TOP 10: Ten Most Epic Matches in WrestleMania History
TOP 10: Ten Most Epic Matches in WrestleMania History
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Webster's dictionary defines epic as a long poem, covering an extensive work of time. In an informal way epic can also mean particularly impressive or eventful. These ten epic WrestleMania matches have several aspects in common; 1. Like an epic poem, each feud had an impressive long build culminating at WrestleMania, 2. Each bout was remarkably hyped throughout the world of professional wrestling and some were even fodder for the mainstream media, 3. Each bout changed the course of wrestling history and carries with it unparalleled historical significance. Without any further ado, here is Cheap Heat Wrestling's Ten Most Epic Matches in Wrestling History.
10. Lawrence Taylor vs Bam Bam Bigelow - WrestleMania XI
In 1995 Lawrence Taylor wasn't even two years removed from his NFL retirement and arguably the most well known footballer of his era. A physical freak who dominated the NFL in his New York Giants playing days and was as well known for winning two Super Bowls as he was for nearly removing Joe Theisman's leg, Taylor may have been the most terrifying man in NFL history. After Bam Bam Bigelow and his tag team partner Tatanka lost in the finals of a WWE Tag Team Championship Tournament at the Royal Rumble, a frustrated Bigelow would test Taylor's resolve. After pushing the NFL star, Taylor pushed back and after three months of build and a plethora of mainstream attention, the two would square off in the main event of WrestleMania, a match that Lawrence Taylor would win in stunning fashion. Taylor would go on to be the only non-wrestler to ever main event a WrestleMania.
9. Bret "Hitman" Hart vs "Stone Cold" Steve Austin - WrestleMania XIII
The signs were subtle; but, Bret Hart was becoming more disgruntled each and every week on WWE television. Although the Hitman started his illustrious WWE career as a heel, it was quite unthinkable that he would make the turn. He was after all the face of the WWE, a fan favorite known for making dreams come true by giving young children his Hitman Shades. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin was born to be a heel; however, wrestling was changing and heading into the Attitude Era. Many fans no longer wanted the sugar coated good guys of the 80s and early 90s. The new babyfaces would be truth tellers, unabashed truth tellers and Austin fit the bill perfectly. Austin's no frills attitude and blue collar work ethic began winning over fans. Hart wanted a championship match at WrestleMania 13; but, when that opportunity went to The Undertaker instead, the Hitman settled for the next best thing, a match with Steve Austin. Hart saw potential in his opponent and knew what it took to get him over. The two men tangled in a beautifully orchestrated and bloody bout, that Hart called to perfection. Hart, entering the match as a face, progressively worked like a heel and the Chicago crowd started turning on him in-match. After he gripped the Sharpshooter on a bloodied Austin, Austin (now working as a face) refused to submit and eventually passed out causing special guest referee, Ken Shamrock, to stop the bout in favor of Hart. Austin had won the Chicago crowd over and millions more watching the event at home on pay-per-view. When Hart started attacking Austin after the bell rang, the rare feat had been accomplished: a true double turn. Bret Hart had just become WWE's biggest heel, as the Attitude Era officially began.
8. Shawn Michaels vs Ric Flair - WrestleMania XXIV
The WWE had decided to move on from 16-time world champion, Ric Flair. Although he was arguably the greatest wrestler in history, the 59 year old Flair's best days were behind him. Physically Flair was a shadow of his former self. Gone was the chiseled physique the wrestler carved for himself in the 80s, and in its place Flair instead donned new wrinkles and thinning hair. Vince McMahon initiated a special rule for Flair: the next loss Flair suffered would be his last, as The Nature Boy would be forced into retirement. Week after week, Flair fought for his career, beating the likes of Randy Orton on his way to a WrestleMania bout with The Heartbreak Kid. Shawn Michaels grew up a Ric Flair fan, as The Nature Boy was Michaels' biggest wrestling influence. He believed he could get one more great match from Flair and send him off in the appropriate fashion. That's exactly what Michaels did as the two legends met in a flawless WrestleMania XXIV bout called entirely by Michaels. The match ended with Michaels' famous, "I'm sorry, I love you," as Ric Flair's illustrious WWE career came to an end with a SuperKick.
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7. Shawn Michaels vs The Undertaker - WrestleMania XXVI
Shawn Michaels couldn't let it go. After losing to The Dead Man at WrestleMania XXV, Michaels needed one more opportunity at The Undertaker's illustrious streak, which at this time stood at seventeen WrestleMania victories in a row. Michaels' ability to look himself in the mirror depended it. After begging and coaxing and manipulating The Undertaker agreed to give Michaels another opportunity when Michaels cost The Undertaker his world championship to Edge. Undertaker had one caveat: If Michaels lost the match, his career would be over and he would be forced into wrestling's proverbial graveyard. The two would meet in a career defining match for The Undertaker, who despite all the accolades had never previously wrestled in a Match of the Year Candidate bout at WrestleMania until he faced Michaels. After more than twenty minutes of back and forth action that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Michaels succumbed to a Tombstone that would end his career. The Undertaker's WrestleMania streak had been extended to eighteen as Michaels wrestled his last ever match.
6. Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart - WrestleMania XII
No wrestling feud in history was more real than Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart. The two greatest stars of the mid-90s truly despised one another; but, as much as that hate intensified, they still had impeccable ring chemistry together. Fueled by jealousy, bitterness, and disrespect on both sides, Michaels and Hart had what was arguably the most believable feud in wrestling history. Michaels set out to accomplish his boyhood dream of winning the WWE Championship and came one step closer after winning the Royal Rumble for the second year in a row. There was now only one man in his way, WWE Champion Bret "Hitman" Hart. In what was 1996's version of Hulk Hogan vs Ultimate Warrior, the WWE's two top faces collided on wrestling's biggest stage. The match was an Iron Match. Whoever received the most falls after a sixty minute period would walk out of WrestlMania XII as the WWE Champion. The two future Hall of Famers put on a wrestling clinic; but, after sixty minutes were up, there had been no falls. Bret Hart wanted the match to end in a draw and go home as the WWE Champion; however, an overtime period ensued where the Hitman fell victim to Sweet Chin Music. Shawn Michaels became the WWE Champion for the very first time.
5. The Rock vs John Cena - WrestleMania XXVI
Advertised as a once in a lifetime bout, John Cena vs The Rock was scheduled one year in advance. Beginning at WrestleMania XXV, where The Rock served as a guest referee in The Miz' WWE Championship defense against Cena, it was clear the two mega stars did not like one another very much. After Cena complained about the Rock's officiating, he found himself the victim of a Rock Bottom. After a year of buildup where the two exchanged barbs on social media and made the talk show rounds expressing their mutual distaste for one another, these two wrestling icon's met up in The Rock's hometown of Miami, FL. The match did not disappoint as it was a back and forth affair; but, Cena made a fatal mistake when he tried to finish The Rock with The Rock's own move set. The Rock capitalized and pinned Cena cleanly for a legendary WrestleMania victory.
4. Hulk Hogan vs The Rock - WrestleMania X8
After WCW folded, Hulk Hogan returned to the WWE; but, not as the beloved red and yellow Hulkamania Hogan. Instead Hogan arrived as Hollywood Hogan, one of the most detestable heels in wrestling history. This drew the The Rock's ire. The Rock grew up admiring Hogan and adhering to the tenets of Hulkamania. Hogan's Hollywood persona offended him on the deepest of levels. After two month of build, two of wrestling's most beloved wrestlers clashed before 68,000 fans in the Skydome and millions more watching on pay-per-view. Fans were befuddled with emotions and even began cheering the heel Hulk Hogan during the match. Still, The Rock bested his much older counterpart; but, Hogan had re-earned The Rock's respect and the respect of fans everywhere. After Hogan's NWO mates, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, turned on Hogan post-match The Rock came to Hogan's defense ending in an embrace between Hogan and The Rock. As the Toronto crowd roared its approval, a new era of Hulkamania was born and the red and yellow flag of Hulkamania rose again.
3. Randy "Macho Man" Savage vs Rick "the Dragon" Steamboat - WrestleMania III
This match wasn't supposed to steal the show at WrestleMania III. With Hulk Hogan vs Andre the Giant solidified as the event's main event, nothing was designed to even touch the hem of its proverbial garment. This didn't stop Randy Savage, who was an in-ring perfectionist. Savage designed and called a match that many argue is the greatest in wrestling history. While the mainstream media were still talking about Hogan vs Andre at the conclusion of WrestleMania III, wrestling fans were talking Savage vs Steamboat and they haven't stopped since. Steamboat bested Savage in the bout to become the Intercontinental Champion; but, both men were winners after putting on what very well might be the greatest wrestling match in history.
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2. Hulk Hogan vs The Ultimate Warrior - WrestleMania VI
Never before in history had the WWE's two top faces collided on wrestling's biggest stage. Hogan vs Warrior had a long build. The two icons collided at the Royal Rumble where Hogan eliminated The Ultimate Warrior in questionable fashion. This led to the Warrior challenging Hogan to a match at WrestleMania VI. The two had many stare downs and some of the most memorable promos in wrestling history leading up to their clash at Toronto's Skydome. This match would also mark the first time in WrestleMania history where the WWE Champion would take on the Intercontinental Champion. Not only were wrestling's two top faces colliding; but, it's two top champions as well. The wrestling gods smiled upon wrestling fans in 1990 as the two powerhouses put on one of the most memorable matches in wrestling history. It was a passing of the torch of sorts, as Hogan was humble in defeat handing The Ultimate Warrior his first and only WWE Championship.
1. Hulk Hogan vs Andre the Giant - WrestleMania III
Wrestling's two most well known Superstars in 1987 were Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant. Despite an illustrious career, Andre the Giant had never held the WWE Championship. He didn't really have to, reaching such legendary status that a belt was never required to add to his legitimacy. Still, in many ways, the behemoth felt engulfed by the shadow of unescapable Hulkamania. That's when Andre acquired the services of legendary heel manager Bobby Heenan, who had made ending Hulkamania his own life-long goal. Andre wanted a shot at Hogan's WWE Championship. Hogan was beside himself when he was confronted by Andre's jealousy, bitterness, and anger and was adamant about not facing his best friend. Everything exploded on an episode of Rowdy Piper's Piper's Pit where Andre the Giant ripped Hulk Hogan's cross from Hogan's neck, leaving Hogan bloody. Hogan would relent and give Andre a championship opportunity at WrestleMania III. In what was at the time, the largest crowd to see an in door wrestling event, 93,000 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome wondered whether Hogan could match power with the 500 pound Andre the Giant. For months leading up to the event the talk among wrestling fans was whether or not Hogan could even lift the 500 pound behemoth. The match didn't disappoint and culminated with Hogan doing the impossible and slamming Andre. Hogan then hit the Giant with a leg drop for the three count victory.
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