The top 40 greatest WWE WrestleMania matches in history (part one)

I decided to create a list of my favorite Wrestlemania matches from over the years. The rankings have been determined from my own personal opinions but I took various factors into consideration including match quality, storyline, and overall impact.

Here is part one…

40. John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania 23)

This match continued to cement Cena’s status as the face of WWE. Michaels delivered his usual great performance and helped elevate Cena as the company’s flagship star for years to come. Cena’s credibility as champion was further established by defeating one of WWE’s most iconic superstars.

39. The Undertaker vs. CM Punk (WrestleMania 29)

I always felt that WrestleMania 29 was an overall lackluster event with very little crowd energy. However, the fans certainly woke up for this match, as these two delivered a performance that was truly worthy of the card. CM Punk’s heel work leading up to the bout was also exceptional.

38. Chris Benoit vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania 20)

Unfortunately, this match is often forgotten due to the tragic events at the end of Benoit’s life. However, it remains one of the best triple threat matches in WWE history. Benoit’s emotional post-match celebration with Eddie Guerrero was unforgettable.

37. Edge & Christian vs. The Dudley Boyz vs. The Hardy Boyz (WrestleMania 16)

This match easily stole the show at WrestleMania 16 and helped establish the Dudleys as a top tag team in WWE, alongside the Hardys and Edge & Christian. It was a spectacle that laid the foundation for future TLC matches at SummerSlam and WrestleMania 17.

36. The Undertaker vs. Triple H (WrestleMania 27)

Much like Undertaker vs. CM Punk at WrestleMania 29, this match stole the show during an otherwise disappointing event. Undertaker and Triple H had undeniable chemistry and left it all in the ring. They even delivered a rare (and banned) chair shot to the head, underscoring the intensity.

35. Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair (WrestleMania 38)

In my opinion, this was the greatest women’s match in WrestleMania history and the victory that truly put Bianca on the map. While Bianca did defeat Sasha Banks in the night one main event of WrestleMania 37, that match took place in front of a limited-capacity crowd. The bout with Becky was stronger in terms of in-ring quality and featured a more compelling story, with Bianca seeking revenge for her quick loss at SummerSlam 2021.

34. The Undertaker vs. Edge (WrestleMania 24)

The final match of WrestleMania 24 delivered in a big way. Edge came dangerously close to ending The Undertaker’s streak, and the match included the unforgettable moment of Charles Robinson sprinting down the ramp to make the count. Undertaker was in peak form as an in-ring performer, and Edge was at the top of his game.

33. The Undertaker vs. Batista (WrestleMania 23)

Undertaker’s WrestleMania matches against bigger opponents in the 1990s often fell flat, but Batista proved he could rise to the occasion. The two delivered an epic battle that exceeded expectations. Reportedly, Batista went backstage afterward and challenged the locker room to “follow that.”

32. Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho (WrestleMania 19)

WrestleMania 19 marked Michaels’ return to the event after losing the WWE Title to Steve Austin at WrestleMania 14 and retiring for over four years. In this match, he proved he could still meet fans’ high expectations. Jericho was the perfect opponent for Michaels, and the match was viewed as a true “dream match” at the time.

31. The First Money in the Bank (WrestleMania 21)

Money in the Bank became one of WWE’s annual traditions, starting with the inaugural match at WrestleMania 21. Being the first of its kind, it holds a special place in history and featured numerous highlights—including Shelton Benjamin’s unforgettable ladder run. Edge winning the briefcase was especially memorable, as it led to his successful cash-in against John Cena nearly a year later.

Click here for part two.