10 Wrestlers Who Didn't Turn Up For WrestleMania

5. Triple H - WrestleMania 25

Paul Heyman Brock Lesnar
WWE

The Triple H Vs. Randy Orton feud of 2009 - as opposed to the hundreds of times they had previously clashed - was almost comical in its ultra-violent slant. Orton had devolved from killer to sociopath (that's wrestling logic for you), punting Vince and Shane McMahon in the head before RKO-ing - and kissing - Stephanie McMahon.

In retaliation at this terrorism, Triple H invaded Orton's home and beat the bejesus out of him, memorably sending him through a window. Stakes had rarely been higher for a championship match. What stipulation would WWE (over which Trips had significant creative control) put in place to cap off this escalating violence? Ladder? Hell In A Cell? Crocodile Death?

Their match at WrestleMania XXV was a straight singles match - one which acknowledged the wider storyline in the least cathartic manner imaginable. Triple H would relinquish his title in the event of disqualification. It was a decent enough performance from Triple H - but the angle necessitated something far beyond that.

Though Orton was equally to blame, Trips gets the nod here because his big-match bibliography contains many a ponderous tome. His Show Of Shows matches opposite Chris Jericho, Brock Lesnar and Booker T were similarly underwhelming.

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!