HeadLocker–Jay Shannon
The Lucky 13–The Best WrestleMania Matches
Our resident philosopher, Jay Shannon, brings us part two of his Wrestlemania series. This time, hw looks at the best of the best, the top matches to grace the grandest stage of them all.
Recently, I created a list of the 13 worst matches at Wrestlemania. They were the real turkeys that blemished Wrestlemania. In part two of my Wrestlemania series, I want to take a look at the other side of the coin. These are the 13 best matches. These are the ones that made Wrestlemania the flagship Pay-Per-View that it has grown into over the past 24 years.
13. Money-in-the-Bank 1–Wrestlemania 21
This match started the annual tradition. A briefcase was hung from the ceiling and six men fought to try and retrieve the case. Inside was a contract to face any champion, at any time, within one year. The original six competitors were: Kane, Christian, Chris Benoit, Shelton Benjamin, Edge and Chris Jericho. Edge managed to win the match after numerous close calls. Edge would take advantage of his win, in January of the following year, when he “cashed in” to take the title off a beaten and bloody John Cena at New Year’s Revolution. While the follow-up Money-in-the-Banks may have been more exciting, the first deserves the prize as the best. It got the ball rolling.
12. Brock Lesnar d. Kurt Angle (World TItle match)–Wrestlemania XIX
This was an amazing match. Add into the equation that Angle was fighting with an injury and it doubles the level of amazement. Brock came very close to losing the match (and his mobility) when he botched a Shooting Star Press. Brock landed awkwardly on the back of his neck and head. He gave himself a Stinger. Somehow, Brock managed to recover and take out Angle with the F5. That Shooting Star Press never fails to make a Wrestlemania highlight reel.
11. Razor Ramon (Scott Hall) d. Shawn Michaels (Intercontinental Title/Ladder Match)–Wrestlemania X
This was the match that really elevated Shawn as a singles competitor. He had a good run as one half of The Rockers, but Shawn needed to break free and be his own man. This match did that for him. While he didn’t win the match, he didn’t really lose either. This match brought Shawn into the spotlight. The match also helped to cement Razor as one of the top guys of that era. It was a win-win situation.
10. Bret Hart d. Steve Austin (Submission Match with Ken Shamrock as Special Guest Ref)–Wrestlemania XIII
Austin was the anti-hero facing one of the top scientific stars of all time. The crowd was split for this one. This was supposed to be an “I Quit” match where one wrestler had to utter the words “I Quit”. Neither man ever said the words. After a brutal and bloody bout, Hart trapped Austin in the Sharpshooter. Austin passed out from loss of blood combined with the pain of the leg hold. Shamrock called for the bell when Austin could not continue.Both men “saved face” in this one. Hart claimed the victory, while Austin had the ability to say that he never actually gave up.
9. Undertaker d. Triple H–Wrestlemania x-Seven
This match was just down-right nasty. ‘Taker has battled all four members of Evolution at different Wrestlemanias. This was one of the toughest tests of the Deadman. They fought all over the building, including the rigging for the audio/vido production area. Undertaker Chokeslammed Triple H off the rigging and laid him out. The crowd erupted for each and every move. With most of Undertaker’s matches, you know from the opening bell that ‘Taker is in no danger of losing. This match left the viewer guessing to the last second.
8. Shawn Michaels d. Bret Hart–in overtime–Iron Man Challenge Match for the WWE title–Wrestlemania XII
Iron Man Matches are notorious for ending up in ties. The two men battled for a solid hour, only to end up with no clear winner. Instead of ending the match with the standard disappointment of a draw, the two men were forced to continue. Shawn came out the winner of this match. Many people instantly think of the Montreal Screwjob when it comes to Shawn v. Bret, but this match should be the one that fans remember. This one showcased the talent of both men.
7. The Rock d. Hulk Hogan–Wrestlemania X8
This battle was billed as Icon v. Icon. The crowd bounced back and forth in their support of the two combatants. Hogan stood shocked as he was cheered. He was the heel at the time. This match was the “show stealer” of Wrestlemania X8. This match was definitely seen as the “Passing of the Torch” match, even though The Rock wouldn’t wrestle for too much longer. This match kicked started the return of the Yellow and Red, Real American version of Hulk Hogan. Hogan permanently retired his “Hollywood” persona soon after this bout.
6. Chris Benoit d. Triple H and Shawn Michaels (Triple Threat World Title Match)–Wrestlemania XX
Before Benoit became a murderer, he was an outstanding wrestler. Benoit had taken the win at the Royal Rumble. He could have chosen any title to shoot for at Wrestlemania XX. He shocked everyone when he decided to go for the World title. This actually led him to switch brands. This match was a wrestling clinic. This match will likely be dismissed by fans and critics, due to Benoit’s homicidal actions. That is a shame. Benoit, Triple H and Shawn were out-standing in this one. Benoit, while deserving nothing but contempt as a human being, should be remembered as a great performer in the ring.
5. Ultimate Warrior d. Hulk Hogan (WWF World Title Match)–Wrestlemania VI
Ultimate Warrior was the fastest rising star of the early 90’s. He was to WWE what Sting was to WCW, in theory. Warrior kicked out of Hogan’s Leg Drop O’ Doom, which nobody did. Warrior cleanly pinned Hogan, which nobody did. Warrior wore both the Intercontinental Title and the World Title at the same time, which, you guessed it, nobody did. Had he not self-destructed, the Ultimate Warrior might have been an equal to Hogan. Sadly, Warrior turned from a superstar to a super-flake. He will likely be known as the biggest career short-circuit in wrestling history.
If you take a look at the match, for it’s merits, then it stands as one of the greatest matches of all time. The crowd exploded for both men. The concept of putting two mega-faces against each other was risky. Neither man was soundly booed. The crowd was split between the two men. The match could have damaged one or both careers, but it actually elevated both men to new levels. This win made Ultimate Warrior one of the top champions in WWE history, even though he disappeared and has since denounced the WWE in several scathing interviews. He may never see the Hall of Fame, but he did make history.
4. Rey Mysterio (Jr.) d. Kurt Angle and Randy Orton (Triple Threat World Title Match)–Wrestlemania 23
Rey has been the “underdog” his whole career. He is so much smaller than other top stars. Kevin Nash used him as a “lawn dart” in WCW.
Rey wanted to show his respect for long-time friend Eddie Guerrero, who had died a few months earlier. Rey told the world that he would win the Royal Rumble “for Eddie”. He did. Rey then told the world that he was going to Wrestlemania to win the World title in memory of Eddie.
After the Royal Rumble, Randy Orton challenged Rey to put his title shot on the line at No Way Out. After some insulting and prodding, Rey agreed. Orton cheated his way into a win. Theodore Long, the GM on Smackdown, wasn’t going to let Orton get away with his under-handed antics, so he changed the main event into a Triple Threat Match. Rey would face Orton and the current champ, Kurt Angle.
The match was a fast and furious bout that say several near falls. Everyone cheered for Rey, who looked to be down and out, several times. Rey used a Arm Drag to send Angle flying out of the ring. He then got sweet revenge on Orton, by hitting the 6-1-9 and the West Coast Pop to take the title. Many in the crowd were crying as Rey’s hand was raised. He stopped and looked up at Eddie. This had to be the most heart-ripping match in Wrestlemania history. It may have been the biggest tear jerker match in all of wrestling history.
3. Hulk Hogan d. Andre The Giant–Wrestlemania III
This match brought over 93,000 to Wrestlemania III. Andre had undergone the biggest heel turn in the history of wrestling (only Hogan’s later turn would rival it). Andre wanted the WWF title. Hogan didn’t want to fight his former friend, but continued insults by Andre and his manager, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan finally pushed Hogan beyond his limits. The match was made and massively promoted. The WWF promotion juggernaut hit the airwaves, print media, and every other avenue like a hurricane hitting the islands.
Andre, who had been cheered for many years, received the loudest negative response that I have ever heard. The aisle that ran from the dressing room to the ring were widened so that fans couldn’t get close to the wrestlers, especially Andre. Numerous death threats were issued against the Frenchman in the days leading up to Wrestlemania. Andre had to arrive at the building several hours before the event for his protection.
Once the match started, Andre pinned Hogan in less than 3 minutes. The ref actually messed up the count. Heenan would use that botched count to demand a rematch, a few weeks later. The match was actually pretty slow, but Andre’s size created the need for slowness. Hogan tried to slam Andre on several occasions, but failed. The attempts seemed to damage Hogan’s back. Andre would focus on the back in future match-ups, as well.
After several minutes of being beaten down, Hogan hit the infamous “Hulking Up” pose. He hit the Triple Haymakers, The Big Boot O’ Doom, and then The Bodyslam Heard ‘Round the World”. To put icing on the cake, Hogan nailed the Leg Drop O’ Doom and cleanly pinned Andre. The Michigonian screams could almost be heard in Florida, they were so loud. Hogan celebrated in the ring, for what seemed like forever.
Hogan had dispatched the biggest challenger that he would ever face. Paul Wight, Undertaker, King Kong Bundy, and Yokozuna were huge, but they paled in comparison the The Eighth Wonder of the World, Andre the Giant.
2. Undertaker d. Batista (World Title v. Streak Match)–Wrestlemania 23
Undertaker won his first Royal Rumble match in 2007. He had the choice: John Cena, Bobby Lashley, or Batista. Most fans expected Cena to be the target. They were Dead wrong. On an episode of Raw, Undertaker faced his three possible opponents. He walked back and forth between the three men, finally stopping at Batista. He drew the “Throat Slice” sign across his throat to signal his choice. Batista would put his title up against Undertaker’s then-14-0 win streak.
This match stole the show at Wrestlemania 23. Each man broke out his entire arsenal of weapons to use against the other. Batista looked to have the match won when he nailed the Batista Bomb, but Undertaker would not be denied. Undertaker appeared to have it won when he planted Batista with the Last Ride, but the champ wouldn’t go down without a fight. In the end, Undertaker went back to his roots to find the Tombstone Piledriver to finish off Batista to keep his streak alive. As a side effect, Undertaker also ended up with the World Title. That almost seemed like an after-thought for the Deadman.
Ricky Steamboat d. Randy Savage (Intercontinental Title Match)–Wrestlemania III
This wasn’t the main event of Wrestlemania III, not even close. Hogan v. Andre was the match of the show. Steamboat and Savage put on a clinic that actually dwarfed the main event in the minds of many fans, including me.
Savage had injured the throat of Steamboat, several months earlier. Steamboat’s career (story-wise) almost came to an end. Steamboat enlisted the aid of George “The Animal” Steele for this battle. Steele had batttled Savage for months. Steele had a crush on Savage’s manager, Miss Elizabeth. Steamboat brought Steele to the ring to throw Savage off his game. Steele would serve his purpose, well. Savage, of course, had Elizabeth at his side.
The match had numerous near falls. Savage had Steamboat on the floor and laid across the railing. Savage tried to land the Savage Elbow on Steamboat, but the future “Dragon” moved, at the last minute. Steamboat broke out every technical and martial arts move that he had available to take the fight to the I-C champ.
The end came when Savage grabbed the ring bell and climbed to the top rope to launch himself off. He wanted to drop the bell into the throat of Steamboat. George “The Animal” Steele, seeing the disasterous possibilities if Savage hit his mark, climbed up onto the apron. George pushed Savage off the top rope. Savage’s head struck the bell when he landed. Savage was stunned. Steamboat easily pinned Savage to take the Intercontinental Championship.
Savage would rebound from this loss, one year later, to take the WWF World title at Wrestlemania IV. Savage’s performance in this match was a determining factor in Savage getting the big push. Steamboat would have a short run with the I-C. He lost to Honky Tonk Man on June 2nd of that same year. This match is considered by many to be one of the greatest wrestling matches of all time.
In Conclusion:
Wrestlemania is meant to showcase the top talent in the WWE. For 24 years, the WWE has brought us numerous memorable matches. Some were memorable because of their awfulness, but those are few and far between. The top-tier matches are plentiful. The list I presented here could be twice as long, but I wanted to highlight what, I feel, are the absolute best of the best. Just as with my last HeadLocker column, I ask for your feedback as to what you feel are the best of the best. I will compose a “Best of” and “Worst of” list and present them in the near future.
–Jay Shannon
Jayof PWD@SBCGlobal.net
<02/25/08)
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