WWE has always had a flair for the dramatic, blending athleticism with entertainment to create memorable moments. Over the years, WWE has attracted some of the biggest names in Hollywood, sports, and music, often culminating in high-profile matches.
Celebrity appearances are more than just a way to generate buzz, they’ve been a staple of WWE’s rich history, often producing some of the most entertaining and unforgettable matches.
Let’s dive into the best celebrity matches in WWE history, ranked from impressive to iconic.
1. Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Big Show (WrestleMania 24)
Arguably the most famous celebrity match in WWE history, Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Big Show was an epic encounter at WrestleMania 24. Billed as “The Money vs. The Giant,” the boxing champion took on the 7-foot Big Show in a no-disqualification match.
Despite being massively outsized, Mayweather used his quickness and clever tactics, including brass knuckles, to secure a shocking victory over the wrestling behemoth.
Mayweather’s natural charisma, paired with Big Show’s ability to work well with non-wrestlers, turned this bout into a classic spectacle .
2. Mr. T & Hulk Hogan vs. Roddy Piper & Paul Orndorff (WrestleMania I)
The inaugural WrestleMania in 1985 set the standard for the future of WWE, and Mr. T’s involvement was a major part of that success. Teaming up with Hulk Hogan, the A-Team star took on the villainous duo of Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff.
Mr. T, though a novice in the wrestling ring, held his own and helped draw mainstream attention to the fledgling event.
This match is historic not only for being one of the main events of the first-ever WrestleMania but also for cementing WWE’s relationship with Hollywood celebrities.
Without this match, WrestleMania might not have achieved the same level of pop-culture relevance it enjoys today .
3. Bad Bunny & Damian Priest vs. The Miz & John Morrison (WrestleMania 37)
One of the more recent entries in this list, Bad Bunny’s performance at WrestleMania 37 shocked fans and critics alike. Many were skeptical about the Grammy Award-winning artist’s involvement in a WWE match, but Bunny quickly silenced the doubters by putting on a show-stealing performance alongside Damian Priest.
From performing a Canadian Destroyer to showing impressive ring awareness, Bad Bunny proved he wasn’t just there for a paycheck. His dedication to the craft and ability to take bumps earned him respect within the WWE Universe. The Miz and John Morrison, experienced veterans, played their roles to perfection, making this match a highlight of the event .
4. Lawrence Taylor vs. Bam Bam Bigelow (WrestleMania XI)
NFL legend Lawrence Taylor stepped into the ring against the formidable Bam Bam Bigelow in the main event of WrestleMania XI, a decision that shocked many at the time.
Taylor was known for his aggressive playing style in football, but few believed that would translate into professional wrestling. However, to the surprise of many, Taylor put on a commendable performance, going toe-to-toe with Bigelow in a surprisingly competitive match.
This match is significant not only because it headlined one of WWE’s biggest shows of the year but also because it introduced a whole new audience to WWE through Taylor’s massive popularity as an NFL star .
5. Stephen Amell & Neville vs. Stardust & King Barrett (SummerSlam 2015)
As a longtime wrestling fan, Stephen Amell, the star of the popular TV show Arrow, jumped at the chance to enter the squared circle. Teaming with Neville against the duo of Stardust (Cody Rhodes) and King Barrett at SummerSlam 2015, Amell showcased an impressive level of athleticism.
Fans were taken aback by how well he adapted to the physical demands of wrestling, including performing high-risk maneuvers like a crossbody from the top rope to the outside of the ring.
Though the match wasn’t the main event, Amell’s commitment to his performance earned him praise from the WWE Universe and solidified his spot among the best celebrity participants in WWE history .
6. Shaquille O’Neal vs. The Big Show (WrestleMania 32 – André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal)
While this match technically wasn’t a one-on-one contest, Shaquille O’Neal’s appearance in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32 is still worth mentioning.
Shaq’s long-running beef with Big Show finally came to a head when the two giants squared off during the battle royal. The crowd erupted as the two massive athletes clashed in the ring, offering fans a dream match of sorts between these two larger-than-life figures.
Though Shaq’s involvement was brief, the moment itself was memorable and added to the long list of crossovers between the NBA and WWE .
