At Which WrestleMania Did These Legendary Matches Take Place?
- by Andrew Pollard
- – on
- in Sports
As of this writing, WrestleMania 34 is just around the corner. In fact, by the time you're partaking in this quiz it could well be that 'Mania 34 is in the record books. Roman Reigns won, right? Vanquished Brock Lesnar and the show closed with Roman standing tall as fireworks filled the air? Call it an educated guess.
Anyway, what we're looking at here are the 33 WrestleManias to come before this 2018 edition of the WWE's annual Showcase of the Immortals. Throughout all of those years, we've had some of the very best matches in wrestling history. With iconic names such as Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, Ultimate Warrior, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin, The Rock, John Cena, The Undertaker, and a whole host of others having their star-making moments at the Grandest Stage of Them All, WrestleMania is seen as a truly special show each and every year.
With all of that said though, just how good is your 'Mania memory? We hope it's good, for we're setting out to test it here. You see, we've got a bunch of WrestleMania's greatest matches showcased in the ensuing questions. All you have to do is correctly identify just which WrestleMania each of these matches took place at.
Sounds pretty simple? Well, let's see if you're as much of a real wrestling nerd as you claim to be!
When Did Hogan vs Andre First Happen?
Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant actually battled at two WrestleManias. The second of those meetings took place as part of a tournament for the WWF Championship, but we want to know relates to that the first 'Mania bout. That match-up is still seen as one of the most iconic meetings in the history of the WWE's Showcase of the Immortals, and it was yet another major moment in the rise and rise and rise of Hulkamania. When did that first Hogan/Andre 'Mania match happened, though?
When Did Undertaker vs Michaels First Happen?
The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels had long been rivals way before they ever met under the WrestleMania banner. In fact, it was in a Casket Match with The Phenom where HBK suffered the back injury that would subsequently cause him to take several years out of the game. Luckily Shawn would return to the ring, and he'd eventually have his sights on 'Taker. Which was the first WrestleMania, though, in which these two legends of the business first went to battle?
When Did Cena vs JBL Happen?
Whether you like him or not, there's no disputing the influence of John Bradshaw Layfield on the early years of John Cena's career. JBL and Cena had some legendary, truly brutal matches as a tough edge was given to the Master of Thuganomics. One of their earliest and most memorable meetings, of course, saw Cena defeat Bradshaw for the first of Big Match John's many World Championships. That was the coronation of John Cena, but at which WrestleMania did that take place?
When Did Roddy Piper vs Mr T Happen?
When it comes to the early years of WrestleMania, the rivalry between Mr T and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper was a huge, huge part of the Showcase of the Immortals. Even better, the pair actually legitimately detested each other behind the scenes, more-so on Piper's part who took umbrage with an outsider being given such a huge spotlight in the wrestling world. So, at what WrestleMania did T and Piper battle each in other in a bizarre, rough boxing match then?
When Did Hogan vs Warrior Happen?
For those of us of a certain 'vintage', you'll have gotten hugely tired of hearing Vince McMahon in his best Vince McMahon voice snarling on about "the uuuuuuultimate challenge" at one point in time. That challenge? Why, that'd be Intercontinental Champion Ultimate Warrior taking on WWF Champion Hulk Hogan with both belts on the line. It was a truly legendary clash between two powerhouse performers, and it still stands as one of the biggest matches in WrestleMania history. Which 'Mania did this take place at, though?
When Did Edge vs Undertaker Happen?
One of the best WrestleMania matches in a long, long time saw Edge defending his World Heavyweight Championship against the legendary Undertaker. Given that it was WrestleMania, of course, that meant that The Phenom's much lauded streak was on the line. 'Taker would famously win that match, becoming the World Heavyweight Champ in the process, and it's a match that still holds up as an all-time classic to this very day. At which WrestleMania did these two SmackDown stars collide, though?
When Did Kurt Angle vs Brock Lesnar Happen?
One of the best rivalries of the past several decades is Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar. Both legit tough with ridiculous credentials - Angle an Olympic gold medalist, Lesnar an NCAA star who would go on to become a UFC legend - the pair's clash at the Showcase of the Immortals was hotly anticipated by every wrestling fan out there. And the match itself was great, even if it's infamously remembered for Brock nearly breaking his neck. At which 'Mania did this happen, though?
When Did Flair vs Savage Happen?
For some of us, Ric Flair viewed as the greatest wrestler ever. To others of us, that honor goes to Randy Savage. So, when these two legendary figures met at the Grandaddy of Them All with the WWF Championship on the line, anticipation was high. Of course, the pair would deliver an instant classic that was the perfect summation of their ongoing feud; Savage defeating the Nature Boy to become WWF Champ. At which WrestleMania did this all take place?
When Did Jericho vs Michaels Happen?
Here we have a shot of Chris Jericho about to deliver Shawn Michaels' patented Sweet Chin Music to none other than The Showstopper himself. Jericho would go on to have a legendary rivalry further down the line, but that was several years after their initial WrestleMania match-up. That match was a true show stealer that gave yet another indicator of just how good both of these talents were and still are in Jericho's case. At which WrestleMania did this match happen?
When Did Bret vs Shawn Happen?
With your humble scribe being a huge Bret Hart fan, it still pains to this day to look back at Shawn Michaels defeating The Hitman to become the WWF Champion in a 60-minute Iron Man Match. That would be the first of The Heartbreak Kid's World Championship runs, with him going on to win a whole host of titles over the next decade or so before being retired by The Undertaker. At which 'Mania did Bret vs Shawn take place?
When Did Rock vs Austin First Happen?
Throughout this quiz, we seem to bee looking at legendary rivalry after legendary rivalry, and right here we have a rivalry that a certain generation see as the defining one of their childhood. The Rock vs Stone Cold Steve Austin was the stuff of legend, and the pair battled time and time again. In fact, they went so far as to have THREE WrestleMania matches against one another. What we want to know is which was the first 'Mania to feature this match?
When Did Savage vs Steamboat Happen?
To many wrestling fans, Randy Savage vs Ricky Steamboat - for Savage's Intercontinental Championship - is seen as the greatest WrestleMania match in history. Of course, that is up for debate, with plentiful other excellent matches having followed in the subsequent decades. At the time though, WWF fans had never seen anything like the energetic, frenetic showcase that these two icons put on, instead having been used to lumbering, slow-paced bouts. At which WrestleMania did this legendary meeting of greats take place?
When Did Flair vs Undertaker Happen?
While The Undertaker's streak became a huge part of the whole WrestleMania package, the streak itself wasn't particularly acknowledged at all until a good six, seven, or eight years in to its lifespan. By the time 'Taker battled Ric Flair at the Showcase of the Immortals, the streak had just about started to become a 'thing', and Flair credits that match with giving him his in-ring confidence and mojo back. At which WrestleMania did this impressive bout take place, though?
When Did Triple H vs Michaels vs Benoit Happen?
At the time, the WrestleMania match between Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and Chris Benoit was seen as arguably the very best match in 'Mania history. The match still holds up as a stunning content to this day, but there have been a few better 'Mania matches since then, not to mention the whole Benoit family tragedy tarnishing any in-ring Benoit action for many fans. The match itself is still a great technical bout, but at which WrestleMania did this take place?
When Did Savage vs Hogan Happen?
Having been regularly in the shadows while Hulkamania was running wild, brother, Randy Savage finally managed to capture the most coveted prize in the wrestling business: the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. During that first WWF Title run, Savage was famously paired with Hulk Hogan as The Mega Powers. That teaming didn't exactly run smoothly, and The Mega Powers famously 'exploded' just in time to set up a WrestleMania match between the two legends. At which 'Mania did that bout take place, though?
When Did Rock vs Cena First Happen?
Once in a lifetime, right? That was the tagline for the long awaited battle between The Rock and John Cena. Of course, that 'once in a lifetime' bout would actually happen a second time at the following year's WrestleMania. In that first match, though, many savvy wrestling fans were surprised by the fact that The Rock was victorious, given how The Great One's in-ring action was extremely minimal in the years prior to the match. At which 'Mania did Rock and Cena first happen?
When Did Bret vs Austin Happen?
It feels that each and every one of these questions centre around an all-time classic WrestleMania match - but then again, that is pretty much what the quiz is about, right? Next up here, we have Bret Hart vs Stone Cold Steve Austin in an extraordinary match that really kicked the ball rolling for the rise of Austin as the top star in the business. For Bret, his heel turn had really began. So, at which WrestleManai did this take place?
When Did Rock vs Hogan Happen?
Another question, another classic of WrestleMania. For years, many fans had hoped to see Hulk Hogan face off with Steve Austin in a one-on-one encounter. When Hollywood Hogan finally turned up in the WWF following WCW's demise, we were all deprived of that Hogan vs Austin match, but instead we got the electrifying battle between The Rock and The Hulkster. The reaction from those in attendance was phenomenal, and the match was brilliant for what was needed. When did it happen, though?
When Did Bret vs Owen Happen?
At one point in time, the burgeoning rivalry between brothers Bret and Owen Hart was absolutely stunning to watch unravel. As the bitter younger brother, Owen was perfect in the role as he continuously challenged Bret. The Hitman, ever the babyface big brother, initially refused to fight his sibling. Of course, the two would end up competing on the Grandest Stage of Them All after Owen had screwed over and goaded his brother. At which WrestleMania did this match take place?
When Did Triple H vs Cena Happen?
It's one thing when fans are taking jabs at how slack and awful a hold looks, but it's a different ball game when legends like Stone Cold Steve Austin are pointing out the exact same issues. That's regularly been the case with John Cena and his STF, which we can see being used here in a WrestleMania match where Cena retained the WWE Championship against Triple H. Do you know at which 'Mania this Cena vs Hunter bout took place?
When Did Savage vs Warrior Happen?
The image shown here is a shot from a SummerSlam bout where Randy Savage defended his WWF World Heavyweight Championship against Ultimate Warrior. Before that match though, Savage and Warrior had done battle in a Retirement Match on the Showcase of the Immortals. Savage would lose that match, reuniting with Miss Elizabeth and turning face after the bout. That was the best match of Warrior's career bar none, and Savage was as pitch-perfect as ever. At which 'Mania did this happen?
When Did Michaels vs Austin Happen?
While the true rise of Stone Cold Steve Austin as a main event player is often lauded as his King of the Ring speech and his famed battles with Bret "Hitman" Hart, the crowning moment and dawn of the Austin Era came when he defeated Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania as he claimed his first WWF World Heavyweight Championship. Adding to the moment, the legendary Mike Tyson was on hand to screw over HBK. At which 'Mania did this all play out?
When Did Flair vs Michaels Happen?
It may not have quite hit the heights of some of the true all-time classic WrestleMania matches in terms of the technical side of the action, but there are very few WrestleMania bouts that were tinged in such emotion as Shawn Michaels retiring Ric Flair on the Grandest Stage of Them All. Even sadder, Flair would eventually get back in the ring in TNA further down the line, slightly tarnishing that emotional moment. At what 'Mania did this match happen, though?
When Did Orton vs Batista vs Bryan Happen?
To many, this was the crowning moment of a fan movement that forced the WWE to finally - and for once! - listen to their audience. Batista and Randy Orton were due to do battle at WrestleMania for the Undisputed Championship held by The Viper, but that wasn't what the fans were calling for. Their man was Daniel Bryan, and they wanted him to be positioned at the top of the card! So, when did D-Bry overcome the odds to defeat Orton and Batista?
When Did Bret vs Piper Happen?
Maybe it's because you're humble scribe is a huge, huge fan of both Bret Hart and Roddy Piper, but this WrestleMania meeting of the pair stands up there as an iconic bout that helped further push Bret as one of the then-WWF's top guys going forward. For the first time in his WWF career, Piper was pinned 1-2-3 in the middle of the ring, with Bret reclaiming the Intercontinental Champion. At which WrestleMania show did this bout take place, though?
When Did Undertaker vs Snuka Happen?
The Undertaker battling Jimmy Snuka wasn't anywhere near an in-ring classic. So, why is it featured in this quiz in that case, we hear you ask. Well, that's because this is the match the began it all, that began The Undertaker's iconic streak. Of course, The Phenom would notch up 21 consecutive 'Mania wins before finally being defeated by Brock Lesnar, and this Snuka match was the first of those 21 victories. At what WrestleMania did this take place, though?
When Did Eddie vs Rey Happen?
If you're basing things purely on in-ring action, you can easily argue that nobody had as many excellent matches as Eddie Guerrero going up against Rey Mysterio - whether that was in Mexico, ECW, WCW, or later in the WWE. And one such fantastic match between the pair took place on the WWE's Showcase of the Immortals. Rey would get the win on that day, although this rivalry would continue on. At which WrestleMania did these rivals do battle, though?
When Did Undertaker vs Punk Happen?
Many fans are still holding out hope that one day, somehow, somewhere, CM Punk will make his return to the WWE or even to a wrestling ring elsewhere. Right now, Punk is focused on his MMA career, so we'll have to see what develops on that front. The Straightedge Superstar's final 'Mania match saw him become yet another victim of The Undertaker and his legendary streak. But at which WrestleMania did this much hyped match up finally take place, though?
When Did Vince vs Shane Happen?
Whether you like Vince McMahon or not, that certainly looks like it's going to hurt. That's a still image of Shane McMahon launching a Van Daminator on his pops as the two did battle on the Grandest Stage of Them All. After a brutal back and forth effort, Shane would finally emerge victorious, coinciding with mother Linda awaking from his vegetative state to slap Trish Stratus - all while Mick Foley watched on. At which 'Mania did all of this happen?
When Did The British Bulldogs vs The Dream Team Happen?
Here we have an image of The British Bulldogs and their mascot Matilda. Yes kids, this tag team tandem brought a pooch to the ring with them for a spell of time. At one of the early WrestleMania, the Bulldogs challenged The Dream Team - Greg Valentine and Brutus Beefcake - for the WWF Tag Team Titles, managing to defeat their opponents and become the Tag Champs. Can you correctly remember at just which WrestleMania this all actually happened, though?
When Did Kane vs Raven vs Big Show Happen?
Hey look, it's a golf cart! It may not be your 5* classic match that many wrestling purists often find themselves looking for these days, but Raven defending his Hardcore Championship against Kane and The Big Show was all kinds of entertaining as they battled in the ring, outside the ring, backstage, and anywhere in between as chaos and carnage ruled the day. When all was said and done, Kane walked out as the new Hardcore Champ, but at which 'Mania did this happen?
When Did Jericho vs Triple H Happen?
For those of us who have been watching wrestling for a long while now, the site of Triple H standing victorious with a championship in his hands is a sight we get far, far too familiar with. Painfully familiar with! There was a spell where Hunter was hardly ever without a title in his grasp, and one such title win came when he faced Chris Jericho at WrestleMania - taking Y2J's Undisputed Championship in the process. At which 'Mania was this?
When Did Cena vs Michaels Happen?
Some people have long decided that John Cena is an absolutely awful wrestler. Sure, he's no Bret Hart or Kurt Angle, but for what is needed for the character he portrays, Cena is pretty damn great - as he's proven plentiful times over the past few years, particularly during his US Title Open Challenge. One of Cena's best matches came at WrestleMania against the legendary Shawn Michaels, but can you remember just which edition of 'Mania saw this match take place?
When Did Jericho vs AJ Happen?
Upon finally arriving in the WWE, the first real feud that AJ Styles found himself embroiled in was against multiple-time World Champion Chris Jericho. That rivalry would culminate at the Showcase of the Immortals, with many supposedly savvy wrestling fans left shocked as Styles was defeated by the Ayatollah of Rock 'n' Rollah. The match itself was as good as you'd expect - if not maybe quite hitting the heights some had hoped for - but at which 'Mania did this take place?
When Did Angle vs Michaels Happen?
There are very few in-ring talents who can top Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels. In terms of 'total packages', they don't come much bigger and better than The Olympic Hero and The Heartbreak Kid. So, when these two were put on a collision course ahead of WrestleMania, fans were dying to see what masterclass their pair could serve up. In just under half an hour, Angle would make Michaels tap to his patented Ankle Lock - but when did this all happen?