There are various theories about what makes a good opening match, and wrestling promotions have long grappled with perfecting this. Let’s discuss five excellent WrestleMania openers. This isn’t a ranking; rather, these are five outstanding matches, each remarkable for different reasons. Technical work-rate fans, beware—nostalgia and crowd energy also earn points with me…
Owen Hart, The British Bulldog, and Vader vs. Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Yokozuna, and Ahmed Johnson
WrestleMania XII. We start with Jake Roberts, whose DDT at WrestleMania always gets an incredible reaction. Watch any WrestleMania match he’s in, and you’ll hear the crowd chanting or gasping in anticipation for the DDT. They go wild when he finally hits it.This was Jake’s return WrestleMania after a rough stint in WCW and a tumultuous four years prior. The crowd still loved him here—despite being a face, a role that was unusual for Jake. Knowing his in-ring abilities would later suffer due to substance abuse, this match represents one of the last glimpses of Jake fully engaging with the crowd.At one point, even Vince McMahon on commentary gets caught up in the anticipation, shouting, “Jake is looking to give the DDT to the legal man!” as Yokozuna tags out and Jake enters. Although Jake does attempt the DDT, the Bulldog breaks it up after Jake delivers a kick to Owen Hart. When Jake finally hits the DDT on Owen, the crowd erupts, though the ref is distracted and Jake doesn’t get the pin.The crowd was invested throughout the match. Yokozuna’s assault on Vader in the corner causes a huge reaction. And yes, it’s Vader’s WrestleMania debut! Owen’s top-rope dropkick receives a big pop, and when Vader hits the Vader Bomb on Jake and secures the win, the crowd goes wild. The match effectively showcases each participant, including Ahmed Johnson, and the fans enjoy the intense action.
WWE Intercontinental Title: Chris Jericho (C) vs. William Regal
WrestleMania X-Seven. Regal’s double-underhook suplex from the top rope is a highlight.This match is one of the best openers from the legendary WrestleMania X-Seven. People often call X-Seven the best Mania ever.Both Jericho and Regal are among the finest in-ring performers of the last quarter-century. They generate significant heat and have distinct styles that avoid repetitiveness.Regal’s long run, first as Steven Regal in WCW and then in WWE, is impressive given his simple gimmick. A throwback to Harley Race, Regal combines toughness and technical prowess, despite the clichéd British gimmick.Regal became one of my favorites when he shot on Goldberg (rightfully so) but still did the job. Jericho also became a favorite with his various antics, including taunting Dean Malenko and his impressive performances in ladder matches.This match stands out as one of the best WrestleMania openers for the Intercontinental Title. The intensity and physicality, exemplified by Regal’s reddened chest from Jericho’s strikes, make it memorable. While Rob Van Dam and Regal the following year, and the seven-man ladder match at Mania 31, are strong contenders, this match is a classic.
Owen Hart vs. Bret Hart
WrestleMania X. I have to confess: Bret Hart matches that aren’t against Stone Cold Steve Austin don’t particularly excite me. Despite being a fan of Bret’s, I’ve seen him repeat certain moves often.However, I can overlook a signature style, and Bret’s match with Roddy Piper at WrestleMania VII and his bout with Austin at WrestleMania XIII are undeniably great. This match makes the list because it’s well-executed in-ring, has a compelling storyline, and its surprising ending sets up a fantastic conclusion to the pay-per-view. It’s rare for an opening match to impact the final match, but this one does.The match came about due to necessity. With a three-way struggle for the WWF title, Bret Hart needed to compete against his brother Owen in the opener to level the playing field after Lex Luger won a coin toss.The Hart sibling rivalry was one of the first to blend kayfabe and real-life family dynamics. The match itself is excellent, with Owen’s kicks and wrestling being sharp. The ending, where Bret is rolled up by Owen for the pin, was a genuine shock, adding depth to Bret’s eventual title win.Owen’s expression as Bret celebrates the title win later in the night adds layers to the storyline, making Bret’s title win more intriguing. The psychological layers here make it a standout.
Daniel Bryan vs. Triple H
WrestleMania 30. The “Yes!” Movement storyline was brilliantly executed. Daniel Bryan’s battle against the Authority for a title shot resonated with fans, reflecting the real-world discontent with corporate dominance.This match evokes the ECW 90s feel, where fan reaction was central to the story. It addresses the frustration with body types and booking in wrestling. Triple H’s role as the Authority trying to suppress Bryan added a meta layer to the story.The match itself is phenomenal. Bryan, in his Bruiser Brody-inspired look, takes a tremendous beating but still kicks out of Triple H’s Pedigree. His resilience and the fans’ support build excitement for the main event, where Bryan eventually triumphs. This match captures Bryan’s perseverance and engages the audience completely.
Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero
WrestleMania 21. This match marks a significant turning point. A year earlier, Eddie was at his career peak, defending the world title. A year later, Mysterio would win the world title after a record-breaking Rumble performance, symbolizing a passing of the torch.The match has more context than their previous encounter at Halloween Havoc 1997, as this is Eddie’s last WrestleMania before his tragic death. His physical state is evident, but the match still delivers high-quality wrestling.The storyline, involving Eddie’s losing streak and subtle tension with Mysterio, adds depth. The match itself is mesmerizing, with both wrestlers showcasing incredible chemistry and athleticism. The sequences of arm drags, power moves, and reversals highlight their skills, with Rey eventually securing the win after an intense back-and-forth.Mysterio’s post-match handshake with Eddie, despite Eddie’s visible weariness, adds a touching conclusion to their rivalry.
In the world of professional wrestling, the opening match of a major event like WrestleMania sets the tone for the entire show. A great opening match not only excites the crowd but also lays the groundwork for the rest of the night’s festivities. The five matches discussed here—ranging from the high-energy brawl of WrestleMania XII to the emotionally charged encounter between Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero at WrestleMania 21—demonstrate the diverse elements that make an opening match memorable.
These bouts highlight the importance of engaging storytelling, dynamic in-ring action, and the ability to captivate the audience right from the start. Whether it’s Jake Roberts’ legendary DDT, Chris Jericho and William Regal’s technical showcase, the dramatic Hart family feud, Daniel Bryan’s underdog triumph, or the poignant clash between Mysterio and Guerrero, each match brings something unique to the table.
Ultimately, the success of an opening match lies in its ability to ignite the crowd’s enthusiasm and set the stage for the rest of the event. These examples not only show what make great WrestleMania openers but also underscore the diverse ways in which wrestling can entertain and resonate with fans.
Some Honorable WrestleMania Openers:
- Seven Man Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Title – WrestleMania 31
- Money In The Bank Ladder Match – WrestleMania 25
- WWE Intercontinental Title: William Regal (C) vs Rob Van Dam – WrestleMania X8
- World Heavyweight Title: Edge (C) vs Alberto Del Rio – WrestleMania 27
