Nearly 50 wrestlers have main-evented WrestleMania since the event was created in 1985 (for purposes of this exercise, we're considering the last scheduled match on the show as the "main event," with a couple of key exceptions over the years where a double main event was clearly presented, or the show was split up into two nights). But what if we mashed them up to create new dream matches between some of the headliners?
To do this, we listed everyone who main-evented WrestleMania, and tried to find a unique matchup for them that (hopefully) has never happened before, not even in other promotions. There are a few wrestlers we didn't match up, listed at the bottom of this feature, but we did try to find original bouts for as many people as possible.
The Undertaker vs. The Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase
The Undertaker (who main-evented WrestleMania XIII, XXIV, XXVI, XXXIII and Night One of XXXVI) took on many different opponents as part of his lengthy WrestleMania streak. But one person he never locked horns with in the ring was The Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase (who main-evented WrestleMania IV), who would likely be accompanied by his bodyguard Virgil.
There's also some history here, as DiBiase was the one who brought The Undertaker in to the WWF as part of his Million Dollar Team in 1990.
Brock Lesnar vs. The Ultimate Warrior
Brock Lesnar (who headlined WrestleMania XIX, XXXI, XXXIV and Night Two of XXXVIII) has gone up against some absolute monsters in his career, but none quite as frenetic and over-the-top as The Ultimate Warrior (who headlined WrestleMania VI). While we wouldn't expect a lengthy match between these two, it would certainly be a spectacle.
The Big Show vs. King Kong Bundy
Talk about a match where the ring would need to be reinforced! The Big Show (who headlined WrestleMania XVI and XXIV) would tower over the massive King Kong Bundy (who headlined WrestleMania II), although it's possible neither super-heavyweight would budge if they collided.
Macho Man Randy Savage vs. Seth Rollins
Macho Man Randy Savage (who headlined WrestleMania IV, V and VIII) may be historically more well-known than Seth Rollins (who headlined WrestleMania XXXI), but the two would be on equal ground in terms of presenting an exciting match. And beyond the wrestling, it would be interesting to see which competitor was wearing the more garish and colorful ring outfit!
Mick Foley vs. Kevin Owens
Mick Foley (who headlined WrestleMania XVI) was at his best when elevating other talents, and Kevin Owens (who headlined Night One of WrestleMania XXXVIII) would certainly fall under that category. The two would likely have a brutal hardcore match.. and the promos leading up to their encounter would probably be just as good.
The Rock vs. Shawn Michaels
Despite being in the same promotion during The Attitude Era, The Rock (who headlined WrestleMania XV, XVI, XVII, XXVIII and XXVIX) never wrestled a match against Shawn Michaels (who headlined WrestleMania XII, XIV, XX, XXIII and XXVI). It would have been a match that was electrifying, heartbreaking, great and showstopping all in one.
Kurt Angle vs. Sgt. Slaughter
An American Olympic Gold Medalist vs. The Ugly American is all the hype that would be needed to promote a match between Kurt Angle (who headlined WrestleMania XIX) and Sgt. Slaughter (who headlined WrestleMania VII. And which submission would have won the day: Angle's Ankle Lock, or Slaughter's Cobra Clutch?
Drew McIntyre vs. Sycho Sid
Drew McIntyre (who headlined Night One of WrestleMania XXXVI) would have his hands full with Sycho Sid (who headlined WrestleMania VIII and XIII). And for the sake of the promotion's censors, we would hope that Sid wouldn't use McIntyre's sword Angela as a makeshift pair of scissors!
AJ Styles vs. Triple H
While it's doubtful that AJ Styles (who headlined Night One of WrestleMania XXXVI) would have much of a chance against Triple H (who headlined WrestleMania XVI, XVIII, XX, XXI, XXII, XXV and XXXII), there's no doubt that these masters of the ring would be able to put on a main event-worthy performance.
Daniel Bryan vs. Bret Hart
Fans of technical wrestling would be salivating at the opportunity to watch Daniel Bryan (who headlined WrestleMania XXX and Night Two of XXXVII) against Bret Hart (who headlined WrestleMania IX, X and XII). While The Hitman was more dominant during his time on top of the promotion, Bryan was always booked as an underdog who could win at any time.
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Randy Orton
It's The Rattesnake vs. The Viper! It's somewhat surprising that Stone Cold Steve Austin (who headlined WrestleMania XIV, XV, XVII and Night One of XXXVIII) never met Randy Orton (who headlined WrestleMania XXV and XXX) in the ring , but Austin retired as Orton was gaining momentum in his career. Still, a match like this would have the potential to be a sleeper hit.
Lawrence Taylor vs. Floyd Mayweather vs. Mr. T
For this unusual Triple Threat match, we rounded up the three celebrities who main-evented a WrestleMania, pitting Lawrence Taylor (WrestleMania XI), Floyd Money Mayweather (WrestleMania XXIV) and Mr. T (WrestleMania I) against one another. While it's hard to say which celebrity would come out on top, there definitely would be mainstream interest for such a battle.
John Cena vs. Andre The Giant
While nothing will ever be able to top the classic moment of Hogan-Andre at WrestleMania III, this matchup could have some of the same elements. John Cena (who headlined WrestleMania XXII, XXIII, XXVII, XXVII and XXVIX) is as big a star and clean-cut hero as Hogan ever was, and he could also having the surprising strength to bodyslam Andre The Giant (who headlined WrestleMania III), so long as he could avoid interference from Andre's manager Bobby Heenan.
Ric & Charlotte Flair vs. Rowdy Roddy Piper and Rowdy Ronda Rousey
Given only five women have headlined WrestleMania to date, it was hard to find a unique matchup... but this certainly works as a Mixed Tag Team Match. With Ric Flair (who headlined WrestleMania VIII) and Charlotte Flair (who headlined WrestleMania XXXV) as a legacy father/daughter team, they would be tested by the unpredictable duo of Rowdy Roddy Piper (who headlined WrestleMania I) and Ronda Rousey (who headlined WrestleMania XXXV). And given the history between Ric and Roddy, and Charlotte and Ronda, there's enough backstory to add some hype to this matchup.
Diesel vs. Batista
There's quite a bit in common between Diesel (who headlined WrestleMania XII) and Batista (who headlined WrestleMania XXI and XXX) when you think about it. Both are bad-ass giants who gained in popularity and success after turning on their mentors. Both are also able to captivate an audience with their low-key mic skills and can work either babyface or heel with ease.
Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Yokozuna
Another 'reinforce the ring' moment here when you are to pit Bam Bam Bigelow (who headlined WrestleMania XII) against Yokozuna (who headlined WrestleMania IX and X). While this may not be the most anticipated match on the show, it would be interesting to see how either man plans to knock their opponent off their feet. Would Mr. Fuji be the difference-maker?
Paul Orndorff vs. Chris Jericho
Although his run at the very top was somewhat short-lived, Paul Orndorff (who headlined WrestleMania I) could have been a very powerful foe for Chris Jericho (who headlined WrestleMania XVII). Both men have healthy egos and have been successful as both a babyface and heel, and would be able to put on a decent back-and-forth matchup.
Cody Rhodes vs. Edge
While both men were briefly in the same promotion together, we've never seen a match between Cody Rhodes (who headlined Night Two of WrestleMania XXXIX) and Edge (who headlined WrestleMania XXIV and Night Two of XXVII). The bout would showcase the passion of both The American Nightmare and The Rated R Superstar, who are equally known for stealing the show.
Roman Reigns vs. Hulk Hogan
The two biggest names to main event at The Showcase Of The Immortals, this dream match-up would have massive box-office potential. Roman Reigns (who headlined WrestleMania XXXI, XXXII, XXXIII, XXXIV, Night Two of XXXVII, Night Two of XXXVIII and Night Two of XXXIX) would have some momentum going in, particularly if he utilizes the Wise Man Paul Heyman or other members of The Bloodline. However, Hulk Hogan (who headlined WrestleMania I, II, III, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, XVIII and XIX) has made a career of silencing his critics and prevailing against overwhelming odds with his millions of Hulkamaniacs in tow. This match is truly what WrestleMania is all about.
Who did we miss?
In case you're curious, the following wrestlers also main-evented WrestleMania:
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Chris Benoit (XX)
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The Miz (XXVII)
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Becky Lynch (XXXV)
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Bianca Belair (Night One of XXVII)
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Sasha Banks (Night One of XXVII)
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Sami Zayn (Night One of XXXIX)
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Jimmy & Jey Uso (Night One of XXXIX)