The Most Memorable WWE PPV Openers of All Time

WWE Pay-Per-View events have been the stage for countless memorable moments in sports entertainment. From returns to intense rivalries, the opening matches often set the tone for the entire show. These matches are crucial for grabbing the audience’s attention, creating excitement, and delivering an unforgettable experience right from the start. Whether it’s an explosive debut, an emotional feud, or a hard-hitting contest, some openers are etched in WWE history as the perfect start to a night of incredible action.

In this, we’ll explore some of the most iconic WWE PPV openers of all time. These matches not only kicked off the event but also went on to become legendary, often outshining some of the main event contests. Let’s take a look at four of the most unforgettable openers in WWE history.

1. WrestleMania 17 – Chris Jericho vs. William Regal (Intercontinental Championship)

WrestleMania 17 is widely regarded as one of the best wrestling events ever, and the opening match set the perfect tone for what was to follow. Chris Jericho defended his Intercontinental Championship against William Regal in a bout that was as technical as it was intense. The two put on a clinic with hard-hitting action, combining Jericho’s speed and agility with Regal’s veteran mat wrestling skills.

The match was not just a great contest but also a testament to the prestige of the Intercontinental Championship. Jericho and Regal delivered a solid bout that featured a few surprises, including Regal’s dirty tactics and Jericho’s resilience. The crowd was immediately engaged, setting a high bar for the rest of the night.

What made this opener memorable was the chemistry between the two wrestlers and how it was able to build momentum for the rest of the show. The contest was physical, fast-paced, and left the audience wanting more, kicking off a legendary night in WWE history.

2. Royal Rumble 1992 – The Royal Rumble Match

The 1992 Royal Rumble match is considered one of the greatest matches of all time and, unsurprisingly, served as the opening bout for the event. It featured 30 of the top superstars in WWE at the time, and what made it stand out was the vacant WWE Championship on the line. The winner of the Rumble would become the new champion, adding extra stakes to an already thrilling match.

From the start, the crowd was on fire as legendary names like Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, and The British Bulldog entered the match, each adding their own flare to the contest. Flair’s endurance throughout the match, ultimately winning from the #3 spot, was a story for the ages. The match told a compelling story of perseverance, strategy, and unexpected alliances, with Flair managing to eliminate both Hogan and Sid Justice to capture his first WWE Championship.

What makes the 1992 Royal Rumble opener iconic is that it set the stage for a historic title change, making it more than just a typical Royal Rumble. It remains a fan favorite, largely due to its incredible pacing, surprise entries, and unforgettable finish.

3. SummerSlam 2000 – Edge & Christian vs. The Hardy Boyz (Ladder Match for the Tag Team Championship)

SummerSlam 2000 marked a significant moment in tag team wrestling, and the opener for the event was nothing short of spectacular. Edge and Christian took on The Hardy Boyz in a ladder match for the WWE Tag Team Championships, and the match lived up to all the hype. This was the match that would forever define the tag team ladder match in WWE, setting the stage for future epic encounters.

The match was high-energy and filled with jaw-dropping spots, including Edge and Christian delivering a double-team move off the ladder, and the Hardys throwing caution to the wind with high-flying maneuvers. The use of ladders was not just for show; it became a vital part of the storytelling, with both teams using the weapon to inflict damage on each other, only to rise back up to continue the battle. The crowd’s reaction to each near fall and brutal spot showed just how invested they were in the contest.

While the match set a high bar for tag team wrestling, it was also crucial in elevating the careers of Edge, Christian, and The Hardy Boyz, who went on to become legends of the industry. It was a blistering, high-octane opener that immediately hooked the audience and left them wanting more.

4. Survivor Series 2002 – Team Lesnar vs. Team Angle (Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match)

Survivor Series 2002 opened with a hard-hitting traditional Survivor Series elimination match between Team Lesnar and Team Angle, featuring some of the top talents in the company at the time. Brock Lesnar, who was the reigning WWE Champion, captained his team, while Kurt Angle led the opposing squad. The match featured an impressive mix of athleticism, power, and technical prowess from both sides.

With stars like Chris Benoit, Edge, and the Big Show involved, the match was filled with memorable moments and intense action. Lesnar’s dominance was evident as he eliminated several opponents, while Angle’s team showcased their ability to work together despite Lesnar’s overwhelming strength. The action was fast-paced, with eliminations coming one after another, and it kept the crowd on the edge of their seats throughout.

What made this match particularly memorable was how it set the stage for the rest of the night. It was a perfect mix of athleticism, storytelling, and high-intensity action that immediately drew in viewers and gave them a taste of what to expect from the rest of the event. Brock Lesnar’s dominant performance and his team’s victory were key moments that resonated throughout the show and beyond, making this opener one of the best in Survivor Series history.

Final Thoughts

WWE Pay-Per-Views often rely on a strong opening to set the mood for the night, and the matches above exemplify just how a great opener can leave a lasting impact on fans. These bouts not only showcased the talents of some of WWE’s most legendary figures but also introduced creative match types, new rivalries, and unforgettable moments. Whether it was a title defense, a Royal Rumble match, or an intense tag team battle, these openers set the stage for some of WWE’s most cherished events.