5 Greatest Matches in WWE History

In the state that the WWE is in it is very rare that we fans get a classic or great match. In the entertaining days of the WWE(1983-2004) WWE wrestlers put on some classic matches that will be enjoyed and remembered for years to come. Some of these matches helped a rising star officially cross over into the main event and some helped innovate the WWE. These are the 5 greatest matches in WWE history.

5 Greatest Matches in WWE History

In the state that the WWE is in it is very rare that we fans get a classic or great match. In the entertaining days of the WWE(1983-2004) WWE wrestlers put on some classic matches that will be enjoyed and remembered for years to come. Some of these matches helped a rising star officially cross over into the main event and some helped innovate the WWE. These are the 5 greatest matches in WWE history.

No. 5 Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Bret Hart; Wrestlemania 13

By the time Wrestlemania 13 had arrived Stone Cold Steve Austin and Bret Hart were already in an intense year long feud. As we all know at the 1996 King of the Ring, Austin uttered one of the most famous promos in wrestling history, following his win at the tournament Austin began taunting Hart. At Survivor Series 1996 Hart defeated Austin but the feud didn't end there. At the 1997 Royal Rumble, Hart and Austin were the final 2 participants. Hart threw Austin over the top rope but the refs didn't see it, Austin realizing this sneaked back into the ring and eliminated Hart to win the 1997 Royal Rumble. Over the next 2 months Austin repeatedly cost Hart the WWF Championship against Sycho Sid. At Wrestlemania 13 Hart and Austin battled in a "submission" match where Ken Shamrock was the special guest referee. These two hit each other with anything thing they could get their hands on. They fought in the crowd and beat the crap outta each other. In one of Wrestlemania's greatest moments, Austin, who was already bleeding heavily was locked in the sharpshooter, and refusing to tap Austin passed out. Even after the match was over Hart continued to attack Austin, thus turning Austin face and Hart heel. This match here helped Austin gain popularity and helped him cross over into the main event and eventually become the greatest WWE superstar ever.

No. 4 HBK vs The Undertaker; Wrestlemania 25

The build up to this match was simple, like many superstars before him, HBK wanted to have his shot at Taker's undefeated WM streak. After winning matches against JBL and Vladimir Kozlov, HBK secured himself a Wrestlemania match with Taker. The match started with HBK decending on a platform while Taker ascending from the stage. The match started out fast pace with both Taker and HBK striking each other. After the match slowed down both men exchanged signature moves, which both men blocked. Both HBK and Taker missed high flying moves, with Taker taking the worst of the miss. After Taker was nearly counted out, the match became a nail bitter. Both of these men hit finisher after finisher only to have their opponent kick out time and time again. The match culminated when HBK decided to try to do another moonsault only to be caught by Taker and put in the Tombstone Piledriver and pinned, extending Taker's WM streak to 17-0. This match stands out to me because it was very ironic to me that the two oldest guys participating at WM put on the best match, also this match wasn't as promoted as HHH vs Orton and Cena vs Edge vs Big Show. HBK and Taker proved that even though they were past their primes and even though they had banged up bodies, they still could put on a classic. I'm sure millions of WWE fans thank them for it, I sure do.

No. 3 Ricky Steamboat vs Randy Savage, Wrestlemania 3

This match is considered by many to be the greatest match in WWE history. The feud between Steamboat and Savage began during a title match between the two, as Steamboat entered the ring Savage attacked him. Savage ended up injuring Steamboat's larynx, which led to a six month feud between the two. Wrestlemania 3 was the event of the most anticipated match in WWE history at the time; Hogan vs Andre. Steamboat and Savage stole the show. This match ended on a small package, something that you won' t see end a match anymore. Steamboat also became the 1st man to win the IC title at WM. This match started with basic wrestling, which everyone can enjoy. Savage played the heel wrestler perfectly, and Bobby Heenan played the heel commentator that kissed the heel's ass and hated the face extremely well. What's so great about this match is it's back and forth wrestling between Savage and Steamboat, and the elbow off of the top rope by Savage was beautiful. This match set the standard for many matches to come. I think we can all agree that this is one of the best wrestling matches ever and that George Steele was really hairy.

No. 2 The Rock vs Stone Cold Steve Austin; Wrestlemania 17

The reason why I included this match on the list is because it ended an era and helped cement one of the greatest eras and wrestlemanias in WWE history. 1st and foremost the promo video to this match has to be the greatest promo video of all time. Second this match featured two of the greatest WWE superstars ever. Third, it was Stone Cold's return to Wrestlemania after 2 years. Fourth, this match featured one of the greatest turns in WWE history. This match came together at the conclusions of the 2001 Royal Rumble and No Way Out 2001. Stone Cold won his 3rd rumble match and The Rock won his 6th WWE Championship, the 1st person to do so. Before the match took place it was announced that it would be a No DQ match. The Rock and Stone Cold took the fight outside the ring and beat each other bloody with a ring bell. Both The Rock and Stone Cold used to the sharpshooter and The Rock even used Stone Cold's old submission maneuver. The Rock hit Stone Cold with his own finisher and Vince McMahon ran to the ring to "observe" the action. Vince stopped The Rock from pinning Stone Cold after the people's elbow. The moment that shocked millions......... and MILLIONS of fans was Vince handing Stone Cold a chair to hit The Rock with, which Stone Cold used to beat the crap outta The Rock. After pinning The Rock, Stone Cold sold his soul to the devil and shaked Vince's hand and shared beers with him, a man that Stone Cold would beat the crap out of on a weekly basis. This match culminated the attitude era and ended one of the best wrestlemanias ever. It also ended the greatest feud ever, Austin vs McMahon. This match is historic for the fact that after this match things in the WWF changed, Austin was heel, The Rock was gone for most of the year for the 1st time, WCW wrestlers started appearing on WWF television,and the invasion storyline was born. This ladies and gentleman was the last match of the attitude era, and what better way than for the most important figures during the attitude era to wrestle it's last match.

No. 1 HBK vs Bret Hart, Iron Man Match, Wrestlemania 12

Did you expect any other? This match is self explanatory, you have the great technician, Bret Hart and the high flyer, HBK going one on one , for 60 minutes at the grandest stage of them all for the grandest prize. Shawn Michaels had to 1st win the Royal Rumble and then he had to defend his wrestlemania main event title match against Bret's own brother, Owen. Bret Hart on the other hand had to 1st defeat Diesel for the title at the 1995 Survivor Series, defend the title against the British Bulldog, The Undertaker,and Diesel. This was the 1st ever 60 minute iron man match and the only 60 minute iron man match to go to sudden death. Bret Hart and HBK went the distance and put on a classic wrestling match that helped propel both men into legendary status. This match also gave HBK his 1st world title and kick started the HBK/Bret Hart rivalry that would lead to one of the most controversial moments in wrestling history. If this match never happened HBKmight not be such a huge icon like his is today.