As anticipation builds for WrestleMania 41, the WWE recently made headlines by unveiling a notable addition to its Hall of Fame: the “WWE Immortal Moments” category. This new segment is crafted to honor remarkable moments and matches that have defined WWE history and its impact on wrestling as a whole. The inaugural inductee will be the legendary clash between Bret Hart and Steve Austin at WrestleMania 13, a match widely regarded as one of the greatest in the event’s history and a pivotal moment that sparked the Attitude Era.
This newly established category promises continual growth, and in light of its expansion, we present a selection of ten memorable moments we would love to see celebrated as future “Immortal Moments”inductees.
The following list includes matches from WWE’s diverse territory history, including WCW, ECW, and NWA, aligning with WWE’s tradition of honoring figures from various wrestling backgrounds. Notably, these matches are presented in no particular order, as each holds significant value deserving of induction.
10 Hulk Hogan Joins The nWo
1996’s Bash at the Beach
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B638ROb-iYk
One of the most defining moments in wrestling, Hulk Hogan’s shocking heel turn at the 1996 Bash at the Beach marked the inception of the New World Order (nWo) and set the stage for a fierce battle over WCW’s dominance. Hogan’s notorious leg drop on Randy Savage still resonates as perhaps the most iconic betrayal in wrestling history.
This heel turn not only reshaped WCW’s trajectory, allowing it to dominate WWE for 83 consecutive weeks, but also forced Vince McMahon to confront the reality of potential defeat in an era he had long controlled. While many attempted to replicate Hogan’s impact, none have managed to rival it—at least not yet.
9 Mankind Goes Off The Top Of Hell In A Cell
1997’s King of the Ring
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89BPNcsL7QI
Regarded as one of wrestling’s most shocking moments, Mankind’s fall from atop the Hell in a Cell during his match against The Undertaker left fans in disbelief. Launched off the cell, Mankind plummeted onto the Spanish announce table, etching his place in history.
The subsequent chokeslam through the cell’s roof resulted in a brutal impact, nearly costing Mick Foley his life and transforming the landscape of professional wrestling. This moment encapsulates the essence of wrestling’s push for ever more daring and intense matches, earning its place as both an “Immortal”and an unforgettable “Holy S***!”moment.
8 Edge Spears Jeff Hardy
WrestleMania X-Seven
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8e_HCf18Hw
At WrestleMania X-Seven, the Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match was still a fresh concept, yet quickly became memorable thanks to its breathtaking sequences. Among the many unforgettable moments, Edge’s spear to Jeff Hardy, who was precariously dangling from the championship titles, stands out as the focal point.
This riveting contest not only showcased the best of the tag team wrestling era but also solidified this particular moment as one of the most replayed and discussed highlights in WWE history, cementing its status as an “Immortal Moment.”
7 Daniel Bryan’s “Yes Movement”
WrestleMania XXX
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfFrDS2cCKA
In a rare instance where fan enthusiasm directly influenced WWE’s storyline direction, Daniel Bryan’s rise to prominence leading up to WrestleMania XXX exemplified this powerful connection. The “Yes Movement”ignited during the 2014 Royal Rumble, ultimately securing Bryan a highly anticipated match against Batista and Randy Orton.
The moment when Batista succumbed to Bryan’s “Yes Lock,”crowning him as WWE World Heavyweight Champion, resonated deeply with fans, allowing them to feel a sense of empowerment against a seemingly out-of-touch authority. This vital entry not only marked a pivotal point in Bryan’s career but also highlighted the influence of fans in shaping wrestling narratives.
6 Dusty Rhodes Beats Ric Flair
1986’s The Great American Bash
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EwD3iyVBS8
The climax of the most significant storyline in NWA history occurred when Dusty Rhodes faced off against Ric Flair for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship inside a steel cage. In a thrilling contest, Rhodes triumphed with a small package pin, ending Flair’s 793-day reign and solidifying his place in the wrestling pantheon.
This victory was monumental, establishing Rhodes as a premier main event player while reinforcing Flair’s legacy as the best heel in the business. Consequently, this historic moment is undeniably worthy of the Hall of Fame.
5 Goldberg’s Streak (or Its End)
June 23, 1997 – December 27, 1998
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu1VBP4kVGY
As Goldberg approaches retirement, newer wrestling fans may not fully appreciate the breadth of his dominance during his stint in WCW. With an astounding official record of 173-0, Goldberg’s undefeated run captivated audiences, showcasing an extraordinary career until it was abruptly halted by Scott Hall and Kevin Nash through a controversial finish involving a cattle prod and a Jackknife powerbomb.
This moment in history not only encapsulated the fierce competition of the Monday Night Wars but also displayed Goldberg’s potential as a formidable adversary to the nWo. While the streak itself represents a monumental era, its dramatic conclusion likely holds a strong place in the upcoming Hall of Fame category.
4 The First Women’s Main Event of WrestleMania
WrestleMania 35
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1-4sqqEfxM
WrestleMania 35 witnessed a transformative moment in wrestling history with the first-ever women’s main event. The match featured Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey, SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair, and the ever-popular Becky Lynch, who surprised everyone by claiming a spot in this historic matchup.
As Lynch emerged victorious, pinning Rousey to become “Becky Two Belts,”this moment shattered barriers for women’s wrestling, showcasing their prowess and depth in the industry. This landmark event laid the groundwork for future women’s matches, making this induction a rightful tribute to the evolution of women’s wrestling.
3 Hulk Hogan Slams Andre The Giant
WrestleMania III
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz8q5ZjboXY
One moment stands unrivaled in wrestling lore: Hulk Hogan slamming Andre The Giant at WrestleMania III. This legendary feat not only propelled WWE into the mainstream spotlight but also defined an era characterized by the explosive presence of Hulkamania.
Some may argue this moment could be the inaugural induction in the “Immortal Moments”category, though it might be saved for a future ceremony as WWE navigates the recent controversies surrounding Hogan. Regardless, its impact on wrestling history is undeniable and unassailable.
2 KofiMania
WrestleMania 35
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwXipjN_bh4
Kofi Kingston’s journey to the WWE Championship culminated in a remarkable narrative that capitalized on a decade-long career. Despite not being initially positioned as a main event star, Kofi’s passionate fanbase overwhelmed WWE, compelling them to alter their plans for WrestleMania 35, where he faced Daniel Bryan.
The triumphant moment of Kofi’s victory and becoming the first African-born WWE Champion solidified KofiMania as a landmark achievement, resonating deeply with fans and wrestlers alike. This moment represents a significant evolution in WWE’s approach to storytelling and inclusivity, ensuring its rightful place as an “Immortal Moment”in history.
1 Undertaker’s Streak Is Over
WrestleMania XXX
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pHyXbN_tnE
No account of WrestleMania can overlook the significance of The Undertaker’s legendary undefeated streak of 21-0, which featured unforgettable confrontations with iconic wrestlers. The annual anticipation of who would face The Deadman became a hallmark of the event.
The abrupt end of this streak at the hands of Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania XXX not only shocked the wrestling world but also signified a monumental shift in the narrative landscape of WWE. The impact of this event makes it a prime candidate for induction in the Hall of Fame’s new category, reflecting the profound legacy of Undertaker’s Streak.