Wrestlemania has become an iconic brand in the professional wrestling industry because of the many legendary matches that have happened at the yearly event. However, sometimes WWE’s best-laid match-making plans don’t turn out as well as they hoped.
With that in mind, we take a look at the 10 worst Wrestlemania matches of all time, including the hot mess that was the battle of the WWE announcers between Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler.
10. The Great Khali Vs. Kane – WrestleMania 23
Talk about two massive wrestlers in The Great Khali and Kane. Basically, the selling point was two giants battling.
Kane is a good wrestler for his size, but not Khali. He was only pushed because of his size, before being a jobber.
Kane deserved better and Khali really did not belong on such an important show. Easily, this was the bathroom break of the pay per view.
9. Blindfold Match: Jake Roberts vs. Rick Martel – WrestleMania 7
WWE likes to experiment with new matches and some work like Money in the Bank and Elimination Chamber. Others, are created by people who lost that grasp on reality.
Both wrestlers wore a mask, so they needed the crowd’s reaction to help. It created a match that was stretched way too long with little wrestling.
WWE would continue with the gimmick, but it never clicked with fans. Not even an in-ring genius like Roberts could tell a story worthy of WrestleMania.
8. The Undertaker Vs. Giant Gonzalez – WrestleMania 9
At WrestleMania 9, Undertaker was only beginning his impressive undefeated streak. Seemingly, they were paired together because of size.
Giant Gonzalez simply could not wrestle and Undertaker was still somewhat new in WWE. Undertaker’s entrance with a vulture was the best part.
Also, this was the only match in the Undertaker’s undefeated WrestleMania streak that resulted in a DQ ending. Sort of put a blemish on his record.
7. Roman Reigns Vs. Undertaker – WrestleMania 33
By this point, watching the Undertaker wrestle was getting difficult. He was known for stealing the show at WrestleMania, but age simply won.
The streak was broken and therefore Undertaker could have retired. The first few minutes of the action were fine, but then Undertaker could not keep up with Roman Reigns.
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The main event of WrestleMania 33 was full of botches and we thought “The Phenomenon” retired after the bout. Instead, he returned to try and end his career on a high note.
6. Randy Orton Vs. Bray Wyatt – WrestleMania 33
Bray Wyatt capturing the WWE Championship inside the Elimination Chamber was special. It was his first major WWE title and he truly had the whole world in his hands.
Not long after, Randy Orton turned on Wyatt and their WrestleMania contest was beyond bizarre. Random images appeared on the screen with no explanation.
The short match saw Wyatt’s title reign end in like a month. What should have been an important first title run, end became an afterthought; like their WrestleMania match.
5. Miss WrestleMania Battle Royal Match – WrestleMania 25
For the 25th anniversary of WrestleMania, WWE wanted to do something for the female talent. They brought a ton of previous and current names in.
All the talent came down the ramp together, so there were no proper introductions. Also, the match was just a mess as bodies were tossed to the outside in quick fashion.
The kicker, is Santina Marella (a male) won after badly dressing like his ‘sister.’ It created laughs in the months to follow, but they mistreated the female WWE superstars who were supposed to be the highlight.
4. Bret Hart Vs. Vince McMahon – WrestleMania 26
The Montreal Screwjob will forever be one of the most controversial moments in WWE. We still do not know if it was planned or a legit shoot.
Hell froze 13 years later when Bret Hart returned to WWE. He challenged Vince McMahon in the ultimate grudge match.
Although, Bret’s wrestling was limited because of his strokes and Vince is not a wrestler. Vince dragged the entire Hart Family out, only for them to help Bret.
The ending was not surprise. But, it came-off as a letdown after 13 years of history.
3. Sumo Match: Akebono vs. Big Show – WrestleMania 21
Big Show has been in some ridiculous storylines and matches. Perhaps, none more awkward than against Akebono Tarō.
They met in a Sumo Match towards the end of the card. Seeing both massive man stand there in what almost looks like a diaper was too much.
Thankfully, it was over in 60 seconds. Big Show lost and was totally embarrassed and Akebono never really worked with WWE again, so a waste for all.
2. Michael Cole Vs. Jerry Lawler – WrestleMania 27
I remember being a kid and watching a heel Jerry Lawler call action, while also wrestling. He spent decades with WWE, but never competed at WrestleMania.
WWE changed that with “The King” taking on Michael Cole, who became a major heel. Everyone figured Lawler would get that first Mania win and then, Cole won via DQ.
The crowd hated it and special referee, Steve Austin, had to save the match by dropping stunners. If WWE let Lawler win, it would have been perfect.
1. Goldberg Vs. Brock Lesnar – WrestleMania 20
When we learned Goldberg was coming to WWE right after WrestleMania 19, fans thought of dream bouts. A WrestleMania 20 meeting with Brock Lesnar was what fans wanted and got.
Easily, the fans regret the decision because once the match started. Both were leaving WWE and the Madison Square Garden crowd destroyed them.
Basically, Goldberg and Lesnar produced a garbage match, not caring about the next day. The only saving point was Steve Austin stunning both on their way out of WWE.
