WrestleMania: The Art of Grand Entrances
WrestleMania, often regarded as the pinnacle event of WWE, embodies the spirit of fight and flair, and a significant part of that allure is the grand entrances that WWE Superstars make. Every wrestler yearns for the moment where their name is called, and they step into the limelight, greeted by the roaring crowd. These elaborate entrances are not merely a formality; they are what make WrestleMania feel like an extraordinary celebration of wrestling.
The theatricality of professional wrestling finds its zenith at WrestleMania, where Superstars turn their entrances into a spectacle — often overshadowing the matches themselves. Sometimes, a competitor’s entrance proves to be so memorable that it outshines the contest that follows; this is not just a reflection of an impressive entry, but can also hint at the match’s lackluster nature. Regardless, these entrances leave a lasting impression, resonating with fans long after the final bell.
10 The Undertaker
WrestleMania IX
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Set against the backdrop of a Roman colosseum at Caesar’s Palace, this controversial WrestleMania featured some standout entrances, with The Undertaker’s being particularly memorable. Cloaked in mystery, he emerged carrying a vulture, enveloped in green fog — a spine-chilling yet captivating image.
While this entrance remains iconic in Taker’s history, it was followed by one of his most disappointing matches against the towering Giant Gonzalez. The encounter, marked by limited action and an unusual disqualification finish, became a notable point in Taker’s career for all the wrong reasons.
9 The Undertaker
WrestleMania XX
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This entrance offered a compelling return to The Undertaker’s classic persona for the 20th edition of WrestleMania, as he shed the biker image he had portrayed for several years. Flanked by druids and the ever-present Paul Bearer, this nostalgic display set the stage for a reunion with fans that resonated for years to come.
Although the match against Kane itself could not match the brilliance of their past bouts, the ambiance created by the entrance made it a memorable moment that celebrated The Undertaker’s storied legacy.
8 John “Bradshaw”Layfield
WrestleMania 21
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In a stark transformation from his previous appearances, JBL commanded the spotlight at WrestleMania 21 as WWE’s longest-reigning champion at the time. Accompanied by police escorts and a dramatic limousine arrival, the visual spectacle culminated with money raining down from the rafters.
Though his match against John Cena holds historical significance, marking Cena’s first WWE title victory, it sadly did not reach the excitement promised by JBL’s entrance.
7 John Cena
WrestleMania 25
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Once a prominent face of WWE, John Cena’s entrance at WrestleMania 25 is etched in fans’ memories as he charged through an exuberant crowd, surrounded by fans mimicking him. His run into the match against Big Show and Edge, while highly anticipated, was marred by timing issues due to a preceding match overrunning its allotted time.
Consequently, Cena’s championship bout suffered from a compressed runtime, preventing it from reaching the heights many had expected.
6 Sting
WrestleMania 31
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In a remarkable moment that marked his WWE debut, Sting’s entrance at WrestleMania 31 was both unexpected and thrilling. The energetic beat of Japanese taiko drums ushered him into the squared circle, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
Despite the entrance’s grandeur, it paled in comparison to the aftermath of the match involving Triple H, leaving both fans and pundits scratching their heads over the storytelling choices made during the event.
5 Rusev
WrestleMania 31
Rusev’s entrance in a massive tank, accompanied by Lana and the U.S. Title, was a magnificent spectacle that set the tone for his championship match against John Cena at WrestleMania 31. The visual of this imposing tank reinforced Rusev as a dominant force within WWE, contributing to one of the event’s most unforgettable moments.
While the match itself was decent, it could not eclipse the sheer impact of the entrance that engaged fans in a thrilling manner.
4 The Rock
WrestleMania 32
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The Rock’s appearance at WrestleMania 32 was not solely about entering the ring for a scheduled match; it was also a celebration of attendance and popularity. Accompanied by Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and culminating in a fiery gamble, The Rock showcased the charisma that has made him a household name.
He ultimately participated in an impromptu match with Erick Rowan, marking it as the fastest match in WrestleMania history, though fans may prefer to remember the entrance instead.
3 Alexa Bliss
WrestleMania 34
A highlight of WrestleMania 34 was Alexa Bliss, who embraced her ‘Goddess’ persona with a captivating entrance from an elevated platform, symbolizing her dominance over the women’s division.
However, the match against Nia Jax did not quite live up to expectations, losing fan interest as it progressed, despite Bliss’s efforts to maintain her strong character presence.
2 Shinsuke Nakamura
WrestleMania 34
Shinsuke Nakamura’s entrance at WrestleMania 34 was a convention of rock and grandeur as he showcased his electrifying theme, accompanied by Nita Strauss, solidifying him as a fan favorite. However, the anticipation for his match against AJ Styles quickly dwindled as the crowd’s energy waned during what proved to be a slower-paced bout.
1 The Fiend
WrestleMania 37
The Fiend’s grand entrance at WrestleMania 37 was an astonishing display that captivated the audience. Rising dramatically from a giant jack-in-the-box, he executed a theatrical presence that set high expectations for the match against Randy Orton.
Unfortunately, the match failed to deliver satisfaction, marred by an unexplainable finish involving Alexa Bliss. The abrupt outcome left fans frustrated and overshadowed what might have been a breakthrough moment for The Fiend’s character.
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