7 Matches That Should Have Headlined WrestleMania

6. The Rock Vs. Hollywood Hogan - WrestleMania X8

CM Punk The Undertaker
WWE

The idea that WrestleMania should always close with a World Title match is a fallacy.

The WWE Heavyweight Title has survived the reigns of Mr. McMahon and Jinder Mahal. The physical belt itself has survived an ugly redesign, from epic golden eagle to the disgusting spinning bling sported by John Cena. Its prestige is permanent. If anything, booking a Heavyweight Title match to follow that which cannot be followed throws those fighting for it into a more vicious snake pit; one way or the other, that title loses something. A lengthy featured upper midcard match received by an enthusiastic crowd is far less damaging than a paper main event watched with eyes half open.

The Rock Vs. Hollywood Hogan was always going to generate a nuclear reaction. That much was clear, even if Hogan's nostalgia-driven face turn wasn't. As expected, they seduced the crowd by simply surveying them. Conversely, Triple H Vs. Chris Jericho worked hard, but the knackered crowd, a Champion lacking in credibility, and p*ss-weak preceding programme converged to create widespread apathy.

If Lawrence Taylor can headline over the gold, it's safe to say that The Rock and Hulk Hogan are probably worthy of the honour.

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 surefire Undisputed WWE Universal 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!