THE ROAD TO WRESTLEMANIA, PAST MAIN EVENTS!

Cody Rhodes returned at The Royal Rumble to win and set up a blockbuster main event against Roman Reigns at WrestleMaina 39

WrestleMania is fast approaching and last Sunday “The American Nightmare” took a step closer to his dream of capturing the Undisputed WWE Heavyweight championship when he eliminated Gunther to book his place at The Showcase Of Immortals, in Hollywood, against The Tribal Chief Roman Reigns. With this epic showdown fast approaching, we take a look at some of the greatest headline Matches that have taken place over it’s near 40 year history.

Hulk Hogan vs. The Rock (WrestleMania X8)

This match was one of the most anticipated in WrestleMania history and saw two of the biggest stars in the industry go head-to-head. Hogan and The Rock put on a classic performance and the crowd was electric, with both men receiving huge ovations. The Rock, as The Peoples Champion, even received boo’s as the crowd got behind a heel NWO Hogan. After The Rock pinned Hogan, the 2 shook hands in a sign of respect which then saw a face turn and a return to the infamous Red and Yellow attire for The Hulkster.

The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania XXVI)

The Streak vs The Career, The Phenom vs The Heartbreak kid, The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels put on a classic performance and the crowd was on their feet from start to finish. The match ended with The Undertaker continuing his unbeaten streak at WrestleMania, solidifying his place as one of the greatest of all time and also putting an end to The Career of “Mr WrestleMania” himself. A year on from their last fight at WrestleMania XXV, the collided again with Shawn Michaels coming ever so close to stopping The Undertaker’s run but fell just short, as so many have on the Grandest stage.

The Rock vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin (WrestleMania X-Seven)

Considered by many as one of the best WrestleMania’s in its history, the main event saw Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock. Though all of their matches are history makers, this one stands out for its use of a no disqualification stipulation and a memorable heel turn by Austin, who aligned himself with his long time nemesis Vince McMahon in one of the most shocking WrestleMania moments. Austin brutalised The Rock with a steel chair, handed to him by The Chairman and ended the night by celebrating in the ring with him and turning his diehard fans against him.

Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart (WrestleMania XII)

Before The famous “Montreal Screwjob” came this. Many said it couldn’t be done, but the two Superstars went toe to toe in the first ever 60-Minute Iron-Man match. The match has a slower pace than many might be used to, but it’s impossible to deny that the two men are some of the best wrestlers of their generation. At the end of the time limit, neither man had secured a pin, and the match would go into sudden death. Finally, with the match totalling an hour, one minute and 52 seconds, Shawn Michaels pinned Bret Hart to win his first World championship.

Becky Lynch Vs. Charlotte Flair Vs. Ronda Rousey (WrestleMania 35)

Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey made history by becoming the first women to headline WrestleMania. They repaid the faith shown in them by justifying their spot and putting on a masterclass for the WWE universe. It was very exciting and well-paced from start to finish. Unfortunately, the finish was botched but it was epic to see the birth of Becky Two Belts and it did not take away from it being a special and historical WrestleMania moment.

These are just a few of the many classic main events that have taken place at WrestleMania throughout the years. Whether it’s the iconic matches or the unforgettable moments, WrestleMania has always been the platform for the best in professional wrestling. From its beginnings in 1985, WrestleMania has been the showcase of the greatest moments in the industry and will continue to be so for years to come.

By Lee Browne

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