WWE fans frequently compare the company’s various eras, from the wrestlers themselves to the matches to the performance style. When that happens, the Golden Era of the 1980s and early 1990s and the Attitude Era of the late 1990s and early 2000s often come up.
But what would it be like if performers from those eras faced off against modern-day superstars? This is often a popular discussion, and here are five fantasy Triple Threat matches involving performers from each era.
#1 Roberts vs. Undertaker vs. Wyatt
This one is really a no-brainer, as each of these men mastered the art of being creepy in their respective eras. Whether it was Jake “The Snake” Roberts with is real-life snake, the Undertaker’s brooding entrances or Bray Wyatt’s surprise appearances, these guys know intimidation.
What’s better is that Undertaker faced each of these dream opponents in real life, but the restrictions of time kept Wyatt and Roberts from being in the ring together. We can imagine that whatever happened would be at least a little scary, though.
#2 Flair vs. Rock vs. Bryan
This one comes completely down to fan reaction. Some WWE performers seem to really nail getting a reaction out of the crowd, one of the biggest assets to being accepted as a true heel or babyface.
Ric Flair may have only been in the WWE for a couple years of the WWE’s Golden Era, but he was a master in the heel arts. The Rock, meanwhile, excelled as a heel before turning to the face side of things, while Bryan was one of the most “over” faces of the last couple decades. All that to say, the crowd would definitely be into this match regardless of the era.
#3 Hogan vs. Angle vs. Cena
If there was a way to make this one happen on July 4th, that would be very fitting. In their respective eras of WWE or WWF performance, John Cena, Kurt Angle and Hulk Hogan were viewed as the All-American superstars.
For Hogan, it was his omnipresence in various forms of entertainment. For Angle, he was actually an Olympic wrestling champion representing his home country. As for Cena, he has been the default defender of America’s honor against the likes of Rusev and frequently works with the nation’s armed forces. Add in some apple pie, and we’ve got ourselves a showdown.
#4 Savage vs. Michaels vs. Rollins
These three men are among the top showmen of their respective eras. For Savage, that focused heavily on his antics and persona, while Michaels and Rollins are both known more for their in-ring skill, all three men know how to put on a show.
Michaels and Rollins are already frequently compared due to heel turns at the start of their singles career, holding two belts at once and connections to Triple H. Add in a peak Savage, and this one could headline almost any event.
#5 Piper vs. Austin vs. Ambrose
This match would definitely test how much intensity one ring can handle. The late Roddy Piper got “Rowdy” before Steve Austin was drinking beer in the ring and Dean Ambrose was establishing his “Lunatic” tendencies, and he’s shared the ring with both men.
For this one, there would have to be some sort of extreme rules in play, perhaps a full-on Falls Count Anywhere stipulation. If that happened, there’s really no telling where the combatants might end up, and someone would most certainly end up bleeding.
