WWE has been known to bring drama, excitement, and larger-than-life personalities to the ring for decades. One of the most unique features of WWE programming is its holiday specials, where matches are not only action-packed but also filled with festive flair. From Christmas-themed events to New Year’s celebrations, these specials often see the biggest stars clashing in memorable bouts. Whether it’s the Royal Rumble, TLC, or a special Holiday SmackDown, these events have created some of the most unforgettable moments in WWE history.
In this, we’ll take a look back at four of the most notable WWE matches that took place during holiday specials. Each match represents a key moment in WWE’s festive calendar, bringing together fan-favorite superstars and fascinating storylines. Let’s revisit these iconic bouts and relive the magic of WWE’s holiday specials.
1. The Miracle on 34th Street Fight (2016)
Dean Ambrose and AJ Styles. (Image via Getty)A Holiday Brawl Full of Surprises
One of the most memorable holiday-themed matches in WWE history took place on the 2016 edition of SmackDown, in what would later be dubbed the Miracle on 34th Street Fight. This holiday special match was filled with everything you’d expect: decorations, Christmas trees, presents, and a hardcore fight between two of WWE’s top superstars, Dean Ambrose and AJ Styles.
The match had everything from the beginning to the end, with Ambrose and Styles battling it out among Christmas decorations, using everything from candy canes to presents as weapons. Ambrose’s unpredictability, paired with the aggressive and precise in-ring style of AJ Styles, made for a perfect combination. The chaotic environment made the fight feel like a no-holds-barred contest, with both men taking full advantage of the holiday-themed elements around them.
Ambrose’s antics throughout the match kept the audience entertained, from throwing Christmas ornaments at Styles to using a holiday wreath as a weapon. Ultimately, the match saw Ambrose pick up the win, solidifying it as one of the most entertaining holiday brawls in WWE history. It perfectly blended the festive spirit with the aggressive nature of professional wrestling.
2. The 2008 Royal Rumble Match
The 2008 Royal Rumble Match (Image via Getty)A Classic Battle on New Year’s Day
Though not directly tied to a traditional holiday like Christmas, the 2008 Royal Rumble is one of the most significant WWE events tied to the New Year’s tradition. The Royal Rumble match, an annual spectacle, is usually held in January, right around New Year’s. The 2008 edition remains a fan favorite for its electrifying atmosphere and thrilling matchups.
The 2008 Royal Rumble match featured an incredible lineup of wrestlers, including some fan favorites like Shawn Michaels, Triple H, John Cena, and The Undertaker. The unpredictability of the Rumble matches is what makes them so exciting, with surprise entrants and high-stakes eliminations adding to the drama.
One of the standout moments of the 2008 Royal Rumble was the return of John Cena. After being out with an injury, Cena made a return as the 30th entrant and ultimately won the match, earning a title shot at WrestleMania. This electrifying moment, combined with the spectacle of the match itself, made it a perfect New Year’s celebration for WWE fans around the world.
3. TLC Match: Christmas SmackDown (2008)
The Undertaker vs. Edge (Image via Getty)Tables, Ladders, and Chairs Under the Christmas Lights
WWE’s SmackDown Christmas special in 2008 featured one of the most brutal and visually stunning matches in WWE history — a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) match for the World Heavyweight Championship. Edge, the reigning champion, was set to defend his title against the former champion, the Undertaker. This match was filled with jaw-dropping spots, where each weapon became a part of the chaotic action.
The holiday-themed setting only enhanced the atmosphere, with the ring surrounded by Christmas trees and ornaments. The match itself was a physical contest, with both Edge and the Undertaker taking extreme risks, scaling ladders, and crashing through tables in order to gain the upper hand. The TLC match, a fan-favorite stipulation, allowed the two combatants to showcase their brutal skills and kept the fans on the edge of their seats.
In the end, Edge was able to successfully defend his title, but the match was memorable for its intensity and high-risk moments. It was one of those rare holiday specials where the combination of Christmas cheer and the unforgiving TLC stipulation created an unforgettable spectacle that will forever be remembered by WWE fans.
4. WWE TLC 2015 – Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus
Roman Reigns vs. Sheamus (Image via Getty)A Christmas Clash for the Ages
One of the most anticipated matches of the 2015 WWE TLC pay-per-view event took place during a Christmas-themed show where Roman Reigns faced Sheamus for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. This bout was highly significant as it marked the continuation of Roman Reigns’ rise to the top of the WWE, with Sheamus playing the role of the antagonist.
The match itself was an all-out brawl, with both competitors using everything from ladders to chairs to steal the win. The action was fast-paced, brutal, and full of near falls that kept the audience on their feet. Roman Reigns was determined to regain the championship he felt was stolen from him, and Sheamus was equally determined to hold onto his title, no matter the cost.
The real twist came when the League of Nations, a faction that Sheamus was a part of, got involved, trying to help their leader retain the title. However, Reigns fought back, defeating Sheamus in a hard-fought battle to claim his first WWE World Heavyweight Championship. This win was an emotional moment for Reigns and a crowning achievement in his career, making it one of the most memorable matches in the holiday season.
Final Thoughts
Holiday specials in WWE have created some of the most memorable moments in wrestling history. Whether it’s a themed brawl, a high-stakes title match, or an unexpected return, these events continue to bring joy and excitement to fans year after year. The four matches highlighted above stand out as some of the best holiday-themed bouts WWE has ever presented. With each match, WWE continues to mix the festive season with the fierce action that fans love, delivering unforgettable moments in the squared circle.