Wrestlemania 28 Countdown: The Top 28 Matches in Wrestlemania History - #23

Wrestlemania 28 Countdown: The Top 28 Matches in Wrestlemania History - #23

Wrestlemania 2000/16: Chris Jericho vs Chris Benoit vs Kurt Angle

Jericho vs Benoit vs Angle at WM 16 was contested for two championships. The WWF European Championship and the WWF Intercontinental championship. Two falls, One championship for each fall.

Angle walked into the match holding both the belts but walked out with neither. This match was a wrestling classic and was the underrated match to come out of Wrestlemania 16.

The TLP Staff share their thoughts:

Sykesy: This match was an instant classic. Sure it may be overshadowed at times to the Triangle Ladder Match but this match was pure wrestling and it had three of the best wrestlers in the industry. The concept is also what made the match so great. Two falls for separate championships.

The match as a whole was straight out wrestling with angle trying to cheat as always. If my memory serves me right, benoit took the European Championship as Jericho won the Intercontinental.

Darkside: This was the first true competition all three new comers in the WWE had, and to me, really escalated their careers and showed the wrestling world, how good not just only Kurt Angle is, but both Chris Beniot & Chris Jericho.

All men's respective careers really shot off from this point forward, and was even better being at all men's first WrestleMania's. The match was a true instant classic, and will go down in all men's life's, as a match they would never forget. Back then, the match showed that both the European and Intercontinental Championships were regarded as a high top prize, than what it is this day, sadly.

Wrestlemania 28 Countdown: The Top 28 Matches in Wrestlemania History - #24

Wrestlemania 28 Countdown: The Top 28 Matches in Wrestlemania History - #24

Wrestlemania VIII: Ric Flair vs "Macho Man" Randy Savage

Savage taking it to "The man".

Wrestlemania VIII is one of those Wrestlemania's which doesn't stand out as an event. It was just 'another' mania. But what made the Pay-Per-View was an epic encounter between then WWF Champion Ric Flair and "The Macho Man" Randy Savage. The match was full of drama ranging from Mr. Perfect interfering numerous times, Dave Hebner and of course Ms. Elizabeth sitting front row.

What the match is remembered for though is for its 'Wrestling'. From start to finish the match delivers as a wrestling match. Here is what the TLP staff thought about the match and why it is worthy of being in the Top #28 matches in Wrestlemania history.

gone_wilde: WrestleMania VIII was an event which had the potential to be great, but which failed to deliver on a few fronts. The much anticipated and sought after 'dream match' of the WWE's top draw, Hulk Hogan, versus arguably the greatest NWA World Heavyweight Champion of the 1980's, Ric Flair, never materialised. Instead, fans were presented with a 'double main event', with the 'Nature Boy' defending his WWE Championship against the Macho Man himself.

While on paper, a match between two such technically sound and seasoned veterens would no doubt be appealing, the match itself arguably surpassed expectations. It proved to be a grueling back and forth display of athleticism, with Flair eventually finding himself wearing the proverbial 'crimson mask' during a time when blood was strictly prohibited in the WWE, adding that little something extra that put the match over the top. The integration of Miss Elizabeth (Savage's wife at the time) into the fold only added to the match, and ensured that fans would be emotionally invested in the Macho Man's pursuit of his second WWE Championship.

The image of Savage hoisting his newly won WWE Championship high is still replayed to this day, leaving no doubt in anyone's mind that Macho Man vs. Ric Flair was not only one of the greatest matches in WrestleMania history, but also provided for a classic WrestleMania moment in its own right.

Darkside: Macho Man vs Ric Flair, to me, showed great class of pure wrestling ability that only these two men could throw on at the Grandest Stage of them all. Savage and Flair put on a show that was truly to go down as one of the best in WM History, while their match was something that many Savage and Flair fans remember to this day.

The match offered the great ability to what Flair had back in the day, from suplexes to the chops, while Savage brought his great athletic ability to the match with the high spots, elbows and outstanding maneuvers that only the Macho Man could deliver.

Towards the end of the match, it saw various near falls, and to one, Mr Perfect, interfering by pulling Savage off of Flair during on of the pin attempts. This saw a very worried Ms. Elizabeth, who, much to Dave Hebner's hope of not letting her come to the ring, failed as she was able to get ringside.

Which every official tried to make sure she would not interfere, Flair applied the Figure Four to Savage, which he by chance was able to get out and counter a second attempt by Flair. Savage in the end was able to roll up Flair for the win and pick up the WWF Championship in the process.

Sykesy: When I think of Macho Man's top matches his match with Flair comes to mind. As well as when I think of Flair's top matches. The reason being is that the match was such a great wrestling contest but at the same time so much controversy was surrounding the match. We had Ms. Elizabeth sitting at ringside, Dave Hebner refereeing the contest and Mr. Perfect standing in Flair's corner. Not to mention Flair also with his eye gouges and low blows. The match shifted from side to side continuously as us as fans were on the edge of our seat.

The match in the end lead to the victory of Randy Savage and the celebration afterwards with Ms. Elizabeth was a defining Wrestlemania moment. That is why this match is worthy of being in the top #28 matches in Wrestlemania history.

Wrestlemania 28 Countdown: The Top 28 Matches in Wrestlemania History - #25

Wrestlemania 28 Countdown: The Top 28 Matches in Wrestlemania History - #25

Wrestlemania X-Seven: The Undertaker vs Triple H

Wrestlemania X-Seven is considered one of if not the best Wrestlemania in all of Mania's illustrious history. One of the many great aspects of X-Seven is the incredible match between The Undertaker vs Triple H. The match was more of a brawl then an actual wrestling match though with your typical Triple H aspects. Broken announce tables and sledgehammers. In the end of the match, Triple H had The Undertaker in the corner but Taker countered and hit a devastating Last Ride for the victory.

This victory put The Undertakers streak (Even though it wasn't as focused on as it is now) to 9-0.

The TLP staff share their thoughts on why Triple H vs The Undertaker at Wrestlemania X-Seven is so great and why it is worthy of being in the top 28 matches in Wrestlemania history.

Darkside: The Undertaker vs. Triple H match at WrestleMania 17 was something I had been looking forward to for a while. Come 2001, Undertaker nor HHH had ever had a proper feud or storyline up to this point, so the storyline as Undertaker coming out on HHH when he said he had beaten everyone, was pretty cool to watch. The match delivered the usual Atttiude Era style with going into the crowd and brawling all over the arena. Undertaker's chokeslam off the camera stand on HHH was a cool spot as well. Undertaker eventually hit the Last Ride on HHH to pick up the win, and continue his WrestleMania Streak with 9-0.

Glenus18: In a match with great build, Undertaker vs Triple H at WrestleMania 17 is a match I'll always remember. Honestly, probably among the best brawl matches in WrestleMania history. The match swayed at various points, where you thought HHH almost ended the streak for good. In the end, with an intense ABA gimmick, Undertaker came out on top, ending the match in a good fashion.

Sykesy: Where to start? This match was just everything you want with these two guys. Both men were in their prime, Taker was using his best gimmick (imo) at the time and the ending was just 'WOW'. The whole match was just brilliant. I personally felt this match was greatly overshadowed by the TLC match and the WWF Championship match between Rock and Austin but this match although not the best of the night was certainly memorable for years to come. I am probably the only one on TLP, But I personally put this encounter over their match at WM 27. To me it is just a better overall match with many great aspects like the scaffolding elbow drop and the counter at the end of the match into the last ride. This match without a doubt is worthy of being in the top #28 matches in Wrestlemania history.

PROXY: Any older fans watching Wrestlemaina 27 this year would be forgiven for having a feeling of deja vu. It was 2001 and Undertakers streak was only beginning to come into its own. While many people hail Wrestlemania 17 as the everest of Wrestlemania's that won't be reached again, at least in the foreseeable future. This is mostly due in part to Rock v Stone Cold, it was the nights other main event thats still is considered one of 'Taker's more memorable "streak" matches.

For me this match really epitomised the "attitude era" of WWE(F). The match started outside the ring with your usual brawling techniques and continued throughout. When viewing this match again its easy to see how far professional wrestling has come from an in ring ability perspective but recalling this match from 10 years ago it really captured the hearts and minds of the WWE fans. The high spots for this match and for anyone watching it now goes to WWE for allowing these two superstars to get physical not just inside the con-finds of the ring fences but going outside to be one with the fans.

In the end it will take Undertaker to deliver the last ride to finish HHH off and to take his streak to 9-0. As mentioned when compared to todays standards the match won't win fans for the in ring display. What it will show though is a glimpse into a time when wrestling mattered and where a match will win you over through the power of entertainment.

Wrestlemania 28 Countdown: The Top 28 Matches in Wrestlemania History - #26

Wrestlemania 28 Countdown: The Top 28 Matches in Wrestlemania History - #26

Wrestlemania XX: Christian vs Chris Jericho

Wrestlemania XX displayed some of Wrestlemania's greatest matches. One of those matches which got #26 on the top 28 Matches in Wrestlemania history is Christian vs Chris Jericho. Sure, It sounds like your typical 2005 Raw contest but this match showed why both men were two of the best at the time and since then it has escalated greatly.

The match is most likely memorable for the infamous Trish Stratus heel turn when she aligned herself with Christian but when you take that out of the match, The match still is one of the best in Mania history.

The TLP Staff share their thoughts on why this match is in the top #28 matches in Wrestlemania history.

Sykesy: Christian vs Jericho at XX is great for so many reasons, Firstly the wrestling was incredible with Chirstian and Jericho's similar styles. The match flowed beautifully with no flaws what so ever. Then we have the memorable heel turn from Trish Stratus which in my opinion was hot as hell. To me this match was just A+ quality and is well deserving in this list. Although, I wouldn't say this match skyrocketed their careers like some would say. Christian was released 18 months later and Jericho didn't see World Championship gold till three years later. In the end though, This match should that Mid-Carders can steal a show.

Darkside: Jericho vs. Christian at WrestleMania 20 was something I had been looking forward to in a while during that year of 2004. While both men had faced each other before, by this year both men had reached new heights in their careers. Jericho was already a former World Champion, while Christian, became a well known name as a Single's competitor. The match offered great athleticism and was a true closing to the Tag Team that Christian and Jericho had, that began in 2002. Christian in the end had the last laugh, and from then on, it showed the wrestling world that Christian could play with the big boys, as such he is to this present day on SmackDown.

Glenus18: Christian vs Chris Jericho at Wrestlemania 20, was a very good match. Jericho being the awesome wrestler he is, against Christian who is underrated. The match had the proper time needed, and the build to it was very well done. Christian got the win, making the match even more special.

PROXY: Christian v Chris Jericho …. where style met substance.
While most will remember WM20 as John Cena's arrival on the world scene capturing the US title. What WM20 showed more so was the level of depth in WWE's mid card. While successfully putting together a cringe worthy love promo to build up the match, by the time the final bell rang after a solid 15 minutes it was two other superstars that also arrived.

After some “tough love” and a couple lock ups the match is underway. Its all Jericho from here, chops, suplexes and closelines. Moving into the match the crowd are clearly behind Jericho until Christian throws Jericho over the top rope backwards. From this point for the next 5 to 8 minutes the match falls in Christian's favour, even kicking out of the walls of Jericho. But through to the final bell the crowd were treated to your classic swinging momentum match.

In the end it was Christian’s style that out played Jericho's substance. What impressed me about this match and why it belongs on the list of must see matches of the past decade is that it really highlighted the pure “wrestling” talent that these two superstars can bring to the ring. While the back and forth kept everyone on their seat it was the text book execution that deserves to be mentioned. From grappling to submission with a dash of high flying, we saw it all. Sure, a title belt wasn’t on offer, but when Trish Stratus' is thrown in for good measure that US title is just a distant memory.

Wrestlemania 28 Countdown: The Top 28 Matches in Wrestlemania History - #27

Wrestlemania 28 Countdown: The Top 28 Matches in Wrestlemania History - #27

Wrestlemania 21: Money In The Bank Ladder Match

Chris Jericho vs Chris Benoit vs Edge vs Kane vs Shelton Benjamin vs Christian

April 3rd, 2005 was a historic day for the WWE. Not only did it start the path of future Hall Of Famers in John Cena and Batista but it also showcased the first ever Money In The Bank ladder Match. Which some could argue was the match of the night. That is why Wrestlemania 21's Money In The Bank Ladder Match is Number #27 on our Top 28 Matches in Wrestlemania History.

The match saw Edge win the Money In The Bank Briefcase which in turn launched his career into what he is today. Every year since Money In The Bank has launched careers and it all started here at Wrestlemania 21.


The TLP staff share their thoughts on why Money In The Bank at Wrestlemania 21 was worth being put in the top 28 matches in Wrestlemania history.

Darkside: I personally agree that the 2005 Money in the Bank Ladder match at WrestleMania 21 was well worth being in the top 28. Why? I'll tell you why!

Before 2005, the wrestling world was well known to the Ladder Matches at past WrestleMania's. We had the likes of E&C/Hardys/Dudleys, all competing in Ladder matches for the Tag Titles, but this was the first time a Ladder match wasn't only just a title match, it was for something far more important - A guaranteed WWE/World title shot on the stars show of either RAW or SmackDown. This match showed all heights of an instant classic, with the highlfying of Shelton Benjamin, Edge, Jericho, Beniot & Christian, to the dominating force of a non high flyer, yet a proven name in Ladder matches, Kane.

Also this match in the end, established one of the greatest WWE Superstar's in this decade - Edge.

Sykesy: When somebody utters the words 'Wrestlemania 21' I personally think of two things. Michaels vs Angle and the Money In The Bank ladder match. To me, anyway Money In The Bank match was worthy of being in the top 28# matches in Mania history but in the end, It came down to original and best. This match was superior to its predecessors because it was not cluttered with nine or so Superstars and it was something we had never witnessed before.

The match had six upper Mid-Card guys all on the edge of the Main Event, Therefore we had no idea of what the outcome would be. It was the unpredictability that engaged me to this match and it is why I think it is the best Money In The Bank and one of the best matches in Wrestlemania History.

Glenus18: MITB at WM 21, was the first ever MITB ladder match in WWE history, and a good first one at that. It would feature six elite athletes, Kane, Benoit, Shelton Benjamin, Christian, Edge, and Chris Jericho. All these guys made the match good, and it was certainly special. It was entertaining with the great spots the match featured. At the time I was not rooting for Edge, I was going for Benoit, but Edge winning it at WM 21 gave him a special gimmick(The Ultimate Opportunist) that he ran with very well.

Wrestlemania 28 Countdown: The Top 28 Matches in Wrestlemania History - #28

 Wrestlemania 28 Countdown: The Top 28 Matches in Wrestlemania History - #28

Wrestlemania VIII: WWF Intercontinental Championship

Roddy Piper (c) vs Bret Hart

 

Wrestlemania VIII was a card for the ages filled with great matches. Maybe further into this list Wrestlemania 8 will make another appearance but as of now, The 28th greatest Wrestlemania match in all of Wrestlemania's rich history is Roddy Piper vs Bret Hart for the WWF intercontinental Championship. The match saw Bret Hart walk out the new WWF Intercontinental champion in a tremendous 15 or so minute wrestling match. The TLP staff share their thoughts on why Roddy Piper vs Bret Hart is in the top #28 matches of Wrestlemania history.

Glenus18: Roddy Piper vs Bret Hart at WrestleMania 8, was a great match. It's easily in the Top 28 WrestleMania matches of all-time, for different reasons. It was contested for the Intercontinental Title, which was seen as a big deal back then. Piper went in as champ, but Bret Hart would win the title. Both guys were great wrestlers back in the day, and this match was an instant classic. As far as straight up wrestling, this could be among the top 10 matches of in WM history.

Sykesy: As soon as you see Piper and Hart in the same match you instantly think 'Wrestling' and this match delivered on that. In 1992, The Intercontinental Championship had so much prestige and it was simply due to matches of this caliber. About mid-way through the match though Piper started going back into his usual dirty styles with the slaps and gum spitting. I don't feel this degraded the match by any aspect and made it look much more serious as the match was cutting down to the wire. In the end, Hart won with a spectacular counter of the sleephold by flipping off the corner. This ending was perfect for such a great match because it got Hart over big time (Which was the idea in 92') and still kept Piper's credibility.

To me, The reason this match is so highly regarded in Wrestlemania history is because of how the story is told. Yes, To me this match is a story. We see a loud mouth get out done by a calm and collected athlete, Which the crowd love to see. But the sign of respect at the end was the icing on the cake. Definitely worthy of being in the top #28 matches in Wrestlemania history.

gone_wilde: A countdown that attempts to highlight the 28 greatest matches in the history of Wrestlemania will no doubt be laced with controversy as it pertains to what few elite matches would be featured in such a list. In the case of number 28 however, there can be no argument that Bret Hart vs. Rowdy Roddy Piper was indeed one of the greatest matches in Wrestlemania history. In a Wrestlemania that had the potential to be great, but which was largely forgettable, this often overlooked gem was the star of the show. Bret and Piper had a grueling bout for the Intercontinental title, which both cemented the title's position as one of the most sought after prizes in professional wrestling at the time, while also setting a new standard for Intercontinental title matches at Wrestlemania; a standard which arguably has not been surpassed to this day. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Bret Hart vs Rowdy Roddy Piper is indeed one of the greatest matches in the history of the 'Showcase of the Immortals'.

Sorry for the delay. We will plan to have this up every Sunday/Monday and not later. Apologies.