For WWE, Wrestlemania is akin to the Super Bowl. Often referred to as the "Grandest Stage of Them All," Wrestlemania always manages to capture the imaginations of its viewers. Pro wrestling's hottest storylines tend to converge at Wrestlemania, offering a level of spectacle that the other annual pay-per-views lack.
Although WWE tries to stack the entire Wrestlemania card, it's the main event that unsurprisingly draws the most excitement. Over the years, Wrestlemania has delivered several truly unforgettable moments in their main events. These matches are fondly remembered for being something special, as it's not uncommon to hear fans continue to talk about them today.
7 Hulk Hogan Vs. Andre The Giant – Wrestlemania 3
Pro wrestling fans don't need to be convinced that Hulk Hogan is one of the greatest performers of all time. His popularity in the 1980s propelled the WWE's mainstream appeal to new heights. Hogan's growing legend would be solidified in 1987 when he faced off against his former friend, the newly-turned heel Andre the Giant, in the main event of Wrestlemania 3.
The match itself isn't exactly a great example of technical excellence. The match is memorable more for its sheer drama than anything else. Hogan attempted to bodyslam the colossal Andre, to no avail. Things started to look bleak for the audience's hero. Hogan, however, eventually mounted a comeback and finally managed to bodyslam Andre in a moment that continues to live on in WWE's highlight reels.
6 Hulk Hogan Vs. The Ultimate Warrior – Wrestlemania 6
Hulk Hogan, unsurprisingly, had a lot of memorable moments at Wrestlemania pay-per-views. Another event that likely sticks out in the minds of older fans is Wrestlemania 6. At this pay-per-view, two icons of the industry squared off against each other in the form of Hulk Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior.
Both individuals were extremely popular with the fans. Hogan was the WWE Champion, while the Ultimate Warrior was the Intercontinental Champion. Interestingly, the winner of the match would go home with both titles. Hogan and Warrior seemed evenly matched. After the Ultimate Warrior dodged Hogan's trademark leg drop, the former unleashed his running splash finisher for the win. It's a feel-good match between two fan favorites that's hard not to enjoy.
5 Sasha Banks Vs. Biana Belair – Wrestlemania 37
Longtime WWE fans will notice that women's wrestling has come a long way in the company. Female performers have steadily been given more prominent roles in the industry. Subsequently, many of them have gone on to shine. At Wrestlemania 35, women headlined the main event for the first time. However, it was at Wrestlemania 37 where Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair stole the show.
At the Royal Rumble earlier in the year, Bianca Belair earned the right to challenge for one of the WWE's Women's Championships. Ultimately, she chose to face Smackdown Women's Champion Sasha Banks. The pair delivered a memorable performance filled with plenty of near-falls and last-minute counters. It's a matchup that many fans will likely remember for a long time.
4 Shawn Michaels Vs. The Undertaker – Wrestlemania 26
When discussing the greatest WWE performers of all time, it's hard not to mention Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker. Both individuals have enormous achievements under their belts. Before Wrestlemania 26, HBK and the Undertaker had only squared off against each other in a handful of other pay-per-view events.
The stakes couldn't have been higher in the main event of Wrestlemania 26. The match was dubbed "The Streak vs. The Career." HBK sought to break the Deadman's longstanding undefeated streak while promising to retire if he couldn't overcome it. The match is a classic between two of the industry's most beloved performers.
3 Triple H Vs. Shawn Michaels Vs. Chris Benoit – Wrestlemania 20
Looking at these three names, it should come as no surprise that this match is one of WWE's all-time greats. The lead-up to this match involved former buddies Triple H and Shawn Michaels feuding for the World Heavyweight Championship. When Smackdown superstar Chris Benoit won that year's Royal Rumble, the rivalry became a trio.
The feud was settled at Wrestlemania 20 in a Triple Threat Match for the World Heavyweight Championship. The action itself was brisk as none of the competitors could gain an advantage over the other two. The main event concluded when Benoit placed Triple H in the crippler crossface, forcing the latter to submit. It was a vindicating moment for Chris Benoit, who memorably celebrated his victory with longtime friend Eddie Guerrero afterward.
2 Shawn Michaels Vs. Bret Hart – Wrestlemania 12
Wrestling fans probably won't be surprised to see another HBK entry on this list. He is "Mr. Wrestlemania," after all. The main event of Wrestlemania 12 is really something special. Both Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart were at the peak of their game in 1996 and their inordinate talent is plain for all to see in this bout.
Like most Wrestlemania main events, the prize for this match was the coveted WWE Championship. Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart went at each other in a 60-minute Ironman match. When neither man achieved a victory, the match went into overtime. The contest is a breathtaking display of athleticism and was made even more impactful by HBK's emotional victory celebration.
1 Steve Austin Vs. The Rock – Wrestlemania 17
Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock were WWE's hottest commodities in 2001. Although the Monday Night War with WCW would draw to a close in that year, WWE's momentum seemed undiminished. The Rock and Stone Cold had already delivered an impressive performance two years earlier at Wrestlemania 15......the stage was set for a highly-anticipated rematch.
Watching these two legends perform represented the best pro wrestling had to offer. The match itself remains exciting for the duration. It's the ending, however, that provided the greatest shock. Steve Austin, WWE's most beloved fan-favorite, turned heel by siding with Mr. McMahon. Austin won the match amidst the stares and jeers of a stunned audience.