As the calendar turns and 2025 moves into the rearview mirror, it is time to reflect on the definitive in-ring encounters that shaped the year in WWE. Regardless of the often-discussed issues regarding storyline consistency and build-ups, there were still a number of incredible bouts that kept fans captivated and left social media buzzing for days.
With that in mind, let’s rank the top five WWE matches from 2025 that we won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
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CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins – Triple Threat Match (WrestleMania 41)
While the criticisms towards the creative aspects, specifically the lack of storytelling element, in WWE in 2025 have merit, this match was one that actually delivered when it came to its story. The bout has been praised for its fast-paced action, keeping people on the edge of their seats, and had many incredible spots throughout the matchup.
Lasting over 30 minutes, the match spilled into the crowd at one point and was highlighted near the end with a flurry of finishers and a succession of submission holds alternating between all three, leaving fans unsure of who would come out on top.
The history between the three, however, is what stole the show. WWE leaned into the past, reminding the audience about Rollins and Reigns being a part of The Shield, and that the faction had initially been the “hired guns” for Punk. In the weeks leading up to the match, fans were reminded that it was a dream of Punk’s to headline a WrestleMania, and witnessed Paul Heyman abandoning Reigns to stand behind Punk.
But there was one moment in the match that upstaged everything that had taken place before it. Heyman, watching the bout from ringside, handed a steel chair to Punk before low-blowing him from behind, shocking everyone and appearing to signal he had returned his allegiance to “The Tribal Chief”.
After handing the chair to Reigns, however, Heyman executed the same move against him, signaling that he was joining forces with Seth Rollins and helping him win the match. This was easily one of the more stunning finishes to a match this year, making it a shoo-in for inclusion in the top five matches of the year.
