10 Hugely Underrated WWE WrestleMania Matches

9. The Rockers Vs. The Orient Express - WrestleMania VI

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WWE.com

Back before WrestleMania, at its modern worst, all too often featured part-time acts huffing and puffing over epic matches they were no longer physically equipped to wrestle, Vince McMahon once booked stellar tag team action on the Grandest Stage.

Destroying with a gripping babyface performance the untrue and unfair Not Shawn Michaels narrative, this was Marty Jannetty's match. Known as that and for his influential agility, in full effect over the course of eight pulsating minutes, Jannetty was more credible than even his favourable legacy suggests; in the early going, he decked Pat Tanaka with a fabulous worked punch. That may not read as altogether impressive, but contrast it with the lethargic over-use of the move today. Jannetty struck it so perfectly that it's a wonder he didn't blacken Pat's eye.

From there, the Rockers - in no condition to perform yet out-performing virtually the entire midcard - wrestled in perfect athletic synchronisation. The Orient Express soon settled on the standard divide and conquer heel tactic throughout which Jannetty sustained interest with a stellar sell-job assisted by Mr. Fuji who, incidentally, is also something of a victim of a false narrative. He was no Bobby Hennan - who was? - but he enraged the audience here by blinding Jannetty with salt after the man had entered an awesome performance. Look at that GIF. Even now, the majority of performers who attempt that spot end up squatting or off-balance.

Not Jannetty. Not even hungover Jannetty.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!