WWE has seen countless historic moments throughout its decades-long history, with many iconic title matches making their mark on fans worldwide. While certain matches are often mentioned in the same breath as legends like The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Undertaker, some incredible bouts tend to get overlooked. These underappreciated WWE title matches have managed to entertain, surprise, and deliver memorable moments but remain relatively unknown or forgotten by the larger audience. In this, we shine a light on four of these underrated matches that deserve more recognition, showcasing their significance in WWE history and why they should be remembered.
1. Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Michaels – WrestleMania 19
Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho (Image via Getty)At WrestleMania 19, Chris Jericho and Shawn Michaels faced off in what would go on to be a highly underrated contest for the Intercontinental Championship. Although the card was stacked with high-profile matches, Jericho and Michaels managed to deliver a technical masterpiece that is often overshadowed by the bigger bouts on the same night.
The match told a compelling story of two seasoned veterans fighting to prove who was the better performer. Jericho, at the time, was heavily criticized for his more “flamboyant” style, and Michaels was looking to remind the world why he was one of the best. Both men showcased exceptional technical wrestling, with perfectly timed counters, thrilling high spots, and an intense rivalry that added emotional weight to the match.
The finish, which saw Michaels win after surviving a series of near falls, perfectly encapsulated the essence of WrestleMania. Despite not having the mainstream recognition of other title matches from that night, this contest is a shining example of pure wrestling artistry. It’s a classic match that would have easily been considered one of the best if it had more spotlight and a better build-up.
2. John Cena vs. Umaga – Royal Rumble 2007
John Cena vs. Umaga (image via Getty)When John Cena faced off against Umaga at the 2007 Royal Rumble, fans didn’t expect a hard-hitting, brutal match. However, this under-the-radar contest for the WWE Championship proved to be one of the most physical and intense bouts in recent memory. Cena was still in his prime and had cemented himself as the face of WWE, while Umaga was positioned as a dominant, unstoppable force in the company.
The match was unique for its aggressive pacing and brutal nature. The two battled both inside and outside the ring, with Cena taking brutal chair shots and Umaga delivering bone-crushing Samoan drops. The ending, which saw Cena overcoming the odds to retain his title, might have been predictable, but it didn’t detract from the match’s raw energy and intensity.
The clash between the two characters was refreshing, as it wasn’t just a technical masterpiece but a test of endurance and strength. Cena’s resilience in overcoming the savage attacks of Umaga was a perfect way to showcase his championship heart. Though it was overshadowed by the legendary Royal Rumble match that followed, Cena vs. Umaga should certainly be recognized as a forgotten gem in WWE’s history.
3. Daniel Bryan vs. Triple H – WrestleMania 30
Daniel Bryan vs. Triple H (Image via Getty)Daniel Bryan’s journey to the main event of WrestleMania 30 is widely considered one of the most heartwarming and well-executed storylines in WWE. However, his opening match against Triple H at that event often doesn’t receive the attention it truly deserves. The outcome of this contest was pivotal, as it granted Bryan a spot in the main event for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship later that evening.
Triple H, who had positioned himself as the villainous authority figure, was a perfect opponent for Bryan, who had become the underdog favorite of the WWE Universe. The match itself was a showcase of technical wrestling, storytelling, and sheer determination. Both competitors were clearly well-matched, with Triple H using his experience to wear Bryan down, while Bryan showcased his relentless spirit to keep coming back.
The match wasn’t as highly regarded as the night’s main event but played an integral role in Bryan’s rise to superstardom. The crowd was fully invested in the outcome, and their emotional investment made the match feel even more special. In hindsight, this bout helped solidify Bryan as a major force in WWE and should be considered one of the most overlooked title matches in WWE history.
4. Edge vs. The Undertaker – Judgment Day 2008
Edge vs. The Undertaker (Image via Getty)Edge and The Undertaker are two of the most recognizable names in WWE history, yet their match at Judgment Day 2008 remains somewhat overlooked in comparison to their other high-profile bouts. This match for the World Heavyweight Championship was a masterclass in storytelling and in-ring psychology. Edge, at the time, was a skilled opportunist, and The Undertaker, with his larger-than-life persona, was an unstoppable force, making for a perfect clash.
The match itself was a physical battle, with both men using their signature moves and relying on their resilience to try and capture the title. The addition of the Hell in a Cell stipulation brought out the best in both competitors, with brutal weapon shots and an intensity that built throughout the contest. Edge’s ultimate defeat at the hands of The Undertaker, which followed a Tombstone Piledriver, was an appropriate and fitting conclusion to their heated rivalry.
What made this match special wasn’t just the physical nature of the battle, but the psychological warfare at play. Edge, a scheming villain, used every dirty trick in the book to keep The Undertaker from claiming victory, but The Phenom’s resilience and unrelenting nature ultimately proved superior. This match deserves more recognition as it helped solidify Edge as one of the top heels of his era and showed the depth of Undertaker’s character. Despite not getting the same level of recognition as other WWE classics, it remains a brilliant example of both men’s abilities to captivate the audience.
These underrated WWE title matches not only deserve more recognition but should also be regarded as significant moments in the careers of the competitors involved. Each match brought something unique to the table, whether it was an unexpected level of brutality, an emotionally charged storyline, or just two legends giving it their all in the ring. While many of these matches remain in the shadows of more celebrated contests, they continue to serve as shining examples of what makes WWE so special. So, the next time you revisit the WWE archives, take a moment to appreciate these underappreciated gems. They might just surprise you.