WrestleMania, often referred to as the supreme stage for wrestling legends, is celebrated for creating iconic wrestlers through memorable matches that are eternally etched in history. However, it’s important to acknowledge that it also features several bouts that fans might prefer to erase from memory. Investigating the most heavily criticized matches in WrestleMania’s history can be as intriguing as revisiting its epic showdowns. These particular bouts are infamous, whether it’s because of their subpar performance, uninspiring narrative, or just a lack of chemistry, they are notable for their shortcomings.
Infamous Main Events
WrestleMania has had its share of unforgettable moments, but sometimes, those moments are memorable for all the wrong reasons. When the hype exceeds the performance, you get some of the worst matches in WrestleMania history.
The Miz vs. John Cena
At WrestleMania XXVII, the matchup between The Miz and John Cena was supposed to be a heavyweight showdown but ended up falling flat. Despite the star power of Cena and the high stakes with the WWE Championship on the line, the match is often cited as underwhelming, culminating in an anticlimactic count-out finish that left fans expecting much more.
Lawrence Taylor vs. Bam Bam Bigelow
At WrestleMania XI, NFL legend Lawrence Taylor stepped into the wrestling ring against Bam Bam Bigelow. Although Taylor’s athleticism was impressive for a celebrity crossover, the main event status of this match is considered by many fans as a stretch, with the bout showing the limitations of a non-wrestler headlining the biggest event in sports entertainment.
Disappointing Undercards
In the catalogue of the worst matches in WrestleMania history, there are a few undercards that stand out for their lack of lustre. Here you’ll find the matches that might have promised excitement but failed to deliver.
Goldust vs. Roddy Piper
At WrestleMania XII, the unconventional and flamboyant Goldust squared off against the gritty “Rowdy” Roddy Piper in a Hollywood Backlot Brawl. This bout, blending wrestling with a cinematic street fight, was intended to be edgy and unique. Despite the creativity, fans and critics often rank it among the less stellar performances at WrestleMania due to its awkward execution and disjointed storytelling.
Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg
During WrestleMania XX, two powerhouses Brock Lesnar and Bill Goldberg met in what was expected to be a titanic clash. Unfortunately, it’s remembered for its anticlimactic nature and the crowd’s negative reaction. Both competitors were departing WWE at the time, significantly deflating the match’s suspense and leading to a lackluster exhibition.
Worst Matches in WrestleMania History with Controversial Finishes
WrestleMania has seen its fair share of moments that have left fans scratching their heads, some during contests that stand out in the worst matches in WrestleMania history. Here, we’ll highlight a couple of matches infamous for their baffling conclusions.
Hulk Hogan vs. Yokozuna
At WrestleMania IX, the unexpected finale of the Hulk Hogan vs. Yokozuna match still stirs debate among wrestling enthusiasts. After Yokozuna had just won the WWF Championship, Hogan appeared, challenged him on the spot, and won the title in mere seconds. This anticlimactic end left many fans feeling the match was poorly booked and unfair to the performers involved.
Booker T vs. Triple H
The Booker T vs. Triple H encounter for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XIX ended on a note that still evokes strong opinions. Triple H‘s victory came after a long pause following his finishing move, which many argue made Booker T look weak and damaged the prestige of his character. The match’s conclusion was not only controversial but also considered by some to overshadow an otherwise technically sound performance.
Technical Mishaps
As you recall the worst matches in WrestleMania history, let’s explore a couple of iconic mishaps that may have affected the outcomes and the enjoyment of these performances.
Triple H vs. Chris Jericho
In WrestleMania X8, the bout between Triple H and Chris Jericho was marred by timing issues and a lackluster crowd response. Following an emotionally charged feud, the match itself fell short due to a combination of exhaustion from the audience, as they had just witnessed the energy-draining icon vs. icon match between Hogan and The Rock, and a few missteps in the ring that disrupted the flow of what was intended to be a technical masterpiece.
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Scott Hall
The match between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Scott Hall at WrestleMania X8 suffered from a different kind of technical mishap—a stunner miscommunication. Amid the already chaotic nature of the encounter, Austin’s prestigious finisher, the Stone Cold Stunner, was botched in execution during the climax, detracting from the match’s impact and leaving fans with a dissatisfying conclusion to what was expected to be a high-profile clash.
Celebrity Missteps
WrestleMania’s history isn’t just about the legends of wrestling; it also includes some of the most talked-about celebrity appearances at Wrestlemania which didn’t quite square up in the squared circle. Here are a couple of moments that stand out as the worst matches in WrestleMania history involving celebrities:
Michael Cole vs. Jerry Lawler
At WrestleMania XXVII, broadcaster Michael Cole stepped out from behind the commentary table to face off against fellow commentator Jerry “The King” Lawler. The match is often cited as an underwhelming spectacle, with a special guest referee adding more controversy rather than excitement to the prolonged bout, leaving fans more puzzled than entertained.
Big Show vs. Akebono
WrestleMania 21 hosted a unique encounter that saw the Big Show square up against sumo wrestling champion Akebono in a Sumo match. Despite Big Show’s impressive size, he couldn’t match Akebono’s skill in the sumo ring, leading to a very brief and one-sided affair. The match stands out as a gimmick that didn’t quite resonate with wrestling fans, becoming a memorable miscue in the event’s rich tapestry.
FAQ
What defines a Worst Matches in WrestleMania History
Matches that are often labeled as the worst in WrestleMania history typically suffer from poor in-ring action, lack of excitement, or failed storytelling, leaving fans disappointed.
Examples of some of the worst WrestleMania matches
Matches like Undertaker vs. Giant Gonzalez at WrestleMania IX and Lawler vs. Cole in a “Kiss My Foot” match at WrestleMania XXVII are frequently criticized for various reasons.
How do these matches impact the overall WrestleMania experience?
Matches labeled as the worst in WrestleMania history can detract from the event’s prestige and excitement
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