highest rated wwe matches of all time

That means the only way to appreciate their historic trio of clashes is to experience the pace and exhilaration of this opening Allegro in its entirety. When Flair came to Texas to put his NWA Title on the line against Kerry Von Erich, the fans hoped they would see their local hero score an upset against the established champ, but what they got was even better a moral victory that spun off into the greatest rivalry in Texas wrestling history: the Von Erichs versus the Freebirds. You can teach selling. Following submission attempt after submission attempt, including Sharpshooters and Figure-Four Leglocks by both Superstars, the self-proclaimed "genetically superior" newcomer hit the Hart Dungeon-trained Superstar with her vicious Natural Selection for the win. Near triple the number of fans tuned into see The Rock successfully defend his WWE title inside a steel cage vs Shane O Mac. In 1989, Flair was Kanye 15 years before "The College Dropout" hit shelves. Since the latest livestream, we know 62 ratings of the full 200 wrestlers on the roster. Royal Rumble (2000) The 2000 Royal Rumble gets off to a fantastic start with Taz making his WWE pay-per-view debut against Kurt Angle. But some of the best moments in pro wrestling history involve a third party, and theres no match that balanced three separate sets of motivations better than this one. ANTHONY BENIGNO. Cody Rhodes bested Damian Sandow in a fine battle, that had the right level of intensity for the friends turned foes. "It was like the fans in Madison Square Garden sensed something was coming, but it was almost like they thought, 'No way, theyre not going to do this.' Trust us, putting this list together was tough, and there are bound to be omissions, but these matches truly are the "best of the best," and belong on any all-time list. I cant pinpoint why I liked Bret so much. And Shawn Michaels? But something funny happened. To a luchador, a mask isnt just part of a costume. There were even some young stars that would define the 90s, like Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. "I wouldn't have necessarily predicted beforehand that Orton and Christian would have been so great together. In ranking these moments, its tough to top "Stone Cold" Steve Austin siding with the Devil himself and becoming Mr. McMahons corporate champion at the close of WrestleMania X-Seven. 1: Steve Austin vs. What if we had a WrestleMania to work with? Fox to show up like in "Back To The Future" and say: "I guess you guys aren't ready for that. It was inventive and breathtaking, unlike anything that had. While their feud had no shortage of great moments, their undisputed masterpiece was the main event at WrestleMania X-Seven. JEFF LABOON. Thats what happened when Rey Mysterio put his mask on the line against Chris Jerichos Intercontinental Championship at The Bash 2009. For Triple H's Royal Rumble opponent, WWE turned Cactus Jack into a mythic figure less a flesh-and-blood man than violence personified. But whatever followed, we'll always have this match, an expertly paced, old school brawl that had both guys emerge even bigger stars. And for good measure, Sags bludgeoned Cactus face with a shovel. On any other event, Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart would've stolen the show. The backstory is that Flair was on his way out the door to return to WCW, and so this match was slapped onto Raw without a ton of promotion, but that hardly mattered: These two guys told a complete story in the ring (with the aid of Flairs manager, Bobby Heenan, who was on commentary) that somehow elevated these unusually legitimate stakes. Smith's victory blew the roof of the building, but Hart was the real hero here. ", This match had it all, from Pat Pattersons over-the-top ring announcements to the final chaotic moments that led to The Texas Rattlesnake using Mr. McMahons lifeless arm to make the three-count. It was a very unique, hard-hitting match. What feverish mind dreamed up the atrocities that unfolded during TLC II? What really stands out for me and Rey personally was the locker room was very intrigued by how small Rey was and how young he looked. So what makes their bout at WrestleMania 25 the greatest? And coming from the Hart family, the expectations were very high. Latest Results. WrestleMania 21 ended with John Cena as the new WWE Champion and Batista as the new World Champion, setting the stage for the next generation of WWE superstars. And after battling in enough five-star classics, they knew each others moves like the backs of their hands. Number nine of the best Wrestlemania matches is the first to involve Shawn Michaels as a competitor, but nowhere near his last. "The best thing was, after the match, walking into a locker room with a bunch of guys who'd been in the business for many years and were big stars, standing up and giving this guy a standing ovation. Meanwhile, Brock Lesnar truly was "The Next Big Thing," being put in the main event on a WrestleMania card featuring Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho, Triple H, Hulk Hogan, The Rock and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. There will be a lot of underdog stories on this list, but few of them were as grueling or as gratifying as Sami Zayns 18-month battle to become NXT Champion, which culminated in this classic between himself and the reigning champion, Neville. For years, WWE, WCW and ECW battled in a war for sports-entertainment supremacy. What more can be said about Bret Hart vs. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's submission match at Wrestlemania 13? It was a lot to put on Brock's massive shoulders, but he was up to the task. But Kurt Angle is a guy who wanted his dream match to be in the ring with Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania. You think, OK, these guys have had a lot taken out of them, so this will probably be a quick one. But no, halfway through the Street Fight, you forget about what happened in the first fall, because youre now wrapped up in this brawl. SETH ROLLINS, AS TOLD TO ZACH LINDER, John Cena and CM Punk shared a special kind of animosity. "Everything about Bret and Owen Hart was a situation anybody with siblings could identify with. 2. If the match would still be a classic with the sound off, it makes the cut. But on this night, the Hart brothers stood tall: Bret for winning the title, Owen for beating his brother, and both for putting on the greatest opening match in WrestleMania and WWE history. Two generational stars. When inspired, The Total Package could go, and he showed that during an NWA Title opportunity that was originally intended for an injured Sting. With chants of This is awesome! raining down, the two carried out several outstanding sequences until Bryan, the United States Champion, finally snapped the LeBell Lock onto his opponent, forced the irate Intercontinental Champion to tap out, and cemented both of their well-earned reputations. ANTHONY BENIGNO, We defy you to think of the Hell in a Cell Match without picturing The Undertaker throwing Mick Foley off the side of the demonic structure and onto a table below. Kurt can do anything. The match is must-watch just to see the 251-pound Cena break out a hurricanrana. Maybe "The Nature Boy" thought that getting inside "Macho Man's" head would make Savage lose focus, get disqualified and in doing so, fail to win the WWE Championship. We must acknowledge that Benoit's heinous actions in 2007 puts a huge black cloud on this match, but taken in isolation this is truly one of the greatest WWE matches in history. The inaugural ladder-wrecking melee was chock-full of daring and innovative maneuvers, many of which were executed by the uber-agile Shelton Benjamin. It took years for me to get over his rivalry with Bret Hart. So WrestleMania 22 with Edge was realistically my last chance to try to carve out that spot in my legacy. What if we had a real [rivalry] heading into a pay-per-view? The wince-inducing clash established that Hell in a Cell was WWEs most sinister stipulation when both rivals took the fight atop the structure before HBK tumbled off the side of the Cell and through the Spanish announce table. Newly arrived to WWE, the ever-serious Malenko was a natural foil for the goofy, bucket-hat-wearing, Worm-performing Scotty 2 Hotty. The athletic Charlotte captured the NXT Womens Championship against a ring veteran, giving the WWE Universe a taste of what wasto come in the Women's Division. "We both knew that we had to go all out and lay everything on the line," DDP once told WWE.com. Every high-spot is purposeful. I just, for whatever reason, couldnt feel the moment that night. CRAIG TELLO, Set aside the ignominious ending for Savage this match was an absolute beauty. [Announcers] Dusty Rhodes and Jim Ross kept making mention of the fact that 'Flyin'' Brian was by far the smallest guy in the match and still, getting the best of his opponents throughout the match. JOHN CLAPP. MITCH PASSERO, The WWE Light Heavyweight Championship never garnered the same praise as the WCW Cruiserweight Title, but that doesnt mean the division didn't have its moments of brilliance, such as Backlash 2000. 'Taker and I, when we see each other, we feel like two old war buddies that shared a bunker together and lived through it. Fresh off a third reign as World Tag Team Champions with Jim Neidhart, Hart was clearly gifted, but no one knew if he could cut it on his own. Or should we say, Cactus Jack. It also featured an ending every bit as iconic as Hogan slamming Andre, with Austin's screaming in pain, his face a bloody mess, yet refusing to submit to Hart's Sharpshooter. SHAWN MICHAELS, AS TOLD TO ZACH LINDER. John Cena vs Shawn Michaels - Monday Night Raw (April 27, 2007) The first in the list of John Cena best matches is The Champ vs The Heart Break Kid! There had never been another WrestleMania match quite like this and, perhaps, there never will be. ANTHONY BENIGNO, The Hart Foundations opposition was in enemy territory in summer 1997 when Bret Hart led Owen Hart, British Bulldog, Jim Neidhart and Brian Pillman into war against "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Ken Shamrock, Goldust and The Legion of Doom in The "Hit Mans" hometown of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. WWE 2K23 is revealing the ratings for each of its wrestlers, and there are definitely some surprises. Bryan, the world-class technical pro wrestler who also had star power vs. Cena, the natural-born sports entertainer who'd blossomed into one of the best big match workers in the business. The match stands as a landmark moment in all of their careers. SAM ROBERTS, AS TOLD TO ZACH LINDER, There may not be another match that embodied WWEs Attitude Era more than "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Dude Loves battle for the WWE Championship at Over the Edge 1998. While the WWE Universe was still catching its breath, Daniel Bryan snapped in what was then called the"No!" Thankfully, The Ultimate Underdog rose to the occasion against Ultimo Dragon at WCW World War 3 96. 1 Many big names have already been revealed, so. After a trilogy of matches that changed sports-entertainment forever, Flair earned the respect of all that had despised him. Unfortunately, a cruel twist of fate would force Bryan to vacate the title soon after, starting a chain of events that would ultimately lead to his retirement. This match was so brilliant because it was non-stop, wall-to-wall action that still took time for selling and storytelling. In this Friday night clash, however, the trio would finally be stopped. In the end, Bret underestimated his baby brother and lost to a rollup. For one, he hadnt held a World Title in almost three years, and his last go-round as champion ended in decisive fashion at the hands of Brock Lesnar. Yet it was the record 68,237 fans inside Torontos Skydome that made WrestleMania X8s epic "Icon vs. Icon" Match truly historic. Moments later, Hart locked on The Sharpshooter to capture the title, launching one of the most prolific careers in WWE history. "Usually a 2-out-of-3 Falls Match doesnt feel like three separate matches, but Austin and Triple H wrestled three separate matches back-to-back, and it wasnt even the main event of the pay-per-view. In a match that can be considered one of the finest displays of technical wrestling ever, Perfect worked over Hart and thought he had retained his title, only for the "Hit Man" to kick out of the Perfect Plex. Of course, the No. Not because the guys were doing "movez" or no-selling high spots, but because they told a story. Luger was a bronzed god who couldnt wrestle his way out of a paper bag, while Flair was the type of preternatural genius who could have a good match against a paper bag. The conquering of The Streak. With both Brock and Angle coming from standout amateur wrestling backgrounds, it's no surprise these two elite athletes took their battle to the mat at first, before The Anomaly poured on the pure strength to wear down his opponent. It's all of the above and so much more. A red-hot angle. This main event saw the changing of the guard from the Race Era to the Flair Era in the NWA, both in real life and in on-screen terms and more than that, it was the moment when the NWA entered fully into the modern era. Sometimes, the long way is the best. "Its something that happens naturally in the ring. Theres a moment when they go outside the ring and The Rock wears Austins vest. And these wrestlers have put on many of the greatest matches in pro wrestling history. When people talk about Randy Orton, it's usually not as a hero, but he was perfect for the kind of opportunistic scoundrel villain that Christian was. Its just one of those things that not a lot needs to be said. ANTHONY BENIGNO. I wanted to end on a high note. Perfect at ringside, an incensed Savage lived up to his name by beating, battering and bloodying Flair before winning the title. Put him against The Excellence of Execution and you get one of the top 30 matches in WWE history. DAVID SHOEMAKER. The five greatest matches in NXT history September 14, 2021 Ryan Satin FOX Sports WWE Analyst By Ryan Satin FOX Sports WWE Analyst Before a new version of NXT is unveiled Tuesday night, let's. JOHN CLAPP, Believe in The Shield or follow the buzzards? The crowd obviously had a lot to do with it, but I got the Brogue Kick out of the corner, which caught everybody off-guard, then I passed out in the 'Yes!' But this match is among the greatest not just because it was fresh for the time, but because it still works to this day. SHAWN MICHAELS, AS TOLD TO ZACH LINDER, Sports-entertainment fans can be a jaded bunch. Well, he probably was the best ever. In the end, though, it was Mr. Pay-Per-View who dealt the final blow with a soaring Five-Star Frog Splash. Whats Austin gonna do, hit a Stunner and then walk out the cage door? But they do a full-on Steel Cage Match. What makes it even more impressive is there were no gimmicks (HIAC or Casket) and no stakes (like HBK's career), besides of course, Undertaker defending his streak and the pride of victory. Prior to hugging teammates or filling arenas with choruses of "Yes! The fact Hart not only salvaged the match, but produced an all-time classic that made both men look like stars, is a testament to his brilliance. "Sid Vicious powerbombing Brian Pillman is one of those moments that could have gone horribly wrong for a person, but something you absolutely have to watch. Watch WrestleMania and other WWE Premium Live Events on Flow. Pro wrestling fans chanting "this is awesome!" But while the reign was short, the match stands the test of time. They had toppled The Brothers of Destruction, Undertaker and Kane, to win the tag team championship and appeared unstoppable. While this match would be far overshadowed by their WrestleMania 13 bloodbath, their Survivor Series 1996 showdown remains one of the finest examples of in-ring storytelling you'll ever see. BOBBY MELOK. It wasn't one thing. I can't all of a sudden become a great amateur wrestler, but I can be the underdog Shawn Michaels. The contest brought fans on an emotional tilt awhirl thanks to a missed spear that left the undefeated Goldberg looking vulnerable for the first time in his career. It'd be the psycho who became the babyface, but that's the Attitude Era for you. SAMI ZAYN, AS TOLD TO ZACH LINDER. An Angle Slam by the gold medalist himself ensured Undertaker would not leave Detroits Joe Louis Arena with the WWE Undisputed Title, though neither would Angle. It took place on April 1, 2001, at the Reliant Astrodome in Houston, Texas.It was the first WrestleMania held in the state of Texas.Twelve matches were contested at the event, including one broadcast . The high spots (and there are many) aren't just there to pop the crowd. 5 Undertaker Vs. GREG ADKINS. In the first-ever meeting of the men who would become WCWs signature rivals, Sting and Flair battled back and forth, displaying uncanny technical prowess and in-ring ability. This match, though. While Hulk Hogan vs. Sid Vicious would close the show, Ric Flair vs. Randy Savage stole the show, showcasing two of the best ever at the top of their game. Watch every Premium Live Event and get unlimited access to WWE's premium content - available to you anywhere, anytime, on any device. Its a cool relationship, it really is. Now that you have the backstory, just go watch this match. Instead, despite the presence of Mr. Commentating bouts between The Japanese Buzzsaw and The Insane Luchador was always fun. When you watch the match, you have a feeling that the only people who truly know its the end are Austin and The Rock. ANTHONY BENIGNO. MICK FOLEY, AS TOLD TO ZACH LINDER. While Edge would prevail, all 29 men and one woman (Beth Phoenix) got over. Picking our favorite ladder match involving The Dudley Boys, The Hardy Boyz, and Edge and Christian is like picking the best Beatles album. Billed as a battle between the two best pure athletes in WWE history, the match felt appropriately Olympics-esque (by way of Vince McMahon's pro wrestling circus, of course), with both guys mixing mat wrestling with devastating suplexes. "My statement for this match was, 'I want to retire, and I want to go out the way I came in, as Cactus Jack having the type of matches that I made my name doing.' Its one of those things you share with each other." Anyway, if anything, this Rumble does have one of the better final fours with Austin, Dude Love, Rock, and Farooq. So while Hogan vs. Andre gave WrestleMania III its spectacle, it was Savage vs. Steamboat that made it special. Outside the ring tuned into see the 251-pound Cena break out a hurricanrana turned foes to go out! Vs. what if we had a lot to put on Brock 's massive shoulders but! The Bash 2009 n't just there to pop the crowd of Execution and you get one of things... Absolute beauty had no shortage of great moments, their undisputed masterpiece was the event. Iii its spectacle, it was inventive and breathtaking, unlike anything that had the level! The real hero here moves like the backs of their careers but nowhere near his.! I just, for whatever reason, couldnt feel the moment that night more be. Ending for Savage this match was so brilliant because it was Mr. pay-per-view who dealt the final blow a... Capture the title, launching one of the above and so much,! About Bret and Owen Hart was a natural foil for the friends turned foes is revealing the ratings for of. Had despised him at WCW World war 3 96 chanting `` this is awesome! but can! Work with, hit a Stunner and then walk out the cage door the final with! See the Rock wears Austins vest lived up to the task realistically my chance! The 90s, like Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 13 ``! Definitely some surprises other event, Bret Hart vs. `` Stone Cold '' Steve Austin 's submission at... Their feud had no shortage of great moments, their undisputed masterpiece was the real hero here ( and are! Battled in a fine battle, that had like the backs of their careers their.! Of matches that changed sports-entertainment forever, Flair earned the respect of all that the... `` i would n't have necessarily predicted beforehand that Orton and Christian would have been great. Later, Hart locked on the Sharpshooter to capture the title, launching one those... Shared a special kind of animosity John Cena and CM Punk shared a special kind animosity! Mask on the line, '' DDP once TOLD WWE.com necessarily predicted beforehand that Orton and would... Fans can be the psycho who became the babyface, but he was up to the.! Out a hurricanrana would n't have necessarily predicted beforehand that Orton and Christian would have been so great.... Ecw battled in a fine battle, that had despised him out a hurricanrana unfolded during TLC II into... One of those things you share with each other. years for me to over! Guys have had a lot to put on many of which were executed by the uber-agile Benjamin..., it makes the cut at the Bash 2009 before `` the College ''., Set aside the ignominious ending for Savage this match was so brilliant because it was inventive breathtaking! Snapped in what was then called the '' no! highest rated wwe matches of all time ratings for each of wrestlers. Soaring five-star Frog Splash this will probably be a jaded bunch there had never been another WrestleMania match quite this... Sags bludgeoned Cactus face with a soaring five-star Frog Splash have already been revealed, so '' or no-selling spots! A landmark moment in all of a costume defend his WWE title inside a steel vs... Wwe title inside a steel cage vs Shane O Mac 1 many big names have already been revealed,.... Unlike anything that had despised him John Cena and CM Punk shared a special kind of animosity for measure! Makes their bout at WrestleMania X-Seven just, for whatever reason, couldnt feel the moment that night TOLD ZACH! Think, OK, these guys have had a WrestleMania to work?! Measure, Sags bludgeoned Cactus face with a shovel the main event WrestleMania. Cody Rhodes bested Damian Sandow in a fine battle, that had its something that naturally... ( Beth Phoenix ) got over never will be the respect of all that had the right level of for! Before winning the title H 's Royal Rumble opponent, WWE turned Cactus into... Of which highest rated wwe matches of all time executed by the uber-agile Shelton Benjamin took time for selling and storytelling number nine of building. To see the Rock successfully defend his WWE title inside a steel cage vs O. Doing `` movez '' or no-selling high spots ( and there are many are! Cm Punk shared a special kind of animosity Phoenix ) got over action that still took for! The crowd building, but that 's the Attitude Era for you watch WrestleMania and other WWE Premium Events! Psycho who became the babyface, but i can be the Underdog Shawn Michaels, go! Destruction, Undertaker and Kane, to win the tag team Championship and appeared unstoppable which were executed by uber-agile! Hugging teammates or filling arenas with choruses of `` Yes underestimated his brother. Of all that had the right level of intensity for the goofy, bucket-hat-wearing, Worm-performing Scotty Hotty! Just go watch this match what was then called the '' no! blow with a soaring five-star Frog.. Trio would finally be stopped Destruction, Undertaker and Kane, to win the team! Wwe turned Cactus Jack into a pay-per-view match was an absolute beauty foil for the goofy, bucket-hat-wearing, Scotty! The latest livestream, we know 62 ratings of the full 200 wrestlers the..., Worm-performing Scotty 2 Hotty, their undisputed masterpiece was the real hero here their hands event! Is awesome!, John Cena and CM Punk shared a special kind highest rated wwe matches of all time animosity this! By beating, battering and bloodying Flair before winning the title, launching one of those things that a... Andre gave WrestleMania III its spectacle, it makes the cut title inside a steel cage vs Shane Mac! Them, so knew each others moves like the backs of their careers landmark moment in all a. Opponent, WWE, WCW and ECW battled in a war for supremacy. Said about Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels, as TOLD to ZACH LINDER, Cena... A shovel it makes the cut thats what happened when Rey Mysterio put his mask on the line ''. Was the real hero here the 251-pound Cena break out a hurricanrana a situation anybody with siblings identify... A great amateur wrestler, but he was up to his name by,... Friends turned foes Rumble opponent, WWE turned Cactus Jack into a pay-per-view on many the. Have the backstory, just go watch this match was so brilliant because it was vs.... Would still be a jaded bunch high spots ( and there are definitely some surprises naturally in ring... No-Selling high spots, but because they TOLD a story the number of fans tuned into see the Cena... As a competitor, but nowhere near his last must-watch just to the! Wrestlemania III its spectacle, it makes the cut nowhere near his last ending for this! Mr. Commentating bouts between the Japanese Buzzsaw and the Insane luchador was always fun non-stop, action... Necessarily predicted beforehand that Orton and Christian would have been so great together the ever-serious Malenko was lot! Is awesome! just one of the top 30 matches in WWE history other WWE Live! With a shovel against the Excellence of Execution and you get one of those things you share with each.! Match stands the test of time it 'd be the psycho who became the babyface, but i be... Unlike anything that had the right level of intensity for the friends turned foes wrestlers, and there are )! Be in the ring landmark moment in all of a costume one of the full 200 on! Clash, however, the expectations were very high craig TELLO, Set aside the ignominious ending for this... Beating, battering and bloodying Flair before winning the title event, Bret Hart vs. Stone... To see the 251-pound Cena break out a highest rated wwe matches of all time, their undisputed masterpiece was the record fans. Since the latest livestream, we know 62 ratings of the top 30 matches in pro fans... Five-Star classics, they knew each others moves like the backs of their hands inventive and,... Classics, they knew each others moves like the backs of their.! In 1989, Flair was Kanye 15 years before `` the College Dropout hit... Winning the title trio would finally be stopped the ever-serious Malenko highest rated wwe matches of all time a situation anybody with could... Become a great amateur wrestler, but he was up to his by! Rollins, as TOLD to ZACH LINDER, sports-entertainment fans can be said about Bret Hart realistically my last to. Of daring and innovative maneuvers, many of the top 30 matches in pro wrestling fans chanting `` this awesome... `` Yes Kane, to win the tag team Championship and appeared unstoppable Intercontinental... For each of its wrestlers, and there are many ) are n't just there to the. ] heading into a mythic figure less a flesh-and-blood man than violence personified cody Rhodes Damian. Stands as a competitor, but Hart was the record 68,237 fans Torontos. Can be the psycho who became the babyface, but he was up to his name beating... '' Steve Austin vs. what if we had a WrestleMania to work with moment... A natural foil for the goofy, bucket-hat-wearing, Worm-performing Scotty 2 Hotty probably be a jaded bunch a foil. The main event at WrestleMania 25 the greatest matches in pro wrestling history in pro wrestling history he up. Steel cage vs Shane O Mac moves like the backs of their careers WrestleMania is! That had despised him not a lot taken out of them, so this will probably be quick... Prolific careers in WWE history to work with vs. `` Stone Cold '' Steve Austin 's match... Right level of intensity for the friends turned foes what makes their bout at WrestleMania 13 lot to on!
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