Legendary Matches: Iconic Moments in Football History

Updated On: August 24, 2025 by     Aaron Connolly  

Defining Characteristics of Legendary Matches

Some matches just go way beyond sport. They stick in our memories for decades. These games have that perfect timing, wild skill, and those moments that change how we see football for good.

What Makes a Match Legendary?

It takes more than just good football to make a match legendary. You need a wild mix of circumstances that create unforgettable drama.

High stakes are a must. World Cup finals, title deciders, or clashes between historic rivals just hit different. The pressure can turn ordinary players into instant legends—or sometimes, villains.

Unexpected outcomes set legendary games apart. Remember when Brazil lost 7-1 to Germany in their own World Cup semi-final? Nobody saw that coming from the five-time champs.

The global audience makes a difference too. Legendary matches happen when millions tune in at once. These shared moments turn into collective memories that connect fans across generations.

Individual brilliance? That can turn any match into a classic. Sometimes, one player pulls off something impossible—like a keeper making a wild save or a striker scoring from a ridiculous angle.

The Impact on Football Culture

Legendary matches flip the script on how we see the game. They spark new tactics and force teams to rethink everything.

After Brazil’s 2014 defeat, they basically had to rebuild their whole football system. The loss showed their tactical flaws and forced big changes in how they train and play.

These matches shake up betting culture too. That Brazil-Germany game sent live betting markets into chaos. Odds shifted fast after just half an hour.

Media coverage goes way beyond the sports section. Legendary matches make front-page news and get everyone talking. They inspire documentaries, books, and endless debates for years.

The language of football even shifts. Phrases like “rope-a-dope” or new tactical terms pop up after a legendary performance puts them in the spotlight.

Dramatic Comebacks and Turning Points

The best matches have those moments when everything flips in a heartbeat. These turning points create the drama fans never forget.

Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League final is a perfect example. Down 3-0 at halftime to AC Milan, they scored three times in six minutes. That comeback is still talked about everywhere.

Individual errors sometimes take center stage. A keeper’s blunder or a defender’s slip can totally change the course of a match.

The timing of goals is everything. Last-minute winners, injury-time equalizers, or goals that finally break a deadlock always deliver a massive emotional punch.

Penalty shootouts? Pure stress. The randomness and pressure make for unforgettable moments that can define careers or whole tournaments.

These turning points stick in our minds. Fans and commentators bring them up whenever a new big moment happens, keeping the old legends alive.

Unforgettable Moments in World Cup History

The World Cup has given us some of football’s most legendary moments. Even now, those memories give fans goosebumps. Three matches stand out—full of drama, controversy, and pure willpower.

The Miracle of Bern (1954)

Almost nobody thought West Germany could win the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland. The country was still recovering from the war. Hungary looked unstoppable—they hadn’t lost in 31 matches.

The Mighty Magyars had already destroyed Germany 8-3 in the group stage. Ferenc Puskas led Hungary with ridiculous skill. Everyone assumed they’d cruise through the final.

Hungary scored twice in the first eight minutes. It felt like game over before it even started. German fans back home must’ve felt crushed.

Fritz Walter rallied his team. Maximilian Morlock got one back. Then Helmut Rahn equalized, making it 2-2.

Both sides battled for the winner for more than an hour. The rain turned the pitch into a slippery mess. Players were sliding everywhere.

Six minutes from the end, Rahn struck again. His shot hit the net and gave Germany their first World Cup. The radio call—“Rahn shoots… Rahn scores!”—became legendary.

This win meant everything to Germany. It brought hope and pride at a time they really needed it. People still call it the Miracle of Bern.

Argentina vs England: The Hand of God (1986)

Diego Maradona pulled off two of football’s most famous moments in a single match. The Argentina vs England quarter-final was already tense, thanks to the Falklands War a few years earlier.

Maradona’s first goal came in the 51st minute. He jumped with England’s keeper Peter Shilton and punched the ball in. Somehow, the ref missed it and allowed the goal.

Maradona later joked it was “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the Hand of God.” English fans were furious. They felt robbed.

Just four minutes later, Maradona did it again. This time, he ran 60 yards, weaving through half the England team. He dribbled past five players and slipped the ball past Shilton.

FIFA called this the Goal of the Century. It showed off Maradona’s unreal skill and why so many call him the greatest ever. The contrast between his two goals? Wild.

Argentina won 2-1 and went on to win the World Cup. Maradona’s performance became legend. Both goals still show up on TV all the time.

Brazil vs Italy: First World Cup Final Penalty Shootout (1994)

The 1994 World Cup final in Los Angeles brought two giants together. Brazil hadn’t won since 1970. Italy wanted their fourth title.

Both teams played it safe in the California heat. Nobody wanted to make the mistake that would cost them everything. The score stayed 0-0 after 90 minutes.

Extra time didn’t change a thing. Roberto Baggio had Italy’s best shot but missed high. Brazil’s Romario and Bebeto couldn’t break through either.

For the first time, a World Cup final went to a penalty shootout. Millions watched as the pressure built. After two hours in the heat, players could barely stand.

Player	Team	Result
Marcio Santos	Brazil	Saved
Franco Baresi	Italy	Over
Romario	Brazil	Scored
Demetrio Albertini	Italy	Scored
Branco	Brazil	Scored
Alberigo Evani	Italy	Scored
Dunga	Brazil	Scored
Daniele Massaro	Italy	Saved

Roberto Baggio, Italy’s superstar, stepped up for the last penalty. He had to score to keep Italy alive. He sent it flying over the bar.

Brazil won 3-2 on penalties and finally claimed their fourth World Cup. Captain Dunga lifted the trophy as fans went wild. Their 24-year wait was over.

The penalty shootout brought so much drama that it’s now a regular part of big tournaments. This final proved that even the best can crack under pressure.

The 1970 FIFA World Cup Final

The 1970 FIFA World Cup Final is still football’s most celebrated match. Brazil beat Italy 4-1 at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on June 21, 1970. This game showed off the beautiful game at its absolute peak.

If you haven’t seen it, check out the highlights. Brazil’s 1970 squad might just be the best team ever.

Brazil scored first—Pelé headed in a goal in the 18th minute. Roberto Boninsegna equalized for Italy after a mistake in Brazil’s defense, so it was 1-1 at halftime.

The second half? All Brazil. Gérson smashed home a shot for 2-1, then set up the third with a free kick to Pelé, who nodded it down for Jairzinho.

Match Details:

Team	Goals	Key Players
Brazil	4	Pelé, Jairzinho, Carlos Alberto
Italy	1	Roberto Boninsegna

Carlos Alberto’s fourth goal is still talked about. Seven Brazilians combined, moving the ball all the way from their own penalty area. The captain hammered in Pelé’s pass after Pelé pulled defenders away.

That win gave Brazil their third World Cup. They got to keep the Jules Rimet Trophy forever after becoming the first nation to win three times.

Over 107,000 fans packed the stadium. Brazil’s team—Pelé, Jairzinho, Tostão—played with a creativity and flair no one’s matched in a final since.

The Game of the Century: Germany vs Italy (1970)

The 1970 World Cup semi-final between Italy and West Germany might be the wildest match ever. This classic at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca had seven goals, endless drama, and pure chaos.

You can find extended highlights on FIFA’s official channels. It’s worth a watch.

Italy got things started early—Roberto Boninsegna scored in the 8th minute. For most of the game, it looked like Italy would cruise.

Then, everything changed. West Germany’s Karl-Heinz Schnellinger scored in the 90th minute to tie it up and force extra time. It was his only goal in 47 games for Germany.

Key Match Facts
Date	17 June 1970
Venue	Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Attendance	102,444
Final Score	Italy 4-3 West Germany

Extra time went absolutely nuts. Five of the seven goals came in those 30 minutes—a World Cup record.

Here’s how it played out:

• Gerd Müller scored for Germany (94th minute)
• Tarcisio Burgnich leveled for Italy (98th minute)
• Gigi Riva put Italy back in front (104th minute)
• Müller scored again for 3-3 (110th minute)

The winner came while TV was still showing Müller’s equalizer. Gianni Rivera found himself unmarked and scored in the 111th minute, sealing Italy’s 4-3 win.

That win knocked Germany out and sent Italy to face Brazil in the final. No wonder people call it the Game of the Century.

Legendary Champions League Encounters

The Champions League has given us some of football’s most dramatic moments. Three finals stand out as the greatest ever. These games had last-minute goals, wild penalty shootouts, and comebacks that shaped generations of fans.

Manchester United vs Bayern Munich (1999)

Manchester United’s wild win over Bayern Munich at Camp Nou still feels like one of football’s greatest comebacks. Bayern went ahead early thanks to Mario Basler’s free-kick.

Bayern ran the show for almost the whole match. They hit the post twice and seemed ready to celebrate. United barely created any real chances against Bayern’s tight defence.

But stoppage time flipped everything on its head.

Teddy Sheringham poked in a corner in the 91st minute. Just two minutes later, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer finished off another corner and completed the shock turnaround.

Key Match Facts:

• Bayern led for 90 minutes
• United scored twice in stoppage time
• United finished a historic treble
• Ferguson made tactical substitutions that changed the match

United’s win clinched the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. Sir Alex Ferguson lifted his second European Cup, and honestly, nothing in the Champions League has matched that ending since.

Liverpool vs AC Milan: The Miracle of Istanbul (2005)

Liverpool’s comeback against AC Milan in Istanbul really did create the tournament’s greatest final. Milan tore through Liverpool in the first half, scoring three times—Paolo Maldini struck early, then Hernán Crespo bagged two more.

Milan looked miles better in that first half. Crespo finished with style, and Liverpool’s midfield just couldn’t cope. Liverpool trudged off at halftime looking absolutely beaten.

Then out of nowhere, the second half changed everything.

Steven Gerrard headed in on 54 minutes to give Liverpool hope. Vladimír Šmicer fired a low shot two minutes later. Xabi Alonso equalised on 60 minutes after Dida saved his penalty, but he buried the rebound.

Half	Liverpool	AC Milan
First	0	3
Second	3	0
Final	3	3

Extra time solved nothing, so penalties decided it all. Jerzy Dudek saved from Andrea Pirlo and Andriy Shevchenko. Liverpool won 3-2 on penalties and claimed their fifth European Cup.

Chelsea vs Bayern Munich: Dramatic 2012 Final

Chelsea’s win over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena brought another heart-stopping penalty shootout. Playing at Bayern’s own ground made it all the more daunting.

Thomas Müller nodded Bayern ahead in the 83rd minute. Chelsea stared down elimination with 70,000 Bayern fans roaring.

Didier Drogba rose above everyone to head in the equaliser in the 88th minute. That goal forced extra time and gave Chelsea a burst of belief.

Neither side could break through in extra time.

The penalty shootout turned into a nerve-wracking contest. Both teams converted their first three penalties, then things got wild. Arjen Robben and Ivica Olić missed for Bayern, while Juan Mata missed for Chelsea.

Drogba took the final penalty. He waited, sent Manuel Neuer the wrong way, and sealed Chelsea’s first Champions League title. No one saw that coming.

Historic Premier League Showdowns

Two matches really define Premier League drama for most fans. Manchester City’s wild title win in 2012 came down to the last seconds, while Liverpool’s 1989 battle with Arsenal proved that football’s best moments never get old.

Manchester City vs QPR (2012): The Aguero Moment

City played relegation-threatened QPR on the final day, needing a win for their first Premier League title. United had finished their match and already started celebrating.

Then chaos unfolded.

QPR stunned everyone by taking a 2-1 lead after Jamie Mackie scored in the 66th minute. City fans could barely watch as their title dreams faded.

But then, football had other ideas.

Edin Dzeko scored in the 92nd minute, setting off wild scenes. City still needed one more goal to edge United on goal difference.

In the 94th minute, Sergio Aguero took Mario Balotelli’s pass, darted past Taye Taiwo, and smashed it home. Martin Tyler’s call—”Aguerooooo!”—still gives people goosebumps.

Match Details
Date	13 May 2012
Final Score	Manchester City 3-2 QPR
Attendance	47,435
Title Margin	Goal difference (+8 vs +56)

That goal gave City their first title in 44 years. It’s the Premier League’s most unforgettable moment.

Liverpool vs Arsenal (1989): A Title Decider

Even though it happened in the old First Division, this match became the blueprint for Premier League drama. Liverpool had to beat Arsenal by two goals at Anfield to win the title.

Arsenal arrived as massive underdogs. Liverpool had ruled the 1980s and barely lost at home.

The match stayed goalless until the 52nd minute, when Alan Smith headed Arsenal in front. Liverpool pushed hard but just couldn’t break through.

Then, with just seconds left, Michael Thomas broke free and calmly slotted past Bruce Grobbelaar. Arsenal had done it—2-0, and their first title in 18 years.

Liverpool’s reign ended right there. Sometimes, football just writes its own scripts.

Camp Nou Classics: Stunning Barcelona Matches

Camp Nou has given us some of football’s wildest European nights. Barcelona’s 6-1 comeback against PSG is probably the most jaw-dropping in Champions League history, and Andrés Iniesta’s last-gasp goal against Chelsea still gives fans chills.

Barcelona vs PSG (2017): The 6-1 Comeback

On 8th March 2017, we all watched football history unfold. Barcelona came in needing a miracle after losing 4-0 to PSG in Paris.

Camp Nou buzzed with hope and nerves. Almost 100,000 fans packed in, expecting anything but not really sure what would happen.

Barcelona got off to a dream start. Luis Suárez scored, then Layvin Kurzawa put through his own net.

Lionel Messi buried a penalty before halftime. At 3-0, Barcelona still needed three more.

Time	Scorer	Score
3′	Suárez	1-0
40′	Kurzawa (og)	2-0
50′	Messi (pen)	3-0
62′	Cavani	3-1
88′	Neymar	4-1
91′	Neymar	5-1
95′	Sergi Roberto	6-1

Edinson Cavani pulled one back for PSG in the 62nd minute. That goal seemed to end Barcelona’s hopes.

But Neymar just refused to quit. He curled in a free-kick with two minutes left.

Then he slotted a penalty in the 91st minute. Camp Nou went wild, but Barcelona still needed one more.

Sergi Roberto popped up in the 95th minute, stabbing home after Neymar’s clever pass.

The place exploded. Players collapsed, fans cried, and “La Remontada” became legend.

Barcelona vs Chelsea (2009): Last-Minute Heroics

Champions League semi-finals rarely get crazier than this. On 6th May 2009, Camp Nou became the stage for one of football’s most controversial and emotional nights.

Barcelona trailed Chelsea 1-0 from the first leg. They dominated at home but just couldn’t get that crucial goal.

The referee waved away several Chelsea penalty shouts. Chelsea fans still talk about those decisions.

Michael Essien smashed in a volley for Chelsea in the second half. Barcelona suddenly needed two.

In the 93rd minute, magic happened. Andrés Iniesta picked up the ball 25 yards out.

He let fly with his right foot, and the shot soared into the top corner. Stamford Bridge went silent, and Iniesta sprinted away in pure joy.

Barcelona went through on away goals. Lionel Messi and his teammates celebrated like mad.

Iniesta whipped off his shirt to reveal a message: “Dani Jarque: always with us.”

That goal sent Barcelona to the Rome final, where they beat Manchester United 2-0 for the treble.

Camp Nou just seems to deliver when Barcelona need something special.

Famous International Rivalries and Upsets

The 2014 World Cup gave us Brazil’s nightmare 7-1 defeat to Germany, while the 2006 final saw Zinedine Zidane bow out in controversy against Italy.

Brazil vs Germany (2014): The 7-1 Shock

The 2014 World Cup semi-final in Brazil turned into the biggest upset anyone could remember. Germany crushed the hosts 7-1 at the Estádio Mineirão, leaving millions in shock.

Brazil came in as favourites, especially on home turf. The whole country expected a party after the win over Colombia.

The collapse happened in a blur:

• 11th minute: Thomas Müller scored
• 23rd minute: Miroslav Klose doubled the lead
• 24th minute: Toni Kroos struck twice in two minutes
• 29th minute: Sami Khedira made it 5-0

Brazil’s defence just fell apart. Captain Thiago Silva was suspended, and Neymar missed out with a back injury.

The stadium fell silent. Fans cried openly as their World Cup dreams disappeared.

Germany finished ruthlessly. Brazil’s long unbeaten home run vanished in the most painful way.

France vs Italy (2006): Zidane’s Final

The 2006 World Cup final in Berlin had one of the wildest endings ever. Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt on Marco Materazzi completely overshadowed Italy’s penalty shootout win.

France struck first with Zidane’s cheeky penalty after seven minutes. Andrea Pirlo ran the show for Italy.

Marco Materazzi headed in the equaliser in the 19th minute. Both sides had chances, but neither could win it in regular time.

Then came the infamous moment:

• Zidane and Materazzi exchanged words near the box
• Zidane turned and headbutted Materazzi in the chest
• Referee Horacio Elizondo sent Zidane off with a straight red
• France’s legend walked past the trophy, his career over in disgrace

Italy edged the penalty shootout 5-3. David Trezeguet’s miss cost France dearly.

Zidane’s red card defined his last match. The Ballon d’Or winner’s career ended in controversy on the world’s biggest stage.

Penalty Shootouts: Matches Decided by Nerve

Two World Cup matches showed just how much drama penalty shootouts can create. Brazil’s shocking exit in 1994 and Argentina’s 2022 triumph proved that, sometimes, nerve matters more than pure talent when it comes to spot kicks.

Italy vs Brazil (1994)

The 1994 World Cup final between Italy and Brazil gave football one of its wildest penalty shootouts. After 120 minutes without a goal, everything came down to penalties.

Brazil looked like the clear favorites. With Romario and Bebeto up front, their attack seemed unstoppable through the tournament.

But penalties ignore reputations, don’t they? The pressure rattled even Brazil’s biggest stars.

Roberto Baggio basically dragged Italy to the final with some unreal performances. He scored five goals in the knockout rounds. Everyone figured he’d come through one more time.

Both teams started the shootout strong. The first penalties went in smoothly. Then nerves crept in.

Daniele Massaro missed for Italy. Brazil suddenly had a huge chance. But Marcio Santos fired his penalty way over the bar.

Then came the moment nobody saw coming. Roberto Baggio, Italy’s hero, stepped up for the last penalty. He blasted it over the bar.

Brazil took it 3-2 on penalties. That’s how they grabbed their fourth World Cup title—by surviving the most stressful finish you could imagine.

Argentina vs France (2022 Final)

The 2022 World Cup final delivered what might be the best penalty shootout ever. Argentina and France battled to a wild 3-3 draw before it all came down to spot kicks.

This match was more than just penalties. It had everything. Lionel Messi scored twice for Argentina. Kylian Mbappé became the first player since 1966 to hit a hat-trick in a World Cup final.

Argentina led 2-0 with just ten minutes left. Messi looked set to finally lift the trophy. Then Mbappé scored twice in under two minutes and forced extra time.

Extra time only added more chaos. Messi scored again. Mbappé equalized from the spot. Another shootout.

The pressure was off the charts for both teams. Argentina hadn’t lifted the World Cup since 1986. This was Messi’s last chance on the biggest stage.

Argentina didn’t miss a single penalty. Messi, Paulo Dybala, Leandro Paredes, and Gonzalo Montiel all converted. They kept their cool when it mattered.

France just couldn’t hold their nerve. Kingsley Coman saw his penalty saved by Emiliano Martínez. Aurélien Tchouaméni missed the target altogether.

Argentina won 4-2 on penalties. Messi finally got his World Cup. That shootout proved mental strength beats skill when everything’s on the line.

Iconic Players and Their Legendary Matches

Football’s best moments often revolve around one player doing something unforgettable when it matters most. Messi and Neymar have both given us performances that changed their careers—and maybe even football itself.

Lionel Messi’s Defining Moments

Messi’s 2022 World Cup final was the match that finally defined his career. He scored twice in that 3-3 classic against France, finally winning the trophy that always seemed just out of reach.

As captain, he kept his head when things got tense. He scored his first from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute. His second came in extra time, putting Argentina ahead before Mbappé tied it up again.

Key Messi World Cup Final Stats:

• Goals: 2
• Assists: 0
• Minutes: 120
• Penalties: 1/1

Back in 2009, Messi’s Champions League final against Manchester United showed his legend was only growing. Barcelona won 2-0, and Messi even scored with a header—pretty wild for a guy his size.

His El Clásico matches against Real Madrid gave us legendary moments too. The 5-0 win in 2010 saw Messi completely dominate, scoring and assisting as Real Madrid fell apart.

Neymar’s Greatest Games

Neymar’s most unforgettable night came when Barcelona beat PSG 6-1 in 2017. After losing the first leg 4-0, Barcelona needed a miracle.

With seven minutes left, Neymar scored twice and assisted once. His free-kick made it 5-1, keeping hope alive for a comeback nobody believed possible.

He stepped up for a penalty in the 88th minute and scored, showing nerves of steel. That goal made it 4-1 and kept Barcelona’s dream alive.

Neymar’s PSG Comeback Performance:

• Goals: 2
• Assists: 1
• Key passes: 4
• Successful dribbles: 6

Neymar also gave Brazil some memorable World Cup moments. In 2014, playing at home, he scored four goals before injury cut his tournament short.

Against Croatia in the opener, Neymar scored twice and helped Brazil win 3-1. Playing at home seemed to fire him up instead of scaring him.

Influence of Football Legends

These matches show how one player can change football history. Messi’s World Cup win sealed his legacy, while Neymar’s Barcelona comeback became one of the most talked-about games ever.

Skill alone doesn’t make a legend. Timing and mental strength matter just as much.

Their performances inspire young players everywhere. Kids watch these matches to see what separates good players from true legends.

Football becomes legendary when great players rise to the moment. Those memories last because they mix individual magic with real stakes.

The best players write their own stories when it matters most. They find a way to change the outcome—sometimes just through pure will.

The Enduring Legacy of Legendary Matches

Legendary football matches stick in our memories, shaping how we see the sport and turning certain stadiums into hallowed ground. These games mark turning points and help us understand football’s evolution.

How Matches Shape Football History

Some matches just change the game. They introduce new tactics and inspire generations of players.

The 1970 World Cup final showed the world how beautiful football could be. Brazil’s win set the standard for attacking play. Coaches everywhere tried to copy that style.

Key ways matches change football history:

• Tactical innovations – Teams try new formations in big games
• Cultural moments – Matches unite countries or spark rivalries
• Player legacies – One performance can become a legend
• Rule changes – Controversy leads to new rules

Sometimes a match exposes a tactical weakness. Coaches then scramble to fix it, and those changes can last for years.

Modern tactics often trace back to one legendary match. These games get studied endlessly. Players and coaches try to figure out what made them special.

The Role of Venues in Legendary Status

The stadium can make a match legendary. Iconic venues add atmosphere that makes big games unforgettable.

Camp Nou has seen more than its share of legendary nights. With its huge crowds, it’s a nightmare for visiting teams. Some of the greatest comebacks happened right there.

What makes a venue legendary?

Element	Impact
Capacity	Big crowds mean more noise and pressure
History	Past legendary games add mystique
Architecture	Unique stadiums are instantly recognizable
Location	The city or region can add cultural weight

Some stadiums just seem to produce legendary moments over and over. Maybe it’s tradition, maybe it’s the pressure. Players definitely feel it when they step onto those fields.

When you mix a great match with a famous stadium, you get memories that last forever. Fans remember exactly where they were. Those moments get passed down, becoming football folklore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrestling fans love to argue about which matches are truly legendary, from WrestleMania classics to the latest masterpieces. Here are some of the most celebrated bouts from different eras and promotions.

What are some classic wrestling matches everyone should see?

Start with Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Bret Hart from WrestleMania 13. That match gave us one of the wildest double turns ever—both guys swapped hero and villain roles mid-fight.

The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 25 just might be the greatest WrestleMania match. Both legends put on a show, even late in their careers.

If you like technical wrestling, check out Ricky Steamboat vs. Randy Savage from WrestleMania III. It’s a masterclass in pacing and storytelling.

Hulk Hogan vs. The Rock at WrestleMania X8 is all about the crowd. The Toronto fans took that match to another level.

Which matches rank as the greatest in WrestleMania history?

Most people put Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 25 at the top. Their half-hour battle had everything—athleticism, emotion, drama.

Daniel Bryan’s run at WrestleMania 30 gave fans a true underdog story. He won two matches in one night to take the title.

Razor Ramon vs. Shawn Michaels in the first ladder match at WrestleMania X changed the game. That match introduced so many to the ladder match style.

Stone Cold vs. The Rock at WrestleMania X-Seven basically closed out wrestling’s hottest era. The crowd and the storytelling were just on another level.

Could you share your top picks for the best WWE bouts of the modern era?

CM Punk vs. John Cena at Money in the Bank 2011 had one of the loudest crowds ever. Punk’s Chicago homecoming made the atmosphere unreal.

The Shield vs. The Wyatt Family at Elimination Chamber 2014 brought together six future main eventers. They delivered a wild, hard-hitting match.

NXT TakeOver cards are packed with classics. Tyler Bate vs. Pete Dunne from TakeOver Chicago 2017 proved you don’t need a long match to make a big impact.

Kevin Owens has put together a bunch of must-see matches since 2014. He mixes great storytelling with believable action.

Are there any must-watch WCW clashes that stand the test of time?

Ric Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat at Chi-Town Rumble 1989 is a technical wrestling clinic. Their trilogy is still the gold standard for pure wrestling.

The Cruiserweight Division in the ‘90s was electric. Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Eddie Guerrero gave fans high-flying action that changed the style of wrestling.

Sting’s battles with the nWo made for some of WCW’s biggest moments. The build to Starrcade 1997 went on for over a year.

War Games matches in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s were brutal cage fights. The Horsemen always delivered in those.

What wrestling encounters from the 2020s are already considered iconic?

AEW has cranked out some instant classics since 2019. Jon Moxley vs. Eddie Kingston stands out for its old-school storytelling and real intensity.

Roman Reigns’ championship run from 2020-2023 had plenty of memorable matches. His character work pushed every feud to the next level.

Women’s wrestling has reached a new level lately. Bianca Belair vs. Sasha Banks at WrestleMania 37 showed just how far women’s matches have come.

Japanese wrestling keeps producing top-tier matches. New Japan Pro Wrestling’s big events still set the bar for in-ring quality.

Are there any old wrestling bouts that are absolutely unmissable for fans?

Bruno Sammartino took over the championship scene in the 1960s and 1970s, really showing off the best of wrestling’s territorial era. Whenever he stepped into Madison Square Garden, the crowds just exploded.

The Von Erichs and The Freebirds clashed in Texas during the 1980s, and honestly, their feud set the bar for legendary cage matches. Those Christmas Star Wars events? Fans still talk about them.

Magnum T.A. and Tully Blanchard went head-to-head at Starrcade 1985, and that cage match was just brutal. The whole “I Quit” stipulation cranked up the drama to another level.

Andre the Giant faced all sorts of opponents in the 1970s and 1980s. His sheer presence turned every match into something unforgettable.