We have been subjected to greatness over the past 3 decades. WrestleMania has provided some of the greatest moments in wrestling history. I will be counting the 33 best matches in history of the event. This will be a 2 part series so bare with me as we go through. Today we start with the ranking for matches 33 through 15.
33. Edge vs. Mick Foley
Hardcore Match
WrestleMania 22
-This match was great for two reasons. One, although Edge had been World Champ, people still struggled to see him as a main event guy. Two, despite a long and illustrious career, Foley hadn't really had that WrestleMania moment he craved. This match accomplished both of these objectives. Edge delivered on the grandest stage and was put over on a grand scale and Foley even in defeat was given a WrestleMania moment that will live on forever with a spear thru a flaming table.
32. Bret Hart vs Rowdy Roddy Piper
Intercontinental Championship WrestleMania 8
-WWE was (or at least attempting to/planning to) move past the Hogan era. The man who was in position to spearhead that evolution was Bret Hart. Hart had been delivering greatness and Piper was the perfect opponent. Hart showed grit by going from a wrestling match to a fight with the Rowdy One.
31. Undertaker vs Brock Lesnar WrestleMania 30
-Though it isnt seen as one of the best matches in ring wise, you know damn well why this match makes my list.
30. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs The Rock
WWF Championship
WrestleMania 15
-This is arguably the greatest rivalry in WWE history. It may not have started on this night, but it took a huge leap on this night. Rock being in the sport a little less than 3 years and main eventing with the biggest star of that era speaks volumes.
29. The Inaugural Money In the Bank Ladder Match
WrestleMania 21
-The very first MITB match is one of those matches that you knew would be good, but it ended up being great. Hands down, one of my favorite MITB matches and all of the participants involved killed it. Edge winning was a nice touch and an overdue push.
28. Charlotte vs Sasha Banks vs Becky Lynch
WWE Women's Championship WrestleMania 32
-This is the greatest women's match in WrestleMania history. Bar none. All three women went out and delivered something we will always remember.
27. Shawn Michaels vs Ric Flair WrestleMania 24
-Nature Boy Ric Flair left it all in the ring at his final match in WWE. From his majestic entrance until the chants of "Thank Tou Ric" filled the arena, this was magical. It also helps to have one of the best performers ever in Michaels helping you in a great match.
26. Edge vs Undertaker
World Heavyweight Championship
WrestleMania 24
-This was one of the matches during the streak where it seemed as if the streak was actually going to be broken. Edge wrestled a near perfect match against one of the greatest foils in his career. Undertaker helped Edge look great here, even with Edge coming up short.
25. CM Punk vs Chris Jericho
WWE Championship
WrestleMania 28
-What makes this match great? CM Punk was involved. What more could you need? Jericho played his role well especially as always and this match was great given the circumstances.
24. Undertaker vs HHH
WrestleMania 17
-This match is great because this is the first time it looked as if The Undertaker’s streak was in peril. Triple H’s growth as a performer was shown on this night.
23. Daniel Bryan vs Triple H
WrestleMania 30
-This match is great and one of the best opening matches ever. We undervalue how important the first match on the WrestleMania card and I think these guys delivered an absolute classic. Two of wrestling's greatest technicians told a beautiful story.
22. Roman Reigns vs Brock Lesnar
WWE World Heavyweight Championship
WrestleMania 31
-Though some aren't too fond of the match itself, the ending is what satisfied most people watching. Rollins cashing in is a WrestleMania moment that will live on and for that reason, this match had to make the list (similar to Brock vs Taker).
21. Shawn Michaels vs Chris Jericho
WrestleMania 19
-What makes this so great? The return of Mr. WrestleMania. Shawn Michaels and Jericho literally tore the house down. One legend was vindicated while another was elevated. That's how it should be done.
20. Triple H vs Chris Jericho
WWF Undisputed Championship WrestleMania 18
-HHH completed one of the greatest comebacks in WWE history when he defeated Jericho for the biggest prize in wrestling. The difference in styles along with the story being told makes this match a classic to me and a must see. It's a slept on match when speaking of the fans.
19. Kurt Angle vs Brock Lesnar
WWE Championship
WrestleMania 19
-Lesnar was in the mist of being the face of WWE and Kurt Angle was a wrestling icon. Lesnar’s shooting star press will live on in infamy for a number of reasons.
18. John Cena vs Shawn Michaels
WWE Championship
WrestleMania 23
-This was arguably Cena’s greatest performance on WrestleMania. Shawn Michaels showed he could still deliver in the main event of wrestling’s greatest event.
17. Triple H vs Chris Benoit vs Shawn Michaels
World Heavyweight Championship WrestleMania 20
-The greatest triple threat match to ever be made. Ever. Benoit got his vindication with making Triple H tap out after years and years of working so hard.
16. Ultimate Warrior vs Macho Man Randy Savage
Retirement Match
WrestleMania 7
-Quite possibly the best match Warrior has ever been in. These two crafted a story for the ages. Macho Man reunited with Elizabeth and that made for great TV as well. A classic without a doubt.
15. Ric Flair vs Macho Man Randy Savage
WWF Championship
WrestleMania 8
-One of the greatest Championship matches you will ever see. The Elizabeth story got added to what was already going to be a classic. Flair and Savage showed that they were the best in the world. Speaking of Best In The World, I think I know how to start off the second part of this series. Stay tuned.
-C. Yates
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