The Most Memorable WWE Matches That Opened a PPV

The opening match of any WWE pay-per-view is vital. It sets the tone for the entire event, energizing the crowd and getting fans excited for the action ahead. Over the years, WWE has featured some unforgettable opening contests that not only kicked off events but also delivered unforgettable moments that fans continue to talk about. Whether it was an intense rivalry, high-flying action, or a hard-hitting brawl, these matches became memorable for more than just their place on the card. They often gave fans something they didn’t expect, making them stand out as early highlights of the show. Here’s a look at some of the most memorable WWE matches that opened a pay-per-view.

1. Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart – WrestleMania 12 (1996)

WrestleMania 12’s opening match between Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart is still regarded as one of the greatest WWE contests of all time. Known for their legendary rivalry, this bout set the tone for what was a highly anticipated event. The two future Hall of Famers had already crossed paths in several iconic matches, but this encounter took their feud to new heights. Michaels was a rising star, while Hart was in the midst of his iconic run as the WWE Champion.

Their match was a masterpiece in storytelling and wrestling technique. The opening contest was given ample time to unfold, allowing both men to display their technical wrestling prowess and athleticism. The match was also symbolic of the 1990s, as it featured two of the era’s best in-ring performers. Their chemistry in the ring made it easy to forget that it was only the first match of the night.

Michaels eventually defeated Hart, and the match not only set the stage for his eventual rise as WWE Champion but also became one of the most talked-about opening matches in WrestleMania history. The fact that it opened the event made it even more memorable, as it had the difficult task of setting the bar high for the rest of the card.

2. The Hardy Boyz vs. The Dudley Boyz – WrestleMania 17 (2001)

WrestleMania 17 is widely considered one of the best WrestleMania events in history, and the opening tag team match between The Hardy Boyz and The Dudley Boyz set the pace for what was an action-packed night. This thrilling contest between two of the most innovative and dangerous tag teams in WWE history got the audience immediately engaged.

The match featured high-flying, death-defying moves and innovative spots that kept fans on the edge of their seats. As one of the first matches on the card, it was a challenge to follow, but the energy and chaos brought by both teams made it a near-impossible act to follow. Fans in the arena and at home were instantly invested in the action, witnessing the kind of extreme and high-risk maneuvers that defined both teams’ careers.

The Hardy Boyz were the fan favorites, while the Dudley Boyz had no problem taking extreme risks to capture victory. The energy of the crowd and the chaotic nature of the match turned it into a historic opening. WrestleMania 17 was built on great matches, but the tag team contest is often remembered as one of the best matches to start the night, showcasing a thrilling glimpse of the hardcore action that would come later.

3. John Cena vs. Chris Jericho – SummerSlam 

SummerSlam 2005 opened with a huge bout between John Cena and Chris Jericho for the WWE Championship. This match marked a defining moment in Cena’s rise to superstardom and showcased Jericho’s ability to make any match feel like a big deal. As the opening match of one of WWE’s biggest events, it had the weight of a title bout, which made the stakes even higher.

John Cena was at the beginning of his meteoric rise to the top of the company, and this match was a crucial part of that journey. Jericho, on the other hand, was an established WWE veteran, and his experience brought a level of professionalism that helped the match. The match itself was a great blend of storytelling and physicality, with Cena showing his resilience and Jericho delivering his signature moves.

The crowd’s energy was electric from the start, and the match was paced perfectly to keep them engaged. Cena’s victory in this match marked a significant point in his career, and it was his first major defense of the WWE Championship on a grand stage. It also opened up the night with a bang, leaving fans excited for what was to come. Cena’s victory became an important moment in WWE history, solidifying him as the face of the company for years to come.

4. Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose – Money in the Bank 2014 (2014)

The rivalry between Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose took a brutal turn when they opened Money in the Bank 2014 in an intense and chaotic match. This was not just an ordinary rivalry; it was a personal feud that had fans invested in every single moment. After Rollins betrayed The Shield and aligned himself with The Authority, the two former teammates had an explosive and personal battle that set the tone for the rest of the night.

The match started with a chaotic brawl, as both men took the fight outside the ring, using everything in their path to inflict damage. The intensity of the match was palpable, with Rollins and Ambrose exchanging brutal strikes and high-impact moves. The action was fast-paced and filled with near falls, leaving the crowd on the edge of their seats throughout.

What made this opening match even more special was how it encapsulated everything that made both Rollins and Ambrose so popular with the WWE Universe. Their chemistry was undeniable, and the audience could feel the personal animosity between them. The bout concluded with Rollins gaining the victory after an unforgettable series of events, setting the stage for the rest of the pay-per-view. The chaotic nature of this opening match left fans hungry for more, and it was a perfect start to a night full of thrills.

Final Thoughts

These four opening matches from some of WWE’s biggest pay-per-views helped define not only the events they were part of but also the careers of the Superstars involved. Whether it was technical prowess, brutal brawls, or high-flying stunts, each match managed to capture the imagination of fans and set the stage for everything that followed. From Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart’s masterpiece at WrestleMania 12 to the high-stakes brawl between Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose at Money in the Bank 2014, these matches remind us of the importance of a strong opening in creating a memorable experience for WWE fans.