While WWE’s main pay-per-view events like WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble often steal the spotlight, many incredible matches have taken place outside of these grand spectacles. These bouts, held on less-promoted platforms such as house shows, TV tapings, or special events, are often overlooked but contain some of the most memorable moments in professional wrestling history. From surprising debuts to incredible storytelling, these hidden gems showcase the talent and creativity that define WWE’s legacy. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best matches that happened away from the main PPV events.
1. Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho – No Mercy 2008
Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho (Image via Getty)In 2008, Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho faced off in one of the most personal and intense matches outside of WWE’s marquee events. The rivalry had been building for months, as Jericho had assaulted Michaels’ wife, Rebecca, during a heated feud. Their match at No Mercy 2008 was a ladder match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship, and the drama surrounding their conflict made it stand out. Michaels’ ability to mix technical wrestling with high-flying spots, combined with Jericho’s fantastic heel work, made this contest a true classic. Although it wasn’t a part of the major PPVs like WrestleMania, this match showed that sometimes, the best stories are told when stakes are deeply personal.
2. The Rock vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin – WrestleMania X-Seven (Build-Up)
While the match itself between The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania X-Seven is legendary, the build-up to this iconic encounter began well before the major pay-per-view. Their rivalry, full of twists and turns, featured incredible non-PPV encounters, especially during raw television tapings. A notable match took place in the lead-up to their infamous clash, which saw Austin’s defection to the dark side when he aligned himself with Vince McMahon. These non-PPV matches added a layer of intensity and unpredictability to their feud, making their final showdown even more impactful. These under-the-radar segments created one of the most memorable rivalries in professional wrestling history.
3. CM Punk vs. John Cena – Money in the Bank 2011 Build-Up
CM Punk vs. John Cena (Image via Getty)In the summer of 2011, CM Punk’s storyline with John Cena ignited a firestorm in WWE, culminating in one of the best matches of the decade at the Money in the Bank PPV. However, before they faced off in Chicago, the buildup included some critical matches that set the tone. Punk’s rebellion against WWE management and Cena’s portrayal as the company’s top face resulted in a series of spectacular encounters on Raw and SmackDown. These bouts, which weren’t part of the major PPVs, helped intensify the tension between the two and provided fans with a deeper connection to the storyline. These matches outside the PPVs proved crucial in establishing the stakes that led to their explosive clash in 2011.
4. Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin – Survivor Series 1996 (Non-PPV Encounter)
Before their epic match at WrestleMania 13, Bret Hart and Steve Austin had already started to develop their chemistry during a series of non-PPV encounters. Their Survivor Series 1996 encounter, although not on a major pay-per-view, set the stage for their iconic submission match the following year. This particular bout showcased the contrast between Hart’s technical wrestling style and Austin’s brawler persona. It was clear during this match that the two were destined for greater things, and it left fans eagerly anticipating their eventual WrestleMania showdown. The non-PPV build-up created the perfect tension between the two, making their final bout even more memorable.
Some of the best wrestling matches have taken place outside of WWE’s main pay-per-view events. While the big PPVs are often filled with high-profile showdowns, these hidden gems, found in house shows, TV tapings, and other special events, offer something unique. Whether it’s a personal rivalry, a feud with a long, intricate build-up, or a simple exhibition of pure wrestling ability, these bouts demonstrate that sometimes the most exciting moments come when expectations are lowered and the stakes are deeply personal. These matches have become pivotal moments in WWE history, forever etched in the memories of fans.