The greatest thing about WrestleMania is the idea of seeing matches we wouldn’t normally think of viewing. Leave it to Vince McMahon to find common ground for the past 30 years to find opponents that not only captivate an audience, but build these super cards are the greatest inventions in sport entertainment.
But as we look at year’s past and the hundreds of matches that have taken place in the many arenas and stadiums, there are still matches we have wanted to see, talk about from time to time and wishes with our nightly prayers that McMahon and the WWF and then the WWE would bring us Christmas eight months early. I think in some cases, we as adults hope for them from time to time as well. While the matches have been the stuff of legend, there are some we will never see in our lifetime. Here are eight matches that should have taken place at WrestleMania.
Hulk Hogan vs. Ric Flair
The two greatest icons in wrestling history never met at WrestleMania. I assume it is because Vince never wanted the crowds to favor Flair over Hogan. But in reality, wrestling fans made such a huge stink over which wrestler was better in their careers. Shouldn’t there have been a career-defining match?
Road Warriors vs. Demolition
The team that defined tag team wrestling vs. the team that wanted to create the illusion they were as good as the team they impersonated. Paul Ellering and Mr. Fuji at ringside. Oh, what a rush!
Randy Savage vs. Shawn Michaels
So many great things could have come from this kind of rivalry and set the WWF off into another stratosphere. It could have ushered in a new era without the need for Hulk Hogan to carry the torch for so long.
Rick Rude vs. Curt Hennig
Two of the greatest heels in the WWF of all time. To great mat technicians and two of the most underrated wrestlers prior to the Attitude Era. I would have paid money hand over fist to see these two wage war in a wrestling ring.
Ricky Steamboat v. Chris Jericho
This has all the makings of a Jericho/Michaels war. I suspect when Steamboat wasn’t bitching about being a family man to corporate, the WWF has thought about him and Michaels in a feud. This could have been 10 times better. They met in a gauntlet match (WrestleMania XXV)but it would have been great to see them one on one in the prime of their careers
Randy Savage vs. Roddy Piper
Again, one of those matches we never saw, but should have. There is everything to like about both characters and everything to hate. And if you thought the verbal jousting between Piper and Ric Flair was pretty damn entertaining, we could have seen the best vs. the best in this one.
Jerry Lawler vs. Arn Anderson
Anderson would have sold for Lawler like no one’s business. Lawler would have used his fists, Anderson would have wobbled. It would have been classic NWA wrestling at its finest.
Kurt Angle vs. Bret Hart
The two greatest technical wrestlers in history. Enough said.
Follow David on Twitter @davidlevin71
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