The world of professional wrestling has long been synonymous with spectacle, drama, and athleticism, and for fans, the WWE Pay-Per-View (PPV) events are the pinnacle of that experience. From the early days of wrestling to the modern era, WWE has consistently delivered thrilling moments, unforgettable matches, and storylines that have left a lasting impact on pop culture. Over the decades, certain WWE PPV events have stood out more than others, either for their sheer quality, significance, or the iconic matches they featured.
Let’s dive into the Top 10 WWE Best PPVs of All Time, highlighting the unforgettable moments that have cemented these events in the hearts of wrestling fans everywhere.
WrestleMania X-Seven (2001)
Often hailed as the greatest wrestling event of all time, WrestleMania X-Seven took place at the Reliant Astrodome in Houston, Texas, and delivered an iconic lineup of matches that encapsulated everything fans loved about the Attitude Era. The main event featured “Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs. The Rock in a WWE Championship match that is still talked about to this day. The crowd was electric as the two top stars of the era clashed in a brutal No Disqualification match. The shocking heel turn of Steve Austin, as he aligned himself with long-time nemesis Vince McMahon, left fans speechless.
Adding to the spectacle was the unforgettable TLC II match, which saw The Hardy Boyz, The Dudley Boyz, and Edge & Christian push the boundaries of tag team wrestling with brutal ladder spots and jaw-dropping moments. Edge’s famous spear on Jeff Hardy from a 20-foot ladder remains one of the most memorable moments in WWE history. From top to bottom, WrestleMania X-Seven was the perfect blend of drama, athleticism, and storytelling, making it one of the Top 10 WWE Best PPVs of All Time.
Money in the Bank (2011)
When it comes to modern PPVs, few have had the cultural and emotional impact that Money in the Bank 2011 did. Held in Chicago, this event is largely remembered for the explosive main event between CM Punk and John Cena for the WWE Championship. The storyline leading up to the match was gripping, with Punk threatening to leave WWE with the title if he won. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with the hometown Chicago crowd firmly behind Punk. The match itself was a masterclass in storytelling, with Cena and Punk giving one of the best performances of their careers.
Punk’s victory, followed by his escape through the crowd while holding the WWE Championship, was one of the most iconic moments of the PG Era. The event also featured two stellar Money in the Bank ladder matches, which were won by Daniel Bryan and Alberto Del Rio, further adding to the excitement of the night. This PPV stands as one of the finest examples of how WWE can blend real-life tension with in-ring storytelling, creating an event that is still celebrated by fans and critics alike.
SummerSlam (2002)
Often dubbed one of the greatest SummerSlam events of all time, the 2002 edition took place at a time when WWE was transitioning into the Ruthless Aggression Era. The event is best remembered for Brock Lesnar’s meteoric rise to superstardom. In the main event, Lesnar, who had debuted earlier that year, defeated The Rock to become the youngest WWE Champion in history, signalling a new era for WWE.
However, the true highlight for many was the street fight between Shawn Michaels and Triple H. This match marked Michaels’ return to the ring after a four-year hiatus due to a back injury. The emotional intensity and storytelling in the match were unmatched, and Michaels’ victory left fans in awe of his performance. Additionally, Kurt Angle and Rey Mysterio delivered an outstanding opener, showcasing technical brilliance and fast-paced action. SummerSlam 2002 is remembered for its well-rounded card and the significant moments that set the stage for WWE’s future stars.
WrestleMania 19 (2003)
Set in Seattle’s Safeco Field, WrestleMania 19 is often regarded as one of the most underrated WrestleManias, despite boasting a stellar card. The event featured the final chapter in the storied rivalry between The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin. This match was Austin’s last in WWE, and although The Rock finally defeated him on the grandest stage, the emotional significance of this match cannot be understated.
The main event saw Brock Lesnar challenging Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship, a match that is remembered for Lesnar’s botched Shooting Star Press. Despite the misstep, the match was a technical masterpiece, and Lesnar’s victory solidified his place as the future of WWE. The card also featured a brilliant encounter between Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho, two of WWE’s greatest in-ring performers. Their match delivered a perfect mix of storytelling and technical wrestling, making WrestleMania 19 an event that fans still talk about today.
Royal Rumble (2000)
When fans think of the Royal Rumble 2000, two moments immediately come to mind: the Royal Rumble match itself, which was won by The Rock, and the brutal Street Fight for the WWE Championship between Triple H and Cactus Jack (Mick Foley). The Street Fight was a bloody and violent affair that showcased both men’s willingness to go to extreme lengths. The use of thumbtacks, barbed wire, and tables helped define the hardcore style of the Attitude Era, and Foley’s performance as Cactus Jack earned him even more respect from the WWE Universe.
The undercard also featured memorable moments, such as the Tables match between The Hardy Boyz and The Dudley Boyz, which set the tone for the future TLC matches. The combination of hardcore wrestling and the unpredictable nature of the Royal Rumble match makes Royal Rumble 2000 one of the most celebrated events in WWE history.
WrestleMania 30 (2014)
Few moments in WWE history have had the emotional weight of WrestleMania 30, which took place in New Orleans. The event is most remembered for the shocking end of The Undertaker’s 21-0 streak, as Brock Lesnar defeated him in a moment that left the WWE Universe stunned. The visual of fans in disbelief became one of the most iconic reactions in wrestling history.
Yet, WrestleMania 30 is equally remembered for Daniel Bryan’s incredible underdog journey. Bryan defeated Triple H in the opening match, earning a spot in the main event Triple Threat match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. In the main event, Bryan overcame Batista and Randy Orton to win the title, creating one of the most heartwarming and fan-pleasing moments in WWE history. The “Yes Movement” reached its zenith that night, and Bryan’s triumph is still celebrated as one of the greatest WrestleMania moments.
Survivor Series (2002)
The introduction of the Elimination Chamber match at Survivor Series 2002 made it one of the most significant PPVs of the era. Shawn Michaels, who had returned from retirement earlier in the year, won the World Heavyweight Championship inside the brutal steel structure, marking his first major title win since his comeback. The match, which also featured stars like Triple H, Chris Jericho, and Booker T, was a brutal, hard-fought contest that left fans in awe of the Chamber’s unique design and brutality.
In addition to the historic Chamber match, Survivor Series 2002 featured a fantastic undercard, including a Tables match that saw The Dudley Boyz team with Jeff Hardy to take on 3-Minute Warning. The event was a showcase of some of WWE’s best talents and innovative match types, making it a must-watch for any fan.
WrestleMania 21 (2005)
WrestleMania 21 is often referred to as the “WrestleMania Goes Hollywood” edition, and it delivered on its tagline with a blockbuster lineup of matches that solidified the next generation of WWE superstars. The night saw John Cena and Batista rise to the top, each winning their respective championship matches. Cena defeated JBL to capture the WWE Championship, while Batista overcame Triple H to win the World Heavyweight Championship. These victories marked the beginning of a new era, with Cena and Batista becoming the faces of WWE for the next decade.
The event also featured the inaugural Money in the Bank ladder match, which was won by Edge, a moment that would launch his “Ultimate Opportunist” persona. In addition, Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels put on a wrestling clinic, with their match being regarded as one of the best technical bouts in WrestleMania history. WrestleMania 21 stands as a pivotal event in WWE’s evolution, marking the rise of new stars and the creation of iconic moments.
WrestleMania 3 (1987)
Few events in wrestling history have had the cultural impact of WrestleMania 3. Taking place at the Pontiac Silverdome in front of a record-breaking crowd of over 93,000 people, this event featured the legendary match between Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant. The image of Hogan body-slamming Andre is one of the most iconic moments in sports entertainment and played a significant role in establishing WWE as a global phenomenon.
While Hogan vs. Andre is often the focal point of WrestleMania 3, the event also featured an all-time classic match between Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat for the Intercontinental Championship. Their match, filled with fast-paced action and near falls, is still regarded as one of the greatest matches of all time. WrestleMania 3 was a groundbreaking event that set the standard for future PPVs and is still celebrated as one of WWE’s finest moments.
WrestleMania 20 (2004)
WrestleMania 20 took place at Madison Square Garden, and its tagline, “Where it all begins again,” was fitting for an event that celebrated WWE’s rich history while creating new stars. The main event was a Triple Threat match for the World Heavyweight Championship, featuring Chris Benoit, Triple H, and Shawn Michaels. Benoit’s emotional victory, followed by his post-match celebration with WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero, is one of the most heartwarming moments in WrestleMania history.
In addition to the memorable main event, WrestleMania 20 featured The Undertaker’s return to his Deadman persona, where he defeated Kane in a dramatic match. The event also saw the rise of John Cena, who won his first major title by defeating The Big Show for the United States Championship. WrestleMania 20 was a perfect blend of nostalgia, emotion, and thrilling matches, making it one of the greatest PPVs in WWE history.
Conclusion
WWE’s long history of PPV events has provided fans with countless unforgettable moments, thrilling matches, and storylines that have left an indelible mark on popular culture. From the golden era of Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant to the rise of modern stars like Brock Lesnar and John Cena, these events represent the very best of professional wrestling. Whether it’s the emotional highs of WrestleMania or the unpredictable excitement of the Royal Rumble, these top 10 WWE PPVs have stood the test of time as the most celebrated and cherished events in wrestling history.
