We are just a short time away from “The Showcase of The Immortals” known as Wrestlemania. To say that it’s a show known for it’s spectacular moments and matches would be understating it just a bit. Of course, not every match can make it into the highlight reels or retrospectives. As a matter of fact, not even all the great matches make it. That’s why I’m here today. I want to look back on the Wrestlemania matches that, in my opinion, don’t get the love they deserve. Since we are quickly approaching the 30th edition of Wrestlemania, I thought it would be just to do a super sized list of 30 Forgotten Wrestlemania Classics. This week we’ll look at numbers 30-16, and next week we’ll tackle numbers 15-1.
30. Dino Bravo vs. Ronnie Garvin (Wrestlemania V): On paper one would think this match to be a snooze fest, but these two men demonstrated the proper way to do a power house contest. They even managed to show off some technical skills that many fans didn’t even know they had. One of the best efforts ever from either man.
29. Brutus Beefcake vs. Mr. Perfect (Wrestlemania VI): Not many would expect to see the name Brutus Beefcake on a list of Wrestlemania classics, but this match was much better than one would believe. Adding to that the fact that it was one of Mr. Perfect’s first high profile losses and the fact that the Genius got his hair cut at the end made for a match that was overall very good.
28. The Rockers vs. The Orient Express (Wrestlemania VI): Wrestlemania VI goes back to back with an outstanding tag team contest from two highly athletic teams. Like most matches on the Wrestlemania VI show it was far too short, but these four men (five if you count Master Fuji) truly epitomized the term “maximizing your minutes”
27. The Rockers vs. The Barbarian and Haku (Wrestlemania VII): Now The Rockers go back to back with their opening contest against the two men who would later be known as The Faces of Fear. This match was as old school as it got when it came to tag team wrestling, featuring plenty of exciting double team manuevers and The Rockers at the height of their popularity. Don’t worry, we’ll see them a little later on again.
26. Bobby Lashley vs. Umaga (Wrestlemania 23): Another match that went against the grain of a typical hoss match, proving that big doesn’t equate to boring. As a matter of fact, these two had a very hard hitting and exciting match that had a good pace and some very good psychology. It often gets overlooked because of the players involved, but go back and give it a watch. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
25. Kurt Angle vs. Chris Jericho vs. Chris Benoit (Wrestlemania 2000): Three men making their Wrestlemania debuts in a match I don’t think I’ve ever seen since (two fall triple threat match) and three men who made a lasting impression for sure. Even though they didn’t have the break out match that The Hardys, Dudleys, and Edge and Christian had, it was still a classic.
24. The Twin Towers vs. The Rockers (Wrestlemania V): The Rockers manage to make it on the list three times with an often forgotten match against the much larger Twin Towers. What makes this match so good is the selling dynamic. The Twin Towers worked their asses off to sell for The Rockers and made them look like a threat without losing credibility, which is much harder than it looks and not often done these days.
23. Goldust vs. Roddy Piper (Wrestlemania XII): Although the Hollywood Backlot Brawl does get some love, it doesn’t get nearly the respect it deserves when compared to the Ironman Match that same show. This is a beautifully brutal affair that at times will make you wince in agony, even after repeated viewings.
22. Kane vs. Big Show vs. Raven (Wrestlemania X-7): Speaking of entertaining brawls, this fun match from Wrestlemania X-7 really played with the hardcore Rules aspect and wasn’t afraid to go over the top. A hardcore match of Wrestlemania proportions that was just the right mixture of spectacle and violence.
21. The Legion of Doom and Ahmed Johnson vs. The Nation of Domination (Wrestlemania 13): It’s starting to seem like Wrestlemania is the place for memorable brawls. This Chicago Street Fight was made for the men in this match, and it was utter chaos that entertained from bell to bell. You may not like everyone involved, but the hard work here is evident and pays off big time.
20. Cody Rhodes vs. Rey Mysterio (Wrestlemania XXVII): Alright, back to some wrestling. I always felt like this match was one of the few shining spots on the lackluster showing that was Wrestlemania XXVII. These two knew how to tell a story and used their natural athletic gifts to elevate Rhodes while reminding folks that Mysterio could still go.
19. The Nasty Boys vs. The Hart Foundation (Wrestlemania VII): Back when title changes were a big deal in pro wrestling, this match made headlines as a highlight of Wrestlemania VII. Looking back, it’s one of the best on the card from a wrestling standpoint simply because of the great clash of styles. Well worth a second watch.
18. Taka Michinoku vs. Aguila (Wrestlemania XIV): If high flying action is your thing, take a look back at this match designed to showcase the sadly failed Light Heavyweight Division. These two take each other to the limit and provide a fun spot fest that really shows the potential competition the Light Heavyweight Division could have been to WCW’s Cruiserweight Division.
17. Mickie James vs. Trish Stratus (Wrestlemania 22): Finally the women of WWE get a spot on this list. To be honest, members of WWE’s Women’s Division (even the talent ones) haven’t had much of a chance to shine on the big stage of Wrestlemania. This is one of the few notable exceptions and both of these women took the ball and ran with it to score a BIG touch down with a match that told a great story and displayed some very good wrestling, regardless of gender.
16. Chris Jericho vs. William Regal (Wrestlemania X-7): Two world travelled athletes competing for a prestigious title, who give and take no quarter. The truth of the matter is this is a fantastic match on a Wrestlemania jam packed with fantastic matches. Even if it was the worst of the best (which it wasn’t, it was better), that’s still damn impressive.
I think you’ve been given plenty of homework for one week, and we’re just getting warmed up. Next week, I’ll be back with my favourite 15 forgotten Wrestlemania classics. What do you think will land the number one spot? Let me know by using #topofforgot. While you’re busy guessing my picks, feel feel to throw your own out there with #maniaclassic. In the meantime, log on to The WWE Network, and watch (or re-watch) these matches.
Photo credit unknown but likely WWE.com
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