Some WWE matches live on in history, not because they were part of a long-standing rivalry but because they were so memorable that they left fans clamoring for more. These matches had everything: high stakes, incredible athleticism, and a storyline that could have kept growing. But for various reasons, WWE never brought these two competitors together for a rematch. Let’s take a look at some of the best WWE matches that never had a return contest.
1. Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle (WrestleMania 21)
Shawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle (Image via Getty)When Shawn Michaels and Kurt Angle met at WrestleMania 21, the match was everything fans could have hoped for. It was a display of technical wrestling, high spots, and athleticism that kept the crowd on its toes from start to finish. Angle was in his prime, and Michaels was showing no signs of slowing down. The bout featured submission holds, aerial maneuvers, and near falls that had everyone on the edge of their seats. After Michaels passed out in Angle’s Ankle Lock, Angle won, but the ending left fans longing for more. Despite the match being a masterpiece, the two never met again in a one-on-one setting on a major stage. A rematch would have been a dream come true for wrestling purists everywhere.
2. The Rock vs. Brock Lesnar (SummerSlam 2002)
At SummerSlam 2002, The Rock faced Brock Lesnar for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Lesnar was a young powerhouse on the rise, while The Rock was nearing the end of his full-time wrestling career, making this encounter even more special. The match was a hard-hitting contest, with Lesnar dominating much of the action. In a surprise turn, Lesnar defeated The Rock, becoming the youngest WWE Champion in history at the time. While fans were stunned by Lesnar’s win, the match felt like the beginning of something that could have grown into a multi-match series. Unfortunately, The Rock would transition fully into Hollywood, and Lesnar would enter a period of limited appearances, leaving fans to wonder what a rematch would have looked like.
3. Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin (WrestleMania 13)
Bret Hart vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin (Image via Getty)While WrestleMania 13 is most famous for the submission match between Bret Hart and Stone Cold Steve Austin, it’s also remembered for what it lacked: a true rematch. The match, which saw Hart lock in the Sharpshooter on Austin, made Austin’s rise to superstardom undeniable. His bloody face and refusal to tap out in the submission hold helped to solidify the “Austin 3:16” persona. After that, Austin and Hart’s feud would continue in various forms, but they never met again in a singles match at WrestleMania or any other major event. Fans were left with the question: What could have happened if these two had another go at each other with more buildup and stakes? Their rivalry felt unfinished.
4. Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat (WrestleMania III)
Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat’s match at WrestleMania III is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestling matches of all time. It was a technical masterpiece that featured incredible storytelling and athleticism. Savage, the reigning Intercontinental Champion, took on Steamboat in a contest that fans still talk about decades later. The two went back and forth, with Savage pulling out all the stops to try to maintain his title. Steamboat eventually won the match, but fans couldn’t help but wonder if they would ever meet again. Unfortunately, WWE never booked a rematch, which remains one of the biggest missed opportunities in wrestling history. The chemistry between the two was undeniable, and their initial encounter set a high bar for the industry that has yet to be matched.
These matches were thrilling in their own right, but their lack of rematches leaves fans thinking about what could have been. WWE has a long history of unforgettable rivalries, but sometimes, the best stories are the ones that remain unfinished. Whether it’s due to timing, injury, or a shift in careers, these bouts remain unforgettable milestones in wrestling, leaving a lasting impact on fans who still wonder what a rematch could have looked like.