Best WWE WrestleMania Matches

Read update

• As WrestleMania continues to grow in age, the number of great matches becomes even longer, especially in an era where in-ring work is becoming so much more polished, fine-tuned, and impressive. For instance, WrestleMania 39 put forth three classics that are up there with the greatest WrestleMania matches in the history of the event, meaning that this needs a refreshed look to see what those on Cagematch.net think of them. Additionally, this will take a look at another historic match which took place at WrestleMania 16, which manages to make its way into the highest rated matches of all time at the Showcase of the Immortals.

WrestleMania is the biggest show of the year, and every wrestler looks forward to competing on The Grandest Stage of them All. WWE typically reserves their best storylines and best matches for WrestleMania. The road to WrestleMania is never straightforward, but as soon as WrestleMania comes around, every wrestling fan is excited. It's like a child waking up to open presents on the morning of Christmas Day, that's how huge WrestleMania is.

WWE WrestleMania 17 Review: Every Match Ranked Worst To Best

The Showcase of the Immortals has been around since March 1985, and WWE has continued to produce instant classics at WrestleMania. Main events, grudge matches, and high-profile championship bouts have been served upon memorable WrestleMania cards. Wrestling fans on Cagematch.net have picked out the greatest matches in the history of WrestleMania, and it's hard to argue with their choices.

UPDATE: 2024/03/23 11:30 EST BY ANDREW KELLY

As WrestleMania continues to grow in age, the number of great matches becomes even longer, especially in an era where in-ring work is becoming so much more polished, fine-tuned, and impressive. For instance, WrestleMania 39 put forth three classics that are up there with the greatest WrestleMania matches in the history of the event, meaning that this needs a refreshed look to see what those on Cagematch.net think of them. Additionally, this will take a look at another historic match which took place at WrestleMania 16, which manages to make its way into the highest rated matches of all time at the Showcase of the Immortals.

20 Dudley Boyz Vs. Edge & Christian Vs. Hardy Boyz - WrestleMania 16

Cagematch.net Rating: 9.01

• This was a precursor to the first TLC match
• These six men would have an even better match the following year
• Edge & Christian won this historic encoutner

Tag team wrestling became a must-see event in the Attitude Era thanks in most part to this match at WrestleMania 16, where these six men put their bodies on the line in a spot-fest for the ages.

In a triangle ladder match, the likes of Jeff Hardy became a star due to his crazy stunts, with everyone else playing their part wonderfully. This was the best match on this show by far and one of the most exciting car-crashes ever.

19 Randy Savage Vs. Ricky Steamboat - WrestleMania 3

Cagematch.net Rating: 9.02

• This stole the show at WrestleMania 3
• Greatest WrestleMania match for both Savage & Steamboat
• The Intercontinental Title was elevated in this match

Ricky Steamboat vs. Randy Savage for the Intercontinental Championship is widely considered as the first ever “classic” WrestleMania match.

It was a technical showcase between two tremendous wrestlers, going back and forth in a wonderfully wrestled bout. Steamboat would ultimately pick up the victory, becoming the Intercontinental Championship to a great reaction.

18 CM Punk Vs. The Undertaker - WrestleMania 29

Cagematch.net Rating: 9.02

• CM Punk's last WrestleMania match before leaving WWE
• The Undertaker's last victory of The Streak
• This stole the show at WrestleMania 29

This is often looked upon as the last “great” WrestleMania match for The Undertaker, and it is clear to see why. This was a great back and forth between two wonderful wrestlers with different styles.

Punk’s mocking of the late Paul Bearer played into this match a great deal, adding a lot of emotion and animosity to proceedings. Punk came close here and there, but Undertaker scored the win after an impactful Tombstone Piledriver.

17 Charlotte Flair Vs. Rhea Ripley - WrestleMania 39

Cagematch.net Rating: 9.04

• Highest rated women's match in WrestleMania history
• This is a rematch from WrestleMania 36
• Arguably one of the greatest women's matches of all time in WWE

Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley have always showcased great chemistry, but this match at WrestleMania 39 was their very best one. Aside from the main event, this was the best match of WrestleMania 39 Night One, with Ripley & Flair throwing their all into this with a hugely physical battle.

10 Definitive Best WWE WrestleMania Main Events, Ranked

Ripley would score the win, becoming the brand new SmackDown Women's Champion and certified singles star in the process.

16 Daniel Bryan Vs. Kofi Kingston - WrestleMania 35

Cagematch.net Rating: 9.04

• Daniel Bryan's highest rated WrestleMania match
• WrestleMania 35 saw three huge babyface victories
• One of WrestleMania's greatest title wins

The story of KofiMania was a great one, and the eventual match at WrestleMania 35 lived up to all expectations, and then some. It was a WWE Championship match with a big fight feel, with Kingston serving as the valiant underdog against the nasty and vicious Bryan.

Kingston did the unthinkable and scored a major win, with everyone overjoyed with his WWE Championship success. It is the best singles match of Kingston’s career, and one of the best WWE bouts that Bryan had too.

15 Chris Jericho Vs. Shawn Michaels – WrestleMania 19

Cagematch.net Rating: 9.05

• The turn from Jericho is iconic
• This match stole WrestleMania 19
• The pair would have a legendary rivalry in WWE

WrestleMania 19 is considered one of the best shows of all time, with the match between Chris Jericho and Shawn Michaels being arguably the best of the night. It was a wonderfully wrestled match between two stars at the top of their game.

The story throughout the match was that Jericho had previously idolized Michaels but, in the end, would ultimately lose out to his hero. The post-match saw Jericho give Michaels a low blow, continuing their feud for years to come.

14 Ric Flair Vs. Shawn Michaels – WrestleMania 24

Cagematch.net Rating: 9.07

• Ric Flair came out of retirement in TNA
• This was Flair's best WrestleMania match ever
• The finish to this match is one of the most iconic of all time

This was Ric Flair’s final ever match in WWE. His career was on the line, with the stakes not being any higher. He was matched up with one of the greatest in-ring performers of all time, Mr. WrestleMania himself, Shawn Michaels. The pair worked a classic match, using old-school tactics, pulling out their best moves, and telling an emotional story.

Flair was able to produce his greatest hits, and Michaels added to the match by creating some great moments. The match was capped off with the incredible ending sequence, which saw Michaels utter the words “I’m sorry, I love you”, before delivering the killer blow and ending Flair’s WWE run for good.

13 The Usos Vs. Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens - WrestleMania 39

Cagematch.net Rating: 9.13

• First time the WWE Tag Team Championships main evented WrestleMania
• This was rated 5 stars by Dave Meltzer
• Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens won their first WWE Tag Team Titles

An electric pace, a thrilling story, and a satisfying finish led to this match being beloved by fans, as Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens won the WWE Tag Team Championships for the first time ever, defeating The Usos in the main event of Night One of WrestleMania.

It was a spectacle for sure, with big moves, callbacks to the feud, and a lot of clear personal animosity, and the crowd ate it all up. A terrific encounter and one of the best tag matches ever in WWE.

12 Edge Vs. Mick Foley - WrestleMania 22

Cagematch.net Rating: 9.19

• The spear through the flaming table is an iconic WrestleMania moment
• Mick Foley's last ever WrestleMania match
• Edge became an even bigger star after this match

Edge and Mick Foley tore the house down in a violent Hardcore match at WrestleMania 22. The Rated-R Superstar was intent on heaping more misery for the Hardcore legend at WrestleMania. However, Foley was aggressive, and Edge's arm was cut early on as he attempted to Spear Foley, but Foley had barbed wire underneath his shirt.

10 Huge WWE Wrestlemania Wins That Meant Nothing

Foley took the fight to Edge, and Edge bled profusely after Foley grated his face with a barbed wire baseball bat. Ultimately, the finish is what took everyone's breath away. Lita lit the table on the outside with fire, and Edge speared Foley through a flaming table to remain unbeaten at WrestleMania.

11 The Undertaker Vs. Triple H – WrestleMania 28

Cagematch.net Rating: 9.21

• Undertaker's first match with a shaven head
• This hosted WrestleMania's greatest near-fall in a match
• Undertaker completed a trilogy of WrestleMania wins over Triple H

Although the Hell in a Cell structure didn’t play a huge part in the match itself, it still raised the stakes and atmosphere of this war between two greats. After a four-year journey, the rivalry between The Undertaker, Triple H, and Shawn Michaels culminated in this intense epic.

This was a hard-hitting display that called back to previous matches, and it featured one of the best near-falls of all time, as special guest referee, Shawn Michaels, hit a Sweet Chin Music which was followed up by a Pedigree from Triple H, however Taker still kicked out. It was an emotional performance and featured several timeless moments.

10 Razor Ramon Vs. Shawn Michaels - WrestleMania 10

Cagematch.net Rating: 9.29

• The ladder match was made famous in this match
• Razor Ramon & Shawn Michaels had a rematch at SummerSlam
• This match was rated 5 stars by Dave Meltzer

Ladder matches have become a staple at WrestleMania. However, Razor Ramon and Shawn Michaels made history at WrestleMania 10 as the first two men to compete in a ladder match at WrestleMania. There were high stakes as the winner would be crowned as the Undisputed Intercontinental Champion. This was the first instance of HBK showing why he is known as Mr. WrestleMania.

Michaels was in touching distance of retrieving both Intercontinental Title belts on several occasions but to no avail. The Bad Guy pushed Michaels off the ladder, and Ramon unhooked both titles to prevail.

9 The Rock Vs. Steve Austin - WrestleMania 17

Cagematch.net Rating: 9.37

• The main event of WWE's best WrestleMania (according to many fans)
• The Rock & Steve Austin are arguably WWE's two biggest stars
• This was the second match of their WrestleMania trilogy

WrestleMania 17 was stacked from top to bottom, and many fans think that WrestleMania 17 was the greatest iteration of WrestleMania. The main event featured The Rock defending the WWE Championship against Steve Austin for the second time in three years. Both men were faces, but Rock was public enemy number one with WrestleMania 17 emanating in Austin's home state of Texas.

The match was exceptional, and both Rock and Austin were at the top of their games. However, the ending was shocking with Mr. McMahon strutting down to ringside. He buried the hatchet with Austin, and the Texas Rattlesnake turned heel after brutalizing Rock with a steel chair. Austin shook McMahon's hands and walked out with the WWE Championship.

8 Gunther Vs. Drew McIntyre Vs. Sheamus - WrestleMania 39

Cagematch.net Rating: 9.40

• Gunther continued his longest ever IC Title reign
• Dave Meltzer rated this 5 stars
• It was the best match of WrestleMania weekend in 2023

Gunther defended his Intercontinental Championship amidst his record-breaking reign in one of the most hard-hitting and impactful matches in WrestleMania history, elevating the gold and making his own first ever WrestleMania moment.

This stole the show at WrestleMania, and it showcased just how tough these three brawlers truly were, coming out of this match looking beaten up, bruised, and like they'd gone through a war.

7 Kurt Angle Vs. Shawn Michaels - WrestleMania 21

Cagematch.net Rating: 9.47

• This was a RAW vs. SmackDown match at WrestleMania
• Highest rated match at WrestleMania 21
• Fans view this as a legit dream encounter

Fans were treated to a dream match between Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 21. Angle represented SmackDown, and HBK was a member of Raw. Nonetheless, the two former World Champions told an amazing story with fans in awe of what they were witnessing.

Angle was in his Wrestling Machine gimmick, and the intensity of his matches ramped up. The Olympic Gold Medalist was in the best phase of his WWE career, and going head-to-head with HBK, they delivered. They had the best match of the night, and Angle forced HBK to submit to the Angle Lock.

6 Owen Hart Vs. Bret Hart - WrestleMania 10

Cagematch.net Rating: 9.47

• This is the highest rated WrestleMania opener
• Bret Hart lost, but won the WWE Championship in the main event
• WWE's best brother vs. brother feud and match

WrestleMania 10 was very good, and the opening match of the night was memorable. Owen Hart collided with his older Bret. The King of Harts was desperate to step out of his brother's shadow, and he wanted to prove that he is better than Bret.

They masterfully told a brilliant story, and their match had fans on the edge of their seats. It was a technical masterclass, and unquestionably the best opener in the history of WrestleMania. Owen upset Bret with a victory roll, but the Hitman had the last laugh as he walked out of WrestleMania 10 with the WWE Championship.

5 The Undertaker Vs. Shawn Michaels - WrestleMania 26

Cagematch.net Rating: 9.51

• This was Shawn Michaels' retirement match (until 2018)
• Undertaker & Shawn Michaels had two back-to-back WrestleMania classics
• Fans are divided on which match was better

Shawn Michaels had to end The Undertaker's WrestleMania unbeaten streak if he was going to preserve his career at WrestleMania 26. Their sequel didn't reach the heights of their encounter at WrestleMania 25, but they hit a home run in the rightful main event.

The action was breathtaking, and Michaels had a refusal to stay down. He kicked out of Undertaker's trademark Tombstone Piledriver. HBK did an excellent job, and he ensured that he wasn't going down without a fight. Nonetheless, the Phenom brought the gavel down on Michaels' legendary career with a devastating jumping Tombstone to go 18-0 at WrestleMania.

4 World Heavyweight Championship Triple Threat - WrestleMania 20

Cagematch.net Rating: 9.54

• Fans view this as the best triple threat match of all time
• WrestleMania 20 had a classic ending
• WrestleMania took place in Madison Square Garden

Triple H defended the World Heavyweight Championship in the main event of WrestleMania 20 in a triple threat match. The trio produced a special championship match.

Triple H submitted to lose this match in a memorable finish. After the match, the new champion and his best friend Eddie Guerrero who was the WWE Champion were in tears, and they embraced with confetti falling.

3 Dudley Boyz Vs. Edge & Christian Vs. Hardy Boyz - WrestleMania 17

Cagematch.net Rating: 9.58

• This was a rematch from WrestleMania 16
• All three teams added to what many see as the best WrestleMania ever
• Edge & Christian emerged victorious two years in a row

Another reason why WrestleMania 17 is the greatest WrestleMania of all time, is the second installment of TLC featuring the Dudley Boyz, Edge and Christian, and the Hardy Boyz. The Dudley Boyz once again entered as World Tag Team Champions, and all three teams ensured that they would steal the show.

13 Most Embarrassing Moments In WrestleMania History

Edge's Spear on Jeff Hardy off the top of the ladder is always played on highlight reels. The spot was death-defying, and it was well worth the risk. Moreover, Spike Dudley, Rhyno, and Lita got involved in proceedings. Ultimately, Edge and Christian won the Tag Team Titles for the seventh and final time as a team.

2 The Undertaker Vs. Shawn Michaels - WrestleMania 25

Cagematch.net Rating: 9.61

• Shawn Michaels was hell bent on ending The Undertaker's streak
• Somehow, this match not rated 5 stars by Dave Meltzer
• The Undertaker's shocking dive to the outside was a breathtaking WrestleMania moment

The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels produced excellent matches in the 90s, and they replicated those affairs with better encounters in the 2000s. At WrestleMania 25, Undertaker and Michaels took wrestling to another level with a match that lived up to the hype.

Both men were seasoned veterans, and they took fans on a journey. The near falls were perfectly executed and fans used up all of their energy for this barnburner. Nevertheless, Undertaker almost broke his neck after he dived over the top rope with the cameraman failing to catch him. Undertaker regrouped, and he countered HBK's moonsault into the Tombstone to go 17-0 at WrestleMania.

1 Bret Hart Vs. Steve Austin - WrestleMania 13

Cagematch.net Rating: 9.64

• This is the highest rated WrestleMania match on cagematch.net
• Bret Hart and Steve Austin pulled off a double turn
• WrestleMania 13 was a one match show

WrestleMania 13 was one of the worst WrestleManias, but Bret Hart and Steve Austin single-handedly saved this card from being catastrophic. Ken Shamrock was the man in the middle as the special guest referee in their Submission match.

Austin's popularity grew, and this night cemented the Texas Rattlesnake as one of the top babyfaces in the company. The visual of Hart applying the Sharpshooter with the blood dripping down Austin's face is an iconic image. Hart refused to release the Sharpshooter, and he turned heel with Austin completing the double turn as a face. The Excellence of Execution was victorious with Austin unable to battle out of the Sharpshooter.