5 Matches that changed the course of WWE history

WWE is the biggest promotion in professional wrestling and has years of history backing it. The company has developed huge superstars that have left an irreplaceable mark on the industry. These stars have competed in the ring with one another to create magic and dramatically shift the landscape of the company.

These historic bouts have been for Championship gold or to settle deeply personal feuds. Whether it be in the main event or opening the show, these are the kind of clashes that are identifiable to every wrestling fan. They leave memories that live on in our minds for years to follow.

Although there have been quite a few signature moments in television contests, this list will be all pay-per-view matches. Superstars always step up more when the lights are on the brightest.

These showdowns totally changed the fortunes of the industry as a whole. In this article, let's take a look at five matches that changed the course of WWE history.

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#5 Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon in a Ladder Match for the Undisputed Intercontinental Championship - WWE WrestleMania 10

The very first ladder match in WWE history was between Shawn Michaels and Bret "The Hitman" Hart. However, the first nationally televised ladder match for the company occurred at WrestleMania 10. Following the suspension of Intercontinental Champion Michaels, Razor Ramon won the vacant title. When the HBK returned, he came back with his own Intercontinental Title.

With both men claiming their legitimacy, the company determined that the undisputed Champ will be crowned in a ladder match. Shawn Michaels put in a phenomenal performance, taking risks off the top of the ladder and using it in unique ways to dish out punishment to Ramon. Razor played a valiant babyface, withstanding the pain and fighting from underneath.

Ramon defeated Michaels to become the undisputed Champion, but the impact of this contest was felt on both men and the company. This ladder match solidified the fact that Shawn Michaels would become a top star and future WWE Champion. For Ramon, this cemented him as a bonafide superstar and eventually led to a huge payday from WCW two years later.

The ladder match would become one of the staples of World Wrestling Entertainment. The bout has seen many variations in the years since. Whether it's TLC Match or the Money In The Bank, it always delivers an entertaining spectacle regardless of how many superstars are involved. The WrestleMania 10 Ladder Match set the groundwork for so much in the promotion.

#4 The Undertaker vs. Mankind in a Hell In A Cell Match - WWE King of the Ring 1998

The Undertaker has had many memorable clashes in WWE history. The Deadman was in the first Casket, Buried Alive and Last Ride matches for the company. He also holds the honor of being apart of the first two Hell In A Cell matches on pay-per-view. Although The Undertaker could make this list for his match against Shawn Michaels, the bout against Mankind took things to another level.

Mankind knew that he didn't have the athleticism or wasn't the worker that Taker's previous Hell In A Cell opponent was, so he wanted to immediately make the bout stand out by starting on top of the cage. This led to the most death-defying stunt in the company's history when Undertaker launched his opponent off the Cell.

Mankind was set to be stretchered away when he fought back to the top of the cage. This led to The Undertaker delivering a chokeslam to his opponent through the roof. Surprisingly, this didn't end things either. The fact that Mick Foley fought through the pain to finish the contest says it all. This totally changed the risks taken by WWE Superstars to this day. No one will ever forget this one.

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#3 John Cena vs. CM Punk for the WWE Championship - WWE Money In The Bank 2011

The buildup to Money In The Bank 2011 was incredible. CM Punk's pipebomb may be the most important promo in World Wrestling Entertainment's history. It truly changed everything in the promotion. Punk's speech led to the returns of Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar, as well as Triple H taking on an authority figure role on camera.

Punk's main event showdown against John Cena for the WWE Title felt significant. The Voice of the Voiceless declared that he would leave the company after winning the gold, while Vince McMahon declared that if Cena lost, he would be fired. The stakes were high and the Chicago crowd was hot for everything from the entrances to the final bell.

The action was high impact and had amazing storytelling throughout. Both men had Chicago fans fully invested for the entire duration. Mr. McMahon and Johnny Ace tried to get involved, but Punk used this to hit the Go To Sleep and win the WWE Championship. This match made Punk a megastar in the industry that he remains to this day. This ushered in the reality era for WWE.

#2 Sasha Banks vs. Bayley for the NXT Women's Championship - NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn

The rise of NXT worked in parallel with WWE caring more about women's wrestling. Starting out with Paige and Emma, the women's division of the black and gold brand had a totally different feel from the main roster. They focused on the skills of their female performers and presenting them on even ground with the men.

The Four Horsewomen of Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks and Bayley continued this progression and took it to the next level. The latter two women developed a strong rivalry based on their polarizing characters. Sasha Banks was the cocky Boss who looked down on her rival, while Bayley was the loveable babyface Hugger who was determined to reach the top.

At the first NXT TakeOver outside of Full Sail University, TakeOver: Brooklyn, Banks defended the NXT Women's Title against Bayley in a huge showdown. This had a big fight feel right from the entrances. The crowd was vocal and ready to witness something truly memorable.

They produced a classic that every fan still remembers fondly. The two women showcased their incredible chemistry in a compelling encounter. Bayley pulled out the biggest win of her career, hitting a top-rope poisonrana and following it up with the Bayley To Belly to win the NXT Women's Championship. This is a bout that elevated women's wrestling and made the main roster take it seriously to this day.

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#1 Bret "The Hitman" Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin in a Submission Match - WWE WrestleMania 13

The Attitude Era is the most important and successful period in the history of World Wrestling Entertainment. 1997 saw the company shift in a different direction, with characters becoming more realistic and cutting-edge storytelling. The rivalry between Bret "The Hitman" Hart and Stone Cold Steve Austin showed these elements early, but it all came to a head at WrestleMania 13.

At the Showcase of Immortals, the two bitter rivals met in a Submission Match. But this wasn't a technical wrestling clinic, as it was a riveting brawl that went all over the Allstate Arena. Austin was busted open by Bret using a ring bell. This totally hindered the Texas Rattlesnake and led to a dramatic finish.

With the blood pouring down his face, Austin was locked in the Sharpshooter. Despite losing blood and being beaten for over 20 minutes, Stone Cold refused to quit and fought his hardest to make the ropes. He couldn't make it and passed out to give Hart the win. However, this wasn't enough for the Hitman.

Bret Hart continued to beat down Austin after the bell with a steel chair and locked back in the Sharpshooter. This display was dastardly and totally unlike The Hitman. This made the fans turn on their hero and embrace the valiant Austin who wouldn't give up. This double turn led to two of the greatest characters to ever grace World Wrestling Entertainment.

Bret Hart became a captivating character who was a heel in America and continued to be a good guy outside of the states. Stone Cold Steve Austin went on to become the biggest babyface in the company's history and the main reason for WWE defeating WCW in the Monday Night Wars. That's why Austin vs. Hart at WrestleMania 13 is the match that changed the course of WWE history.