Analysis: In our final grouping before entering the top 100, we’ve made it to the point in the countdown where quality is basically ensured in any of your choices, and each match on this list has something positive which can be said about it.
I’d expect most to scoff at John Cena vs. The Miz being this high on the list, but I still defend Miz’s reign as champion, and the impending issue with The Rock made that main event more unpredictable than most expected.
Also,we begin to find high-quality Divas action in this grouping at #125, as Trish, Jazz and Lita put on a great show at WrestleMania 18.
Must-Watch: The work rate of matches certainly steps up with most of the options on this list, but if I have to choose, I’d point you towards #132 – Cody Rhodes vs. Rey Mysterio.
Also, there’s some great tag team wrestling in this collection at #122, with Demolition vs. Strike Force, and #140, The Hart Foundation vs. Shake, Rattle & Roll, The Honky Tonk Man and Greg Valentine.
Fans today are so conditioned to how a tag team match needs to go, that going back and watching a match or two from this era can really be refreshing.
Hidden Gem: #136 – Chris Jericho vs.Jimmy Snuka, Roddy Piper, and Ricky Steamboat from WrestleMania 25. Nobody expected this to become a legitimately good wrestling match, but Ricky Steamboat shows that age doesn’t mean a thing, and has a great showing with Y2J.
Greatest Mania matches ever:
3. Edge vs Foley WM22
2. Taker vs HBK WM25
1. (and this will always be the case, can never be topped – Steamboat vs Savage WM3 – also the greatest Mania ever)