411Mania’s Countdown to Wrestlemania XXVI 3.22.10: Who Is The True Mr. WrestleMania?

We always hear the discussion. Who truly is Mr. Wrestlemania? Is it Hulk Hogan and his multiple main events to get the show off the ground? Is it The Undertaker and his 17-0 record? Is it Shawn Michaels and his series of show stealing matches? Well I decided to try to find out. I put together a bit of a scoring system combining record, main events, title wins, and match ratings to determine who truly is the best. But that is the easy part. The way I see it we can determine where everyone who ever performed at the event ranks. Needless to say surprises were everywhere. Who would have thought Jake The Snake seemed to have a dog of a match every year? Who knew Christian would crack the top ten without ever sniffing the main event in WWE? Those surprises and more to come, but first a little explanation on how this was done. It’s a rather simple scoring system.

Wins: 1 point
Draws: ½ point
Main Events (World Title Match or Final Match on the Card): 1 point
Title Wins: 2 points
Title Retention: 1 point
5 Star Match: 5 points
4-4.75 Star Match: 3 points
3-3.75 Star Match: 1 point
2-2.75 Star Match: 0 points
1-1.75 Star Match: -1 points
DUD-0.75 Star Match: -3 points
Negative Star Match: -5 points

For those who will inevitably ask I used my own match rankings from the series of Wrestlemania reviews I did for last year’s countdown. Ties will be broken by number of matches. Otherwise the tie will stand. In regards to gimmick changes that was kept to my discretion on rather they should be separate entries or not. Usually dependant on was the gimmick change acknowledged in kayfabe. So Mike Rotundo and Irwin R. Schyster are separate entries. One Man Gang and Akeem are not. Now then on with the countdown.

Honorable Mention
First things first I didn’t feel it was quite fair to include people who only participated in a Wrestlemania Battle Royal and did not win in the list. This would be one time Wrestlemania performers from the Wrestlemania 2 Battle Royal, Wrestlemania IV Battle Royal, Wrestlemania XIV Tag Team Battle Royal, Wrestlemania 2000 Hardcore Battle Royal, Wrestlemania X-Seven Gimmick Battle Royal, and the Wrestlemania XXV Miss Wrestlemania Battle Royal.

Jimbo Covert
Pedro Morales
Tony Atlas
Ted Arcidi
Harvey Martin
Dan Spivey
Ernie Holmes
Bill Fralic
Russ Francis
Bruno Sammartino
William Perry
Jim Powers
Sika
Sam Houston
Ken Patera
Ron Bass
Miguel
Jose
Jesus
Recon
Sniper
Chainz
Ricky Morton
Robert Gibson
Skull
8-Ball
Flash Funk
Pete Gas
Rodney
Crash Holly
Funaki
Joey Abs
Duke Droese
The Goon
Kamala
Kim Chee
Jim Cornette
Michael PS Hayes
The Gobbeldy Gooker
Brother Love
Alicia Fox
Brie Bella
Eve Torres
Gail Kim
Jillian Hall
Joy Giovanni
Katie Lea Burchill
Kelly Kelly
Layla
Maryse
Michelle McCool
Natalya
Nikki Bella
Rosa Mendes
Sunny
Tiffany

The Worst of the Worst
258. Hercules (Record: 1-4-1, -12 Match Rating Bonus, -10.5 Overall)
257. Jake “The Snake” Roberts (Record: 3-4-1, -12 Match Rating Bonus, -8.5 Overall)
256. Dino Bravo (Record: 1-3, -9 Match Rating Bonus, -8 Overall)
255. One Man Gang/Akeem (Record: 2-3, -10 Match Rating Bonus, -8 Overall)
254. Andre The Giant (Record: 2-3-1, 1 Main Event, -10 Match Rating Bonus, -6.5 Overall)
252. Melina (Record: 2-1, 1 Title Retained, -9 Match Rating Bonus, -6 Overall)
Torrie Wilson (Record: 2-1, -8 Match Rating Bonus, -6 Overall)
251. Molly Holly (Record: 0-2, -6 Match Rating Bonus,- 6 Overall)
250. Earthquake (Record: 4-1, -10 Match Rating Bonus, -6 Overall)
249. Don Muraco (Record: 1-2-1, -7 Match Rating Bonus,- 5.5 Overall)
243. Uncle Elmer (Record: 0-1, -5 Match Rating Bonus, -5 Overall)
Sensational Sherri (Record: 0-1, -5 Match Rating Bonus, -5 Overall)
Giant Gonzalez (Record: 0-1, -5 Match Rating Bonus, -5 Overall)
The Kat (Record: 0-1, -5 Match Rating Bonus, -5 Overall)
Sharmell (Record: 0-1, -5 Match Rating Bonus, -5 Overall)
Candice Michelle (Record: 0-1, -5 Match Rating Bonus, -5 Overall)
240. Big John Studd (Record: 0-2, -5 Match Rating Bonus, -5 Overall)
Beth Phoenix (Record: 1-1, -6 Match Rating Bonus, -5 Overall)
Butch Reed (Record: 1-1, -6 Match Rating Bonus, -5 Overall)
239. Bam Bam Bigelow (Record: 1-2, 1 Main Event, -7 Match Rating Bonus, -5 Overall)
238. King Kong Bundy (Record: 1-3, 1 Main Event, -7 Match Rating Bonus, -5 Overall)
237. Rick Martel (Record: 2-3, -7 Match Rating Bonus, -5 Overall)
236. David Sammartino (Record: 0-0-1, -5 Match Rating Bonus, -4.5 Overall)
230. Terri Runnels (Record: 1-0, -5 Match Rating Bonus, -4 Overall)
Dusty Rhodes (Record: 1-0, -5 Match Rating Bonus, -4 Overall)
Sapphire (Record: 1-0, -5 Match Rating Bonus, -4 Overall)
Goldberg (Record: 1-0, -5 Match Rating Bonus,- 4 Overall)
Santina Marella (Record: 1-0, -5 Match Rating Bonus, -4 Overall)
The Boogeyman (Record: 1-0, -5 Match Rating Bonus, -4 Overall)
225. Adrian Adonis (Record: 1-1, -5 Match Rating Bonus, -4 Overall)
Doink The Clown (Record: 1-1, -5 Match Rating Bonus, -4 Overall)
Steve Blackman (Record: 0-2, -4 Match Rating Bonus, -4 Overall)
Ashley Massaro (Record: 0-2, -4 Match Rating Bonus, -4 Overall)
Leilani Kai (Record: 0-2, -4 Match Rating Bonus, -4 Overall)
223. Koko B. Ware (Record: 0-3, -4 Match Rating Bonus,- 4 Overall)
Bart Gunn (Record: 0-3, -4 Match Rating Bonus, -4 Overall)
222. Hacksaw Jim Duggan (Record: 2-1-1, -6 Match Rating Bonus, -3.5 Overall)
213. S.D. Jones (Record: 0-1, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -3 Overall)
George Wells (Record: 0-1, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -3 Overall)
Velvet McIntyre (Record: 0-1, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -3 Overall)
Dink The Clown (Record: 0-1, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -3 Overall)
Adam Bomb (Record: 0-1, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -3 Overall)
Tori (Record: 0-1, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -3 Overall)
Ivory (Record: 0-1, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -3 Overall)
Lita (Record: 0-1, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -3 Overall)
Stacey Kiebler (Record: 0-1, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -3 Overall)
208. George “The Animal” Steele (Record: 0-2, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -3 Overall)
Paul Roma (Record: 0-2, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -3 Overall)
Boris Zhukov (Record: 0-2, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -3 Overall)
Al Snow (Record: 0-2, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -3 Overall)
Miss Jackie (Record: 0-2, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -3 Overall)
207. Junkyard Dog (Record: 1-3, -4 Match Rating Bonus, -3 Overall)
206. Jacques Rougeau/The Mountie (Record: 1-6, 1 Title Retention, -5 Match Rating Bonus, -3 Overall)
205. Billy Jack Haynes (Record: 0-0-1, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -2.5 Overall)
198. Corporal Kirschner (Record: 1-0, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -2 Overall)
Red Rooster (Record: 1-0, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -2 Overall)
The Texas Tornado (Record: 1-0, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -2 Overall)
Butterbean (Record: 1-0, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -2 Overall)
Akebono (Record: 1-0, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -2 Overall)
The Great Khali (Record: 1-0, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -2 Overall)
Floyd Mayweather (Record: 1-0, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -2 Overall)
195. Harley Race (Record: 1-1, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -2 Overall)
Bobby Heenan (Record: 1-1, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -2 Overall)
Bob Backlund (Record: 0-2, -2 Match Rating Bonus, -2 Overall)
193. Bad News Brown (Record: 1-0-2, -4 Match Rating Bonus, -2 Overall)
D’Lo Brown (Record: 0-3, -2 Match Rating Bonus, -2 Overall)
192. Crush (Record: 0-4, -2 Match Rating Bonus, -2 Overall)
191. Tito Santana (Record: 1-7, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -2 Overall)
183. The Fabulous Moolah (Record: 1-0, 1 Title Retention, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
Little Tokyo (Record: 0-1, -1 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
Lord Littlebrooke (Record: 0-1, -1 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
Skinner (Record: 0-1, -1 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
Alundra Blayze (Record: 1-0, 1 Title Retention, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
The Sultan (Record: 0-1, -1 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
Maven (Record: 0-1, -1 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
Christy Hemme (Record: 0-1, -1 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
170. Repo Man (Record: 0-2, -1 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
Mr. T (Record: 2-0, 1 Main Event, -4 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
Bushwhacker Butch (Record: 1-1, -2 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
Bushwhacker Luke (Record: 1-1, -2 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
The Warlord (Record: 0-2, -1 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
Henry O. Godwin (Record: 0-2, -1 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
Phineaus I. Godwin (Record: 0-2, -1 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
Ken Shamrock (Record: 0-2, -1 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
X-Pac (Record: 0-2, -1 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
Umaga (Record: 0-2, -1 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
Maria (Record: 0-2, -1 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
Jazz (Record: 1-1, 1 Title Retention, -3 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
Luna Vachon (Record: 1-1, -2 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
164. Raymond Rougeau (Record: 0-3, -1 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
Road Warrior Hawk (Record: 3-0, -4 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
Road Warrior Animal (Record: 3-0, -4 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
Sable (Record: 3-0, -4 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
Kama Mustafa/The Godfather (Record: 0-3, -1 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
Superfly Jimmy Snuka (Record: 0-3, -1 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
163. Hillbilly Jim (Record: 1-3, -2 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
162. The Big Boss Man (Record: 5-1, -6 Match Rating Bonus, -1 Overall)
161. Paul Orndorff (Record: 0-1-1, 1 Main Event, -2 Match Rating Bonus, -0.5 Overall)
160. Rowdy Roddy Piper (Record: 2-4-1, 1 Main Event, -4 Match Rating Bonus, -0.5 Overall)

Club Zero
127. The Executioner (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Matt Borne (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Mike Rotundo (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Cowboy Bob Orton (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Mr. Fuji (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Ronnie Garvin (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Eli Blu (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Jacob Blu (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Doug Furnas (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Phillip LaFon (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Aguila (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Saturn (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Dean Malenko (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Rob Conway (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Rene Dupree (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Garrison Cade (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Mark Jindrack (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Nunzio (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Jamie Noble (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Tajiri (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Akio (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Shannon Moore (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Ultimo Dragon (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Billy Kidman (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Doug Basham (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Danny Basham (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Chris Masters (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Marcus Cor Von (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Matt Striker (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Elijiah Burke (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Kevin Thorne (Record: 0-1, 0 Overall)
Little Beaver (Record: 1-0, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 0 Overall)
The Haiti Kid (Record: 1-0, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 0 Overall)
121. Barry Windham (Record: 0-2, 0 Overall)
Quebecer Pierre (Record: 0-2, 1 Title Retention, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 0 Overall)
Brian Christopher (Record: 1-1, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 0 Overall)
Val Venis (Record: 0-2, 0 Overall)
William Regal (Record: 0-2, 0 Overall)
Typhoon/Tugboat (Record: 1-1, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 0 Overall)
115. B. Brian Blair (Record: 0-3, 0 Overall)
Jumpin Jim Brunzell (Record: 0-3, 0 Overall)
Savio Vega (Record: 0-3, 0 Overall)
Headbanger Mosh (Record: 1-2, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 0 Overall)
Headbanger Thrasher (Record: 1-2, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 0 Overall)
Chavo Guerrero (Record: 1-2, 1 Title Retention, -2 Match Rating Bonus, 0 Overall)
114. Trish Stratus (Record: 2-2, 2 Title Win Bonus, 1 Title Retention, -5 Match Rating Bonus, 0 Overall)
113. Goldust (Record: 0-5, 0 Overall)
112. Brutus Beefcake (Record: 3-2-2, -4 Match Rating Bonus, 0 Overall)
111. The Big Show (Record: 1-8, 2 Main Events, 1 Title Retention, -4 Match Rating Bonus, 0 Overall)

Nothing if not Memorable…
92. Hoss Funk (Record: 1-0, 1 Overall)
Tom Zenk (Record: 1-0, 1 Overall)
Tama (Record: 1-0, 1 Overall)
Arn Anderson (Record: 1-0, 1 Overall)
Tully Blanchard (Record: 1-0, 1 Overall)
Sato (Record: 1-0, 1 Overall)
Tanaka (Record: 1-0, 1 Overall)
Tenryu (Record: 1-0, 1 Overall)
Kitao (Record: 1-0, 1 Overall)
Fatu (Record: 0-1, 1 Match Rating Bonus, 1 Overall)
Samu (Record: 0-1, 1 Match Rating Bonus, 1 Overall)
Mo (Record: 1-0, 1 Overall)
Lawrence Taylor (Record: 1-0, 1 Main Event, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 1 Overall)
Raven (Record: 0-1, 1 Match Rating Bonus, 1 Overall)
Rhyno (Record: 0-1, 1 Match Rating Bonus, 1 Overall)
The Sandman (Record: 1-0, 1 Overall)
Sabu (Record: 1-0, 1 Overall)
Tommy Dreamer (Record: 1-0, 1 Overall)
John Morrison (Record: 0-1, 1 Match Rating Bonus, 1 Overall)
86. Virgil (Record: 2-0, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 1 Overall)
Tatanka (Record: 2-0, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 1 Overall)
Mabel/Viscera (Record: 1-1, 1 Overall)
Tazz (Record: 1-1, 1 Overall)
Chyna (Record: 2-0, 2 Title Win Bonus, -3 Match Rating Bonus, 1 Overall)
Carlito (Record: 0-2, 1 Match Rating Bonus, 1 Overall)
82. Honky Tonk Man (Record: 1-2, 1 Title Retention, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 1 Overall)
The Barbarian (Record: 1-2, 1 Overall)
Road Dogg (Record: 1-2, 1 Title Retention, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 1 Overall)
Mark Henry (Record: 0-3, 1 Match Rating Bonus, 1 Overall)
81. Faarooq (Record: 1-5, 1 Overall)
80. Greg Valentine (Record: 2-5, 1 Title Retention, -2 Match Rating Bonus, 1 Overall)
79. Bradshaw/JBL (Record: 3-7, 1 Main Event, 2 Title Win Bonus, -5 Match Rating Bonus, 1 Overall)
74. Wendi Richter (Record: 1-0, 2 Title Win Bonus, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 2 Overall)
Marc Mero (Record: 1-0, 1 Match Rating Bonus, 2 Overall)
Diamond Dallas Page (Record: 1-0, 1 Title Retention, 2 Overall)
Chuck Palumbo (Record: 1-0, 1 Title Retention, 2 Overall)
Rick Steiner (Record: 1-0, 1 Match Rating Bonus, 2 Overall)
Scott Steiner (Record: 1-0, 1 Match Rating Bonus, 2 Overall)
65. Danny Davis (Record: 1-1, 1 Match Rating Bonus, 2 Overall)
Sid (Record: 0-2, 2 Main Events, 2 Overall)
Jeff Jarrett (Record: 1-1, 2 Title Win Bonus, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 2 Overall)
Ahmed Johnson (Record: 1-1, 1 Match Rating Bonus, 2 Overall)
TAKA Michinoku (Record: 1-1, 1 Title Retention, 2 Overall)
Rikishi (Record: 2-0, 1 Title Retention, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 2 Overall)
Spike Dudley (Record: 1-1, 2 Title Win Bonus, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 2 Overall)
Brock Lesnar (Record: 1-1, 1 Main Event, 2 Title Win Bonus, -2 Match Rating Bonus, 2 Overall)
Bobby Lashley (Record: 1-1, 1 Match Rating Bonus, 2 Overall)
61. Marty Jannetty (Record: 1-2, 1 Match Rating Bonus, 2 Overall)
Sgt. Slaughter (Record: 1-2, 1 Main Event, 2 Overall)
Lex Luger (Record: 2-1, 1 Main Event, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 2 Overall)
Scotty 2 Hotty (Record: 2-1, 1 Title Retention, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 2 Overall)
59. Haku/King Tonga (Record: 1-4, 1 Match Rating Bonus, 2 Overall)
Booker T. (Record: 1-4, 1 Main Event, 1 Title Retention, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 2 Overall)
58. Jim Neidhart (Record: 3-3, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 2 Overall)
57. Rick Rude (Record: 2-0-1, 2 Title Win Bonus, -2 Match Rating Bonus, 2.5 Overall)
56. Kofi Kingston (Record: 0-1, 3 Match Rating Bonus, 3 Overall)
52. Brian Knobs (Record: 1-1, 2 Title Win Bonus, 3 Overall)
Jerry Sags (Record: 1-1, 2 Title Win Bonus, 3 Overall)
Irwin R. Schyster (Record: 1-1, 2 Title Retentions, 3 Overall)
Charlie Haas (Record: 1-1, 1 Title Retention, 1 Match Rating Bonus, 3 Overall)
51. Mr. Perfect (Record: 1-3, 1 Title Retention, 1 Match Rating Bonus, 3 Overall)
50. Nikolai Volkoff (Record: 2-4, 2 Title Win Bonus, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 3 Overall)
49. Vader (Record: 1-0-1, 2 Match Rating Bonus, 3.5 Overall)
47. The Iron Sheik (Record: 3-1, 2 Title Win Bonus, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 4 Overall)
Billy Gunn (Record: 1-3, 1 Title Retention, 2 Match Rating Bonus, 4 Overall)
44. Terry Funk (Record: 2-0, 2 Title Win Bonus, 1 Match Rating Bonus, 5 Overall)
Diesel (Record: 1-1, 1 Main Event, 1 Title Retention, 2 Match Rating Bonus, 5 Overall)
Mr. Kennedy (Record: 1-1, 4 Match Rating Bonus, 5 Overall)
41. Dynamite Kid (Record: 1-2, 2 Title Win Bonus, 2 Match Rating Bonus, 5 Overall)
Bob Holly (Record: 2-1, 4 Title Win Bonus, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 5 Overall)
Montel Vontavious Porter (Record: 0-3, 5 Match Rating Bonus, 5 Overall)
40. Ted Dibiase, Sr. (Record: 4-3-1, 1 Main Event, 2 Title Retentions, -2 Match Rating Bonus, 5.5 Overall)
39. Shane McMahon (Record: 2-0, 1 Title Retention, 3 Match Rating Bonus, 6 Overall)
38. Mr. McMahon (Record: 0-3, 6 Match Rating Bonus, 6 Overall)
37. Razor Ramon/Scott Hall (Record: 3-1, 1 Title Retention, 2 Match Rating Bonus, 6 Overall)
35. The Ultimate Warrior (Record: 4-1, 1 Main Event, 2 Title Win Bonus, 1 Title Retention, -2 Match Rating Bonus, 6 Overall)
Eddie Guerrero (Record: 2-3, 1 Main Event, 2 Title Win Bonus, 1 Title Retention, 1 Match Rating Bonus, 6 Overall)
34. Finlay (Record: 0-4, 7 Match Rating Bonus, 7 Overall)
33. Rey Mysterio (Record: 3-2, 1 Main Event, 4 Title Win Bonus, -1 Match Rating Bonus, 7 Overall)
32. Demolition Ax (Record: 3-0, 4 Title Win Bonus, 1 Title Retention, 8 Overall)
28. Demolition Smash (Record: 3-1, 4 Title Win Bonus, 1 Title Retention, 8 Overall)
Bubba Ray Dudley (Record: 0-4, 8 Match Rating Bonus, 8 Overall)
D-Von Dudley (Record: 0-4, 8 Match Rating Bonus, 8 Overall)
Rob Van Dam (Record: 4-0, 2 Title Win Bonus, 1 Title Retention, 1 Match Rating Bonus, 8 Overall)
27. CM Punk (Record: 2-1, 7 Match Rating Bonus, 9 Overall)
26. Yokozuna (Record: 3-3, 4 Main Events, 4 Title Win Bonus, 1 Title Retention Bonus, -3 Match Rating Bonus, 9 Overall)

Prime Time Performers

25. Batista (Record: 3-1, 2 Main Events, 2 Title Win Bonus, 3 Match Rating Bonus, 10 Overall)
24. Davey Boy Smith (Record: 4-2-1, 2 Title Win Bonus, 1 Title Retention, 3 Match Rating Bonus, 10.5 Overall)
22. Ricky Steamboat (Record: 3-2, 2 Title Win Bonus, 6 Match Rating Bonus, 11 Overall)
Jeff Hardy (Record: 0-5, 11 Match Rating Bonus, 11 Overall)
21. Shelton Benjamin (Record: 1-5, 1 Title Retention, 9 Match Rating Bonus, 11 Overall)
20. Ric Flair (Record: 1-3, 1 Main Event, 11 Match Rating Bonus, 13 Overall)
19. Mick Foley (Record: 2-3-1, 1 Main Event, 2 Title Win Bonus, 8 Match Rating Bonus, 13.5 Overall)
18. Randy Orton (Record: 2-4, 3 Main Events, 1 Title Retention, 9 Match Rating Bonus, 15 Overall)
17. Matt Hardy (Record: 2-5, 1 Title Retention, 12 Match Rating Bonus, 15 Overall)
16. Randy Savage (Record: 7-4, 3 Main Events, 4 Title Win Bonus, 1 Title Retention, 15 Overall)
15. Chris Jericho (Record: 3-6, 1 Main Event, 2 Title Win Bonus, 1 Title Retention, 9 Match Rating Bonus, 16 Overall)
14. Kane (Record: 5-6, 4 Title Win Bonus, 1 Title Retention, 6 Match Rating Bonus, 16 Overall)
13. Blue Blazer/Owen Hart (Record: 5-2-1, 2 Title Win Bonus, 2 Title Retentions, 7 Match Rating Bonus, 16.5 Overall)
11. Kurt Angle (Record: 3-5, 3 Main Events, 15 Match Rating Bonus, 21 Overall)
Chris Benoit (Record: 3-5, 1 Main Event, 4 Title Win Bonus, 1 Title Retention, 12 Match Rating Bonus, 21 Overall)

THE TOP TEN

10. CHRISTIAN-22 points

Record: 3-3, 2 Title Wins
Wrestlemania 2000: w. Edge def. The Hardy Boyz & WWF Tag Team Champions The Dudley Boyz in a Triangle Ladder Match to win the titles (*****)
Wrestlemania X-Seven: w. Edge def. The Hardy Boyz & WWF Tag Team Champions The Dudley Boyz in a TLC Match to win the titles (****3/4)
Wrestlemania X8: lost to European Champion Diamond Dallas Page (**)
Wrestlemania XX: def. Chris Jericho (***1/4)
Wrestlemania 21: lost to Edge in a Money in the Bank Ladder Match also featuring Kane, Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho, & Shelton Benjamin (****1/2)
25th Anniversary of Wrestlemania: lost to CM Punk in a Money in the Bank Ladder Match also featuring Mark Henry, Kofi Kingston, Montel Vontavious Porter, Finlay, Shelton Benjamin, & Kane (****)

Probably the most surprising entrant into our top ten Captain Charisma checks in, and could definitely be the one person who most took advantage of our scoring system. Most of his high profile matches have featured several wrestlers, but he did have an amazing four of his six contests check in at over four stars. He was a constant in all of them so some credit is definitely due. Being as the best appears to still be yet to come for Christian he could end up shooting up this list in the years to come.

9. JOHN CENA-24 points

Record: 5-1, 3 Title Wins, 2 Title Retentions, 5 Main Events
Wrestlemania XX: def. United States Champion The Big Show to win the title (*1/2)
Wrestlemania 21: def. WWE Champion JBL to win the title (*)
Wrestlemania 22: def. Triple H to retain WWE Championship (****1/4)
Wrestlemania 23: def. Shawn Michaels to retain WWE Championship (****1/2)
Wrestlemania XXIV: lost to WWE Champion Randy Orton in a triple threat match also featuring Triple H (***1/2)
25th Anniversary of Wrestlemania: def. The Big Show & World Heavyweight Champion Edge in a triple threat match to win the title (***1/4)

Unlike Christian, John Cena was a name you would expect to crack this top ten. In only six Wrestlemania bouts Cena has already made his mark on the event main eventing five of his six shows, and closing the show twice. Since his first two years where his matches were less than stellar Cena has been very strong in the match quality department, and while some might claim this is a product of his opponents it is clear Cena has more than held up his end of the deal. Cena will once again headline the big show this year, and will likely quiet the cynics again with another quality performance.

8. BRET “HITMAN” HART-26 points

Record: 7-6, 2 Title Wins, 3 Main Events
Wrestlemania 2: Runner-up in battle royal won by Andre The Giant (**)
Wrestlemania III: w. Jim Neidhart & Danny Davis def. The British Bulldogs & Tito Santana (***)
Wrestlemania IV: Runner-up in battle royal won by Bad News Brown (**)
Wrestlemania V: w. Jim Neidhart def. The Honky Tonk Man & Greg Valentine (*1/2)
Wrestlemania VI: w. Jim Neidhart def. The Bolsheviks (DUD)
Wrestlemania VII: w. Jim Neidhart lost WWF Tag Team Championship to The Nasty Boys (**3/4)
Wrestlemania VIII: def. Intercontinental Champion Roddy Piper to win the title (***1/2)
Wrestlemania IX: lost WWF Championship to Yokozuna (*3/4)
Wrestlemania X: lost to Owen Hart (*****)
Wrestlemania X: def. WWF Champion Yokozuna to win the title (***1/4)
Wrestlemania XI: def. Bob Backlund in an I Quit Match (*)
Wrestlemania XII: lost WWF Championship to Shawn Michaels in an Ironman Match (****)
Wrestlemania 13: def. Steve Austin in a Submission Match (*****)

The Hitman checks in at number 8 after a long career in the early years of Wrestlemania. He has had a few stinkers in there, but when Bret was on his matches were outstanding. Two of the three greatest Wrestlemania matches ever against his brother Owen, and against Steve Austin really stand out. Also his ironman match with Shawn Michaels and Roddy Piper which despite me thinking are a bit overrated by some are still very good. Its easy to look past the bad (Bolsheviks, Yokozuna, Backlund) when the good is this good. How Bret’s return to Wrestlemania will affect his standing on this list remains to be seen, but for right now Bret remains an integral part of the WWE’s signature show.

7. THE ROCK-27 points

Record: 4-4, 2 Title Retentions, 3 Main Events
Wrestlemania 13: def. The Sultan to retain Intercontinental Championship (*1/4)
Wrestlemania XIV: def. Ken Shamrock to retain Intercontinental Championship (*)
Wrestlemania XV: lost WWF Championship to Steve Austin (****)
Wrestlemania 2000: lost to WWF Champion Triple H in a fatal four way match also featuring Mick Foley & The Big Show (****)
Wrestlemania X-Seven: lost WWF Championship to Steve Austin (*****)
Wrestlemania X8: def. Hulk Hogan (****)
Wrestlemania XIX: def. Steve Austin (****1/4)
Wrestlemania XX: w. Mick Foley lost to Ric Flair, Batista, & Randy Orton (****)

The People’s Champ checks in at number seven in our countdown with a rather impressive list of matches. Rock’s biggest problem is that he rarely came up with a victory on the biggest stage, but his matches typically stole the show. While most of Rock’s bouts were style over substance, and in no way technical masterpieces, they always provided an electricity that only few wrestlers could bring. He competed in the greatest main event in the event’s history which was the middle leg of the epic trilogy with Steve Austin. Those matches along with his encounter with Hulk Hogan will live in Wrestlemania lore forever.

6. THE UNDERTAKER-27 points

Record: 17-0, 3 Title Wins, 3 Main Events
Wrestlemania VII: def. Jimmy Snuka (**)
Wrestlemania VIII: def. Jake Roberts (*1/2)
Wrestlemania IX: def. Giant Gonzalez (-***)
Wrestlemania XI: def. King Kong Bundy (1/2*)
Wrestlemania XII: def. Diesel (***)
Wrestlemania 13: def. WWF Champion Sycho Sid to win the title (***)
Wrestlemania XIV: def. Kane (**3/4)
Wrestlemania XV: def. The Big Boss Man in a Hell in a Cell match (1/2*)
Wrestlemania X-Seven: def. Triple H (****)
Wrestlemania X8: def. Ric Flair (***)
Wrestlemania XIX: def. Big Show & A-Train in a Handicap Match (*)
Wrestlemania XX: def. Kane (*)
Wrestlemania 21: def. Randy Orton (***1/2)
Wrestlemania 22: def. Mark Henry in a casket match (*)
Wrestlemania 23: def. World Heavyweight Champion Batista to win the title (***3/4)
Wrestlemania XXIV: def. World Heavyweight Champion Edge to win the title (****)
25th Anniversary of Wrestlemania: def. Shawn Michaels (*****)

How could a guy who has competed in the most matches in Wrestlemania history, and won all of them, check in just number six on this list? Well its quite simple actually. Outside of a few gems recently most of The Undertaker’s matches have sucked. That combined with the fact that most of Undertaker’s matches have been fairly low profile, and you find that his overall impact on the event really doesn’t extend much past but the streak. The fact of the matter is though, the streak is a huge part of Wrestlemania. Therefore Undertaker still solidly checks in among the great performers in the events history. Even if it is mostly a longevity award.

5. HULK HOGAN-27.5 points

Record: 8-3-1, 2 Title Retentions, 3 Title Wins, 8 Main Events
Wrestlemania: w. Mr. T def. Roddy Piper & Paul Orndorff (***)
Wrestlemania 2: def. King Kong Bundy to retain WWF Championship in a Cage Match (**)
Wrestlemania III: def. Andre the Giant to retain WWF Championship (***)
Wrestlemania IV: wrestled Andre the Giant to a Double DQ (DUD)
Wrestlemania V: def. WWF Champion Randy Savage to win the title (****1/4)
Wrestlemania VI: Lost WWF Championship to The Ultimate Warrior (***3/4)
Wrestlemania VII: def. WWF Champion Sgt. Slaughter to win the title (***)
Wrestlemania VIII: def. Sid Justice (1/2*)
Wrestlemania IX: w. Brutus Beefcake lost to WWF Tag Team Champions Money, Inc. (**1/2)
Wrestlemania IX: def. WWF Champion Yokozuna to win the title (DUD)
Wrestlemania X8: Lost to The Rock (****)
Wrestlemania XIX: def. Mr. McMahon in a Street Fight (**1/2)

To many of older fans the name Hulk Hogan is synonymous with Wrestlemania. You won’t get an argument from me. His record tying 8 main events is a real testament to how important he was to the event in its infancy as it came during a period when there weren’t two title matches per year. Hogan was always around to either defend the WWF Title or challenge for it in the early days. Hogan was a lot like The Rock in that his matches were usually style over substance, but still he had some gems in there. No one will ever accuse the Hulkster of being a technical marvel, but his matches always had an electric feel. When Hulk wrestled it truly felt like the main event.

4. EDGE-32 points

Record: 5-3, 2 Title Wins, 2 Main Events
Wrestlemania 2000: w. Christian def. The Hardy Boyz & WWF Tag Team Champions The Dudley Boyz in a Triangle Ladder Match to win the titles (*****)
Wrestlemania X-Seven: w. Christian def. The Hardy Boyz & WWF Tag Team Champions The Dudley Boyz in a TLC Match to win the titles (****3/4)
Wrestlemania X8: def. Booker T. (**)
Wrestlemania 21: def. Christian, Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit, Kane, & Shelton Benjamin in a Money in the Bank Ladder Match (****1/2)
Wrestlemania 22: def. Mick Foley in a Street Fight (****)
Wrestlemania 23: Lost to Mr. Kennedy in a Money in the Bank Ladder Match also featuring Randy Orton, Booker T, Finlay, Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, & CM Punk (****3/4)
Wrestlemania XXIV: Lost World Heavyweight Championship to The Undertaker (****)
25th Anniversary of Wrestlemania: Lost World Heavyweight Championship to John Cena in a Triple Threat Match also featuring Big Show (***1/4)

Probably the second biggest surprise on this list behind, not surprisingly, his old tag team partner Christian is the Rated R Superstar. Edge has quietly started to amass quite the legendary resume despite always being seemingly a step below the mega stars in the WWE. With only two matches checking in at less than four stars Edge has certainly brought the quality to his Wrestlemania encounters, and has always been good for a good “holy shit” spot or two. A few of Wrestlemania’s indelible images are courtesy of him. The mid air spear of Jeff Hardy, and the flaming table spear of Mick Foley immediately come to mind. If you block out the Japanese Shampoo Commercial match out of your mind there’s not a forgettable match in the bunch.

3. TRIPLE H-32 points

Record: 6-7, 1 Title Win, 4 Title Retentions, 8 Main Events
Wrestlemania XII: Lost to The Ultimate Warrior (DUD)
Wrestlemania 13: def. Goldust (**1/4)
Wrestlemania XIV: def. Owen Hart to retain European Championship (**1/2)
Wrestlemania XV: Lost to Kane (**)
Wrestlemania 2000: def. The Rock, Mick Foley, & Big Show in a Fatal Four Way Match to retain WWF Championship (****)
Wrestlemania X-Seven: Lost to The Undertaker (****)
Wrestlemania X8: def. Undisputed WWF Champion Chris Jericho to win the title (**)
Wrestlemania XIX: def. Booker T to retain World Heavyweight Championship (***)
Wrestlemania XX: Lost World Heavyweight Championship to Chris Benoit in a Triple Threat Match also featuring Shawn Michaels (*****)
Wrestlemania 21: Lost World Heavyweight Championship to Batista (**3/4)
Wrestlemania 22: Lost to WWE Champion John Cena (****1/4)
Wrestlemania XXIV: Lost to WWE Champion Randy Orton in a Triple Threat Match also featuring John Cena (***1/2)
25th Anniversary of Wrestlemania: def. Randy Orton to retain WWE Championship (**1/2)

The commenters should have fun with this one. For whatever reason you want to theorize that he got to this position the fact remains that Triple H is a very important player on the Grandest Stage of them All. His record tying 8 main events may be a bit hollow in the brand split era it still can’t be denied that almost always (this year being a rare exception) Triple H always finds himself right in the middle of the big match at Wrestlemania. More often than not he delivers a stellar performance as well. With four matches checking in at 4+ stars Triple H is deserving of the number three spot on this list.

2. “STONE COLD” STEVE AUSTIN-33 points

Record: 5-2, 3 Title Wins, 3 Main Events
Wrestlemania XII: def. Savio Vega (**3/4)
Wrestlemania 13: Lost to Bret Hart in a Submission Match (*****)
Wrestlemania XIV: def. WWF Champion Shawn Michaels to win the title (****1/2)
Wrestlemania XV: def. WWF Champion The Rock to win the title (****)
Wrestlemania X-Seven: def. WWF Champion The Rock to win the title (*****)
Wrestlemania X8: def. Scott Hall (**1/4)
Wrestlemania XIX: Lost to The Rock (****1/4)

Hard to believe that one could make such a huge mark in only seven matches, but Stone Cold was able to do just that. Only two of Austin’s seven bouts check in at less than four stars. Two of them check in at five stars. Only the greatest match in Wrestlemania history (vs. Hart) and the greatest main event in Wrestlemania history (vs. Rock). Austin was the Hogan of the Attitude era, and his resume proves it. If he could have stayed healthy he might have challenged for the top spot on this list, but as for right now he takes his rightful spot as the Prince to the King of Wrestlemania’s throne.

1. SHAWN MICHAELS-52 points

Record: 6-10, 1 Title Win, 1 Title Retention, 5 Main Events
Wrestlemania V: w. Marty Jannetty Lost to The Twin Towers (**3/4)
Wrestlemania VI: w. Marty Jannetty Lost to The Orient Express (**1/4)
Wrestlemania VII: w. Marty Jannetty def. The Barbarian & Haku (***1/2)
Wrestlemania VIII: def. Tito Santana (**)
Wrestlemania IX: Lost to Tatanka by Disqualification to retain Intercontinental Championship (**3/4)
Wrestlemania X: Lost to Intercontinental Champion Razor Ramon in a Ladder Match (****3/4)
Wrestlemania XI: Lost to WWF Champion Diesel (***3/4)
Wrestlemania XII: def. WWF Champion Bret Hart in an Ironman Match to win the title (****)
Wrestlemania XIV: Lost WWF Championship to Steve Austin (****1/2)
Wrestlemania XIX: def. Chris Jericho (****)
Wrestlemania XX: Lost to Chris Benoit in a Triple Threat Match also featuring World Heavyweight Champion Triple H (*****)
Wrestlemania 21: Lost to Kurt Angle (*****)
Wrestlemania 22: def. Mr. McMahon (****)
Wrestlemania 23: Lost to WWE Champion John Cena (****1/2)
Wrestlemania XXIV: def. Ric Flair (****1/2)
25th Anniversary of Wrestlemania: Lost to The Undertaker (*****)

Was there ever any doubt? Shawn ended up winning this in a run away, and its just by sheer volume of classic matches. Of Shawn’s 16 Wrestlemania matches a whopping TEN of them check in at four stars or better with two more above 3 ½. That’s an insane clip of 62.5% of Shawn’s Wrestlemania matches would be classified as classics. Shawn has also not had a match check in at less than 3 ¾ stars in seventeen years. That really sums it all up folks. The guy ALWAYS brings it on the biggest stage. His win-loss record leaves a lot to be desired, but this isn’t a legitimate sport so what does that matter. These numbers aren’t artificially inflated by mutli man matches or gimmicked up matches either. The vast majority have been straight one on one encounters. Any way you cut it Mr. Wrestlemania isn’t just a catchphrase. Clearly, it’s a reality.