Top 10 Most Unforgettable Moments from WrestleMania in the Last 5 Years
Stone Cold Steve Austin
10. Drew McIntyre Finally Feels the Crowd Again (WrestleMania 37)
Drew McIntyre rose to the top in 2020 when he defeated Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship. However, that victory came inside an empty arena due to the COVID-19 pandemic, taking away the crowd reaction that should have defined his crowning moment. At WrestleMania 37, WWE welcomed fans back after more than a year. Although McIntyre failed to regain the title, his entrance itself became historic. Walking out in front of a live audience again, his visible emotion and energy highlighted how important that moment was—not just for him, but for the entire industry returning to normalcy.
9. Seth Rollins Secures Paul Heyman’s Loyalty (WrestleMania 41)
The triple threat main event between Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and CM Punk had a central question—what was truly at stake? The answer came in the form of Paul Heyman. Rollins secured victory with Heyman aligning by his side, signaling a major power shift. Considering Heyman’s history with both Reigns and Punk, this decision positioned Rollins as WWE’s new strategic centerpiece. Although injuries later slowed the momentum, the moment itself hinted at a bold new direction.
8. Dominik Mysterio’s Breakout Championship Win (WrestleMania 41)
Dominik Mysterio entered a stacked match against Bron Breakker, Finn Bálor, and Penta as the clear underdog. Drawing inspiration from Eddie Guerrero, Dominik used clever and controversial tactics to secure the Intercontinental Championship. The crowd reaction was surprisingly positive, showing how much fans had embraced his character despite his heel persona. The victory marked the beginning of a strong run, further elevating his status as a rising star.
7. Sami Zayn Ends Gunther’s Historic Reign (WrestleMania 40)
Gunther held the Intercontinental Championship for an incredible 666 days, delivering consistently dominant performances and elevating the title’s prestige. At WrestleMania 40, Sami Zayn stepped up as the challenger. While many expected another contender to dethrone Gunther, WWE chose Zayn—and it paid off. In one of the best matches of the weekend, Zayn hit a decisive Corner Brainbuster to secure the win. The crowd’s reaction cemented this as one of the most satisfying underdog victories in recent history.
6. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens Triumph Together (WrestleMania 39)
For the first time ever, WrestleMania featured a tag team championship match as a main event. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn challenged The Usos in a match deeply rooted in The Bloodline storyline. After months of betrayal and conflict, the longtime friends finally reunited and defeated The Usos. The emotional payoff, combined with the significance of headlining WrestleMania, made this one of the most memorable tag team moments in WWE history.
5. Cody Rhodes’ Heartbreaking Loss (WrestleMania 39)
Cody Rhodes entered WrestleMania 39 with massive momentum, aiming to dethrone Roman Reigns and complete his story. Despite anticipating interference from The Bloodline, Rhodes was ultimately taken out by Solo Sikoa, allowing Reigns to retain his title. The image of Rhodes sitting defeated in the ring captured the emotional weight of the loss. While disappointing at the time, this setback became a crucial chapter in his eventual redemption.
4. Cody Rhodes Returns to WWE (WrestleMania 38)
After building his identity outside WWE, Cody Rhodes made his long-awaited return at WrestleMania 38 as “The American Nightmare.” Facing Seth Rollins, Rhodes delivered an instant classic. What made this moment special was not just the surprise, but the fact that he returned with the same persona he created elsewhere. It marked a rare and significant transition from AEW to WWE, immediately placing him back in the main-event spotlight.
3. Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Final Match (WrestleMania 38)
After nearly two decades away from in-ring competition, Stone Cold Steve Austin returned to face Kevin Owens. Originally presented as a talk show segment, the confrontation evolved into a No Holds Barred match. Austin delivered a gritty performance, brawling across the arena and taking heavy hits. For fans, it was a nostalgic yet satisfying final chapter for one of WWE’s biggest legends.
2. Bianca Belair vs. Sasha Banks Makes History (WrestleMania 37)
Bianca Belair vs Sasha Banks was more than just a match—it was a milestone. It marked the first time two Black women headlined WrestleMania in a singles match. Beyond its historical importance, the match itself delivered high-level athleticism and storytelling. The emotional opening, with both competitors taking in the moment, set the tone for a performance that proved the women’s division could lead the biggest show of the year.
1. Cody Rhodes Finishes His Story (WrestleMania 40)
The top spot goes to Cody Rhodes finally achieving his goal. After falling short the previous year, he returned to face Roman Reigns once again—this time under “Bloodline Rules.” The chaotic main event saw multiple interferences, including appearances from John Cena and The Undertaker, neutralizing outside threats. In the closing moments, Reigns became distracted by Seth Rollins, allowing Rhodes to capitalize. With multiple Cross Rhodes, he secured the victory and finally won the Undisputed WWE Championship. The celebration that followed, with peers lifting him up, symbolized a passing of the torch and cemented this as the defining WrestleMania moment of the modern era.
