10 Greatest Opening Matches In WrestleMania History
Daniel Bryan and Triple H at WrestleMania 30
10. Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio (WrestleMania 21)
Often overlooked due to its short runtime, this match was a technical showcase between two longtime friends and rivals. Coming in as tag team partners who had recently split, the bout leaned heavily on crisp counters and lucha libre transitions. Guerrero targeted Mysterio’s back early, grounding the high-flyer, while Mysterio relied on speed—hitting a springboard crossbody and a seated senton. The finish came suddenly, with Mysterio reversing a powerbomb attempt into a tight cradle pin. Despite lasting under three minutes, it delivered precision wrestling and foreshadowed their emotionally charged feud later in 2005.
9. The Rockers vs. The Islanders (WrestleMania 7)
Featuring Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty against Haku and The Barbarian, this match was ahead of its era. The Rockers introduced fast-paced double-team sequences rarely seen in WWF at the time—like rapid tags and synchronized dropkicks. Michaels notably took a high back body drop bump to the outside, adding risk to the bout. The finish saw The Barbarian capitalize on a miscue, pinning Jannetty after a devastating flying clothesline. Despite its placement, the match influenced future tag team styles in WWE.
8. Bobby Lashley vs. Drew McIntyre (WrestleMania 37, Night 1)
This wasn’t just about the WWE Championship—it marked the return of a live crowd after the COVID-19 pandemic era. McIntyre, who had won the title in empty arenas the previous year, received a massive ovation. The match itself was a heavyweight slugfest: McIntyre hit multiple belly-to-belly suplexes and a neckbreaker, while Lashley targeted him with spinebusters and submission attempts. Lashley countered a Claymore Kick into the Hurt Lock, forcing McIntyre to pass out. The emotional crowd reaction elevated what was already a physically intense opener.
7. The Miz vs. Seth Rollins vs. Finn Bálor (WrestleMania 34)
This Intercontinental Championship match packed an incredible amount into a short time. The Miz played the opportunistic champion, frequently rolling out of the ring to avoid damage while letting Rollins and Bálor clash. Highlights included Rollins hitting a blockbuster superplex/falcon arrow combo on The Miz and Bálor delivering a Sling Blade followed by a shotgun dropkick. The finish saw Bálor attempt the Coup de Grâce, only for Rollins to intercept with a mid-air Curb Stomp on The Miz for the pin. It was a tightly choreographed, high-speed opener that woke up the crowd instantly.
6. Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair (WrestleMania 36, Night 2)
Held at the WWE Performance Center with no fans, this match had to rely purely on in-ring storytelling. Ripley entered as NXT Women’s Champion, showcasing her power with delayed vertical suplexes and dropkicks. Flair methodically targeted Ripley’s leg, setting up for the Figure Eight. The two exchanged near falls, including Ripley hitting Riptide for a close two-count. Flair ultimately trapped Ripley in the Figure Eight, forcing a submission. The silence of the arena amplified every strike and call, giving the match a unique, almost cinematic intensity.
5. Money in the Bank Ladder Match (WrestleMania 23)
Featuring stars like Jeff Hardy, Edge, CM Punk, and Mr. Kennedy, this match was pure chaos. The most iconic moment came when Jeff Hardy performed a leg drop off a tall ladder, driving Edge through a ladder bridge set up outside the ring. There were constant high-risk spots, including Punk’s near-win attempts and Randy Orton’s RKOs. Mr. Kennedy capitalized at the right moment, climbing the ladder unopposed to grab the briefcase. The match embodied the unpredictable nature of early MITB bouts.
4. Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match (WrestleMania 31)
A seven-man spectacle featuring Daniel Bryan, Wade Barrett, Dolph Ziggler, Dean Ambrose, and others, this match delivered nonstop innovation. Stardust introduced a comic-book-inspired ladder, while Luke Harper powerbombed Ambrose through a ladder outside. Bryan suffered a legitimate injury scare after a hard landing but returned to the ring, hitting a running knee on Ziggler atop a ladder. He ultimately unhooked the title to win, creating a feel-good moment that capped a chaotic and memorable opener.
3. Daniel Bryan vs. Triple H (WrestleMania 30)
This match was built on months of storyline tension, with Bryan fighting against authority. Triple H dominated early, targeting Bryan’s shoulder with suplexes and a hammerlock. Bryan rallied with kicks and submission attempts, including the Yes Lock. A key moment saw Triple H hit a Pedigree for a near fall, shocking the crowd. Bryan survived interference from Stephanie McMahon and countered with a running knee to secure victory. The stipulation added stakes: Bryan advanced to the main event, making this opener crucial to the night’s overarching narrative.
2. Iyo Sky vs. Bianca Belair vs. Rhea Ripley (WrestleMania 41, Night 2)
A modern showcase of elite women’s wrestling, this triple threat never slowed down. Sky’s aerial offense included a breathtaking moonsault to the outside, while Belair used her strength for delayed suplexes and powerbombs. Ripley dominated with brutal strikes and a Razor’s Edge. The match featured multiple near falls, including a KOD and Riptide breakup sequences. Sky ultimately capitalized on chaos, delivering a high-impact finishing sequence to secure the win. The pace, athleticism, and innovation made it one of the most explosive openers in WrestleMania history.
1. Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart (WrestleMania 10)
A perfect blend of storytelling and technical wrestling, this brother vs. brother clash remains the gold standard for opening matches. Owen targeted Bret’s leg throughout, countering his offense with precision holds and reversals. The match featured flawless sequences, including a missed victory roll that transitioned into Owen’s advantage. In the closing moments, Bret attempted a sunset flip, but Owen countered into a pinning combination for the upset victory. The clean win shocked fans and elevated Owen instantly, while Bret would later redeem himself by winning the WWE Championship that same night—making this opener both emotionally and historically significant.
