This is the final set of matches in a series looking back over the great but overlooked matches from past WrestleManias. The previous lists looked at WrestleManias 1-6, 7-12, 13-18 and 19-24.
This list will focus on the most recent WrestleManias, so obviously the term “forgotten” is used loosely. While fans may have truly forgotten one or two of these matches existed on the sport’s grandest stage, others may simply be often overlooked, but they still hold plenty of merit in an era when fans can go back and watch these old events on the WWE Network.
Triple H def. Sheamus
This match is both impressive and frustrating at the same time. The action in the ring was really good, with Sheamus showing off way more technical ability than he’s displayed in recent years and Triple H still working well on the big stage.
The frustrating part was the finish, which saw Triple H hit Sheamus with a Pedigree to pick up a victory he didn’t really need.
Sheamus was a red-hot young talent at the time, and at nearly 41 years old, Triple H’s in-ring career was already winding down. The opposite result would’ve meant much more for Sheamus and the roster as a whole.
Cody Rhodes def. Rey Mysterio
This event may have left a lot to be desired as a whole, but there were things to love about this match. Mysterio dressed as Captain America, put on his usual athletic show, and Cody Rhodes, complete with a protective mask of his own, was also impressive.
The storytelling was also fun here, with both men trying to take the mask of his opponent at different points.
Things got a little weird at the end, with Mysterio attacking Rhodes with Rhodes’ mask and Rhodes returning the favor with Mysterio’s knee brace, but Rhodes got a solid win in the end.
Kane def. Randy Orton
Somehow, Kane has managed to become underrated for his abilities in the ring, and he showed them off against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 28. Since Orton is no slouch himself – particularly at high-profile events – the match probably isn’t remembered as fondly as it should be.
The two heavy-hitters brought their strength, and each took the upper hand at various points in the match.
Orton seemed destined for the win as he had Kane set up for an RKO off the second rope, but the “Big Red Machine” countered for an impressive high-risk choke slam to take home the win.
Team Hell No def. Ziggler/Big E
Kane managed to land on the list for back-to-back years, this time for his work alongside former partner Daniel Bryan. The two paired up to form Team Hell No and won the tag team titles despite often being at odds.
At WrestleMania 29, they defended their belts against Dolph Ziggler and Big E Langston – who had previously served as a bodyguard for Ziggler and AJ Lee.
Big E was made to look incredibly strong, and he and Ziggler would’ve made great tag champs, but Ziggler was destined to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase for a world championship the following night on RAW.
Battle Royal Beginning
This is something of a stretch because certainly everyone remembers that the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal began at WrestleMania 30, and most probably remember that Cesaro won the first one, eliminating the Big Show last.
But most may not remember how surprisingly enjoyable the match was, particularly the last few minutes of it. Several men who were among the mass of humanity in the ring to start the match, were not even regular contributors at the time, but by the end, superstars like the Big Show, Kofi Kingston, Alberto Del Rio, Sheamus and eventual winner Cesaro had the crowd on their feet.
That was particularly true when Cesaro body-slammed the “World’s Largest Athlete” out of the ring for the victory.
One of Samoa Joe's colleagues had harsh words for him HERE
