Getting Glenergized: Wrestlemania Rankings

The rankings continue, in honour of the very exciting Hardy-Hardy match coming up, today we will look at the best matches to have no rules. Well that technically is not accurate, since every match needs to have some way to declare a winner (except one God awful match on this list), however there are many matches ranging from steel cage matches, to ladder matches, to falls count anywhere affairs, that have taken place that fully allow any sort of weapon or interference possible.

When compiling this list, I realize that the matches are among the greatest ones ever performed on the grand stage. As such, there are a relatively few near the bottom, and the vast majority of these belong in the upper echelon of Wrestlemania matches.

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#28.
Hell in a Cell
The Undertaker vs. The Big Bossman
Wrestlemania XV
First Union Center
Philadelphia, PA

Simply put, an awful, awful match. It lacks any of the excitement, or intensity that the gimmick or event truly deserves. Bossman really was slowing down at this point, and gave the Undertaker nothing to work with, so we ended up with what is the worst pay-per-view Hell in a Cell match ever, by far. It all seemed like an excuse for an insulting post-match angle, when Edge, Christian and Gangrel hung the Bossman from the ceiling in a moment that should have killed him, but yet was never spoken of again.

#27.
I Quit Match
Bret Hart vs. Bob Backland
Wrestlemania XI
Hartford Civic Center
Hartford, CT

Given the talent involved, I feel strange writing this match so low. While these two had a compelling classic at the Survivor Series before, this match was flat out boring. Bret Hart has stated that he felt that this was the worst match of his career, and it is easy to see why. Arguably the most disapointing match in Wrestlemania history.

#26.
Steel Cage Match for the WWF Championship
Hulk Hogan (c) vs. King Kong Bundy
Wrestlemania 2
Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
Los Angeles, CA

I found little redeeming qualities in this match, as it just seemed like Hogan's victory was never really in doubt, and it all seemed like a set up for Hogan to beat up Heenan at the end. Certainly worth a pass.

#25. Hollywood Backlot Brawl
"Rowdy" Roddy Piper vs. Goldust
Wrestlemania XII
Arrowhead Pond
Anaheim, CA

Not so much a match, as a show long angle between two wrestlers fighting. It started in the street early on in the show, only for Golddust to escape in a white Bronco (a la OJ Simpson, for anyone who doesn't remember that Media side show) before coming into the arena. Oddly it ended when Piper stripped Goldust of his clothes to reveal women's clothing underneath. Very bizare, and only perversely entertaining.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Here's where we get our first of several very large jumps in quality)

#24.
Hardcore Title Match
Billy Gunn (c) vs. Hardcore Holly vs. Al Snow
Wrestlemania XV
First Union Center
Philadelphia, PA

To put this in context, I ranked this match #14 on my list of openers, and now here it is 10 spots lower. That has more to say about the quality of this list than it does about this match. A fairly innofensive hardcore match that could be seen all over the place from 1998-2001, if you've seen one of them, you've probably seen them all.

#23.
Casket Match
The Undertaker vs. Mark Henry
Wrestlemania 22
All State Arena
Chicago, IL

When this match was announced, it seemed like it was destined to be absolutely horrible, however it turned out to be a perfectly acceptable match, with the easy high point coming when the Undertaker (in his 40s no less) dives over the ropes, over the casket to nail Henry. Taker lifting Mark Henry up and delivering a Tombstone is simply awe inspiring.

#22.
Hardcore Hijinks
Wrestlemania X8
Skydome
Toronto, Ontario

What started out as Maven defending the hardcore title against Goldust turned into a great running gag throughout the show. During the match (which was rather bland) Spike Dudley ran down to the ring to pin Maven and win the title (this of course during the 24/7 rule of the title) Crash Holly ran out to try and win the title, only for the four men to run into the back. Throughout the night there were many great bits when different wrestlers including The Hurricane, Al Snow, Molly Holly, and Christian all won the title (or tried), before Maven snuck out a pin and left with the title that he started the show with. A fun joke throughout the evening.

#21.
Falls Count Anywhere
Randy Savage vs. Crush
Wrestlemania X
Madison Square Garden
New York, NY

A fun little match, that was a sort of going away part for Randy Savage. This match had a bizare rule, where the person who was pinned had to return to the ring within 60 seconds or they would lose. As a result, there were a few falls, before the match finished when Savage pinned Crush in the back, and tied him up in some scaffolding, which prevented him from returning to the ring. Some fun stuff, that was no doubt ahead of its time, but the match was lacking in the drama required for an epic blood feud.

#20.
Hardcore Holly wins the Hardcore Battle Royal
Wrestlemania 2000
Arrowhead Pond
Anaheim, CA

Simply one of the most crazy fun matches in Wrestlemania history! There was a fifteen minute time limit, where the goal was to pin the hardcore champion. The title changed hands an unbelievable 9 times. This took the fun hardcore matches taking place at the time to a whole new level of entertainment.

#19.
Dumpster Match for the WWF Tag Team Titles
The New Age Outlaws (c) vs. Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie
Wrestlemania XIV
Fleet Center
Boston, MA

I mentioned this in my entry for tag team wrestling. I don't have much more to add, this was a fun match that served its purpose. All four men busted out some good spots, and the good guys won.

#18.
No Disqualification Match
Floyd "Money" Mayweather vs. The Big Show
Wrestlemania XXIV
Citrus Bowl
Orlando, FL

While I thought that it sucked at the time, I have grown to appreciate this match upon repeated viewings. These two did the best with what they had. They used the stipulation to hide their flaws, and delivered a pretty entertaining performance. The highlight of course being the Big Show take out Mayweather's posse.

#17.
Chicago Street Fight
Ahmed Johnson and the Legion of Doom vs. The Nation of Domination
Wrestlemania 13
Rosemont Horizon
Chicago, IL

One of the few brightspots on a pretty terrible card. These six men had a fun hardcore match that ended with a sweet double Doomsday Device. It provided a good amount of closure to the long running Johnson-Faarooq feud and served as a catalyst for the breakup of the original Nation. Well worth a viewing.

#16.
Belfast Brawl
JBL vs. Finlay
Wrestlemania XXIV
Citrus Bowl
Orlando, FL

As I have said a few times. Fun match, with an odd ending that I certainly do not approve of (still). That being said, any match that includes Finlay busting a tope, and JBL throwing stairs at Hornswoggle is worth watching.

#15.
No Holds Barred
Shawn Michaels vs. Vince McMahon
Wrestlemania 22
All State Arena
Chicago, IL

Oddly, the lowest match to feautre Vince McMahon features the greatest in ring-performer of this generation. While Shawn certainly did his best, this match really just did not do it for me. There were some crazy bumps, including the leap off of the mega-ladder, but it really was just Shawn Michaels beating up Vince for a solid 18 minutes. While that is entertaining, it just wasn't enough for me to get any higher than this.

#14.
Hardcore Title Match
Raven (c) vs. Kane vs. Big Show
Wrestlemania X-Seven
Astrodome
Houston, TX

A forgotten match from one of hte greatest wrestling events of all time. These three men walked the line almost perfectly between comedy and violence, as they used some violent, stiff moves, but still kept it light, with the golf cart chase. After Kane won, I was really hoping that Pete Rose would run out and try to take the title, but was slightly disappointed on that one. Still, probably the best match for hte Hardcore Title that did not involve RVD.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Now here is where it starts to get really, really good)

#13.
Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Rob Van Dam vs. Ric Flair vs. Shelton Benjamin vs.
Finlay vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Matt Hardy
Wrestlemania 22
All State Arena
Chicago, IL

While the second installment of the now annual Money in the Bank Tradition was full of some excellent moments, including Shelton risking his life for our pleasure and the drama of Flair almost grabbing the case, it was probably the worst match in the series. Most of the spots were repeats of the previous years masterpiece, and RVD was the most logical winner, as much as I wanted to believe that Flair would pull of a miracle.

#12. Street Fight
Hulk Hogan vs. Vince McMahon
Wrestlemania XIX
Safeco Field
Seattle, WA

I remember watching this match with several of my friends, fully expecting to hate it. I felt that two men in their fifties would not be able to pull off anything that was even remotely entertaining, and yet, here I have it ranked higher than several great matches. These two men pulled out all of the stops, including Vince McMahon of all people jumping off of a ladder, and one of the best Wrestlemania surprises ever, in a Roddy Piper run in. Hogan won, as everyone was expecting, but it was a great deal of fun.

#11. Street Fight
Vince McMahon vs. Shane McMahon
Wrestlemania X-Seven
Astrodome
Houston, TX

Probably the most overbooked matches in wrestling history. See, Vince got a divorce from Linda (who was knocked into a comma) and was cheating on him with Trish Stratus. Shane decided to come to his father's aid, but then just before the event, it was announced that the WWF purchased WCW, but it was revealed that Shane had boughten it underneath his fathers nose, adding a whole new dimension to the rivalry. Ohh, and Mick Foley (who had been fired by Vince) was named the special guest referee for this match. This probably had the highest scope of outside interference of any match ever, as all sorts of people at the time were expecting some sort of WCW run in. However, it certainly did not need it, as Trish turned on Vince, Linda walked again to attack him, Foley beat him up, and Shane delivered a Van Terminator (coast to coast dropkick) for the win. Confused? Can't say that I blame you, but it all added up to be a really entertaining match.

#10.
Money in the Bank Ladder Match:
Mr. Kennedy vs. CM Punk vs. King Booker vs. Edge vs.
Randy Orton vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Hardy vs. Finlay
Wrestlemania 23
Ford Field
Detroit, MI

I already raved about this match when talking about the greatest opening matches in the history of the event. As I said then, this easily had the biggest names in the history of the match, as it featured three former world champions, two men who would go on to be world champion, two more who I think will be world champions soon enough, and a well respected veteran. This had some of the highest highs, but tended to drag between the spots, which prevents it from being even higher up on the list.

#9.
No Disqualification Match
The Undertaker vs. Ric Flair
Wrestlemania X8
Skydome
Toronto, Ontario

Had this been on almsot any other card in history, it would have received more hype, and be better remembered than it has been. This truly was a match between two of the all-time greats, and it certainly did not disappoint. Both men brought their A-game and were sure to deliver a fun brawl. The most obvious highlight being the return of Arn Anderson to deliver a picture perfect spinebuster. My one complaint with this match was a bit too one sided, as Flair should have been given more offense.

#8.
Money in the Bank Ladder Match
CM Punk vs. MVP vs. Chris Jericho vs. Mr. Kennedy vs.
Carlito vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. John Morrison
Wrestlemania XXIV
Citrus Bowl
Orlando, FL

One of the highlights of last years Wrestlemania. All seven men performed very well, and it was much better paced than the previous years performance. Shelton Benjamin proved to be a highlight again, especially when he balanced himself with one foot on top of the ladder, but the real star of the show to me was John Morrison, who busted out a great moonsault with the ladder. Well done by all men, and I was glad to see CM Punk get the win, even if his title reign left a lot to be desired.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: And now we get into the epic range)

#7.
Hardcore Match
Edge vs. Mick Foley
Wrestlemania 22
All State Arena
Chicago, IL

A seemingly random pairing that had less build than it probably should have, but turned out to be a great match. Both men really fought like they had something to prove, Edge that he belonged in the main event, and Foley that he could still make another heel (a la Rock, Triple H, and Orton) and deliver a solid match. The two fought a great affair, that showed just how great of a performers they both are. They slowly built all of the high spots (especially the table on fire) and had the crowd eating out the palm of their hands, until they finally delivered. The obvious highlight of the match was Edge going face first into freakin' fire. A very manly performance.

#6.
Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Edge vs. Chris Jericho vs. Chris Benoit vs.
Christian vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Kane
Wrestlemania 21
Staples Center
Los Angeles, CA

The first and still the best of the annual match. Going into the match I really wasn't sure as to what to expect, as we had never seen something quite like this on such a big stage. Yet all six men (seven, counting Tomko) played their part to perfection. I especially liked the beginning where all of the men took turns diving onto everyone, until Kane ended it by jumping onto six other people. Also, Benoit's selling during this match was amazing, and stands out as one of the best sell jobs of his long illustrious career. The highlight though was Shelton Benjamin running up one ladder to knock Jericho off of another ladder, Spiderman style. Edge's victory here helped set up his "Ultimate Opportunist" character that we all know and loathe to this day.

#5.
Triangle Ladder Match for the WWF Tag Team Titles
The Dudley Boyz (c) vs. Edge & Christian vs. The Hardy Boyz
Wrestlemania 2000
Arrowhead Pond
Anaheim, CA

A simply ground-breaking match. Sure we had seen ladder matches before, but nothing quite like this. These six men brought organized chaos to the big leagues and it's hard not to love every single minute of it.

#4.
TLC II for the WWF Tag Team Titles
The Dudley Boyz (c) vs. Edge & Christian vs. The Hardy Boyz
Wrestlemania X-Seven
Astrodome
Houston, TX

It's hard to compare the back-to-back Wrestlemania encounters here, but I prefer this one ever so slightly. While they repeat a number of the same spots that they had done at Wrestlemania 2000, and Summerslam 2000, and the long-forgotten Raw ladder match between Edge and Christian and the Hardyz, this one just seems to be so much...more somehow. The addition of the three extra people as allies really helped make this even more of a train wreck, and it's hard not to love that. However, unlike most trainwrecks, this one ages quite well and is still as jaw dropping now as it was eight years ago.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Here is were we enter the legendary range, with three matches that any and every wrestling fan should have seen a number of times by now)

#3.
Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Title
Razor Ramon (c) vs. Shawn Micheals
Wrestlemania X
Madison Square Garden
New York, NY

A match that is impossible not to love. These two men pulled out a very rare mix of high spots and story telling and gave us a true classic. It was here that Shawn Michaels officially became Mr. Wrestlemania, and he hasn't looked back since.

#2.
No Disqualification Match for the WWF Title
The Rock vs. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin
Wrestlemania X-Seven
Astrodome
Houston, TX

The fourth match from Wrestlemania X-Seven to be featured on this list, which oddly, was not even supposed to be under consideration here. It was only announced at the last second that it would be a No Disqualification match, which should have been the first sign that something strange was going on.

Now, I don't want to talk too much about this match here, since I would like to save it for my post on the best main events (spoiler alert: this will be ranked quite high on the list), but if you just need to know how much I love this match head on back to a post from two years ago.

It could only be topped by one thing, it's necessary precursor.

#1.
Submission Match
Bret Hart vs. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin
Wrestlemania 13
Rosemont Horizon
Chicago, IL

Quite possibly the greatest match to ever take place in wrestling history. These two combined scientific wrestling with pure bloody hatred in an amazing match. These two simply pulled out all of the stops, from foreign objects, to guest referees, to blood to give us an amazing encounter. This match launched "Stone Cold" into mega-star status, and turned Bret Hart to his very intriguing heel character that he would end his WWF tenure on. While it wouldn't officially change, this match would set the WWF up for their amazing attitude era that would revolutionize the genre, and make it relevant once more.

Lofty? Of course. Inaccurate? No way. This is the match that spawned Austin and wrestling to new heights, and to think that the WWF was close to bankrupcy as this event approached, and this match probably saved it from happening.

Like the previous match, I have spoken about it once before, so give it a read if you want to know the history of this one.

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