10 best non-title matches at WrestleMania in WWE history
Over the years, the WWE Universe has witnessed some incredible and breathtaking non title matches at WrestleMania that truly transcended time.
Undertaker and Triple H (via Dailymotion)
WrestleMania is hallowed ground in the wrestling industry. It is the biggest live event in sports entertainment and rests at the pinnacle of the pro wrestling industry. Therefore, superstars do not hold back from giving their best and redefining their careers. Over the past, the WWE Universe has seen some breathtaking matches at The Showcase of Immortals.
Being part of the title picture at WrestleMania is obviously a big deal for the WWE superstars. Over the past few decades, WrestleMania has given fans some incredible title matches. But every once in a while, a non-title match turns out to be an absolute banger and steals the entire show. There have been a few non-title matches that stood out.
WrestleMania is the place where superstars create history and do the unthinkable. Some of the matches in the history of WrestleMania etched their place in the hearts of the fans. Here is a look at some amazing non-title matches that absolutely stood out and distinguished themselves at WrestleMania.
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10. The Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania 25)
WrestleMania 25 witnessed a classic encounter between two of the most iconic wrestlers in WWE history. The Undertaker squared off against Shawn Michaels in an epic bout. Moreover, the buildup to the match was intense, as HBK desperately wanted to end The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania 25.
The match was a showcase of their in-ring skills, with both men hitting their signature moves and trading near falls. Besides, the crowd fully invested in the match, and as a result, the energy in the arena was electrifying. It was a match that will forever be remembered by the fans.
The finish of the match was dramatic, with The Undertaker hitting the Tombstone Piledriver for the win. After the match, The Dead Man showed a great deal of respect for Shawn Michaels and raised his hand. It was a touching moment that added glory to the already legendary status of the bout.
9. The Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania 26)
After having one of the greatest matches at WrestleMania 25, Undertaker and Shawn Michaels squared off once again the following year. This time, it was in the main event of WrestleMania 26. Moreover, the match was dubbed the“Career vs Streak” match.
In addition to that, the promo segments and the storytelling added intensity to their rivalry. Both superstars went to war at The Showcase of the Immortals. They delivered everything they had in the ring. Two icons nearing the end of their careers set an example that, to this day, no one’s been able to replicate.
8. Shawn Michaels vs Ric Flair (WrestleMania 24)
At WrestleMania 24, Shawn Michaels faced Ric Flair in what was built as Flair’s retirement match. Fans saw the two wrestling legends put on an emotional and unforgettable performance, with HBK trying to end Flair’s iconic career. The match was a roller coaster of emotions for the WWE Universe. While the Nature Boy hit some of his signature moves, Shawn Michaels responded with his own set of maneuvers.
Shawn Michaels hit the Sweet Chin Music to grab victory, bringing an end to Flair’s illustrious career. Moreover, the two legends shared a touching moment in the ring after the match. HBK showed massive respect, telling Flair that he loved him and thanking him for everything he had done for the wrestling industry.
7. Triple H vs The Undertaker (WrestleMania 28)
At WrestleMania 28, The Undertaker faced Triple H in a Hell in a Cell match with Shawn Michaels as the special guest referee. The match was the culmination of a long-term storyline involving The Undertaker’s undefeated WrestleMania streak and Triple H’s desire to end it. Moreover, the bout was a treat to fans as they witnessed a brutal match between the two icons. Both men took a tremendous amount of punishment, including chair shots and multiple finishers.
Moreover, Shawn Michaels played a crucial role in the match. Despite all the chaos in the ring, The Undertaker emerged victorious, extending his WrestleMania streak to 20-0. During the post-match scene, all three men hugged in the middle of the ring, creating a poignant moment that signaled the end of an era for WWE.
6. The Rock vs Hulk Hogan (WrestleMania 18)
At WrestleMania 18, The Rock squared off against Hulk Hogan in a dream match that pitted two of the biggest names in wrestling history against each other. The match was a clash of generations, with The Rock representing the new era of wrestling and Hulk Hogan representing the old guard. Moreover, the crowd was electrifying throughout the match as they chanted and cheered for both men.
The match itself was a back-and-forth affair, with both men hitting their signature moves and trading near falls. They gave everything they had, setting an example for the next generation. However, it was The Rock who emerged victorious in the match. The WWE Universe got to witness one of the most iconic moments in wrestling history.
5. The Undertaker vs CM Punk (WrestleMania 29)
At WrestleMania 29, The Undertaker battled CM Punk in an incredible match. The build-up to the match was intense, with Punk taunting The Undertaker and claiming that he was going to end the undefeated streak. Moreover, the match itself was a classic encounter, with both men putting on a clinic of in-ring storytelling and athleticism.
The crowd thoroughly enjoyed the match, and the atmosphere was electrifying. But, it was The Undertaker who emerged victorious, extending his WrestleMania streak to 21-0. It was hailed as one of the best matches in WrestleMania history and cemented The Undertaker’s legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
4. Owen Hart vs Bret Hart (WrestleMania X)
At WrestleMania X, Owen Hart faced his elder brother, Bret Hart, in a highly emotional match that was fueled by the longstanding rivalry between the siblings. The match was a technical masterpiece, with both men showcasing their in-ring skills and executing a series of impressive maneuvers.
The WWE Universe was stunned when Owen stole a victory over his brother with a quick roll-up. After the match, fans saw Bret Hart overcome with emotion, as he embraced his brother in the ring. The match marked a pivotal moment in the careers of both men and remains a classic moment in WrestleMania history.
3. The Rock vs Stone Cold Steve Austin (WrestleMania XIX)
The rock faced off against Stone Cold’ Steve Austin at WrestleMania XIX, which was their third and final WrestleMania match against each other. It was a clash between two of the biggest names in wrestling history. Moreover, the match itself was a back-and-forth affair, with both men hitting their signature moves and trading near falls.
In the end, The Rock emerged victorious after hitting Austin with three consecutive Rock Bottom. However, the post-match scene saw The Rock and Austin share a moment of respect. They hugged and embraced each other in the ring, bringing an end to one of the greatest rivalries in WWE history.
2. The Undertaker vs AJ Styles (WrestleMania 36)
The Undertaker squared off against AJ Styles in a highly anticipated match that took place in a cinematic-style. It was a Boneyard Match with a unique stipulation. The match was a slight deviation from traditional wrestling matches. Moreover, it had pre-recorded segments and intense action sequences.
The unique match added flavor to their rivalry, giving the fans some unexpected moments to behold. The Undertaker ultimately emerged victorious after burying AJ Styles in a shallow grave. Fans hailed the match for its uniqueness and incredible build. It showcased The Undertaker’s ability to evolve and adapt to new styles and formats.
1. Shawn Michaels vs Chris Jericho (WrestleMania XIX)
At WrestleMania XIX, Shawn Michaels faced off against Chris Jericho. It was a highly anticipated match that saw two of the greatest performers in the wrestling industry go head-to-head. Moreover, the storyline leading up to the match was intense. Jericho claimed that he was the true “icon” of WWE and that Michaels was a “has-been.” The match was no less than a masterpiece.
Both men showcased their in-ring skills and executed a series of impressive maneuvers. In the end, Michaels emerged victorious, hitting Jericho with his finisher Sweet Chin Music. Moreover, the bout was hailed as a classic, and it cemented both men’s legacies as the greatest of all time.
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Subhasish Deb
(863 Articles Published)