10 Most Important Matches In The History Of WWE

1. Randy Orton Vs. Batista Vs. Daniel Bryan - WrestleMania XXX

daniel bryan batista randy orton
WWE

The road to WrestleMania XXX was a battle for the heart of the company.

WWE wanted Batista, a proven draw and a soon-to-be-minted Hollywood darling, to bring the party in New Orleans. He was seen as a risk-free option in the publicly-traded age to ensure WrestleMania reached the intended casual audience, but his return risked the company's relationship with its hardcore fanbase. WWE had to be dragged to the conclusion fans had been literally screaming in their faces: Daniel Bryan was the man.

The match itself was a masterpiece; Bryan proved that his technical strong style could be woven seamlessly into the traditional, broad WWE main event mode, and he proved the old adage of muscles making money wrong - or at least antiquated. Fans wanted a relatable proxy for the millennial age, and the likeable, ultra-talented Bryan was the perfect fit. The match, 'Mania XXX's headliner, was uplifting and equally important. Its DNA can be felt throughout the roster at time of writing; it is brimming with smaller, technically-proficient performers with years of acclaimed experience on the independent scene.

Bryan's rise to the top of the card shifted the landscape and tore up the company's recruitment policy; the dynamic of the company changed with his fortunes.

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!