The holiday season is often seen as a time of joy and celebration, but in WWE, Christmas decorations and gifts frequently transform into instruments of battle. WWE has a long-standing tradition of turning festive occasions into wrestling matches, with Holiday-themed events being a prime example.
While Christmas is typically a family-friendly celebration, in WWE it often results in entertaining chaos. The company has hosted various Santa Claus-themed spectacles in the past, along with memorable Christmas matches featuring some of the biggest WWE Superstars, delighting fans year after year.
One standout match was R-Truth versus JD McDonough on December 18, 2023, lasting 9 minutes and 55 seconds, with R-Truth emerging victorious. Known for his comedic flair, R-Truth brought fun and humor to the holiday-themed bout, while both wrestlers showcased their skills and entertained with playful antics.
In 2005, Mick Foley, often seen in a Santa Claus costume, faced JBL, who played Scrooge in a short 2-minute and 14-second match during a military holiday event. Foley’s mix of serious and playful Santa roles added charm, and the brief match energized the audience.
The 2013 “pole match Christmas present” between Dolph Ziggler and Fandango was a lively, festive televised feud lasting 4 minutes and 44 seconds, won by Fandango. The pair embraced the silly nature of the gimmick, using holiday-themed props to keep the crowd amused.
On December 19, 2020, Heavy Machinery battled The Revival for over 12 minutes on SmackDown. Despite The Revival’s reputation for technical prowess, both teams injected humor using festive props like Christmas trees, creating a unique and enjoyable atmosphere.
Mark Henry and Damien Sandow’s 2014 Santa Claus-themed match lasted 3 minutes and 20 seconds, with Henry as the “good Santa” and Sandow the “evil” counterpart. Though not a classic, the entertaining match featured creative weapon use and fan-pleasing antics.
John Cena and Alberto Del Rio competed on December 12, 2018, in a 14-minute and 50-second match themed around Cena seeking revenge after Del Rio reportedly ran over Santa Claus. Cena’s victory energized the audience, blending storyline with holiday spirit.
Randy Orton dominated David Otunga in a 7-minute, 35-second SmackDown match on November 29, 2011, with Orton incorporating holiday taunts like shouting “Ho, ho, ho” and playfully pushing Otunga up stairs wearing a wreath, creating a memorable moment.
Bobby Lashley and Elias faced off on Raw in 2018 with a match lasting 12 minutes and 29 seconds. This encounter stood out due to unusual Christmas-themed weapons, including bowling balls and Legos, elevating the intensity and distinctiveness of the match.
A December 22, 2014, Raw match between John Cena and Seth Rollins lasted 15 minutes and 40 seconds, showcasing two top talents in a straightforward bout without heavy reliance on holiday gimmicks, emphasizing skill over props.
The top Christmas-themed match featured Dean Ambrose vs. Bray Wyatt in a “Miracle of 34th Street Fight” on December 22, 2014, running over 21 minutes. Unlike many holiday matches known for comedy, this intense and creative street fight demonstrated their powerful chemistry and storytelling prowess.
Fan Take: These holiday-themed WWE matches remind fans that WWE can blend festive fun with athletic prowess and storytelling, enriching the entertainment experience. Such events not only bring holiday cheer but also showcase WWE’s versatility, keeping the sport fresh and engaging throughout the year.
