The WWE WrestleMania is one of the biggest events in the world of professional wrestling. The popularity of the event has only grown over the years, as have the stakes.
WrestleMania will hit a milestone this year, as it is in its 40th edition. The previous 39 editions of the event have impressed, and a few moments are still talked about to this day, given just how high the shock value was. Here are 5 WrestleMania moments that made WWE fans lose their minds.
1. The return of Codey Rhodes to the WWE
Cody Rhodes has had a strenuous relationship with the WWE. In 2016, the wrestler decided to walk away from the WWE, and he established the AEW as a rival. However, after his stint in the AEW, Rhodes eventually made his way back to WWE in 2022, as Seth Rollins’ mystery opponent in WrestleMania 38.
His return was iconic, to say the least. Rhodes used his AEW music to mark his return, decked in his AEW gear. He even used the trap door with fireworks going off.
Fans were ecstatic to see his return to the event, but Rollins was much less so. Rhodes went on to defeat Rollins in his first match back, finishing it off in style with three Cross Rhodes.
2. When Edge speared Jeff Hardy in mid-air at WrestleMania 17
In 2001, the Hardy Boyz and the Dudley Boyz were involved in a memorable ‘Triangle Ladder Match.’ It was the second time in two years that they had, but the latter was more memorable.
The wrestlers did all they could to entertain a rabid crowd in Texas that night, and it paid off in the end. There were death-defying stunts galore, but it was Edge’s action that everyone remembers two decades later.
Jeff Hardy and Edge were hanging on to the tag team titles after climbing up a ladder. After Bubba Ray Dudley picked the ladder away, Edge speared Hardy, leaving him lying flat on his back as the crowd went wild.
3. Stone Cold’s alliance with Vince McMahon
WrestleMania 17 had many memorable moments, and Stone Cold Steve Austin and Vince McMahon were part of one. The former was rebellious, and McMahon was frustrated with him. However, their relationship came to a turning point that year.
Stone Cold took on The Rock for the championship title. After pummeling him to defeat, Stone Cold went on to shake hands with McMahon, who nodded in approval. This entire exchange left many gobsmacked due to their ongoing feud.
4. Seth Rollins cashes in
Seth Rollins is a popular name within the WWE fraternity. Moreover, he remains the only wrestler to cash in Money in the Bank at WrestleMania 31.
Brock Lesnar took on Roman Reigns to defend his World Heavyweight Championship title. It was a great match but both went down after the fourth Superman punch.
Rollins found his opening, as he made it to the ring to cash in his Money in the Bank, thereby making it a triple threat match. Reigns speared Lesnar, and Rollins ended up stomping on Reigns to lift the title for the first time.
5. Brock Lesnar ended The Undertaker’s streak
The Undertaker is one of the most renowned wrestlers globally. He enjoyed an unbeaten run for 21 matches on the trot, which came to be known as the Streak.
It began in 1991, when the Undertaker defeated Jimmy Snuka, and ended in 2013 when Lesnar defeated him. It was a big moment in the history of the event since the Streak was held in such high regard.
The Undertaker etched his name in history, as he defeated the likes of Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Edge, and others. Therefore, Lesnar’s victory was nothing short of legendary.
WrestleMania has brought so much excitement over the years. As the 40th edition of the event looms around the corner, with the hype already building up with rumors, fans can only expect more this time around.
