Famous Wrestling Matches that Changed the Industry

Famous Wrestling Matches that Changed the Industry

Professional wrestling has provided fans with countless memorable moments over the years, but some matches have left a lasting imprint on the industry. These iconic bouts have not only showcased the athleticism and charisma of the wrestlers involved, but they’ve also changed the way wrestling is perceived and consumed worldwide. From groundbreaking storylines to innovative match types, the following matches stand out as defining moments in professional wrestling history.


1. Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant – WrestleMania III (1987)

One of the most famous matches in wrestling history took place at WrestleMania III, where Hulk Hogan faced Andre the Giant in a battle that would define a generation of fans. What made this match so memorable wasn’t just the incredible display of athleticism, but the historic moment when Hogan body-slammed the 520-pound Andre in front of a packed Pontiac Silverdome crowd of over 93,000 fans.

This match not only solidified Hogan’s status as WWE’s top star but also helped catapult WrestleMania into the cultural phenomenon it is today. The sheer spectacle of the event, along with the larger-than-life personas of both competitors, turned this bout into a turning point for WWE, shifting the company into a more mainstream entertainment product. It showcased the power of storytelling and spectacle in professional wrestling, a formula that would continue to shape the industry for years to come.


2. The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels – WrestleMania 25 (2009)

Often hailed as one of the greatest matches of all time, the match between The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 25 is a benchmark for the wrestling industry. The two legends delivered a flawless 30-minute bout that was packed with incredible high spots, near-falls, and emotional storytelling. What made this match stand out was not just the action, but the unique blend of Undertaker’s supernatural persona and Michaels’ emotional performance.

The “Streak vs. Career” storyline added extra weight to the match, as Michaels risked his career to end The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania. Although Michaels didn’t win, the match elevated both competitors to new heights, proving that wrestling could be more than just physicality—it could be an art form that captivates audiences through storytelling and emotion. This match helped set the bar for future wrestling bouts, showing that a wrestling match could tell a powerful and poignant story.

Famous Wrestling Matches that Changed the Industry
Famous Wrestling Matches that Changed the Industry

3. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Bret Hart – WrestleMania 13 (1997)

The Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Bret Hart submission match at WrestleMania 13 is widely regarded as one of the best examples of how professional wrestling can cross over into sports entertainment storytelling. The match saw Austin, still in his early stages of his career, battle the veteran Bret Hart in a brutal contest that would go on to define Austin’s rise to superstardom.

The pivotal moment came when Austin, locked in Hart’s sharpshooter, refused to submit and passed out in a pool of his own blood. This iconic image of Austin’s defiance helped establish the Stone Cold character as the antihero that would revolutionize the industry. The match was a turning point for WWE, signaling the beginning of the Attitude Era, which would redefine wrestling in the late ’90s and beyond. Austin’s “Austin 3:16” promo after the event would become one of the most influential catchphrases in wrestling history, turning him into one of the most popular and marketable wrestlers in the world.


4. Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat – WrestleMania III (1987)

While the match between Hogan and Andre may have stolen the spotlight at WrestleMania III, the Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat match for the Intercontinental Championship is often considered one of the greatest wrestling matches of all time. This contest is a masterpiece of in-ring psychology, storytelling, and high-flying action.

The match told a compelling story of Savage’s intense rivalry with Steamboat, and both wrestlers delivered a fast-paced, high-energy encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats. What made this match groundbreaking was its sheer athleticism—this was a far cry from the more traditional, slower-paced bouts that had been prevalent in the industry up until that point. It introduced a more dynamic style of wrestling, setting the tone for the fast-paced, high-flying action that would become popular in the 1990s and beyond. It also proved that wrestlers didn’t need to be larger-than-life characters to have a lasting impact in the industry.


5. Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels – The Montreal Screwjob (1997)

While not a traditional wrestling match in the sense of a storyline or a back-and-forth contest, the infamous Montreal Screwjob is one of the most controversial moments in professional wrestling history. The match between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels at Survivor Series 1997 was supposed to be a championship bout that saw Hart, the reigning champion, lose the title to Michaels in Canada.

However, due to behind-the-scenes tension and contract disputes, Vince McMahon and other WWE officials orchestrated a controversial finish where Michaels was declared the winner, despite Hart never actually submitting. This moment marked the beginning of a deep rift between Hart and WWE, as well as a major turning point for Vince McMahon’s character, as he shifted from a behind-the-scenes figure to the on-screen villain known as Mr. McMahon.

The aftermath of the Montreal Screwjob led to the Attitude Era, and it changed the landscape of the wrestling business, with blurred lines between reality and storyline becoming a staple of the product. The incident also led to the rise of Stone Cold Steve Austin, whose rebellious, anti-establishment character was built on the events that transpired in Montreal.


6. The Rock vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin – WrestleMania 17 (2001)

The match between The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania 17 is one of the most iconic and impactful matches in WWE history. This bout was the culmination of the intense rivalry between the two top stars of the Attitude Era, and it featured everything fans loved about professional wrestling—great in-ring action, memorable moments, and a shocking finish.

The match is remembered for its dramatic heel turn by Austin, who, after years of being the antihero, aligned himself with Vince McMahon to defeat The Rock. This turn shocked the wrestling world and marked a shift in the WWE product, as the company moved into a new era with McMahon and Austin as the focal points of the storylines. Despite the controversial finish, this match solidified both The Rock and Stone Cold as the two most important figures of their generation, and their rivalry remains one of the most beloved in wrestling history.


Conclusion

These famous wrestling matches not only showcased the incredible talents of the wrestlers involved but also served as pivotal moments that changed the course of professional wrestling history. From introducing new match types to creating unforgettable characters and rivalries, these bouts have had a lasting influence on the industry. As professional wrestling continues to evolve, it will be these legendary moments that fans continue to look back on, and they will always be a key part of the sport’s rich history.