Ranking the Top 10 Best WWE Pay-Per-Views of All Time: Must-See Events that Defined Wrestling History
From Wrestlemania to SummerSlam, relive the greatest moments of all time with our list of the best WWE PPVs to ever hit the ring.
Professional wrestling has always been a spectacle that has captured the attention of millions of fans worldwide. From the charismatic personalities to the thrilling matches, there is no denying the entertainment value that the WWE provides. One of the most exciting events in the world of wrestling is the Pay-Per-View (PPV) event. These events offer a unique experience that can only be seen by those who purchase the PPV. Over the years, the WWE has produced some of the most memorable PPVs in the history of professional wrestling.
One of the best WWE PPVs of all time is WrestleMania III. This event took place on March 29, 1987, and was held at the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan. The event featured some of the biggest names in wrestling history, including Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and Randy Savage. The main event between Hogan and Andre the Giant is still considered one of the most iconic matches in wrestling history.
Another unforgettable WWE PPV was SummerSlam 1992. This event was held at Wembley Stadium in London, England, and featured some of the most exciting matches in WWE history. The main event was a match between Davey Boy Smith and Bret Hart for the Intercontinental Championship. The match was an instant classic and is still remembered as one of the greatest matches in WWE history.
The Royal Rumble is another legendary WWE PPV that has thrilled fans for decades. The event features a 30-man battle royal match where the last man standing is declared the winner. The winner of the Royal Rumble match earns a spot in the main event of WrestleMania, making it one of the most important events of the year. The first Royal Rumble event took place in 1988 and has been a staple of the WWE calendar ever since.
One of the most iconic WWE PPVs of all time is Survivor Series 1997. The event featured a match between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels for the WWE Championship. The match ended in controversy when Michaels put Hart in a submission hold, causing Hart to submit. However, the referee did not see the submission and declared Michaels the winner. This event is still remembered as one of the most shocking moments in WWE history.
Another classic WWE PPV is WrestleMania X-Seven. This event took place on April 1, 2001, and was held at the Reliant Astrodome in Houston, Texas. The main event was a match between Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock for the WWE Championship. The event also featured a memorable TLC match between Edge and Christian, The Hardy Boyz, and The Dudley Boyz.
The Money in the Bank PPV has become one of the most popular events on the WWE calendar. The event features a ladder match where the winner earns a contract that can be cashed in for a championship match at any time. The first Money in the Bank event took place in 2005 and has since become a fan favorite.
Royal Rumble 2008 is another unforgettable WWE PPV. The event featured the Royal Rumble match as well as a match between John Cena and Umaga for the WWE Championship. The main event was a match between Edge and Rey Mysterio for the World Heavyweight Championship. This event is still remembered as one of the most exciting Royal Rumbles in WWE history.
Another classic WWE PPV is WrestleMania XX. This event took place on March 14, 2004, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The main event was a triple threat match between Chris Benoit, Shawn Michaels, and Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship. The event also featured a match between Eddie Guerrero and Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship.
SummerSlam 1998 is another legendary WWE PPV. The event featured some of the biggest names in wrestling history, including Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, and The Rock. The main event was a match between Stone Cold and The Undertaker for the WWE Championship. This event is still remembered as one of the most exciting SummerSlams in WWE history.
The final classic WWE PPV on our list is WrestleMania XXX. This event took place on April 6, 2014, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The main event was a match between Daniel Bryan, Batista, and Randy Orton for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. The event also featured a match between The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar, which ended The Undertaker's undefeated streak at WrestleMania.
Overall, the WWE has produced some of the most memorable PPVs in the history of professional wrestling. From WrestleMania to the Royal Rumble, these events have provided fans with unforgettable moments that will be remembered for years to come. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of wrestling, there is no denying the excitement and entertainment value that the WWE provides.
The Best WWE Pay-Per-Views of All Time
Introduction
The WWE has been entertaining fans for decades and producing some of the most memorable pay-per-view events in the history of wrestling. From WrestleMania to SummerSlam, the WWE has delivered some of the greatest matches and moments in professional wrestling history. In this article, we will take a look at the 10 best WWE pay-per-views of all time.WrestleMania III
WrestleMania III is widely considered one of the greatest pay-per-views of all time. The event took place on March 29, 1987, at the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan. It featured the iconic match between Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant, which saw Hogan body slam Andre and retain his championship.SummerSlam 1992
SummerSlam 1992 was a historic event that took place in Wembley Stadium in London, England. The main event was between The British Bulldog and Bret Hart for the Intercontinental Championship. The match was an instant classic and is still remembered as one of the greatest matches in WWE history.Survivor Series 1998
Survivor Series 1998 was a pivotal event in WWE history. It featured the infamous Montreal Screwjob, where Vince McMahon instructed for Bret Hart to lose his championship to Shawn Michaels. The event was controversial but is still talked about to this day.Royal Rumble 2000
The Royal Rumble is always a fan-favorite event, but the 2000 edition was particularly special. It featured the iconic Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match between The Hardy Boyz, Dudley Boyz, and Edge and Christian. The match was an instant classic and set a new standard for tag team wrestling.WrestleMania X-Seven
WrestleMania X-Seven is widely considered the greatest pay-per-view in WWE history. The event took place on April 1, 2001, in Houston, Texas, and featured some of the most iconic matches in WWE history. The main event was between Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock, which saw Austin turn heel and align with Vince McMahon.SummerSlam 2002
SummerSlam 2002 featured one of the greatest matches in WWE history between Shawn Michaels and Triple H. The match was a street fight and saw Michaels make an incredible comeback to win the match. The event also featured the return of Brock Lesnar, who defeated The Rock to become the undisputed WWE Champion.Money in the Bank 2011
Money in the Bank 2011 was a game-changing event that saw CM Punk defeat John Cena for the WWE Championship. The match was a classic and featured an incredible promo from Punk that is still talked about to this day.WrestleMania XXX
WrestleMania XXX was a historic event that saw Daniel Bryan capture the WWE Championship in a triple threat match against Randy Orton and Batista. The event also featured The Undertaker's undefeated streak coming to an end at the hands of Brock Lesnar.SummerSlam 2013
SummerSlam 2013 featured an incredible match between John Cena and Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship. The match was a technical masterpiece and saw Bryan defeat Cena to capture his first WWE Championship.WrestleMania 35
WrestleMania 35 was a groundbreaking event that featured the first-ever women's main event. Becky Lynch defeated Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair to become the Raw and SmackDown Women's Champion. The event also featured Kofi Kingston's historic WWE Championship win over Daniel Bryan.Conclusion
The WWE has produced countless memorable pay-per-view events over the years, but these 10 stand out as the best of all time. From WrestleMania III to WrestleMania 35, these events have captured the hearts of fans around the world and cemented their place in wrestling history.The world of professional wrestling has had its fair share of memorable moments, and WWE pay-per-views (PPVs) have been the stage for some of the most iconic matches and storylines in history. From The Showstoppers to Pure Entertainment, there have been countless WWE PPVs that have left fans on the edge of their seats. In this article, we will take a closer look at the 10 best WWE PPVs of all time, categorized by their defining features.
The Showstoppers
Some WWE PPVs are known for having the most memorable matches in history. These are the events that showcased the best in-ring action and left fans in awe of the athleticism and skill of the wrestlers.One such event is WrestleMania X-Seven, which took place on April 1, 2001, in Houston, Texas. The main event was a match between Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock for the WWE Championship. The match was a masterpiece, with both wrestlers putting on a clinic of storytelling and athleticism. The crowd was electric throughout the match, and the finish, where Austin turned heel and aligned himself with Vince McMahon, was one of the most shocking moments in WWE history.Another PPV that falls under this category is NXT TakeOver: New York, which took place on April 5, 2019. The main event was a match between Johnny Gargano and Adam Cole for the NXT Championship. The match was a technical masterpiece, with both wrestlers showcasing their in-ring skills and storytelling abilities. The climax of the match, where Gargano won the title after a grueling contest, left the crowd in tears and cemented Gargano as one of the best wrestlers in NXT history.Iconic Moments
Some WWE PPVs are known for changing the course of WWE history. These are the events that had moments that will be remembered by fans for years to come.One of the most iconic WWE PPVs of all time is WrestleMania III, which took place on March 29, 1987, in Pontiac, Michigan. The main event was a match between Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant for the WWE Championship. The match was not a technical masterpiece, but it had one of the most iconic moments in WWE history, where Hogan body-slammed Andre the Giant in front of over 93,000 fans.Another PPV that falls under this category is SummerSlam 1997, which took place on August 3, 1997, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The main event was a match between Bret Hart and The Undertaker for the WWE Championship. The match had a shocking twist ending, where Shawn Michaels, who was the special guest referee, superkicked The Undertaker and cost him the match. This moment led to the infamous Montreal Screwjob a few months later and changed the course of WWE history.Technical Masterpieces
Some WWE PPVs are known for showcasing the best in-ring skills. These are the events that had matches that were technically flawless and left fans in awe of the wrestlers' abilities.One such event is NXT TakeOver: Chicago, which took place on May 20, 2017. The main event was a match between Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne for the WWE United Kingdom Championship. The match was a technical masterpiece, with both wrestlers putting on a clinic of grappling and striking. The finish, where Dunne won the title after a brutal contest, cemented him as one of the best wrestlers in the world.Another PPV that falls under this category is WrestleMania XIX, which took place on March 30, 2003, in Seattle, Washington. The main event was a match between Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship. The match was a technical masterpiece, with both wrestlers showcasing their amateur wrestling skills and storytelling abilities. The finish, where Lesnar won the title after a brutal contest, cemented him as one of the best wrestlers in WWE history.Crowd-Pleasers
Some WWE PPVs are known for having the most electric atmosphere. These are the events that had crowds that were on fire throughout the night and left fans with unforgettable memories.One such event is WrestleMania XXX, which took place on April 6, 2014, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The main event was a match between Daniel Bryan, Randy Orton, and Batista for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. The match was a crowd-pleaser, with Bryan overcoming the odds and winning the title in front of a raucous crowd. The moment where Bryan celebrated with the Yes! chant is one of the most iconic moments in WWE history.Another PPV that falls under this category is Money in the Bank 2011, which took place on July 17, 2011, in Rosemont, Illinois. The main event was a match between John Cena and CM Punk for the WWE Championship. The match had a shocking twist ending, where Punk won the title and left the company with it. The moment where Punk celebrated with the Chicago crowd is one of the most electric moments in WWE history.Shocking Twists
Some WWE PPVs are known for having the biggest plot twists and surprises. These are the events that had moments that left fans in shock and disbelief.One such event is Survivor Series 1998, which took place on November 15, 1998, in St. Louis, Missouri. The main event was a match between The Rock and Mankind for the WWE Championship. The match had a shocking twist ending, where The Rock hit Mankind with a steel chair over and over again, causing him to bleed heavily. The moment is one of the most violent in WWE history and is still talked about to this day.Another PPV that falls under this category is WrestleMania XX, which took place on March 14, 2004, in New York City, New York. The main event was a match between Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and Chris Benoit for the World Heavyweight Championship. The match had a shocking twist ending, where Benoit won the title and celebrated with Eddie Guerrero, who had won the WWE Championship earlier in the night. The moment is one of the most emotional in WWE history and is still remembered fondly by fans.High-Flying Action
Some WWE PPVs are known for featuring the most breathtaking aerial moves. These are the events that had matches that were filled with high-flying action and left fans in awe of the wrestlers' athleticism.One such event is Money in the Bank 2016, which took place on June 19, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main event was a ladder match between Dean Ambrose, Chris Jericho, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Cesaro, and Alberto Del Rio for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. The match was filled with high-flying action, with all six wrestlers taking insane bumps and performing breathtaking spots. The finish, where Ambrose won the title after a grueling contest, was one of the most satisfying moments in WWE history.Another PPV that falls under this category is TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs 2012, which took place on December 16, 2012, in Brooklyn, New York. The main event was a TLC match between CM Punk and Ryback for the WWE Championship. The match was filled with high-flying action, with both wrestlers taking insane bumps and performing breathtaking spots. The finish, where The Shield interfered and helped Punk retain the title, was one of the most shocking moments in WWE history.Battle of the Titans
Some WWE PPVs are known for having the most epic clashes between WWE legends. These are the events that had matches that were filled with drama and left fans in awe of the wrestlers' legacies.One such event is WrestleMania XXVIII, which took place on April 1, 2012, in Miami, Florida. The main event was a match between The Rock and John Cena. The match was a battle of the titans, with both wrestlers putting on a clinic of storytelling and athleticism. The crowd was electric throughout the match, and the finish, where The Rock defeated Cena, was one of the most satisfying moments in WWE history.Another PPV that falls under this category is SummerSlam 2002, which took place on August 25, 2002, in Uniondale, New York. The main event was a match between The Rock and Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship. The match was a battle of the titans, with both wrestlers showcasing their in-ring skills and storytelling abilities. The finish, where Lesnar won the title after a brutal contest, cemented him as one of the best wrestlers in WWE history.Underdog Stories
Some WWE PPVs are known for featuring unlikely winners and unexpected upsets. These are the events that had matches that were filled with drama and left fans in awe of the underdogs' victories.One such event is SummerSlam 1992, which took place on August 31, 1992, in London, England. The main event was a match between Bret Hart and The British Bulldog for the Intercontinental Championship. The match was a technical masterpiece, with both wrestlers putting on a clinic of storytelling and athleticism. The finish, where The British Bulldog won the title in front of his home country, was one of the most emotional moments in WWE history.Another PPV that falls under this category is WrestleMania XXXI, which took place on March 29, 2015, in Santa Clara, California. The main event was a match between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. The match had a shocking twist ending, where Seth Rollins cashed in his Money in the Bank contract and won the title. The moment is one of the most unexpected in WWE history and cemented Rollins as a top star in the company.Women's Revolution
Some WWE PPVs are known for marking a turning point for women's wrestling in WWE. These are the events that had matches that were filled with drama and left fans in awe of the women's athleticism and skill.One such event is Evolution, which took place on October 28, 2018, in Uniondale, New York. The main event was a match between Ronda Rousey and Nikki Bella for the Raw Women's Championship. The match was a technical masterpiece, with both wrestlers showcasing their in-ring skills and storytelling abilities. The finish, where Rousey won the title after a grueling contest, cemented her as one of the best female wrestlers in WWE history.Another PPV that falls under this category is WrestleMania 32, which took place on April 3, 2016, in Dallas, Texas. The main event was a match between Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, and Sasha Banks for the newly created WWE Women's Championship. The match was a battle of the titans, with all three wrestlers putting on a clinic of storytelling and athleticism. The finish, where Flair won the title after a grueling contest, marked a turning point for women's wrestling in WWE and set the stage for the Women's Revolution.Pure Entertainment
Some WWE PPVs are known for having the perfect balance of athleticism and entertainment value. These are the events that had matches that were filled with drama, comedy, and everything in between.One such event is WrestleMania X8, which took place on March 17, 2002, in Toronto, Canada. The main event was a match between Chris Jericho and Triple H for the Undisputed Championship. The match was a technical masterpiece, with both wrestlers showcasing their in-ring skills and storytelling abilities. The event also had entertaining matches like The Rock vs. Hollywood Hulk Hogan and Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Scott Hall, making it one of the most entertaining WWE PPVs of all time.Another PPV that falls under this category is WrestleMania XXV, which took place on April 5, 2009, in Houston, Texas. The main event was a match between The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels. The match was a technical masterpiece, with both wrestlers putting on a clinic of storytelling and athleticism. The event also had entertaining matches like John Cena vs. Edge vs. Big Show for the World Heavyweight Championship and Money in the Bank Ladder Match, making it one of the most entertaining WWE PPVs of all time.In conclusion, the WWE has produced countless PPVs over the years, but these 10 are the best of the best. Whether it's The Showstoppers, Iconic Moments, Technical Masterpieces, Crowd-Pleasers, Shocking Twists, High-Flying Action, Battle of the Titans, Underdog Stories, Women's Revolution, or Pure Entertainment, these events had something for every type of wrestling fan. They are the ones that will be remembered for years to come and cemented the WWE's place in sports entertainment history.The Best WWE PPVs of All Time
Point of View
As an avid WWE fan, I have watched numerous Pay-Per-Views (PPVs) over the years. However, some stand out as the best of all time. These events had everything from incredible matches, memorable moments, and exceptional storytelling. Here are my top picks for the best WWE PPVs of all time.Pros
1. Memorable Moments: The best WWE PPVs are memorable for the moments they create. From Stone Cold Steve Austin's iconic beer bash at WrestleMania 17 to Shawn Michaels' emotional retirement speech at WrestleMania 26, these events leave a lasting impression on fans.2. Exceptional Storytelling: The best WWE PPVs tell a story that captivates fans from start to finish. Whether it's the underdog overcoming the odds or the heel finally getting their comeuppance, these events have excellent storytelling that keeps fans invested.3. Incredible Matches: The best WWE PPVs have some of the greatest matches in wrestling history. From Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels Iron Man match at WrestleMania 12 to The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels' WrestleMania 25 match, these matches have become legendary.Cons
1. Predictability: Sometimes, the best WWE PPVs can be predictable, with fans knowing the outcome before the event even starts. This can take away from the excitement and surprise factor of the event.2. Lack of Diversity: While there have been many great WWE PPVs over the years, some fans feel that there is a lack of diversity in the types of matches and storylines presented.3. Overreliance on Particular Wrestlers: Some fans feel that the best WWE PPVs rely too heavily on particular wrestlers, such as John Cena or The Rock, and do not give enough opportunities to other wrestlers on the roster.Table Comparison
| Event Name | Date | Main Event |
|---|---|---|
| WrestleMania 17 | April 1, 2001 | The Rock vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin |
| WrestleMania 19 | March 30, 2003 | Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar |
| SummerSlam 2002 | August 25, 2002 | The Rock vs. Brock Lesnar |
| WrestleMania 25 | April 5, 2009 | The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels |
| Money in the Bank 2011 | July 17, 2011 | CM Punk vs. John Cena |
In conclusion, the best WWE PPVs of all time have exceptional storytelling, incredible matches, and memorable moments. While there are some cons, such as predictability and overreliance on particular wrestlers, the pros far outweigh the cons. These events have become legendary among wrestling fans and will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
The Best WWE PPVs of All Time
Thank you for taking the time to read through our list of the best WWE PPVs of all time. We hope that we were able to provide you with some insight into some of the most memorable and impactful events in WWE history. From Wrestlemania to SummerSlam, there have been countless unforgettable moments that have defined the WWE and captivated audiences around the world.
We started our list with Wrestlemania III, which was held on March 29th, 1987. This event marked the first time that a wrestling event had been held in a stadium, with over 93,000 fans in attendance. The main event of the night saw Hulk Hogan take on Andre the Giant in what is still regarded as one of the greatest matches in WWE history.
The next event on our list was SummerSlam 1992, which was held in Wembley Stadium in London, England. This event was particularly special because it featured the first and only WWE Championship match to ever be held in the UK. The match saw Bret Hart take on The British Bulldog in front of over 80,000 fans, with The British Bulldog coming out on top.
Next up was Wrestlemania X-Seven, which took place on April 1st, 2001. This event is often regarded as one of the greatest wrestling events of all time, featuring iconic matches such as The Rock vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin and TLC II. The event also saw Vince McMahon turn heel and align himself with Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Another event on our list was SummerSlam 2002, which was held on August 25th of that year. This event featured the return of Shawn Michaels to the WWE after a four-year absence. The main event of the night saw Brock Lesnar defeat The Rock to become the youngest WWE Champion in history.
Next on our list was Wrestlemania XIX, which was held on March 30th, 2003. This event featured a classic match between The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin, as well as an unforgettable match between Hulk Hogan and Vince McMahon. The event also saw Brock Lesnar defeat Kurt Angle to become the WWE Champion.
Another event on our list was SummerSlam 2013, which took place on August 18th of that year. This event featured an incredible match between John Cena and Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship. The event also saw the debut of The Wyatt Family, who made an immediate impact in the WWE.
Next up was Wrestlemania XXX, which was held on April 6th, 2014. This event was particularly memorable because it featured the end of The Undertaker's undefeated streak at Wrestlemania, with Brock Lesnar defeating him in a shocking upset. The event also saw Daniel Bryan win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
Another event on our list was SummerSlam 2014, which took place on August 17th of that year. This event featured a classic match between Brock Lesnar and John Cena for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, as well as a memorable match between Stephanie McMahon and Brie Bella.
We also included Wrestlemania 31 on our list, which was held on March 29th, 2015. This event featured a memorable main event between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, as well as an incredible match between Sting and Triple H. The event also saw Seth Rollins cash in his Money in the Bank contract to become the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
Finally, we included SummerSlam 2020 on our list, which was held on August 23rd of that year. This event was particularly special because it marked the first time that a WWE PPV had been held at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. The event featured a classic match between Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton for the WWE Championship, as well as an unforgettable match between Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt.
We hope that you enjoyed our list of the best WWE PPVs of all time, and that it inspired you to revisit some of these iconic events. From Wrestlemania to SummerSlam, these events have defined the WWE and provided fans with countless unforgettable moments. Thank you for reading, and we look forward to bringing you more exciting content in the future.
People Also Ask About Best WWE PPVs of All Time
What are the top 10 WWE PPVs of all time?
The top 10 WWE PPVs of all time, according to fans and experts, are:
- WrestleMania X-Seven (2001)
- SummerSlam (1992)
- WrestleMania III (1987)
- Money in the Bank (2011)
- Survivor Series (1998)
- Royal Rumble (2000)
- King of the Ring (1998)
- Extreme Rules (2012)
- Backlash (2000)
- WrestleMania XIX (2003)
What was the best WrestleMania of all time?
Many fans and critics consider WrestleMania X-Seven (2001) to be the best WrestleMania of all time. It featured iconic matches such as Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock, TLC II, and Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit vs. Chris Jericho.
What was the most successful WWE PPV of all time?
WrestleMania XXVIII (2012) is the most successful WWE PPV of all time, with an estimated 1.21 million buys and a gross revenue of $67 million. It featured the highly anticipated match between The Rock and John Cena.
What was the best Royal Rumble of all time?
The best Royal Rumble of all time is widely considered to be the 1992 event. It featured a star-studded lineup, including Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and Randy Savage. Ric Flair won the match and the vacant WWE Championship.
What was the best Survivor Series of all time?
The best Survivor Series of all time is often cited as the 2002 event. It marked the return of Shawn Michaels after a four-year absence and featured the first-ever Elimination Chamber match for the World Heavyweight Championship, which was won by Shawn Michaels.