In leading up to what is being billed as the biggest WrestleMania of all time, I thought it would be fun to go back and look at the 10 greatest performers in Mania history. Over the next several weeks leading up to the big show, we’ll go from number 10 up until we reach the top spot. Along the way, I’ll also point out a few wrestlers who just missed making the list and why they didn’t.
To come up with the list, I created a points system and with the help of Chris “Mookie” Harrington, the top 10 point getters are my top 10 performers. The point system is 1 point for each of the following:
Appeared in a match
Won a match
Appeared in a title match (any title)
Won a title match (any title)
Appeared in a singles World title match (including WWF, WWE, World and WWE World Heavyweight titles)
Won a singles World title match
Appeared in a main event
Won a main event
Appeared in the best match on the show, according to Dave Meltzer’s star ratings
Appeared in a Match of the Year
In case you missed last week, #10 was The Rock with 35 points and honorable mention went to “Stone Cold” Steve Austin with 33 points.
9) Edge (36 pts)
Despite debuting in the WWF in late 1997, Edge didn’t make his WrestleMania debut until 2000. It was worth the wait as he had one of the most memorable matches of that or any other Mania, establishing him as an upper mid-carder and future star. He teamed with partner and storyline brother Christian to win a three way ladder match and the WWF tag team titles over the Dudley Boyz and the Hardy Boyz — the match of the night and also a top contender for match of the year.
The following year at X-7, they had a rematch and again, Edge and Christian prevailed, this time in a TLC match that saw them regain the tag team titles. It was another match of the night with a 4 ¾ star rating from Dave Meltzer. He had his first Mania singles match the following year at X-8, beating Booker T in a midcard match with no title at stake.
Edge missed the next two Manias, but returned in a big way at Wrestlemania 21, beating Chris Jericho, Shelton Benjamin, Chris Benoit, Christian and Kane in the first ever Money in the Bank Ladder match that fell ¼ star short of being the match of the night. The following year, he beat Mick Foley in a memorable hardcore match that was the match of the night at 4 stars.
At WrestleMania 23, he was in another match of the night Money in the Bank Ladder match (won by Mr, Kennedy). The following year was the peak of his career and his first and only WrestleMania main event. He faced the Undertaker for the WWE World Heavyweight title, another match of the night that saw Taker win the title. The bout also finished high in the Match of the Year voting.
Edge next appeared in a triple threat match for the World Heavyweight championship at Mania 25, losing to John Cena in a match that also included the Big Show. The following year, he lost another match for the World Heavyweight championship, this time a singles bout with Chris Jericho. He finally won a singles World title match at Mania 27 by beating Alberto Del Rio. Sadly, that would be his last match at Mania as he was forced to retire shortly thereafter due to a career ending neck injury.
Adam “Edge” Copeland’s WrestleMania career was not long but was at a very high level. He certainly made his mark and earned his spot in the WWE Hall of Fame during Wrestlemania 28, just one year after that final Mania victory.
Edge’s WrestleMania record:
6-4 overall
3-3 in title matches
1-3 in World title matches
5 matches of the night
Honorable Mention: Chris Jericho (32 points)
Edge’s sometime partner, longtime rival and very good friend finished just shy of the top ten. Unlike Edge, he’s still active and performing at a decent level so could potentially break into the top 10 in a few years. Here’s his Mania history:
Mania 2000 – Won European title in a 2 of 3 falls match with Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit, where the IC belt was also at stake (and won by Benoit)
Mania X-7 – Beat William Regal to win IC belt
Mania X-8 – Lost the Undisputed title to Triple H in the main event. Also the match of the night.
Mania 19 – Lost a singles match to Shawn Michaels in another match of the night
Mania 20 – Lost a singles match to Christian. Memorable post-match angle when Trish Stratus turned on Jericho, aligning with Christian
Mania 21 – Was in the first ever Money in the Bank ladder match, won by Edge.
Mania 24 – Was in another Money in the Bank match, this time won by CM Punk.
Mania 25 – Beat Roddy Piper, Jimmy Snuka and Ricky Steamboat in a handicap elimination match
Mania 26 – Successfully defended the World Heavyweight title in a singles match with Edge
Mania 28 – Lost a World Heavyweight title match against CM Punk
Mania 29 – Lost a singles match with Fandango
He would probably have ranked higher but he had several years where he was on hiatus. Also, despite Jericho’s reputation as a good worker, he only had two matches of the night at Mania as compared to Edge’s five. In addition, Edge had more title matches. Essentially Edge was more of a “big game” player, which is what put him over Jericho on this list. Jericho will undoubtedly have a match at this year’s Mania but it’s unlikely that it will be in a main Event position or have a real chance at being the night’s top-ranked match. Nonetheless, he’s had a solid WrestleMania career and just missed out on being in the top 10.