With WrestleMania only a few days away, it’s time for our final look at the greatest matches in the event’s history. The final decade would be a transitional period in many ways. Perhaps most importantly, the content would change dramatically after the company changed its events to PG rating following several controversies.
Additionally, old stars like Steve Austin and The Rock would largely ride off into the sunset and hand the reins to a new generation led by Randy Orton, Daniel Bryan, and of course, John Cena. Well, here we go, the top ten matches of the final decade of WrestleMania. As always, full videos of each match are included so you can relive the contest in its entirety. Enjoy!
10. Money in the Bank (WrestleMania 21)
This match would change the WWE pretty dramatically and has become a staple in the current era, so much that it now has its own pay-per-view. Supposedly developed by Chris Jericho, the match saw a title contract hanging above the ring in a briefcase, with the winner being able to cash it in at any time over the next year for a guaranteed title shot. Edge would win this first Money in the Bank contest that was filled with memorable spots, and later cash it in and become the “Ultimate Opportunist” in a move that would be mirrored by many later.
9. CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho (WrestleMania XXVIII)
All of the hype heading into WrestleMania 28 was around the “Once in a Lifetime” match between John Cena and The Rock. However, many feel that the best match of the night was actually the WWE Championship match with CM Punk and Chris Jericho. Following a lengthy hiatus, Jericho would return as a heel and challenge Punk for the title. It was a pure wrestling match and a treat for fans, with Punk eventually countering the Wall of Jericho into the Anaconda Vice for the win. This match would also be important because it was one of the factors that would lead to Punk departing from the company, as his dream was to headline a WrestleMania but never received that opportunity.
8. John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania 23)
John Cena was the new top dog in the company by the time Shawn Michaels challenged for the title at WrestleMania 23. During the contest, Michaels was relentless in his pursuit of the title, executing a piledriver onto the steel stairs at one point, while also trying to hit his patented Sweet Chin Music several time. In the end, he would fall to the leader of the Cenation after being forced to tap out to the STF. Overall, it was a solid match that helped Cena elevated himself into the role as the face of this era.
7. The Rock vs. John Cena (WrestleMania XXVIII)
This was one of the most hyped matches in the history of the WWE, as the build began about a year prior to the event. With Rock coming back from his successful Hollywood career and John Cena being by far the company’s biggest moneymaker, the outcome was really a toss-up. Both superstars kicked out of multiple finishers, and it eventually ended with Cena going down after failing to hit the People’s Elbow and receiving a Rock Bottom. It may not have been “Once in a Lifetime,” but it was definitely one hell of a match.
6. Shawn Michaels vs. Vince McMahon (WrestleMania 22)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5KI8DPq_Vc
Anytime Mr. McMahon is involved in a match, one can expect some shenanigans, and this one was no exception. After being forcefully inducted into the infamous “Kiss My Ass” Club, Michaels wanted revenge and he got his chance in a No Holds Barred match against the boss. This featured some brutal action that truly felt personal. Michaels would eventually win after hitting an impressive spot that would see him drive an elbow through McMahon, a table, and even a trash can – all while driving from the top of a ladder.
