Ok, so Wrestlemania 26 is this Sunday, and Im in the Wrestlemania mood. The top 10 list for best or favorite Wrestlemania matches has already been done, so Im going to twist that topic a bit to spit out something new. I can't broaden the category, so let's get more specific.
With 2009 in the yearbooks, and 2010 in full bloom, we have a new decade on our hands. So, out with the old and in with the new, right? Not just yet. Here, Im looking for your favorite 10 Wrestlemania matches from the past decade. That spans from Wrestlemania 16 (2000) through Wrestlemania 25 (2009). You can pick them for whatever reason, one from each, or as many from one as you wish. Just have a good reason why.
Again, Im looking for everything: build up, in ring work, lasting effects, personal experience, anything that makes a top 10 list worthwhile.
Here is mine (for the sake of diversity, I tried to hit as many different Wrestlemanias as possible):
10. Ric Flair vs Shawn Michaels (Wrestlemania 24: Career Threatening Match for Ric Flair)
This match is perhaps the most sentimental of this list. It isnt the most technical, nor does it have the extreme spots. However, it was about the end of an era in the WWE. Shawn Michaels and Ric Flair put on a simple yet emotional show in 2008, which I will never forget. The storyline build was predictable, yet left many wishing for one more win for the Nature Boy. Afterwards, at both the event and the following RAW, the sendoff for Flair was magnificent. I dont wish to argue about the false retirements in wrestling, but this was well done regardless.
9. Batista vs The Undertaker (Wrestlemania 23: World Heavyweight Championship)
This was another match that wasnt last on the card, yet managed to steal enough of the spotlight to shine. Batista was perhaps the most dominant World Champion of the decade at this time. The Undertaker finally won the Royal Rumble, and got to challenge for the title at Wrestlemania, something he hadnt done in 10 years. In 2007, this match was perhaps my favorite on the card. Taker proved he could get a good match out of almost anyone, and Batista really looked like a main event player. The streak vs the title was incredibly well built up, with various double crosses and such, and the year long rivalry between the two told an amazing story.
8. Steve Austin vs The Rock (Wrestlemania 19: The Third Act)
Honestly, I didnt like this match until about the third time I watched it, which was also after I watched the Mania of Wrestlemania special that told all the behind the scenes drama. However, now it is forever etched in my memory. The third, and final, installment of the Stone Cold vs The Rock Wrestlemania rivalry told an amazing story. Austin just came back, yet was on his way out. The Rock was the hottest heel in the business, coming off a win over Hulk Hogan. However, Austin hadnt lost to the Rock until this night. The match itself was pretty basic, and some would say littered with finishers. But this is what really sold it to me. Both guys NEEDED to keep the other guy down, and neither wanted to quit. Finally, the Rock was able to get the win after three Rock Bottoms, and the rest is history.
7. Chris Benoit vs Shawn Michaels vs Triple H (Wrestlemania 20: Triple Threat for the World Heavyweight Championship)
This was Benoits chance to win the big one. He won the Royal Rumble, and had all the momentum in the world. Michaels wanted nothing more than to beat Triple H one more time. The Game, just wanted to get out of Madison Square Garden with the gold. The match itself was brilliant, executed to the full capabilities of these three men. However, it was Benoits night, something that I wish I could say again, and the celebration that ensued with Eddie Guerrero was perhaps the most emotional moment of the decade.
6. Hulk Hogan vs The Rock (Wrestlemania 18: Past vs Present, Icon vs Icon)
First of all, the hype for this match was incredible. If you dont believe me, go watch the promo video. One thing that is always asked online is: Who is the best/better? Rarely do we ever get these answers. This match actually happened. Sure, Hogan was Hollywood. Sure, he was old. Yet, the pure adrenaline in the Sky Dome on that night was nothing short of epic. The match was good, serving its purpose and forcefully turning Hogan face again. The aftermath saw the return of the Red and Yellow, and one of the greatest Smackdown moments in history.
5. Shawn Michaels vs The Undertaker (Wrestlemania 25: Mr. Wrestlemania vs The Streak)
Say what you wish. Overrated, botches, finishers, I get it. But I also get that this match stole the show. How often do you get two 40+ year-old guys going at it at Wrestlemania, and expect a classic? Not often at all, but the Undertaker and Shawn Michaels delivered. The match was a good half hour, yet didnt feel long. The trade-offs, finishers, signatures, spots, and false finishes were well worth the watch. Add to this that the build up was incredible, with Michaels getting the better of Taker for months. In actuality, you could date this rivalry back to 2007, when Taker eliminated Michaels in the Royal Rumble. Now, there is a sequel. This was the best of Wrestlemania 25, which isnt a huge feat, but makes the top 5 of my list.
4. Edge and Christian vs The Dudley Boys vs The Hardy Boyz (Wrestlemania 16: WWE Tag Team Championship Triangle Ladder Match)
I actually wasnt watching wrestling at this time (I started later in 2000). However, this was one of my favorite matches ever since I saw it on VHS. In short, this was one of the best spot-fests of all time. It really set the pace for TLC, and brought Tag Team wrestling into a huge spotlight. The dive by Jeff Hardy was the big spot in the match, which has been replayed for years. These three teams really broke out in this matchup, which has lead to success for most of them (all 6 are still employed in the WWE or TNA). Edge and Christian won here, but this would not be the last time all these guys would be in the ring together.
3. Steve Austin vs The Rock (Wrestlemania 17: WWE Championship, Take 2)
Wrestlemania 17 will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the first Wrestlemania I watched live, and really was a solid card from start to finish. To this day, Id gladly watch it over and over without getting bored. The main event of the evening was one reason why. In the biggest collision since Hogan vs Warrior, The Rock and Stone Cold beat the hell out of each other. From the promo package to the added No DQ stipulation all the way to the final bell, the crowd was ridiculously into the match, and so was I. This was their second meeting at Wrestlemania, in the main event, for the title, and easily surpassed the first. The McMahon interference and the Stone Cold heel turn was unexpected, but played into future stories for the rest of the year.
2. Edge and Christian vs The Dudley Boys vs The Hardy Boyz (Wrestlemania 17: WWE Tag Team Championship TLC II)
Again, Wrestlemania 17 finds its way onto my list. Again, these three teams found their way together at Wrestlemania. Again, they stole the show. TLC II was the sequel to the original TLC, taking place the Summerslam before. Somehow, it succeeded expectations yet again. Jeff took another massive ladder dive. Lita, Spike Dudley, and Rhyno all interfered. The violence was amazingly choreographed. And through all this, Edge and Christian won again. I said it for the previous match from these guys, and Ill say it again. These matches really showcased the capabilities of tag teams in the WWE, as well as the individual talents of each of these men. I attribute some of the longevity and popularity of some of them (especially, but not limited to, Edge) to these matches. Add to all this that it was insanely entertaining, and you have my #2.
1. Kurt Angle vs Shawn Michaels (Wrestlemania 21: 1996 legends meet in Hollywood)
Ok, so thus far my list has had spot-fests, sentimental favorites, and big name dream matches. This one is both a technical masterpiece and a dream match, and is indefinitely my #1 pick. Shawn Michaels vs Kurt Angle was the modern day Savage vs Steamboat. The wrestling was amazing, the story was well written, and the charisma radiating from these guys was by far the best that either could put out. Simply put, this was the 1996 Gold Medalist vs the 1996 Ironman, with the Medalist pulling out a narrow victory. These two then went on to have two more great matches, but the Wrestlemania feel was the solidifying factor that put this one over the top.
There you have my top 10 Wrestlemania matches of the decade. Now, Im looking for yours. Go!
With 2009 in the yearbooks, and 2010 in full bloom, we have a new decade on our hands. So, out with the old and in with the new, right? Not just yet. Here, Im looking for your favorite 10 Wrestlemania matches from the past decade. That spans from Wrestlemania 16 (2000) through Wrestlemania 25 (2009). You can pick them for whatever reason, one from each, or as many from one as you wish. Just have a good reason why.
Again, Im looking for everything: build up, in ring work, lasting effects, personal experience, anything that makes a top 10 list worthwhile.
Here is mine (for the sake of diversity, I tried to hit as many different Wrestlemanias as possible):
10. Ric Flair vs Shawn Michaels (Wrestlemania 24: Career Threatening Match for Ric Flair)
This match is perhaps the most sentimental of this list. It isnt the most technical, nor does it have the extreme spots. However, it was about the end of an era in the WWE. Shawn Michaels and Ric Flair put on a simple yet emotional show in 2008, which I will never forget. The storyline build was predictable, yet left many wishing for one more win for the Nature Boy. Afterwards, at both the event and the following RAW, the sendoff for Flair was magnificent. I dont wish to argue about the false retirements in wrestling, but this was well done regardless.
9. Batista vs The Undertaker (Wrestlemania 23: World Heavyweight Championship)
This was another match that wasnt last on the card, yet managed to steal enough of the spotlight to shine. Batista was perhaps the most dominant World Champion of the decade at this time. The Undertaker finally won the Royal Rumble, and got to challenge for the title at Wrestlemania, something he hadnt done in 10 years. In 2007, this match was perhaps my favorite on the card. Taker proved he could get a good match out of almost anyone, and Batista really looked like a main event player. The streak vs the title was incredibly well built up, with various double crosses and such, and the year long rivalry between the two told an amazing story.
8. Steve Austin vs The Rock (Wrestlemania 19: The Third Act)
Honestly, I didnt like this match until about the third time I watched it, which was also after I watched the Mania of Wrestlemania special that told all the behind the scenes drama. However, now it is forever etched in my memory. The third, and final, installment of the Stone Cold vs The Rock Wrestlemania rivalry told an amazing story. Austin just came back, yet was on his way out. The Rock was the hottest heel in the business, coming off a win over Hulk Hogan. However, Austin hadnt lost to the Rock until this night. The match itself was pretty basic, and some would say littered with finishers. But this is what really sold it to me. Both guys NEEDED to keep the other guy down, and neither wanted to quit. Finally, the Rock was able to get the win after three Rock Bottoms, and the rest is history.
7. Chris Benoit vs Shawn Michaels vs Triple H (Wrestlemania 20: Triple Threat for the World Heavyweight Championship)
This was Benoits chance to win the big one. He won the Royal Rumble, and had all the momentum in the world. Michaels wanted nothing more than to beat Triple H one more time. The Game, just wanted to get out of Madison Square Garden with the gold. The match itself was brilliant, executed to the full capabilities of these three men. However, it was Benoits night, something that I wish I could say again, and the celebration that ensued with Eddie Guerrero was perhaps the most emotional moment of the decade.
6. Hulk Hogan vs The Rock (Wrestlemania 18: Past vs Present, Icon vs Icon)
First of all, the hype for this match was incredible. If you dont believe me, go watch the promo video. One thing that is always asked online is: Who is the best/better? Rarely do we ever get these answers. This match actually happened. Sure, Hogan was Hollywood. Sure, he was old. Yet, the pure adrenaline in the Sky Dome on that night was nothing short of epic. The match was good, serving its purpose and forcefully turning Hogan face again. The aftermath saw the return of the Red and Yellow, and one of the greatest Smackdown moments in history.
5. Shawn Michaels vs The Undertaker (Wrestlemania 25: Mr. Wrestlemania vs The Streak)
Say what you wish. Overrated, botches, finishers, I get it. But I also get that this match stole the show. How often do you get two 40+ year-old guys going at it at Wrestlemania, and expect a classic? Not often at all, but the Undertaker and Shawn Michaels delivered. The match was a good half hour, yet didnt feel long. The trade-offs, finishers, signatures, spots, and false finishes were well worth the watch. Add to this that the build up was incredible, with Michaels getting the better of Taker for months. In actuality, you could date this rivalry back to 2007, when Taker eliminated Michaels in the Royal Rumble. Now, there is a sequel. This was the best of Wrestlemania 25, which isnt a huge feat, but makes the top 5 of my list.
4. Edge and Christian vs The Dudley Boys vs The Hardy Boyz (Wrestlemania 16: WWE Tag Team Championship Triangle Ladder Match)
I actually wasnt watching wrestling at this time (I started later in 2000). However, this was one of my favorite matches ever since I saw it on VHS. In short, this was one of the best spot-fests of all time. It really set the pace for TLC, and brought Tag Team wrestling into a huge spotlight. The dive by Jeff Hardy was the big spot in the match, which has been replayed for years. These three teams really broke out in this matchup, which has lead to success for most of them (all 6 are still employed in the WWE or TNA). Edge and Christian won here, but this would not be the last time all these guys would be in the ring together.
3. Steve Austin vs The Rock (Wrestlemania 17: WWE Championship, Take 2)
Wrestlemania 17 will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the first Wrestlemania I watched live, and really was a solid card from start to finish. To this day, Id gladly watch it over and over without getting bored. The main event of the evening was one reason why. In the biggest collision since Hogan vs Warrior, The Rock and Stone Cold beat the hell out of each other. From the promo package to the added No DQ stipulation all the way to the final bell, the crowd was ridiculously into the match, and so was I. This was their second meeting at Wrestlemania, in the main event, for the title, and easily surpassed the first. The McMahon interference and the Stone Cold heel turn was unexpected, but played into future stories for the rest of the year.
2. Edge and Christian vs The Dudley Boys vs The Hardy Boyz (Wrestlemania 17: WWE Tag Team Championship TLC II)
Again, Wrestlemania 17 finds its way onto my list. Again, these three teams found their way together at Wrestlemania. Again, they stole the show. TLC II was the sequel to the original TLC, taking place the Summerslam before. Somehow, it succeeded expectations yet again. Jeff took another massive ladder dive. Lita, Spike Dudley, and Rhyno all interfered. The violence was amazingly choreographed. And through all this, Edge and Christian won again. I said it for the previous match from these guys, and Ill say it again. These matches really showcased the capabilities of tag teams in the WWE, as well as the individual talents of each of these men. I attribute some of the longevity and popularity of some of them (especially, but not limited to, Edge) to these matches. Add to all this that it was insanely entertaining, and you have my #2.
1. Kurt Angle vs Shawn Michaels (Wrestlemania 21: 1996 legends meet in Hollywood)
Ok, so thus far my list has had spot-fests, sentimental favorites, and big name dream matches. This one is both a technical masterpiece and a dream match, and is indefinitely my #1 pick. Shawn Michaels vs Kurt Angle was the modern day Savage vs Steamboat. The wrestling was amazing, the story was well written, and the charisma radiating from these guys was by far the best that either could put out. Simply put, this was the 1996 Gold Medalist vs the 1996 Ironman, with the Medalist pulling out a narrow victory. These two then went on to have two more great matches, but the Wrestlemania feel was the solidifying factor that put this one over the top.
There you have my top 10 Wrestlemania matches of the decade. Now, Im looking for yours. Go!
