33 WWE WrestleMania Opening Matches Ranked From Worst To Best

8. The Rockers Vs. Haku & The Barbarian - WrestleMania VII

Triple H Daniel Bryan WrestleMania XXX
WWE Network

A match boasting unique characters and, consequently, an easy dynamic, this was all-action - so much so that certain spots belong more to this century than the 20th. The sequence in which both Rockers kipped up in stereo before being turned inside out by the Barbarian both underscored their underdog plight and delivered a moment of blink-and-you'll-miss it turbo drama expertly calibrated to get the crowd rolling.

A gripping story of two high-energy babyfaces avoiding heavyweight punishment at the last possible second, this was superb - near-perfect for the opening match remit.

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!