#2. Randy Orton (c) vs. Batista vs. Daniel Bryan for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 30
In the first part of 2014, the Yes Movement was in full force. Fan support for Daniel Bryan had grown to a point that WWE had to deviate from its intended WrestleMania main event between Randy Orton and Batista. After defeating Triple H earlier in the night, Bryan went on to battle Orton and Batista.
The Authority had been a thorn in Bryan’s path for a long time, and the main event of Mania was no different. Triple H and Stephanie McMahon came out, but a Suicide Dive took them out. Nonetheless, the odds were still stacked against the Beard. The Animal and the Viper focused their attack on Bryan, eventually taking him out with the stereo Batista Bomb-RKO combo through the announce table.
Despite the overwhelming odds, the Beard persevered and made Batista tap out to the Yes Lock. The crowd exploded with joy as the entire WWE Universe celebrated in unison. Bryan converted WrestleMania to YestleMania.
#1. The Undertaker vs. Randy Orton at WrestleMania 21
After a failed babyface run, WWE decided to turn Randy Orton heel, which turned out to be a brilliant decision. Orton became “The Legend Killer,” and the gimmick would be his ticket to superstardom. Fans knew what he was capable of, but it was really the feud with The Undertaker that put Orton to the test.
The Streak had received plenty of attention. With Orton on a mission to terminate legends, it made sense for him to end Taker’s streak. Although he failed in that goal, Orton came out much stronger. The Legend Killer had the performance of a lifetime. From nearfalls to countering the Chokeslam into the RKO, he took The Phenom to the limit.
In addition to the sheer quality of the match, it is also worth noting the implications of this match. Taker vs. Orton at Mania was just the appetizer. Throughout 2005, they would have multiple matches that would establish Orton as the future of the business.
