25 Best Wrestling Shows EVER

6. WWE WrestleMania X-Seven

The Rock WM XL
WWE

A not-so-classic opener and rough undercard barely mattered. When it peaked, WrestleMania X-Seven was an all-timer.

Remembered fondly as the desert island pro wrestling show, that reputation, as the best wide-ranging pro wrestling "sampler" ever, is richly deserved. The best of the Attitude Era was embodied throughout the composite brilliance of the show. Aspects of it have dated in such a way that it is no longer as nostalgic. It’s difficult to enjoy the technical mastery of Kurt Angle Vs. Chris Benoit and the dark, demented, twist-heavy soap opera of Mr. McMahon Vs. Shane McMahon through a 2024 lens. 

At the time, it was unreal, and you can still watch most of it back with a wide-eyed grin. Limp Bizkit. Tens and thousands of flashbulbs. Beer foam spraying everywhere. The Edge spear. The word is terrible and often used to "get jokes off", but 'Mania X-Seven was cinematic. 

TLC II was as exhilarating as it was iconic. Move-for-incredible-move, it still holds up as one of the best stunt shows ever. Raven Vs. Big Show Vs. Kane was the daft, violent backstage brawl that people to this day attempt to emulate in video games. The Gimmick Battle Royale was a joy of nostalgic levity; Bobby Heenan on the night was as good once as he ever was. 

The finish sort of killed the business as a big-time concern for almost two decades, but what a main event: Steve Austin Vs. the Rock was pulsating, massive-feeling brawl in which the finisher theft trope was perfected. They had to embody one another just to beat one another; that’s how close the race was.

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!