Top 10 greatest WWE WrestleMania main events of all time

The main event of WrestleMania is one of the most coveted positions a wrestler can ever aspire to have in professional wrestling. The biggest match on the most star-studded and historic spectacle in the sport’s history usually attracts the greatest attention. The quality of WrestleManias main events has obviously fluctuated throughout the years, with some encounters exceeding expectations and others falling short.

WrestleMania is unquestionably the finest event in sports entertainment. The supershow takes place every year and attracts the attention of the wrestling community. To commemorate the yearly extravaganza, we’ve graded every WrestleMania main event since the inaugural one in 1985.

To be clear, the main event is the final match of the show; no other ‘headline’ matches are eligible for the list. Here are the top 10 greatest WWE WrestleMania main events of all time.

10. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs The Rock – WrestleMania XV (1999)

The first match of the iconic WrestleMania trilogy between The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin took place in 1999, epitomizing the Austin vs. McMahon rivalry. Despite McMahon’s attempts to keep the title from Austin, he eventually earned a shot at WrestleMania XV after defeating McMahon in a steel cage match at St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.

Their feud climaxed at WrestleMania XV where, with The Corporation banned from ringside, Austin triumphed over The Rock with the help of special guest referee Mankind, reclaiming the WWF Championship. This victory marked the culmination of a bitter rivalry and solidified Austin’s status as a beloved anti-hero in WWE history.

9. Hulk Hogan vs André The Giant – WrestleMania III (1987)

The match between Hulk Hogan and André the Giant at WrestleMania III may not stand out for its technical prowess, but it remains etched in wrestling lore for its unforgettable moment: Hogan lifting André, a feat deemed impossible, and slamming him to the mat.

This iconic bodyslam, followed by Hogan’s leg drop and subsequent pin, secured his victory in what is arguably the most legendary moment in WrestleMania’s main event history. Despite the match’s slower pace and limited in-ring action, the significance of Hogan’s triumph over the seemingly unbeatable André captivated audiences and solidified Hogan’s status as a wrestling icon.

Also Read: Top 11 greatest WWE WrestleMania moments

8. The Rock vs John Cena – WrestleMania 29 (2013)

The WrestleMania 29 main event between The Rock and John Cena, their second encounter, was a clash for the WWE Championship. Despite a fairly muted crowd, the match delivered intense back-and-forth action. Cena, driven to secure the title, strategically countered The Rock’s moves, even resisting the temptation to repeat past mistakes.

With dramatic near falls and clever callbacks to their previous bout, Cena ultimately prevailed, claiming his record-breaking eleventh WWE Championship. The match concluded with mutual respect between the two icons, ending their WrestleMania trilogy on a high note.

7. John Cena vs Triple H – WrestleMania 22 (2006)

Triple H earned his fifth WrestleMania main event by winning Raw’s ‘Road to WrestleMania’ tournament. John Cena, after losing and regaining the WWE Championship earlier in 2006, faced Triple H, who hadn’t held a title since WrestleMania 21.

With Triple H’s throne-themed entrance and Cena’s gangster-inspired walkout, the match began with Triple H initially dominating. Cena fought back, but Triple H’s sledgehammer attack couldn’t secure victory. Cena countered a Pedigree into the STFU, forcing Triple H to tap out, marking Cena’s first WrestleMania main event win and Triple H’s third consecutive loss.

Also Read: Top 10 greatest WWE WrestleMania matches of all time

6. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Shawn Michaels – WrestleMania XIV (1998)

WrestleMania XIV in 1998 saw Stone Cold Steve Austin challenging Shawn Michaels for the WWF Championship. Mike Tyson’s involvement added to the intrigue. After an intense match, Austin delivered a Stunner to Michaels and Tyson made the count, crowning Austin as the new champion.

Tyson then knocked out Michaels, signaling his allegiance to Austin. This victory symbolized Austin’s ascent to the top of WWE and marked a significant shift in the wrestling landscape.

5. Roman Reigns vs Daniel Bryan vs Edge – WrestleMania 37 (2021)

At WrestleMania 37, Roman Reigns retained his WWE Universal Championship in a dominant display, stacking up both Edge and Daniel Bryan for the final pinfall. Reigns, accompanied by Paul Heyman, had asserted his dominance on SmackDown since his return, while Edge, winner of the 2021 Royal Rumble, targeted Reigns for a title shot.

With Edge’s interference and Bryan’s persistence, the bout became a Triple Threat match. Reigns utilized Jey Uso’s assistance to maintain control, ultimately capitalizing on Uso’s sacrifice to secure the victory, pinning both Edge and Bryan simultaneously. This decisive win solidified Reigns’ status as The Tribal Chief and showcased his dominance in the WrestleMania main event.

4. The Usos (c) vs Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens – WrestleMania XXXIX Night 1 (2023)

At WrestleMania 39 Night 1, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn made history by dethroning The Usos in a highly emotional and action-packed main event for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship. The match culminated months of intense storyline build, showcasing Zayn’s journey within The Bloodline faction, his refusal to betray Owens, and their eventual reunion to take down the dominant champions.

The bout featured a series of thrilling exchanges, including devastating finishers and nearfalls. Ultimately, it was Owens’ Stunner to Jimmy Uso and Zayn’s relentless Helluva Kicks to Jey Uso that secured the victory, ending The Usos’ remarkable 622-day reign as SmackDown Tag Team Champions.

Also Read: Top 10 WWE Superstars with most wins at WrestleMania

3. Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns vs Seth Rollins – WrestleMania 31 (2015)

Roman Reigns faced overwhelming backlash from fans at WrestleMania 31’s main event, stemming from dissatisfaction with his push as WWE’s chosen one. The 2015 Royal Rumble, marred by fan protests, saw Reigns triumph despite vocal opposition.

At WrestleMania, Reigns clashed with Brock Lesnar, who dominated early with relentless suplexes. As Lesnar’s dominance seemed unstoppable, Reigns rallied, even busting Lesnar open. Their brutal battle was interrupted by Seth Rollins, cashing in his Money in the Bank contract to make it a triple threat match. Rollins seized the opportunity, pinning Reigns to become the new WWE World Champion in a historic cash-in mid-match, leaving Reigns and Lesnar stunned.

2. Shawn Michaels vs The Undertaker – WrestleMania 26 (2010)

At WrestleMania 26, Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker clashed in a career-threatening match, a year after their iconic encounter at WrestleMania 25. Michaels, desperate for redemption, targeted Undertaker’s injured leg, aiming to end The Streak.

Despite relentless attacks, Undertaker fought back, showcasing resilience. Michaels pulled out all stops, including a daring moonsault through the announce table, but Undertaker refused to yield. As the match reached its climax, Michaels defiantly challenged Undertaker, only to receive a decisive Tombstone, ending his career. With an emotional conclusion, Undertaker extended The Streak to 18-0, solidifying his legacy as Michaels bid farewell to WWE in a truly unforgettable encounter.

1. Randy Orton vs Batista vs Daniel Bryan – WrestleMania XXX (2014)

At WrestleMania 30, Daniel Bryan triumphed in the face of adversity, overcoming Triple H and then prevailing in a triple threat match against Randy Orton and Batista to capture the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

Bryan’s journey began with fan support fueling his rise against The Authority’s obstacles. Despite initial setbacks, including a betrayal by Triple H, Bryan’s resilience and determination led to a climactic victory, culminating in Batista tapping out to the Yes Lock. Bryan’s win symbolized the triumph of the underdog and remains a cherished moment in WWE history, forever etched as ‘Yes-tleMania.’

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.