WrestleMania is so much more than just a wrestling show; it’s an event that, if only for a short period of time, elevates the sport of professional wrestling to a higher level of public consciousness. Performers usually make the most of this increased exposure, but sometimes their efforts inside the squared circle are completely overshadowed by their elaborate entrance, an entrance befitting the grand spectacle of this annual extravaganza. Let’s look at ten of the very best WrestleMania entrances.
10. Ric Flair - WrestleMania XXIV
Bringing the curtain down on a career spanning almost three decades, the legendary Ric Flair made his final walk to the ring sporting a robe that made the rest of his elaborate collection appear dull by comparison. Accompanied by a massive burst of pyro, ‘The Nature Boy’ was ready for his emotional farewell match with Shawn Michaels.
9. CM Punk - WrestleMania XXIX
CM Punk might have failed to break The Undertaker’s WrestleMania undefeated streak in 2013, but he arguably beat ‘The Deadman’ for best entrance that year, an incredible feat. A fan of counter-culture and punk music, the controversial superstar made his way to the ring with the legendary Living Colour flawlessly performing his theme, ‘Cult of Personality’.
8. John Cena - WrestleMania 23
Over the years John Cena has made his way to the ring at WrestleMania via a number of unique methods, but his arrival at Ford Field back in 2007 might have been his best to date. Tearing through the arena in iconic Ford Mustang, paying tribute to Detroit’s motoring history, Cena’s smashing entrance, pun intended, was one fit for a man headlining the year’s biggest show.
7. The Ultimate Warrior - WrestleMania VI
Intensity and energy were traits synonymous with the legendary Ultimate Warrior, so few were surprised with his entrance for the then ground breaking ‘Champion vs. Champion’ main event clash with Hulk Hogan in 1990. Forgoing the usual mini-ring carts used by other competitors, the late superstar instead sprinted down the aisle, creating one of the earliest highlight reel entrances in the process.
Bringing the curtain down on a career spanning almost three decades, the legendary Ric Flair made his final walk to the ring sporting a robe that made the rest of his elaborate collection appear dull by comparison. Accompanied by a massive burst of pyro, ‘The Nature Boy’ was ready for his emotional farewell match with Shawn Michaels.
9. CM Punk - WrestleMania XXIX
CM Punk might have failed to break The Undertaker’s WrestleMania undefeated streak in 2013, but he arguably beat ‘The Deadman’ for best entrance that year, an incredible feat. A fan of counter-culture and punk music, the controversial superstar made his way to the ring with the legendary Living Colour flawlessly performing his theme, ‘Cult of Personality’.
8. John Cena - WrestleMania 23
Over the years John Cena has made his way to the ring at WrestleMania via a number of unique methods, but his arrival at Ford Field back in 2007 might have been his best to date. Tearing through the arena in iconic Ford Mustang, paying tribute to Detroit’s motoring history, Cena’s smashing entrance, pun intended, was one fit for a man headlining the year’s biggest show.
7. The Ultimate Warrior - WrestleMania VI
Intensity and energy were traits synonymous with the legendary Ultimate Warrior, so few were surprised with his entrance for the then ground breaking ‘Champion vs. Champion’ main event clash with Hulk Hogan in 1990. Forgoing the usual mini-ring carts used by other competitors, the late superstar instead sprinted down the aisle, creating one of the earliest highlight reel entrances in the process.
6. Shawn Michaels - WrestleMania XXV
In 2009 Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker participated in one of the greatest wrestling matches of all time. The amazing entrances prior were the icing on the cake. With a feud focused on ‘The light versus the darkness’, Michaels’ religious themed entrance was in stark contrast to the usual gothic theatrics of his adversary, and it is one of the most enduring images from that year’s event.
5. Edge - WrestleMania XXIV
Having finally reached the summit of professional wrestling in 2008, Edge celebrated his WrestleMania main event slot in style. Defending the World Heavyweight Championship against The Undertaker, Edge’s incredible pyro and hyperactive TitonTron light show resulted in a visual that not only matched that of his legendary opponent, it arguably surpassed it.
4. Triple H - WrestleMania XXX
Lets face it: A standard Triple H entrance is awesome enough usually. ‘The Game’ has come to embrace a higher level of theatrics at the ‘Show of Shows’ over the years, and his entrance at last year’s event may have been his best. Preceded by a stunning, Game of Thrones-like introduction, this spine tingling entrance was yet another memorable moment for the veteran.
3. Stone Cold Steve Austin - WrestleMania 13
The sound of glass shattering is the precursor to one of the greatest, most recognisable wrestling themes of all time, but at WrestleMania 13 audiences didn't just hear this legendary sound bite, they saw it as well. Stone Cold Steve Austin making his way to the ring following the smashing of a plate of glass is one of the most famous scenes in the event’s history, almost as famous as the match that followed it...
2. Shawn Michaels - WrestleMania XII
Just about every WrestleMania themed video package or highlight reel will feature this awe-inspiring entrance. Opting against the traditional walk to the ring, WWE Championship contender Shawn Michaels instead used a zip line to glide from the rafters. This unbelievable arrival, coupled with his title win cemented Michaels as the company’s top star, and was the first in a long line of unforgettable matches and moments for the man who would go on to receive the moniker ‘Mr. WrestleMania’.
In 2009 Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker participated in one of the greatest wrestling matches of all time. The amazing entrances prior were the icing on the cake. With a feud focused on ‘The light versus the darkness’, Michaels’ religious themed entrance was in stark contrast to the usual gothic theatrics of his adversary, and it is one of the most enduring images from that year’s event.
5. Edge - WrestleMania XXIV
Having finally reached the summit of professional wrestling in 2008, Edge celebrated his WrestleMania main event slot in style. Defending the World Heavyweight Championship against The Undertaker, Edge’s incredible pyro and hyperactive TitonTron light show resulted in a visual that not only matched that of his legendary opponent, it arguably surpassed it.
4. Triple H - WrestleMania XXX
Lets face it: A standard Triple H entrance is awesome enough usually. ‘The Game’ has come to embrace a higher level of theatrics at the ‘Show of Shows’ over the years, and his entrance at last year’s event may have been his best. Preceded by a stunning, Game of Thrones-like introduction, this spine tingling entrance was yet another memorable moment for the veteran.
3. Stone Cold Steve Austin - WrestleMania 13
The sound of glass shattering is the precursor to one of the greatest, most recognisable wrestling themes of all time, but at WrestleMania 13 audiences didn't just hear this legendary sound bite, they saw it as well. Stone Cold Steve Austin making his way to the ring following the smashing of a plate of glass is one of the most famous scenes in the event’s history, almost as famous as the match that followed it...
2. Shawn Michaels - WrestleMania XII
Just about every WrestleMania themed video package or highlight reel will feature this awe-inspiring entrance. Opting against the traditional walk to the ring, WWE Championship contender Shawn Michaels instead used a zip line to glide from the rafters. This unbelievable arrival, coupled with his title win cemented Michaels as the company’s top star, and was the first in a long line of unforgettable matches and moments for the man who would go on to receive the moniker ‘Mr. WrestleMania’.
1. The Undertaker - Take Your Pick!
Picking The Undertaker’s greatest WrestleMania entrance is a thankless task, simply because this legendary superstar’s entrance is always one of the biggest highlights of the night. His goosebump inducing arrival, usually accompanied by pyro, flames, druids, and a blanket of smoke, is an incredible sight to behold, live or not. The Undertaker almost single-handedly rewrote the book on the use of theatrics in professional wrestling, and his awesome entrances are moments that fans look forward to all year round.
What's your favourite WrestleMania entrance? Comment below!
Images courtesy of WWE.com
Picking The Undertaker’s greatest WrestleMania entrance is a thankless task, simply because this legendary superstar’s entrance is always one of the biggest highlights of the night. His goosebump inducing arrival, usually accompanied by pyro, flames, druids, and a blanket of smoke, is an incredible sight to behold, live or not. The Undertaker almost single-handedly rewrote the book on the use of theatrics in professional wrestling, and his awesome entrances are moments that fans look forward to all year round.
What's your favourite WrestleMania entrance? Comment below!
Images courtesy of WWE.com