Usually, when wrestling fans recall a certain Pay-Per-View, it's because of the main event. After all, the bout which goes on last is often the main focus of the show, hence the term, "main event". As the attraction relied on to sell the show to people, the top liner is responsible for being the longest-lasting memory fans have of it, but it doesn't always work out that way. Sometimes, another match placed elsewhere on the card can steal the main event's proverbial thunder, even if that wasn't the plan. In theory, each contest has a role to play on the show, building up to the satisfying crescendo of the feature attraction. The opener, again ideally, is there to ignite the fans, and get them excited to see what's coming up next. It's an appetiser, if you will, an opening course, but one which can on occasion outshine the main dish. One of the most recent examples of this was Daniel Bryan's victory over Triple H at Wrestlemania 30, few bouts could match that one afterwards, and it stands tall as a highlight of the show. These 10 choices all reflect opening matches which were all excellent, but for whatever reason don't get as much praise from fans or critics as they should.
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
