25 Best Wrestling Shows EVER

5. WWE WrestleMania 39

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WWE

Conversely to an entry that will follow imminently, WrestleMania 39 will age gracefully. 

The best two-night show of the new era of WrestleMania, the controversial finish to Roman Reigns Vs. Cody Rhodes I undermined its brilliance - that was until Roman Vs. Cody II, which reframed the original as a bold, necessary chapter in an all-time great modern story. The WrestleMania 39 match was better than the second. It was a masterclass in big-time WWE drama. In the age of the smartphone, its brilliance is best illustrated by how mesmerising it was. 

They could have gone an hour, and you’d still be locked in. Rhythm and pacing is what differentiates a good match from a classic. Cody and Roman had 60,000 stadium fans on strings. 

It was the show on which the importance of tag team wrestling, through the Usos Vs. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens, was restored on a feel-good main event scale. It was the show on which, through GUNTHER Vs. Drew McIntyre Vs. Sheamus, WWE proved itself capable of promoting brutal, best-in-class warfare “for the sickos”. It was the show on which, through Rey Vs. Dominick Mysterio, WWE rediscovered its resourceful, unparalleled soap opera magic. 

It was the show that - after the fact - rebuilt decades of lost trust. 

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!