Ranking every WWE WrestleMania main event since 2000

WrestleMania is maybe the top {of professional} wrestling. Wrestlers in WWE work year-round to attempt to earn their place on the April spectacle and all sorts of followers tune in to see the top to the corporate’s annual cycle, however to be given the principle occasion of the long-lasting present is an honour in and of itself.

Within the twenty first century, there have been some really nice ‘Mania essential occasions, however, for each traditional, there are some that didn’t fairly land the best way that WWE initially meant. So, let’s check out the matches which have closed WrestleMania because the daybreak of the brand new millennium, as GIVEMESPORT ranks each WrestleMania essential occasion since 2000.

The Miz vs John Cena

WrestleMania 27 – 2011

The beginning of our checklist takes us to 2011 and WrestleMania 27. Many followers don’t have significantly fond reminiscences of The Miz as WWE Champion (whether or not or not it’s throughout this period or his short-lived 2021 title reign), and that feeling of discontent was summed up by his WrestleMania title defence in opposition to John Cena, which truly centred round The Rock.

It was Cena’s verbal battles with The Nice One earlier than the present which actually overshadowed the WWE Champion and made many individuals consider that he would lose the title to John on the Grandest Stage of Them All. Nonetheless, following a really underwhelming double count-out in the principle occasion of WrestleMania, The Rock used his internet hosting powers to restart the match and hand The Miz a title retention. The champ suffered a concussion early within the match and would not truly bear in mind the vast majority of it, which clearly hindered the standard as properly.

Roman Reigns vs The Undertaker

WrestleMania 33 – 2017

By 2017, The Undertaker’s WrestleMania showdowns had misplaced numerous their magic. Submit-streak, the corporate used The Deadman in a wide range of alternative ways, from defending WWE from Shane McMahon on Vince’s behalf to squashing John Cena in a minute, however, at ‘Mania 33, he turned the newest to place over Roman Reigns within the quest to make him the following babyface icon.

After all, this was at a time when the followers had been unrelenting of their outright rejection of Reigns, and issues had been made worse when this match seemed that Roman had retired The Undertaker by changing into the second man to beat him at WrestleMania. Plus, the match itself was sloppy and appeared to tug on into the night time as a 52-year-old ‘Taker went 23 minutes in a no-holds-barred affair.

AJ Kinds vs The Undertaker

WrestleMania 36 – 2020

Rating right here because of its cinematic nature, the primary night time of the primary WrestleMania to have two nights ended with a Boneyard match between AJ Kinds and The Undertaker. Admittedly, it might have been given this spot as a result of dramatic visible of Kinds’ glove protruding from a pile of grime after he had been ‘buried’ being an emphatic finish to the present, nevertheless it stands out amongst different WrestleMania closing moments.

It doesn’t fall on the backside of our checklist as we’ve got to view it barely in another way than a daily one-on-one conflict. The pandemic gave wrestling firms an opportunity to push the boundaries of creativity, and, so far as cinematic matches go, this one is nice, however the Firefly Funhouse match we noticed simply 24 hours later most likely eclipses it and implies that the Boneyard match can’t place any increased than it does.

Brock Lesnar vs Drew McIntyre

WrestleMania 36 – 2020

At WrestleMania 36, Drew McIntyre reached the mountaintop in WWE for the primary time, however, in 2020, nobody was there to see it. The pandemic was nonetheless a really new prospect for the broader world to cope with on the time, and there have been even solutions that the most important wrestling occasion on this planet ought to be cancelled because of having no stay viewers. Nonetheless, the present continued for WWE by all exterior occasions and the 2020 Royal Rumble winner needed to go issues alone.

Whereas a match between Lesnar and McIntyre would have been way more with out the apparent restraints, this began with simply seven minutes left of WrestleMania 36’s runtime, and the match itself clocked in at 4 and a half minutes. It was a finisher-heavy dash of a bout that proved to have daring moments, resembling McIntyre kicking out of an F-5 at one, nevertheless it was a rushed crowning of a brand new champion in very unsure occasions.

Triple H v Large Present v The Rock v Mick Foley

WrestleMania 16 – 2000

A McMahon in each nook. Once you consider WrestleMania 2000, you consider this match. However, to say that it was a convoluted affair can be an understatement as this ‘Mania essential occasion featured then WWF Champion Triple H, Royal Rumble winner The Rock, Rumble runner-up The Large Present (who truly hit the bottom after The Rock) and Mick Foley simply weeks after he misplaced a stipulation match forcing him into retirement.

If that wasn’t sufficient, it was an elimination match, too. Regardless of Large Present’s early exit, the match went a complete of 38 minutes with the ultimate stretch between Triple H and The Rock going for 20 by itself. The final leg of the match additionally featured numerous drama across the McMahon household themselves, as we noticed Vince activate The Rock earlier than each member of the household (bar Linda) ate a Rock Backside to finish a really hectic and crowded essential occasion.

Triple H vs Randy Orton

WrestleMania 25 – 2009

When Randy Orton gained the 2009 Royal Rumble, he was considered one of WWE’s most sadistic heels ever. Coming after Triple H, The Viper executed a punt kick on each Vince and Shane McMahon, in addition to stealing a kiss from Stephanie on the best way to difficult The Sport on the twenty fifth WrestleMania. However, regardless of the intensely private feud, the stipulation hooked up to the match said that ought to Triple H be counted out or disqualified, he would forfeit the WWE Championship to Orton.

This significantly restricted the degrees that this match might attain. After all, it performed off how Orton’s pre-match antics had rattled his opponent, however you’ll anticipate a rivalry this severe to have resulted in a wild battle somewhat than a daily singles match through which the rivals had been actively discouraged from pushing the restrict. Additionally, it’s typically thought to be having overstayed its welcome when it comes to size.

Triple H vs Roman Reigns

WrestleMania 32 – 2016

In 2016, WWE had been maybe their most engrained in attempting to make the presentation they needed for Roman Reigns work. We’ve already coated the time that they had The Large Canine pin The Undertaker at WrestleMania, however, at ‘Mania 32, the corporate had been way more formulaic with their try to have the viewers get behind Reigns as a babyface, having him defend his title within the Royal Rumble and lose it to authority determine Triple H in direction of the top of the match.

However, when the time got here to shut WrestleMania 32 in opposition to The Sport, numerous followers had checked out, as they knew Roman was prone to win in an extended and dramatic essential occasion that individuals struggled to purchase into. Ultimately, Roman had his triumphant title victory in what many noticed as a procession.

Stone Chilly Steve Austin vs Kevin Owens

WrestleMania 38 – 2022

When Stone Chilly Steve Austin retired in 2003, subsequent to nobody would have predicted that we’d ever see him compete once more, not to mention it occurred virtually 20 years later. But, when WrestleMania 38 rolled round in The Rattlesnake’s dwelling of Texas, he laced up his boots and stepped into the ring to battle Kevin Owens on the Grandest Stage of Them All.

The closing phase of the primary night time of WrestleMania in 2022 was initially marketed to function Austin showing on an iteration of Owens’ discuss present ‘The KO Present’, however a problem was quickly laid out from host to visitor as the 2 had a no holds barred match. This was intelligent because it allowed WWE to have Austin compete with out being judged for his technical ability, the match was a brawl that spilt from the ring to ringside to the stands and created a chaotic finish to nighttime one. Not a technical masterpiece however an incredible use of a then 57-year-old Austin.

Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns

WrestleMania 34 – 2018

The fourth ‘Mania essential occasion in a row to function Roman Reigns, followers had grown used to seeing The Large Canine make his entrance within the last match of WWE’s spectacle occasion. Plus, very like at ‘Mania 32, most individuals had been sure that the previous powerhouse of The Protect would stroll out having been topped champion. So, the group in New Orleans had been fairly disinterested in what they had been being introduced with till Lesnar stunned them by pulling out a victory.

The match itself had a good quantity of high quality, nevertheless it was undoubtedly too lengthy, as Lesnar needed to hit an astonishing six F-5s to place down a really bloodied Roman. Nonetheless, the sheer apathy from the group meant that, regardless of the two males had been doing within the ring, acquired drowned out by the viewers entertaining themselves with unrelated chants which ruined the general notion of ‘Mania 34’s closing match.

Triple H vs Chris Jericho

WrestleMania 18 – 2002

Once you consider WrestleMania 18, the principle occasion isn’t the very first thing that involves thoughts. On the night time, Triple H vs Chris Jericho was majorly overshadowed by The Rock’s earlier conflict with Hulk Hogan, so the closing match didn’t fairly finish the present within the emphatic manner that the corporate had meant. As a substitute, this match was closely centered on Stephanie McMahon.

Jericho labored over his opponent’s leg (which was already bandaged heading into the present) as Stephanie continued to intervene. She even took some bumps as Chris inadvertently hit her with a spear. The gang needed to see a Triple H win and that’s precisely what they acquired, as these in attendance acquired off their toes to see The Sport nail a Pedigree and take dwelling the gold.

The Rock vs John Cena

WrestleMania 29 – 2013

As soon as in a lifetime turned twice in a lifetime at WrestleMania 29, as The Rock took on John Cena for the WWE Championship. As we coated within the first entry, the rivalry between the 2 legends had been ratting on for 2 years, as they first turned intertwined at ‘Mania 27. This was the top of a storyline which spanned two years and took priority over anything occurring within the firm on the time.

It performed off how Cena had had a really tough previous 12 months off the again of his loss to The Rock one 12 months earlier, together with some very actual off-screen drama and breakups. Nonetheless, very like the earlier 12 months, the group had been behind The Nice One when it got here time for the bell to win. Regardless, Cena would get issues again on observe by hitting an Angle Adjustment and getting the win as they performed off their earlier encounter and delivered a efficiency that, whereas typical of the pair, was a match full of storylines.

Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns

WrestleMania 38 – 2022

In a manner, this match modified the course of WWE and led us to the place we’re immediately. Initially, the 2 stars had been meant to conflict at Day 1 in 2022, however, when Reigns caught COVID and acquired pulled from the present, Lesnar was added to Uncooked’s WWE Championship four-way match, strolling out of the first of January present with Large E’s title.

So, within the midst of The Tribal Chief’s awe-inspiring Common Title reign, Brock and Roman’s third ‘Mania essential occasion collectively was made for 38 in 2022, this time for all of the gold. As you’ll have anticipated stepping into, this was performed so as to add one other accolade to the ever-growing legend of Roman Reigns, however, regardless of most having an concept of who would win, there’s no doubting the importance of the event because the WWE and Common Titles turned unified.

Triple H vs Batista

WrestleMania 21 – 2005

The Triple H vs Batista rivalry from 2005 is revered for its story. As a member of Evolution, The Animal grew from a rookie who acted because the group’s muscle to the person who would stand up in opposition to the chief Triple H. The Sport was coming off the again of a profitable feud with Randy Orton which noticed him retain his World Heavyweight Championship, and, following the 2005 Royal Rumble, he had one other Evolution member on his radar, attempting all the pieces

The babyface flip from Batista was executed completely, as he outsmarted any plan Triple H needed to divert him away from the gold, which means that these in attendance for WrestleMania had been fiending to see the 2 conflict. Within the match, Triple H was as much as his traditional heel antics, going to hit The Animal with the World Heavyweight Title within the match, The Cerebral Murderer even had Ric Aptitude in his nook to spice up his probabilities. Nonetheless, as soon as he had handled The Nature Boy and dished out a Batista Bomb, the followers had been despatched dwelling pleased with a brand new champion.

Edge vs The Undertaker

WrestleMania 24 – 2008

Most of Undertaker’s WrestleMania matches round this time had been solely constructed across the streak, although, whereas this did have streak implications, The Deadman had his eyes set on the World Heavyweight Championship. This added further stakes to an already necessary ‘Mania 24 essential occasion. Plus, it’s value mentioning that, at this level, Edge hadn’t been pinned or submitted on the Grandest Stage of Them All both.

For some time, the 2 appeared to be evenly matched, as they went counter-for-counter. However, as soon as ‘Taker hit the referee with a Large Boot, The Final Opportunist went low and adopted up by putting The Phenom with a ringside digital camera. The match was full of drama and featured Charles Robinson sprinting right down to the ring to exchange the referee, and ultimately, the Deadman got here out on prime. It was a match that exceeded all expectations.

Becky Lynch vs Ronda Rousey vs Charlotte Aptitude

WrestleMania 35 – 2019

Provided that this was the first-ever girls’s essential occasion of WrestleMania, this match felt large time with out the rivals needing to do a lot in the best way of promotion. However, when it comes to star energy, you’d be hard-pressed to search out three extra iconic girls in WWE that 12 months than mainstream star Ronda Rousey, multi-time champion Charlotte Aptitude and the followers’ collective hero Becky Lynch.

In actuality, WrestleMania 35 ought to’ve closed with a one-on-one match between Rousey and Lynch, as there was a really natural rivalry constructing between the 2 on the time. Nonetheless, the corporate felt as if Charlotte Aptitude merely couldn’t be lacking from such an event, and, consequently, the stakes had been raised as The Queen was booked to win the SmackDown Girls’s Title in an effort to put each model’s gold on the road within the match. Ultimately, fan favorite Lynch walked out with each championships, leaving a long-lasting picture of historical past within the minds of viewers around the globe.

John Cena vs Triple H

WrestleMania 22 – 2006

Having gained his first WWE Championship a 12 months earlier at WrestleMania 21 in opposition to JBL, John Cena got here into 2006’s Showcase of The Immortals carrying gold. He had misplaced the title at that 12 months’s New 12 months’s Revolution, however gained it again on the Royal Rumble and went on to the principle occasion of ‘Mania 22 to defend the WWE Title in opposition to Triple H, who had gained a ‘Street To WrestleMania’ primary contender’s match within the lead-up to the Present of Reveals.

As was typical on the time, Cena was handled with hostility by these within the AllState Enviornment, as his period of dominance was simply starting. The match was as you’d anticipate from these two, however the crowd ate all the pieces up. Triple H was much more determined than traditional, having misplaced the earlier two WrestleMania essential occasions. He hit a low blow after the referee was caught within the motion and appeared for his trademark Sledgehammer, however these in attendance had been disillusioned when all-conquering babyface Cena acquired the submission victory to retain the WWE Championship.

Brock Lesnar vs Kurt Angle

WrestleMania 19 – 2003

Brock Lesnar’s WWE dominance was evident from the very first second, as his rookie 12 months is likely one of the greatest in firm historical past. The ‘Subsequent Large Factor’ was WWE Champion by SummerSlam of 2002, and solely misplaced the title to Large Present because of a betrayal from Paul Heyman. By the point 2003 rolled round, The Beast was a fan favorite, and his Royal Rumble win arrange an notorious conflict with Kurt Angle in the principle occasion of ‘Mania 19.

Admittedly, this match is extra recognized for the highest rope transfer that just about resulted in utter catastrophe, with Brock Lesnar’s Capturing Star Press being one of the well-known examples of a botched transfer there’s ever been, however he in some way carried on to complete the match and grow to be a two-time WWE Champion, hitting a 3rd F-5 to Angle and efficiently securing a pinfall.

Roman Reigns vs Daniel Bryan vs Edge

WrestleMania 37 – 2021

Only one 12 months after making his emotional return to wrestling, Edge discovered himself in the principle occasion of WrestleMania. It was a sight that followers of Rated R Celebrity by no means thought they’d see, however, following his 2021 Royal Rumble win from the primary place, the Rated R Celebrity squared off with Roman Reigns (and an added Daniel Bryan) to shut ‘Mania 37 for the Common Championship.

Every of the three males had momentum at totally different factors throughout the match, however this was a time when Jey Uso was firmly on the facet of his cousin, serving to him regain management the place doable. Moving into, most individuals had been cut up on who they thought would stroll out because the champion, however, the lasting picture of this present was considered one of dominance, as Reigns stacked Edge on prime of Bryan to emphatically defeat each challengers.

The Rock vs John Cena

WrestleMania 28 – 2012

In 2012, As soon as in a Lifetime meant As soon as in a Lifetime as John Cena squared off with The Rock for the primary time ever. It performed off the interactions the 2 had had a 12 months earlier at WrestleMania, with Rock being the principle purpose why Cena didn’t beat The Miz, and the principle occasion of ‘Mania 28 was introduced a 12 months earlier than it was set to occur.

After 12 months of trash discuss, the 2 headed to Rock’s hometown of Miami to satisfy in an iconic showdown. To nobody’s shock, the group had been closely in favour of The Rock, however Cena didn’t go quietly. The gang was electrical as the 2 traded their iconic manoeuvres backwards and forwards, however, overconfidence acquired to Cena as he mimicked The Nice One and tried to hit a Folks’s Elbow, one thing which was countered right into a Rock Backside that he couldn’t kick out of.

Roman Reigns vs Cody Rhodes

WrestleMania 39 – 2023

Bringing issues to the fashionable day, simply final 12 months noticed the wrestling world wait with bated breath to see Cody Rhodes ‘end the story’ at WrestleMania 39 in California. The American Nightmare had solely simply returned to WWE one 12 months earlier, and had made a comeback from damage to win the 2023 Royal Rumble. However, by all of that, he had one aim: to win the title that his dad by no means held.

The match high quality was excessive, and it had all of the makings of a worthy closing match of ‘Mania, although the bulk watching around the globe had been ready for Rhodes to win. There was real shock in all wrestling followers when Roman hit the spear and pinned Cody after Solo Sikoa’s interference, and his quest for the WWE Championship rattled on.

Sasha Banks vs Bianca Belair

WrestleMania 37 – 2021

Sasha Banks vs Bianca Belair was a history-making bout. Two years prior, we had the primary all-female WrestleMania essential occasion, however 2021 introduced with it the primary closing match between two girls of black descent. As such, each rivals had been emotional earlier than the conflict had even acquired going, however the gravitas of the state of affairs made many neglect about what had been a lacklustre construct.

If there was ever a option to construct a brand new star, this was it. Bianca’s Royal Rumble win set her on a collision course with considered one of WWE’s well-known 4 horsewomen, and he or she dazzled the viewers together with her show. Banks is arguably one of many best ever, however Belair will all the time be remembered for this show of sheer energy and athleticism which led her to championship glory.

John Cena vs Shawn Michaels

WrestleMania 23 – 2007

In 2006, John Cena walked out of the WrestleMania essential occasion as WWE Champion having submitted Triple H. A 12 months later, he got here into ‘Mania as champion and this time squared off in opposition to one other DX member in Shawn Michaels. Additionally, this stays the one closing match on the Present of Reveals to be contested between two present tag staff champions, as Cena and Michaels had gained tag gold simply weeks earlier than Shawn turned the highest contender for the WWE Title.

In typical style, the referee ate a Candy Chin Music throughout proceedings which signalled that something goes, together with a pile driver onto the metal steps which triggered a nasty-looking minimize to Cena’s head. Again within the ring, the 2 shared an superior alternate of ending strikes as Angle Changes had been countered into Superkicks and Superkicks had been countered into Ankle Locks. As soon as once more, Cena left the constructing having retained his title by the usage of the STF. Two members of DX had been up, and each had been defeated through submission.

Chris Benoit vs Shawn Michaels vs Triple H

WrestleMania 20 – 2004

It’s clearly laborious to speak about this match and any high quality it might possess because of its winner, however there’s little question that, on the time, this was a prime feel-good second. Benoit’s 2004 Rumble win was solely the second time ever that the feat had been achieved from primary, and he opted to hitch the continued rivalry between Triple H and Shawn Michaels.

Towards two titans of the business who had been by hellacious matches in opposition to one another within the lead-up to the showdown, Benoit certain was the underdog. However, there’s no doubting the truth that he was an excellent technical wrestler, and he locked in his Crossface ending transfer to make Triple H faucet out and win the gold. Making The Sport submit was already an iconic second, however the visible of Chris hugging Eddie Guerrero as the 2 held each world titles continues to be historic to at the present time.

Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns

WrestleMania 31 – 2015

The primary of what can be three WrestleMania essential occasions shared by Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns, 31 was their greatest. On the time, followers had been simply attending to grips with the WWE panorama post-breakup of The Protect, however, the pace at which the corporate went with The Large Canine as their prime man didn’t sit proper with most. This was primarily because of how his former teammates, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins, had expertise on the independents and had been way more fitted to a push, whereas Reigns was nonetheless studying his craft.

Nonetheless, Roman definitely appeared as if he belonged on this match. It was hard-hitting and highly effective as each males appeared to topple the opposite. Many had been shocked by the physicality of this match in what was really an incredible exhibiting for each of those stars. Lesnar’s pure dominance excited those that didn’t wish to see Reigns be topped as champion, and people in opposition to the challenger acquired their want because the then Mr. Cash within the Financial institution Seth Rollins cashed in and basically stole the championship to create an all-time WrestleMania second.

Daniel Bryan vs Randy Orton vs Batista

WrestleMania 30 – 2014

This ‘Mania essential occasion is proof that strain from the viewers is sufficient to do virtually something in wrestling. In any case, the business is constructed on entertaining the paying followers, so it’s often a good suggestion to maintain those that are invested in your organization pleased. In 2014, regardless of WWE’s greatest efforts to stage Randy Orton vs Batista, they merely couldn’t not go along with the overwhelmingly common Daniel Bryan.

It ended up being an extended night time for Bryan, as he needed to battle Triple H, a continuing thorn in his facet, to even earn a shot on the gold within the closing match, however that he did. Then, the star moved on to the principle occasion, the place he triumphantly overcame any last-ditch efforts from The Authority to flaunt his success to lastly attain the mountaintop on the most important stage. The scenes of Bryan lifting each of WWE’s prime belts above his head, main a celebratory ‘Sure’ chant to shut WrestleMania 30 will go down in historical past as one of many firm’s most iconic ever.

The Usos vs Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn

WrestleMania 39 – 2023

The most effective storylines WWE have performed in current reminiscence, Sami Zayn lastly overcame The Bloodline on night time considered one of WrestleMania 39. The Canadian’s ascent from a facet character in Roman’s reign to somebody who was a real contender to take the title from him initially of 2023 was electrifying tv. Regardless of not successful the highest singles gold in his hometown of Montreal at Elimination Chamber, Zayn reunited with Kevin Owens to problem The Usos in a traditional tag staff encounter.

It was the right finish to Sami’s eight-month journey with The Bloodline. As talked about earlier, the overwhelming majority of individuals thought that Cody Rhodes would defeat Roman Reigns the following night time, so, for twenty-four hours, we thought that this was simply the primary a part of the definitive finish to The Bloodline. Owens and Zayn even popped up throughout Cody’s match to nullify The Usos. Regardless, the night time one match’s emotional triumph will certainly stand the take a look at of time.

The Rock vs Steve Austin

WrestleMania 17 – 2001

In the event you ask any wrestling fan what one of the best WrestleMania ever is, most would level to X-Seven. It featured the second WrestleMania essential occasion between The Rock and Stone Chilly Steve Austin, and it was accompanied by a pre-match video bundle that also brings a chill to many immediately. The conflict was fuelled by an intensely gripping storyline and with the WWF Championship at stake, it doesn’t get a lot larger.

Each had been determined to stroll out of WrestleMania 17 with the gold, although, on the time, we didn’t fairly realise how far Austin would actually be able to go. The bout itself was legendary, as the 2 males traded finishers and even copied the signature strikes of their rival. However, as everyone knows, the match completed in a very stunning manner, as The Rattlesnake made a cope with the satan and used Vince McMahon’s assist to safe the gold. It really modified wrestling historical past.

Shawn Michaels vs The Undertaker

WrestleMania 26 – 2010

Over time, there have been occasions when followers really questioned whether or not the streak would finish, however nothing was as particular as this. One 12 months earlier, Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker totally stole the present at WrestleMania 25, and Michaels got here ever so near defeating The Deadman on the Grandest Stage of Them All. As such, WWE pulled off a masterpiece of storytelling by portraying the Heartbreak Child’s absolute desperation to get one other shot at being the one to interrupt the streak. After his superior Royal Rumble breakdown and Elimination Chamber interference, Michaels put all the pieces on the road to lastly be allowed to have one other crack at historical past.

As anticipated, this match was as epic because the one 12 months earlier, and Shawn had a plan. He focused the leg of The Undertaker, attempting to be methodical concerning the job he had been determined to attain. He even caught The Deadman with a jaw-dropping moonsault from the highest rope by the announce desk. Michaels was defiant proper to the very finish, mocking ‘Taker’s taunts earlier than slapping him viciously. Ultimately, The Phenom nailed a devastating last Tombstone after a surprising match to finish Shawn Michaels’ in-ring profession and hold the streak intact. It was the right swansong for Mr. WrestleMania himself. Let’s simply faux his return match years later did not occur, yeah?