The greatest WWE moments of all time
Whether you’ve been a die-hard fan since the first ever WrestleMania, or you’re hooked on the new cohort of Superstars, WWE continues to bring us some of the most unforgettable moments in television history. From record-breaking matches between the likes of Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant to jaw-dropping twists that’ve changed the game completely, it’s hard to pick just a few.
Ahead of BLAZE's new series, WWE’s Greatest Moments, airing from Friday 2nd January, we’ve put together a rundown of some of the most electrifying wrestling highlights in history. So, buckle up, WWE fans, it’s time to dive in.
Hulk Hogan slams Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III (29th March 1987)
Fans couldn’t believe their eyes when they watched Hogan slam Andre the Giant to the ground at the third instalment of WrestleMania in 1987. Not only was Andre the Giant, well, a giant, but their friendship had also taken a nosedive in the lead-up to this climactic moment. The slamming of the giant still echoes in the minds of wrestling aficionados to this day.
Austin 3:16 is born at King of the Ring (23rd June 1996)
Steve Austin’s legendary promo after beating Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts and winning King of the Ring in 1996 changed the entire wrestling landscape. While that might be a bold statement, nothing could prepare fans for the start of ‘Austin 3:16’ and the beginning of ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin’s unforgettable rebel era.
Mike Tyson meets ‘Stone Cold’ at RAW (1998)
When Mike Tyson faced off with ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin on RAW in 1998, mainstream audiences tuned in like never before. Not only could fans see one of the most famous boxing legends enter a different kind of ring, but they also witnessed the crossover of wrestling and boxing. A moment that made history.
‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth reunite at WrestleMania VII (1991)
Wrestling doesn’t always make you cry, but this did. After years of turmoil, betrayal and heartbreak, ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage collapsed after losing a career match to The Ultimate Warrior. Sensational Sherri attacked him, only for Miss Elizabeth to make the save.
When Savage and Elizabeth reunited, the arena erupted. It was pure emotion, pure storytelling and proof that wrestling could hit you right in the heart. Even Warrior stepped aside and let the moment breathe.
Bret Hart vs Shawn Michaels Iron Man Match at WrestleMania XII (1996)
60 minutes. No falls. No shortcuts. Just wrestling. Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels delivered a technical masterpiece that changed how main events were viewed.
The sudden-death finish, with Shawn locking in the Sharpshooter to win the WWE Championship, launched the New Generation Era forward. It also ignited a rivalry that would define the next decade.
The Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series (1997)
It’s rare for WWE to lose control of its own script completely. Even rarer for a moment to blur the line between performance and reality so completely that fans are still arguing about it decades later. But on 9th November 1997, at Survivor Series in Montreal, WWE crossed that line forever. What happened that night became known simply as ‘The Montreal Screwjob’, and it was as real as professional wrestling has ever gotten.
As the match reached its climax, the referee Earl Hebner, acting on instructions from Vince McMahon, called for the bell anyway. The arena erupted in confusion as the announcement was made. Shawn Michaels walked away with the title.
Edge returns at the Royal Rumble (2020)
Edge’s return to the ring was pure magic. It reminded fans that sometimes, dreams really do come true. After nine years and multiple neck surgeries, the famous music played, and WWE fans were stunned.
The hall of famer hit the floor running with his signature ‘Spears’ and made it to the final three before being defeated by Roman Reigns. This marked a miraculous return for the Superstar and kicked off a major storyline.
Becky Lynch wins first-ever female main event at WrestleMania 35 (2019)
‘Today is the day when you and me change how this business works.’ Lynch tweeted before the event.
Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey made history as the first women to headline WrestleMania. This moment not only made a mark on the Wrestling world, but also cemented Lynch's moniker, ‘Becky Two Belts’.
The WCW Invasion (2001)
For years, wrestling fans were told it could never happen. WWE versus WCW. Monday Night Raw versus Monday Nitro. The war that defined an entire generation was supposed to end quietly, behind closed doors, with contracts and paperwork. Instead, in 2001, it exploded live on television.
The moment that changed everything came when Shane McMahon appeared on Nitro and revealed that he, not his father Vince McMahon, owned WCW. Just like that, the unthinkable became reality. WWE had purchased its greatest rival, and the Monday Night Wars were officially over.
But WWE didn’t let it end there. What followed was the WCW and ECW Invasion, a bold attempt to turn real-life history into must-see television.
The first-ever ‘Rock’ concert (2003)
The Rock has never needed much to steal the spotlight. Give him a microphone, a crowd, about five seconds, and he will turn the entire arena into his personal stage. But in March 2003, The Great One decided words weren’t enough. He entered the ring with a guitar and created something fans didn’t even know they needed. The very first Rock Concert.
Strumming away with a grin that said he was enjoying every second, The Rock informed the crowd that his favourite part of visiting their city was leaving it. Then he turned his attention to Austin, labelling The Texas Rattlesnake ‘nothing but a redneck, cryin’ all the time.’
Cody Rhodes finishes the story (2024)
Cody Rhodes’ journey to WrestleMania XL was not just about winning a championship. It was about legacy, family, heartbreak, and most importantly, his Hall-of-Famer father, Dusty. And by the time Cody stepped into the ring against Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania XL, the entire WWE Universe knew precisely what was at stake.
The match itself was chaos in the best possible way. Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa and Jey Uso fighting his family. Then, Seth Rollins arriving battered and taped, still carrying scars from Night One. Next, in a moment that felt almost surreal, The Undertaker appeared to tear down The Rock, drawing a line between past and present. When the dust finally settled, it was Cody and Roman alone in the ring. Cody hit the Cross Rhodes and the referee counted to three. Cody Rhodes became the Undisputed WWE Champion.
Bianca Belair wins WrestleMania main event (2021)
When Bianca Belair stood across the ring from Sasha Banks at WrestleMania 37, it felt like history in the making before the bell even rang. These was the first African American women to face each other in the ring. Bianca didn’t just rise to the occasion, she owned it. From her emotional entrance to that thunderous KOD, Belair defeated Banks to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
The start of Stone Cold vs Vince McMahon (1998)
The Stone Cold Steve Austin and Vince McMahon feud didn’t just start a storyline in 1998. It sparked a revolution. What began as tension between WWE’s top rebel and its corporate boss exploded when McMahon tried to control Austin, and Austin refused to be controlled by anyone. Suits versus beer cans.
Every Stunner Austin delivered to his boss felt like a victory for fans who loved seeing the system get smashed. This rivalry turned Vince into wrestling’s greatest villain and Austin into the voice of a generation.
Seth Rollins cashes in (2015)
Nobody saw it coming. At WrestleMania 31, Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns were tearing each other apart when Seth Rollins sprinted down the ramp and changed WWE history forever.
Cashing in his Money in the Bank contract mid-match, Rollins turned the main event into a Triple Threat and stole the WWE World Heavyweight Championship right out from under them. It was chaos, brilliance, and perfect timing. Dubbed The Heist of the Century, the moment cemented Rollins as a master strategist and delivered one of the greatest WrestleMania finishes ever. We’re still talking about it for a reason.
Mankind fell off the top of Hell in a Cell (1998)
The 90s didn’t hold back when it came to delivering some epic, unforgettable moments. And King of the Ring 1998 was one of them, when Mick Foley’s ‘Mankind’ fell off the top of Hell in a Cell. The Undertaker threw him from the roof of the cell, sending him crashing through the announce table. The crowd gasped and the commentary went wild as Foley’s body tumbled and rolled, while he was still fighting. This moment cemented Mankind’s fearlessness and The Undertaker’s dominance.
If you love WWE, don’t miss WWE’s Greatest Moments airing exclusively on BLAZE from Friday 2nd January. Tune in as wrestling royalty breaks down the most iconic moments in the sport, with special episodes on Randy Savage, John Cena, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Mick Foley. Want to explore more WWE content? Dive into our brand new WWE hub.