WrestleMania is the grand stage where WWE legends are born. For many superstars, winning their first title at this iconic event is a career-defining moment. Here’s a look at some of the most unforgettable WrestleMania moments where superstars claimed their first championship.
WrestleMania has been home to some of the most historic moments in WWE history, and for many wrestlers, it marks the pinnacle of their careers. Winning a first title at this colossal event doesn’t just a wrestler’s status—it cements their place in WWE history. From underdog triumphs to long-awaited victories, WrestleMania has witnessed some of the most memorable championship wins. In this, we explore some of the most unforgettable WWE superstars who claimed their first title at this prestigious event. These moments not only shaped their careers but also left an indelible mark on the WWE universe.
1. The Rock – Winning the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania XIII

ho would go on to become one of the biggest stars in WWE history, claiming his first title at WrestleMania XIII. It was here that he won the WWE Intercontinental Championship from the legendary Triple H in a match that was fast-paced and filled with intensity. At the time, Rock, known as “Rocky Maivia,” was the smiling, baby-faced son of WWE Hall of Famer Rocky Johnson. His victory at WrestleMania XIII marked the beginning of his transition into the charismatic, brash character that would later capture the hearts of millions.
The match itself was a defining moment in both Rock’s and Triple H’s careers. Rock’s win over Triple H helped to establish him as a rising star in the company. Although he was a fan favorite at that time, this win also showed his resilience and capability to hold his own in a hard-hitting contest. The title reign that followed helped shape the character that became known as “The People’s Champion” and set the stage for his rise to the top of WWE.
2. Edge – Winning the Money in the Bank Ladder Match at WrestleMania 21

Edge had already been an established tag team specialist, but WrestleMania 21 marked a huge turning point in his career. In a match that would change the trajectory of his WWE career, Edge won the first-ever Money in the Bank Ladder Match, earning him a contract for a WWE Championship match at any time of his choosing. This marked the first time Edge won a title at WrestleMania, and it was a moment that fans would never forget.
The Money in the Bank Ladder Match itself featured some of the best WWE superstars of the time, including Chris Jericho, Christian, and Chris Benoit, but it was Edge who emerged victorious. The victory was significant not only because it secured him a future championship opportunity but also because it solidified his place as a singles competitor. His decision to cash in the Money in the Bank contract at WWE’s New Year’s Revolution in 2006, where he defeated John Cena to win the WWE Championship, is considered one of the most memorable moments in WWE history.
3. Brock Lesnar – Winning the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 19

Brock Lesnar’s debut at WrestleMania was in 2002, where he captured the WWE Championship from The Rock at SummerSlam, but his first WrestleMania title win came a year later. At WrestleMania XIX, Lesnar went toe-to-toe with Kurt Angle in a match for the WWE Championship. This match is still regarded as one of the most hard-hitting contests in WrestleMania history.
In a brutal, no-holds-barred bout, Lesnar overcame Angle to win his first WWE Championship at WrestleMania. The match had everything: technical wrestling, high-flying moves, and brutal slams. But what made this moment even more memorable was Brock’s incredible athleticism. He had a reputation for his strength, and the way he took risks—particularly his infamous shooting star press—left fans in awe. His win cemented him as a top-tier star and began his dominance in WWE. Though he would later leave WWE to pursue a career in MMA, his legacy at WrestleMania remains unmatched.
4. Daniel Bryan – Winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 30

Daniel Bryan’s journey to his first WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 30 is arguably one of the most emotional and fan-driven storylines in WWE history. Bryan’s rise from underdog to world champion was a story that resonated deeply with fans, and his victory at WrestleMania 30 was the ultimate payoff for his years of hard work and perseverance.
Bryan had been the subject of a massive “Yes Movement” from WWE fans, who believed he deserved to be in the main event of WrestleMania. After overcoming Triple H in the opening match of the evening, Bryan was given the chance to face Randy Orton and Batista in a triple-threat match for the title. What followed was an intense, back-and-forth battle that saw Bryan overcome all odds. The roar of the crowd as Bryan locked in the “Yes Lock” on Batista was deafening, and the moment he won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship was a defining moment not only in his career but also in the history of WrestleMania.
Bryan’s victory is considered one of the most heartwarming moments in WWE, as it was the culmination of a long, hard-fought journey and showed that with enough heart, passion, and fan support, anything was possible. Bryan’s “Yes!” chant became an anthem for fans around the world, and his victory solidified his place as one of WWE’s most beloved champions.
Final Thoughts
Each of these WWE superstars experienced a significant moment at WrestleMania, winning their first title at the biggest event of the year. From The Rock’s early days to Daniel Bryan’s emotional triumph, these moments are not just about the titles themselves but the stories they tell. WrestleMania continues to be the stage where legends are made, and these champions are a testament to the power of determination, skill, and the undying support of WWE fans.
Every superstar who wins their first title at WrestleMania takes home more than just a championship belt—they walk away with a piece of history. These victories not only shaped their careers but also left a lasting impact on the WWE Universe.