WWE Title Matches That Should Have Main Evented WrestleMania

WrestleMania is WWE’s biggest event, where legends are made and historic moments define careers. Traditionally, the main event is reserved for the company’s most prestigious bouts — often featuring the WWE Championship. Yet, over the years, several high-profile WWE Title matches were overshadowed and placed lower on the card, despite having all the elements to close out the show. Whether it was because of celebrity involvement, part-time superstars, or the company’s shifting priorities, these matches had every right to be the headline attraction. Let’s look at four WWE Championship matches that should have main-evented WrestleMania and given fans a definitive ending to an unforgettable night.

1. Triple H vs. Chris Jericho — WrestleMania X8

Triple H vs. Chris Jericho for the Undisputed WWE Championship headlined WrestleMania X8 on paper, but it wasn’t treated like the main draw. Instead, Hulk Hogan vs. The Rock stole the spotlight and went on right before them, leaving the title match to an exhausted crowd. What should have been a career-defining moment for Jericho and a triumphant comeback for Triple H felt like an afterthought. With Triple H returning from a serious injury and Jericho being the first Undisputed Champion, the story had all the drama and buildup expected for a final match. Had it been placed properly as the main attraction, it could have ended WrestleMania X8 on a stronger note and cemented Jericho’s historic reign.

2. Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar — WrestleMania XIX

Although Brock Lesnar vs. Kurt Angle for the WWE Championship did close WrestleMania XIX, many forget it wasn’t the most hyped bout of the night. The focus leaned heavily on Hulk Hogan vs. Vince McMahon and Stone Cold Steve Austin’s final match against The Rock. Still, Lesnar vs. Angle was a technical masterpiece between two elite athletes, and it featured Lesnar’s famous Shooting Star Press attempt — one of the most replayed moments in WrestleMania history. This battle deserved more spotlight leading into the event and should have been presented as the must-see main event, especially given both men’s real-life sports backgrounds and the prestige of the WWE Championship.

3. CM Punk vs. The Undertaker — WrestleMania 29

CM Punk, reigning WWE Champion for 434 days just months earlier, faced The Undertaker at WrestleMania 29 in a highly personal contest. Though the match was not for the WWE Title, Punk’s star power and storyline intensity made it more significant than the night’s main event — John Cena vs. The Rock II. Punk vs. Undertaker stole the show with emotional storytelling, memorable spots, and incredible crowd reactions. Many argue it should have been the final match, especially as fans were more emotionally invested in The Streak than in Cena’s redemption story. Given Punk’s record-setting reign and the stakes of Undertaker’s undefeated streak, this bout had all the ingredients for a historic main event.

4. Daniel Bryan vs. Kofi Kingston — WrestleMania 35

While WrestleMania 35 featured Becky Lynch’s monumental win in the first women’s main event, Daniel Bryan vs. Kofi Kingston for the WWE Championship delivered the night’s most emotional moment. Kofi’s 11-year journey culminated in one of the most organic and heartfelt title victories ever seen on WWE’s biggest stage. The crowd was fully behind Kofi, creating an electric atmosphere that is still talked about today. Though Bryan and Kofi’s match wasn’t the final bout, many feel it should have been, considering how deeply fans connected with Kofi’s underdog story. Had it closed the show, Kofi’s celebration would have sent fans home with an uplifting and unforgettable moment, making it a perfect WrestleMania ending.

WrestleMania has always been about creating history, but not every event gets the finale it deserves. WWE Title matches, when built right, can offer drama, excitement, and lasting memories. These four matches remind us that sometimes the true main event isn’t the final match — but maybe it should have been.