Bleacher Report’s Top 10 WrestleMania Main Events Revealed
Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40
10. Hulk Hogan vs. Randy Savage (WrestleMania 5, 1989)
The Mega Powers finally imploded in one of WWE’s earliest long-form storytelling payoffs. Built on jealousy, distrust, and Savage’s suspicions over Miss Elizabeth, the match carried heavy emotional stakes into Atlantic City. Once the bell rang, Hogan battled through a bloody face to overcome Savage and reclaim the WWE Championship. While the in-ring action reflected its era, the layered storytelling and crowd investment made it a defining WrestleMania moment.
9. The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania 26, 2010)
A year after their instant classic, these two icons returned with even higher stakes—Michaels’ career against The Undertaker’s undefeated streak. The build was deeply personal, driven by Michaels’ obsession with redemption. Inside the ring, Michaels delivered an emotional performance filled with desperation, but ultimately fell short. His post-match farewell added a powerful layer of finality, making this more than just a match—it was the end of an era.
8. Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania 12, 1996)
This 60-minute Iron Man match redefined what a WrestleMania main event could look like. Hart and Michaels showcased endurance, technical brilliance, and storytelling patience, going the full hour without a single fall. Just when it seemed destined for a draw, sudden-death overtime gave Michaels the opening to land Sweet Chin Music and win his first WWE Championship. It was a symbolic shift from larger-than-life performers to athletic, technically gifted superstars.
7. Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior (WrestleMania 6, 1990)
A rare babyface vs. babyface clash, this match carried immense intrigue as two of WWE’s biggest stars collided. With both the WWE and Intercontinental Championships on the line, the stakes guaranteed a historic outcome. The Toronto crowd was electric throughout, witnessing Warrior cleanly defeat Hogan in a decisive passing-of-the-torch moment. Though Warrior’s long-term run didn’t match the moment, the match itself remains iconic.
6. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania 14, 1998)
This match marked the official beginning of the Attitude Era. With Mike Tyson as special enforcer, mainstream attention surrounded the bout. Austin’s victory, punctuated by the Stunner and Jim Ross’ iconic call, symbolized WWE’s shift into a new era of edgier storytelling. Despite Michaels competing with a serious back injury, the historical importance of this match far outweighs any in-ring limitations.
5. Hulk Hogan and Mr. T vs. Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff (WrestleMania 1, 1985)
The very first WrestleMania main event was less about technical wrestling and more about spectacle—and it delivered exactly that. Combining wrestling with celebrity appeal, the match brought mainstream visibility to WWE at a crucial time. Hogan and Mr. T’s partnership drew massive attention, helping ensure the company’s financial gamble paid off. Its legacy lies in setting the template for WrestleMania as a global entertainment event.
4. John Cena vs. The Rock (WrestleMania 28, 2012)
Marketed as “Once in a Lifetime,” this generational clash lived up to its enormous hype. Cena and The Rock represented two different eras, and fan loyalties were sharply divided heading into the match. The atmosphere in Miami was electric, enhanced by a big-fight presentation rarely seen in wrestling. In the end, Cena’s overconfidence cost him, as The Rock capitalized for the win in a satisfying conclusion to a year-long build.
3. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock (WrestleMania 17, 2001)
Often cited as the peak of WrestleMania, this clash embodied everything the Attitude Era stood for: intensity, star power, and unpredictability. Austin and The Rock delivered a brutal, high-stakes encounter fueled by both rivalry and respect. The shocking twist came when Austin aligned with Vince McMahon to secure the victory, creating one of the most controversial endings in WWE history and signaling a major shift in character.
2. Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns (WrestleMania 40, 2024)
This modern classic served as the culmination of years of storytelling centered around The Bloodline. Rhodes’ quest to “finish the story” reached its emotional peak as he battled through constant interference and overwhelming odds. The match featured multiple dramatic run-ins, each adding to the sense of chaos and grandeur. When Rhodes finally defeated Reigns to win the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, it marked a new era and delivered one of the most satisfying endings in WrestleMania history.
1. Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant (WrestleMania 3, 1987)
At the top spot is the match that defined WrestleMania’s legacy. Hogan vs. Andre wasn’t about technical excellence—it was about spectacle, scale, and cultural impact. With nearly 80,000 fans in attendance, the anticipation alone made it historic. Hogan’s legendary bodyslam on Andre became one of the most replayed moments in wrestling history, symbolizing the impossible becoming reality. Without this match, WrestleMania might never have become the global phenomenon it is today.
