Wrestling has been home to countless thrilling matches that have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. These iconic bouts have left a lasting impact on the sport, showcasing incredible athleticism, drama, and storytelling. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the world of wrestling, these famous matches stand as milestones in wrestling history. Let’s take a look at some of the most legendary and unforgettable wrestling matches of all time.

1. Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant – WrestleMania III (1987)
This is one of the most famous wrestling moments ever. At WrestleMania III, Hulk Hogan faced Andre the Giant in front of a record-breaking crowd of over 93,000 fans. The highlight of the match was Hogan’s iconic slam of the 520-pound Andre, an unforgettable moment in wrestling history. This match helped solidify Hogan’s status as a wrestling legend and was a defining moment for the WWE.
Why It’s Famous:
- The unforgettable moment of Hogan body-slamming Andre.
- The match is a symbol of WWE’s growing popularity in the 1980s.
2. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock – WrestleMania X-7 (2001)
The rivalry between Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock reached its peak at WrestleMania X-7, where they faced off in a no-holds-barred match for the WWE Championship. The match is known for its intense action, dramatic turns, and Austin’s shocking heel turn, where he joined forces with Vince McMahon. The match remains one of the greatest in WWE history, with fans debating the true winner of the epic encounter.
Why It’s Famous:
- The shocking twist of Austin aligning with McMahon.
- One of the greatest wrestling rivalries of all time.
3. Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker – WrestleMania 25 (2009)
Considered by many as one of the best matches ever, the battle between Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker at WrestleMania 25 is filled with incredible athleticism, storytelling, and high spots. Both men pulled out all the stops, from Undertaker’s dives over the ropes to Michaels’ famous moonsault off the top rope. The match ended with Undertaker’s streak staying intact, but it was Michaels’ performance that stole the show.
Why It’s Famous:
- A perfect example of two of the greatest performers in wrestling history.
- It’s often cited as one of the greatest WrestleMania matches of all time.
4. Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels – The Montreal Screwjob (1997)
At Survivor Series 1997, Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels faced off in a match for the WWE Championship, but it was the events surrounding the match that made it legendary. The Montreal Screwjob occurred when Vince McMahon ordered the referee to ring the bell and declare Michaels the winner, despite Hart not tapping out. This event changed the course of wrestling history, leading to the infamous “Mr. McMahon” character and the rise of the Attitude Era.
Why It’s Famous:
- The controversial finish that changed the wrestling world.
- It marked the beginning of the Attitude Era and a shift in WWE’s storylines.
5. The Rock vs. John Cena – WrestleMania 28 (2012)
The Rock vs. John Cena at WrestleMania 28 was billed as “Once in a Lifetime,” and it certainly lived up to the hype. Both stars had built a tremendous amount of anticipation for the match, and the two men delivered a hard-fought, back-and-forth battle. The Rock defeated Cena, but their rivalry was so intense that they faced each other again the following year at WrestleMania 29.
Why It’s Famous:
- The match was a dream encounter for many fans, marking a clash of two generations of WWE stars.
- It was one of the most anticipated matches in WrestleMania history.
6. Ric Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat – Chi-Town Rumble (1989)
This match is considered one of the greatest technical bouts in wrestling history. Ric Flair, the 16-time World Champion, defended his title against Ricky Steamboat in a classic contest that showcased exceptional wrestling technique and storytelling. The match was a masterclass in ring psychology, with both wrestlers pulling out all the stops to earn the victory.
Why It’s Famous:
- The flawless in-ring chemistry between Flair and Steamboat.
- A technical masterpiece that defined wrestling in the 1980s.
7. The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels – WrestleMania 26 (2010)
After their iconic match at WrestleMania 25, The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels faced each other again in a highly anticipated rematch at WrestleMania 26. This time, the match had even more at stake, as Michaels’ career was on the line if he lost. The dramatic match ended with The Undertaker winning and maintaining his undefeated streak at WrestleMania, while Michaels retired from in-ring competition.
Why It’s Famous:
- The emotional storytelling with Michaels’ career on the line.
- The continuation of their legendary rivalry.
8. Macho Man Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat – WrestleMania III (1987)
One of the best pure wrestling matches in WWE history took place at WrestleMania III between Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat.
Why It’s Famous:
- A technical wrestling masterpiece.
- The match is often cited as one of the greatest of all time.
9. Hulk Hogan vs. Randy Savage – WrestleMania V (1989)
The feud between Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage reached its peak at WrestleMania V, where the two legends clashed for the WWE Championship. The match was filled with drama, including the betrayal of Savage by Hogan, and ended with Hogan reclaiming the title. This was a pivotal moment in WWE’s history, with the Mega Powers’ split being a major storyline of the time.
Why It’s Famous:
- The emotional and dramatic storyline behind the match.
- A major milestone in Hulk Hogan’s career.
10. CM Punk vs. John Cena – Money in the Bank 2011 (2011)
The match between CM Punk and John Cena at Money in the Bank 2011 is widely regarded as one of the best matches of the modern era. The match had high stakes, as CM Punk threatened to leave WWE with the WWE Championship, creating a tense atmosphere. The bout had incredible in-ring action, and the Chicago crowd was behind Punk, making it one of the most electrifying matches in recent history.
Why It’s Famous:
- The incredible build-up and high stakes.
- The unforgettable Chicago crowd and CM Punk’s “pipe bomb” promo.
Conclusion
These famous wrestling matches have not only shaped the history of the sport but have also cemented their places as unforgettable moments in the hearts of fans. From dramatic rivalries and shocking twists to incredible athleticism, these bouts demonstrate the true excitement and storytelling power of wrestling. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer, these matches are a must-watch for anyone looking to experience the best that professional wrestling has to offer.