The Undertaker. Following Takers match at Wrestlemania 22 with Henry, you can seen an improvement in his Wrestlemania streak matches.
Wrestlemania 25:
- The Undertaker Vs Shawn Michaels - 4 ¾* - Not only one of the best WWE Matches of all time, but one of the best matches in professional wrestling of all time. Whenever there’s post on Reddit (or in general) regarding what matches should be 5 star matches this match is always commented. If you’re going to watch any match on this list, choose this match. I could fill up this whole post discussing the history between these two men from the 90’s all the way to this match, but I want to keep it pretty short. This is a lot of peoples favourite match of all time and for good reason. The comparisons of darkness and the light, heaven and hell, good vs evil and so much more surround this match. Simply it’s two of the greatest of all time competing at the biggest show of the year. It’s interesting to note that this match was also going to be placed 3rd on the card with only 10-15 minutes, which pissed them both off enough to get the match pushed down the card and gave them the objective of trying to steal the show, which they did. Also, Wrestlemania Rewinddiscussing the match. This is probably my favorite Wrestlemania Rewind, the interactions between both men after the match with Vince McMahon and Michael Hayes is perfect.
Wrestlemania 26:
- Triple H Vs Sheamus – 3 ¼* - It was really good to see as Triple H’s career started to wind-down from full time wrestling, that he would work a program with a newer superstar like Sheamus. Many people believe this was because they were ‘gym buddys’, even so they still put on a really fun match and I honestly reckon Sheamus is one of the most underrated wrestlers on the roster today.
- Chris Jericho Vs Edge – World Heavyweight Championship – 4* Wrestlemania Rewind discussing the match.
- John Cena Vs Batista – WWE Championship – 3 ½* - Five years after each man won their world championships at Wrestlemania 21, they’d finally meet in one of the main events of a Wrestlemania in a decent match, however I believe it was doomed from the start with the winner being very predictable.
- The Undertaker Vs Shawn Michaels – No Count, No Disqualification, Streak Vs Career Match – 4 ¾* - Just when you thought nothing could give Taker/Shawn from Wrestlemania 25 a run for its money, you get the rematch of a lifetime – this time with the stipulation of if Shawn loses his career is over. Back to back matches, and two equally back-to-back critically acclaimed 5 star matches. Many people still to this day argue whether this match is better than their previous match at Wrestlemania 25 (which I’d love to hear if you agree in the comments). The show of respect after the match with each men shaking hands and hugging, followed by Shawn’s emotional send off is quite the scene. Additionally I’ll include Shawn Michaels following night Raw Farewell Speech.
Wrestlemania 27:
- Edge Vs Alberto Del Rio – World Heavyweight Championship – 3 ½* - I believe this is Edge's final match in WWE before retiring due to neck injuries, and what a way to go out as World Heavyweight Champion on the biggest stage in wrestling - Wrestlemania. I still wish that it was Ziggler instead of Del Rio in this position, but I’m still glad that Edge’s final WWE match is him in a World Heavyweight Championship match at Wrestlemania, successfully retaining his championship.
- Cody Rhodes Vs Rey Mysterio – 2 ½* - &Arguably the best match at Wrestlemania that year from non-part timers. it is one of Cody Rhodes best matches period, and one of the last matches in Rey Mysterio’s WWE career that stands out as really good. This would be the start to a really good year for Cody Rhodes in the mid-card.*
Wrestlemania 28:
- The Undertaker Vs Triple H –Hell in a Cell Match – 4 ¾* - This was match was the third in their Wrestlemania series. It was billed as ‘The End of an Era – Hell in a Cell match’ with the special guest referee: Shawn Michaels. Three men that once defined the Attitude Era, would get to put on a great performance on the grandest show of them all Wrestlemania. The match is fun, and really showcases both mens best elements. The final sequence of the match, and the post-match celebrations/farewells is satisfying closing one of the best eras. Many people, believe this is where Undertaker should have retired, on top 20-0.
- CM Punk Vs Chris Jericho – WWE Championship – 3 ¾* - In one of the three main-events of Wrestlemania 28, it was slated in second position and it arguably the best wrestling match on the card; these two men would put on absolute great match with each other. A lot of people complained at the time and still now that the WWE Championship should always be the main event, and I can understand why even CM Punk himself was annoyed that this match didn’t main event Wrestlemania.
- The Rock Vs John Cena – ‘Once in a Lifetime’ – 3 ¾* - This match was built up for more than a year and it was set in stone one year in advance. It was billed as ‘Once in a Lifetime’. It main-evented a stacked card which also featured Jericho/Punk for the WWE Championship and also Triple H/Undertaker End of an Era Hell in a Cell match, and still did decent. The match was really fun, and it was good to see Cena play the ‘heel’ role during this match for the crowd. People seem to negative about this match, and I really don’t know why – it was good to have the Rock back, Cena was coming into his prime and was proving he could work a decent match with anyone. It did great business, making it the biggest Wrestlemania PPV buy rate to date I believe, if this is wrong comment on this.
Wrestlemania 29:
- The Undertaker Vs CM Punk – 4 ½* - In one of Punk’s last big matches he would go on to face another part-timer in one of the Big-4 PPV’s, and he and Taker stole the show on a very boring Mania card. In hindsight, for Punk who had just finished a historic 434 WWE Championship reign and feud with The Rock, where else could he go? Simply put they put him against the biggest Wrestlemania draw in the modern era – The Undertaker. 2 months before this match happened, ‘Takers former manager and long time friend Paul Bearer passed away and they used that real life story aspect to sell this match.
- John Cena Vs The Rock – WWE Championship – 3 ½* - So yeah, the match that was billed as ‘Once in a Lifetime’ was going to happen again in the main-event back to back Mania’s. Plenty of people shit on this match, me included honestly – I generally don’t like this match, I feel as if they could’ve done more maybe they could’ve gone with the triple threat match with Punk included or maybe they could’ve even had Rock face someone else (maybe Ryback who could’ve used the rub to become WWE Champion because he was over with the crowd), and yeah I know Ryback wasn’t the best wrestler but it could’ve pushed him as a top-star which WWE could’ve used at the time. Hell if they wanted to they could've possibly gone a Rock/HHH or Rock/Brock route.
Wrestlemania 30:
- The Uso's Vs The Real Americans (Cesaro & Jack Swagger) Vs RybAxel Vs Los Matadors (Diego & Fernando) - WWE Tag Team Championships - 3 ¾* - After a great performance in the 2014 Rumble Match, a great few weeks competing with multiple former WWE Champions (Cena & Orton), a good Elimination Chamber match and splitting from his Tag Team Partner, Jack Swagger earlier that night this would top-off Cesaro’s big push.
- Daniel Bryan Vs Triple H – Winner Advances into the Main Event for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship – 4 ¼* - This feud started back in August of 2013, when Triple H turned heel and screwed Daniel Bryan out of the WWE Championship. The Authority believed that Bryan was a ‘B+ Player’ and didn’t deserve the main event spotlight. Probably Triple H's greatest Wrestlemania match (besides the Wrestlemania 20 match), this is anything short of a 5 star match for me, I’m really surprised it was rated a 4 ¼* making it lower rated the main event for this Wrestlemania. It was unbelievable the chemistry between these two; two different styles of wrestling come together to make a great bond. This would be Bryan's first match of the night, and he had a long way to go before he could make history.
- John Cena Vs Bray Wyatt – 3 ½* - This Wrestlemania (and more the following Wrestlemania) helped usher in a new era of wrestlers who came from WWE’s developmental territory – NXT. One of the biggest stars from NXT was Bray Wyatt, who’s character is a ‘scary cult leader’. The WWE trusted him so much they placed him in a feud against the biggest star of the modern-era John Cena. Many people were disappointed with the result of this match, but lets not take it away from either man, this is a really fun match. Wyatt tries the whole match to try make Cena ‘join the darkside’ and turn heel and do things he usually wouldn’t. The crowd participation of singing and waving their arms to the tune of ‘He’s got the whole world in his hands’ also is a great little touch for this match.
- Brock Lesnar Vs The Undertaker – 1 ½* - Brock Lesnar would do the most shocking thing in the modern era when he conquered the Undertakers Undefeated Streak at Wrestlemania which had be going on for almost 20+ years, thus becoming the '1 in 21 and 1'. If Lesnar needed anything to establish him as a 'legitimate fighter' in WWE during his return in 2012 this definitely helped skyrocket him to the promise land. Everything after this fight would go on to prove that he would demolish Cena to become champion, then easily defeat nearly all his opponents with multiple suplexes. Now in my opinion Taker should’ve probably retired at Wrestlemania 28 when he went 20-0, or right here when lost to Lesnar and his streak.
- Daniel Bryan Vs Batista Vs Randy Orton – WWE World Heavyweight Championship – 4 ½* - ‘The Miracle Kid – The Miracle on Bourbon Street!’ a great call from announcer Michael Cole. The saga of Daniel Bryan's chase to become the WWE Champion would pay off in this match, and oh boy - those months of getting angry, seeing the Authority always win and complaining online absolutely worth it for this moment. Batista who returned and won the Royal Rumble match wasn’t looked fondly on by the crowd, but WWE came to their senses and helped make this Wrestlemania main event one of the most memorable ones of all time. It’s almost like somehow every 10th Wrestlemania WWE pull off something magical with wrestlers who aren’t the ‘norm’. Wrestlemania 10 saw Bret Hart have 2 matches and win the WWF Championship, Wrestlemania 20 saw Chris Benoit overcome all the odds against Shawn Michaels and Triple H, and Wrestlemania 30 had Daniel Bryan not only defeat Triple H, but defeat two other former members of Evolution in the triple threat match to become WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
Wrestlemania 31:
- Randy Orton Vs Seth Rollins - 4* - Throughout 2013 – 2014 when the Authority grew into power the original chosen one Randy Orton was, that was until Triple H personally recruited Seth Rollins to be the next chosen one, the next top WWE star. The Authority would kick Orton out, and Orton would go away for some time. Until he made his return pretending to be aligned with Rollins, until the time was right and the Viper striked his prey. One of the best spots in Wrestlemania, hell even WWE history to end this match.
- Triple H Vs Sting – No Disqualification Match – 2 ½* - One of the biggest things wrestling fans wanted to see in their life was Sting compete in WWE. More specifically Sting face The Undertaker at Wrestlemania. We didn’t get that unfortunately, but we got something that can be argued as even better in terms of wrestling quality. We got The Authority Figure - Triple H, against The Man from the Rafters - Sting, it was very WCW 1997-esque. There is a bunch of run-ins from various wrestlers, and a confusing ending, but I’ll be damned if I wont say that I enjoyed this match. People will complain about this being ‘WWE is better than WCW’ and Vince wanted to nail the final nails in the coffin of the Monday Night Wars, but I think it’s fun and better than Sting not even competing in WWE. However, personally I still feel like they could’ve just swapped the matches around a bit ie. Triple H Vs Bray Wyatt & The Undertaker Vs Sting.
- The Undertaker Vs Bray Wyatt – 2 ¾*
- Seth Rollins Vs Brock Lesnar Vs Roman Reigns – WWE World Heavyweight Championship – 4 ½* - This match was originally stated as 1 on 1 match but then a shocking occurrence happened – Seth Rollins cashed in his Money in the Briefcase.. in the Main Event of a Wrestlemania.. and won in which is called ‘the Heist of the Century’. This was the complete opposite of what everyone expected – very little hype/predicted ending and it completely caught everyone by surprise with how good it was. People really hated the build-up to this match with the last shot before the match being a tug-of-war for the title between Roman & Lesnar. But I believe this match helped establish Reigns as a star who could take a beating and help put on a decent match. This is arguably one of the best endings to a Wrestlemania of all time, and I think most people will agree with that.
Wrestlemania 32:
- Zack Ryder Vs Dolph Ziggler Vs Kevin Owens Vs Sami Zayn Vs Sin Cara Vs Stardust Vs The Miz - Intercontinental Championship - 4 ¼* - 7 of WWE’s top mid-card guys going at it, at the ‘biggest’ Wrestlemania of all time. A lot of people consider this one of the only good matches from this Wrestlemania. This match is really fun and allows all participants in the match to get their shots in. Zack Ryder has had a lot of up’s and down’s in WWE, but this match helped justify everything – getting his big WWE moment on the grandest stage is fantastic.
- Chris Jericho Vs AJ Styles – 3 ¾*
- Brock Lesnar Vs Dean Ambrose – No Holds Barred Match – 3 ¼* - It’s hard to talk about this match – the only analogy for this match would be imagine if you were super psyched for a new movie coming out and you hyped it for weeks/months on end and then when you saw it you thought it was super meh. That’s how I’d describe this match, and most (probably all) the blame can get put onto Brock. I mean maybe I’m too harsh on this match, there’s bound to be some people who like it – guess I just don’t.
- Charlotte Vs Becky Lynch Vs Sasha Banks – WWE Women’s Championship – 4* - This is easily the best Womens match in Wrestlemania history, these 3 women really went all out on this match and it is one of the redeeming qualities for a pretty lacking ‘Mania. This match was for the inaugural (new) Women’s Championship and it also meant that WWE would no longer use the term ‘diva’, it would be changed to women’s superstar. The issue people have with this match is that they don’t like the winner of this match, but I think it’s fine and that in the long-run WWE history it’ll be good to see the first champion was the daughter one of the best wrestlers of all time – Ric Flair.
- Roman Reigns Vs Triple H – WWE World Heavyweight Championship – 3 ¼* - Maybe not the best match of all time, yet still significant because Roman's first WWE Championship win at a Wrestlemania. After changing the Wrestlemania main event for 2 years straight, Vince McMahon knew this year there was no chance he was changing it again. This would be the start of Reigns third championship reign, but it is the most important reign of them all.
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