Throughout its storied history, WWE has undergone numerous transformative eras that have molded professional wrestling into what it is today. The organization has been home to many legendary wrestlers like Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, John Cena, and Randy Orton, each having long, illustrious careers marked by significant achievements. Across these eras, WWE has produced countless unforgettable moments, including iconic matches and intense rivalries that have left lasting impressions on fans.
Determining the best match from each WWE era is subjective, but many legendary encounters stand out due to their exceptional storytelling and electrifying in-ring action, often marking career-defining moments for the wrestlers involved.
Golden Era: Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat
At WrestleMania 3, the WWE Intercontinental Championship match between Randy "Macho Man" Savage and Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat is often hailed as the greatest Intercontinental title match ever. Their 14-minute and 35-second bout showcased technical wrestling at its finest, with Steamboat earning the victory and capturing the championship in a highly charged atmosphere.
New Generation Era: Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin
The submission match at WrestleMania 13 between Bret Hart and Steve Austin is widely regarded as one of the best in WWE history. With Ken Shamrock as special guest referee, the 22-minute clash featured a dramatic double turn—Hart turning heel and Austin becoming a fan favorite—highlighted by Austin’s bloodied face and unforgettable performances.
Attitude Era: Triple H vs. Steve Austin
Triple H and Steve Austin’s "Three Stages of Hell" match at No Way Out 2001, lasting nearly 40 minutes, is considered a defining bout in Triple H’s career. The brutal encounter, including a steel cage and street fight, saw both men battle fiercely with weapons, culminating in Triple H narrowly defeating Austin.
Ruthless Aggression Era: Kurt Angle vs. Shawn Michaels
Their WrestleMania 21 singles match was a dream encounter between the Olympic gold medalist Angle and the legendary Shawn Michaels. Both wrestlers brought high-level technical skill over 27 minutes, with Angle ultimately winning by forcing Michaels to submit to the Ankle Lock, marking a significant moment in Angle’s WWE tenure.
PG Era: The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels
At WrestleMania 25, Undertaker and Michaels hosted a near-perfect match that many consider one of WrestleMania’s greatest. The 30-minute battle featured close calls and dramatic moments, ending with Undertaker extending his undefeated streak to 17-0 by pinning Michaels after a Tombstone Piledriver.
Reality Era: Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena vs. Seth Rollins
This triple threat WWE Championship match at Royal Rumble 2015 featured three giants at the top of their game. Lesnar successfully defended his title over Cena, chasing his 16th world championship, and Rollins, who was looking for his first, in a thrilling 22-minute contest marked by high-impact action.
New Era: AJ Styles vs. John Cena
Their rivalry peaked at Royal Rumble 2017, where Cena finally claimed his 16th WWE World Championship by defeating Styles. The 24-minute match was praised for its storytelling and in-ring performance, with Cena hitting an Avalanche AA to secure the victory.
Renaissance Era: Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes
After losing to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39, Cody Rhodes got his rematch a year later at WrestleMania 40 in a high-stakes WWE Universal Championship match. Lasting over 44 minutes, Rhodes defeated Reigns, marking a pivotal moment in the current WWE era and signaling exciting developments for the future.
Fan Take:
This recap of WWE’s greatest matches through different eras highlights the evolution of wrestling storytelling and athleticism, reminding fans why these moments are etched in wrestling history. For WWE enthusiasts, these matches are not just entertainment but milestones that define the sport’s legacy and its ever-evolving narrative.
