Top 10 WrestleMania moments: From double turns to the end of the streak

ESPN combed through more than 450 matches to rank the 10 greatest moments in WrestleMania history.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:06pm

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A fragmented, abstract painting depicting a classic WrestleMania moment, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color representing the raw energy and drama of the event.A cubist interpretation of one of wrestling's most iconic WrestleMania moments, deconstructed into a dynamic geometric composition.Glendale Today

For over four decades, WrestleMania has established itself as a massive professional wrestling extravaganza where history is made, legacies are defined and superstars are born. ESPN combed through more than 450 matches across 42 WrestleManias to rank the 10 greatest moments in WrestleMania history.

Why it matters

WrestleMania has cemented itself as the destination for momentous occasions in professional wrestling, creating unforgettable moments that have defined careers and shaped the industry for decades.

The details

The list includes Daniel Bryan's underdog victory at WrestleMania XXX, Edge's gravity-defying spear on Jeff Hardy at WrestleMania X-Seven, Shawn Michaels' emotional retirement match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXVI, Seth Rollins' surprise cash-in at WrestleMania 31, and Brock Lesnar ending The Undertaker's legendary WrestleMania streak at WrestleMania XXX.

  • WrestleMania has taken place annually since 1985.
  • The 10 moments span from WrestleMania VII in 1991 to WrestleMania XL in 2024.

The players

Daniel Bryan

A popular WWE superstar who overcame obstacles to win the WWE Championship at WrestleMania XXX.

Edge

A WWE Hall of Famer known for his high-risk moves, including a memorable spear on Jeff Hardy at WrestleMania X-Seven.

Shawn Michaels

A WWE legend who had an emotional retirement match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXVI.

Seth Rollins

A former WWE Champion who cashed in his Money in the Bank contract in a surprise moment at WrestleMania 31.

Brock Lesnar

A dominant WWE superstar who ended The Undertaker's legendary WrestleMania streak at WrestleMania XXX.

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What they’re saying

“This moment isn't about Bryan beating three members of Evolution in one night, though that was the payoff to a storyline that wasn't meant to have one. It's not even about Rey Mysterio as entrant No. 30 at the Royal Rumble instead of Bryan, attacking Bray Wyatt in the cage, or CM Punk's WWE departure, though they were critical events in early 2014.”

— Sach Chandan

“Edge's mid-air spear encapsulated all of that. There have been more than 30 TLC matches in WWE. None had the combination of degree of difficulty, flawless execution and nail-biting precariousness as this WrestleMania X-Seven classic.”

— Greg Wyshynski

What’s next

The debate over the greatest WrestleMania moments will surely continue as new iconic matches and storylines unfold at future events.

The takeaway

WrestleMania has cemented its place as the premier annual event in professional wrestling, producing unforgettable moments that have defined careers, shaped the industry, and captivated fans for decades.