By Shawn Valentino, PWTorch Specialist

Another week has passed and we are a week closer to the 25th WrestleMania. The anticipation is so high amongst the WWE Universe that they could not wait until the actual anniversary next year for the celebration. I still remember back when I was a child that every year the WWF would hype the upcoming WrestleMania as the biggest event in wrestling history.

There are few people that have such lofty predictions about this year's show, but I believe that the company will surprise doubters with an amazing spectacular. Three years ago, I felt that WrestleMania 22 was the worst built Mania of all time, but it ended up becoming my favorite show I have ever attended live to this day.

As the Grandest Stage of Them All approaches, my own excitement has reached a fever pitch for my trip to Houston next week to enjoy all of the festivities. The last few weeks I have been watching some classic matches from my DVD library and thought back to the greatest WrestleManias of all time.

The most interesting revelation from this walk back through time was that the two major boom periods, The Rock and Wrestling Era and The Attitude Era did not necessarily have the best Manias. Younger fans may be pleased to know that recent years have been some of its finest showings. The mark of a memorable event has various factors, including match quality, historical significance, the crowd, the atmosphere, and the build-up. With those aspects in mind, this week we look back at the top ten WrestleManias of all time.

(10) WrestleMania 8

WrestleMania 8 is known more for the match that did not take place than the very good event that it was. This was supposed to be the setting of the epic Hulk Hogan versus Ric Flair match that fans had eagerly waited almost a decade for. What many people overlook in hindsight is that what took its place was a far better match than what that dream match could ever have been. Randy Savage and Flair put on a classic contest that was built up with a memorable storyline revolving The Nature Boy's supposed affair with Elizabeth. "She was mine before she was yours," proclaimed Flair. Savage avenged his wife's name and won the World Title in the process in an intense, bloody showdown.

This was not a one-match show. Bret Hart had his first great Mania match against Roddy Piper in what may have been Rowdy's best showing ever. Shawn Michaels had a solid match against Tito Santana in the first solo contest for Mr. WrestleMania. Additionally, one of the more memorable moments in the show's history took place when The Ultimate Warrior made his surprise return to the WWF after a typical Hogan match against Sid Justice.

The eight edition of Mania was significant on various historical levels. It was the end of Hogan's run as the true centerpiece of the company. It was Flair's first WrestleMania and he lived up to his legendary status with a phenomenal performance. This event also built for the future with the first WrestleMania singles matches for Hart and Michaels, with The Hitman showcasing the direction for The New Generation focused on action-packed wrestling clinics. Even the matches that were not great were made entertaining by the commentary of Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan. Looking back, we should not ask what might have been but be thankful for the terrific show that it was.

(9) WrestleMania 3

On the surface, this looks like an average WrestleMania. It was built around one great match and one great moment. Despite this, it is arguably the most famous event in the history of wrestling. The match between Ricky Steamboat and Savage was recognized for years as the greatest Mania match. In an era where workrate was not showcased in the company, these two splendid athletes put on a remarkable contest full of near-falls and drama. The rabid reaction to Steamboat winning provided the ultimate blow-off to the intense feud.

We also saw Piper's "retirement match" against Adrian Adonis with the memorable finale of Adorable getting his blond locks shaved off. Most of the other matches were nothing special, but were made entertaining by the atmosphere as well as the banter between Jesse Ventura and Gorilla Monsoon. The early Manias show the importance of having fun commentary to make even the weak matches watchable.

Of course, the great moment I mentioned above happened to be the biggest in the history of WrestleMania and perhaps wrestling itself. The sight of Hulk Hogan slamming Andre the Giant is the most replayed footage in the annals of the ring. It may have not been a great match but the ambiance and the aura are untouchable. Additionally, the mammoth crowd that was billed as the largest indoor audience of all time made every move that took place that magical night a spectacle. This is the grand event that cemented WrestleMania as a yearly pop culture happening and it deserves its legacy.

(8) WrestleMania 23

It was the year WrestleMania was "all grown up," and the twentieth anniversary of the legendary Hogan versus Andre match returned to the city of that unforgettable moment. This event featured two terrific World Title matches, an athletic spectacle match, and a memorable mainstream moment. Undertaker and Batista surprised doubters with a sensational battle of the titans. Taker kept his streak alive as well as recaptured the World Championship for the first time in ten years.

John Cena and Shawn Michaels also put on an excellent main event featuring a dramatic back-and-forth ending where The Heartbreak Kid tapped out to help legitimize the star of the next generation. Additionally, the third Money in the Bank ladder match had more of the breathtaking maneuvers expected in this annual staple of the show.

The main selling point of the event, The Battle of the Billionaires, was an entertainingly overbooked display of larger than life characters. Donald Trump, Vince McMahon and Steve Austin may have overshadowed the actual participants, Bobby Lashley and Umaga, but their presence added monstrous amounts of publicity as well as to the big-event feel.

WrestleMania 23 had an incredible atmosphere with an enormous crowd of over 80,000 fans, which may have actually been more than the legendary show in Detroit twenty years prior. The image of Vince getting his head shaved by Trump and Austin will be etched in Mania lore. Finally, two of the top stars of the current generation battling off against two of the top icons of all time gave this show two of the best main events in the history of the program. WrestleMania had indeed "grown up" to be a spectacular pop culture attraction.

(7) WrestleMania 10

This event "ten years in the making" was a changing of the guard for the WWF. The era of cartoonish superheroes was over, as they were to be replaced by a younger, more athletic set of dynamic superstars. WrestleMania 10 showcased the rise of Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart. It began with the greatest opening match in pay-per-view history between Bret and his brother Owen in a technical wrestling clinic. Nobody can forget the first ladder match to ever take place on such a grand stage. Michaels and Razor Ramon put the gimmick on the map with a groundbreaking display of athleticism and storytelling. Savage had his final Mania battle in a fun brawl with the original ending of Crush being hung from the ceiling by his boots. The show ended with one of the most symbolic moments in history with Hart raised up by his fellow superstars, confirming his place as the top attraction in the company.

The historical value of this event is off the charts. This is the first WrestleMania without Hulk Hogan. HBK and The Hitman put on legendary performances that would change the company's focus. They would become the top two stars of the era. The ladder match is now a staple of the industry and the quality of wrestling has improved ever since this landmark spectacular at Madison Square Garden. This show proved cynics wrong that the WWF could not survive without Hulk Hogan, and just a few years later, wrestling would be more popular than ever.

(6) WrestleMania 20

WrestleMania 20 was the event it all began again. WWE put on an impressive show that concluded with the most bittersweet image in the history of wrestling. The Triple Threat main event between Benoit, Michaels and Triple H may have been the greatest finale in wrestling history. It was an emotional masterpiece with the perfect ending, where Benoit made The Game tap out in dramatic fashion. Eddie Guerrero and Kurt Angle also had an excellent World Title match with a creative finish.

The undercard was also full of memorable happenings. Evolution faced off against the reunited Rock and Sock connection in a very fun contest with some awesome interaction between Flair and The Rock. It continued the elevation of Orton to main event status. Chris Jericho and Christian faced off in a very good battle with a great backstory and a surprise ending where Trish turned heel. The Undertaker made his anticipated return to his Dead Man character by defeating Kane with the Tombstone. Despite those theatrics, the most surreal moment of the night may have been when Brock Lesnar and Bill Goldberg faced off in an atrocious match in front of a passionate crowd that gave them a goodbye they would never forget. The look on Austin's face as the two "competitors" were being booed out of the building was priceless.

Ironically, the event where things were to "begin again" ended up being the beginning of the end for the two superstars it crowned champion. Benoit and Guerrero would be dead within three years, forever transforming that final image into a haunting portrait of the dark side of the business. Lesnar and Goldberg had their final match to this day. It was also likely The Great One's last WrestleMania battle. Overall, the sweet and sour of this presentation make it one of the most significant in history.

(5) WrestleMania 22

It was hyped as the "Big Time" event of the year, but the build-up left something to be desired. Fortunately, the actual show was an incredibly exciting top-to-bottom display of memorable matches and moments. The second Money in the Bank ladder match was one of the greatest spot-fests ever with Rob Van Dam climbing his way to future main event status that was not to last. Edge and Mick Foley had the most brutal match in Mania history.

The image of The Rated R Superstar spearing Foley headfirst through an enflamed table was absolutely mind-blowing. Trish Stratus and Mickie James put on perhaps the greatest women's match of all time in the conclusion of a brilliant stalker storyline. In the spectacle match of the evening, Shawn Michaels channeled his DX persona to overcome the evil Mr. McMahon. His elbow off the top of the ladder onto the battered chairman lying in a garbage can was another WrestleMania moment.

Added to the amazing undercard were two very good World Title matches. The Triple Threat encounter between Kurt Angle, Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio was criminally short but filled with non-stop action from bell to bell. The finale between Triple H and Cena had a surreal atmosphere created by the passionate Chicago crowd and over-the-top entrances. It was also a very well wrestled main event with the surprising ending of The Game tapping out for the second year in a row.

This card had six matches that were arguably three stars or higher on the five star scale, making it possibly the strongest overall. It was a perfect example of the performers rising above a weak build-up to put on a sensational show. We saw some of the most astonishing moments in the WrestleMania history. Mysterio winning the Heavyweight Title was a historic moment and the big-match feel of Hunter versus Cena made this event live up to its Big Time hype.

(4) WrestleMania 24

Last year, WrestleMania arrived in the magical world of Disney in Orlando and produced a mythical moment that Walt himself could appreciate. The emotional classic between Michaels and his boyhood hero Flair was a masterpiece with drama, tears and entertainment. It was what wrestling was all about, and a fitting conclusion to The Nature Boy's career.

That match was worth the price of admission, but the rest of the card was very good as well. Undertaker and Edge put on an epic main event with Taker regaining the World Championship. The Triple Threat between Orton, Cena and Triple H was a great showdown between three of the top stars of this age, with Orton certifying himself as the most dangerous heel in the business.

The Money in the Bank ladder match again featured awe-inspiring agility and excitement, with John Morrison in particular shining under the spotlight and CM Punk climbing to victory. We were also treated to a surprisingly good contest between "the biggest" athlete in the world, The Big Show, and "the best" boxer in the world, Floyd Mayweather.

This was a Mania that had it all. It had unbelievable spots in the ladder match. It also had tremendous main events, including the ascension of Orton to the top tier. There was the mainstream spectacle match that far exceeded the hype, as Money proved why he is such a prolific pay per view draw. Finally, we were treated to the poignant memory of the greatest wrestler of this generation reluctantly finishing the career of the finest wrestler of the previous era. It was the sentimental conclusion that even Disney could not have done better.

(3) WrestleMania 21

When WrestleMania went Hollywood, the WWE put on a glamorous production that was befitting Tinseltown. Two new champions were crowned under the spotlight of the grand stage. Batista defeated his Evolution mentor Triple H in a solid match that had one of the best buildups in recent years. John Cena finally ended the lengthy reign of John Bradshaw Layfield in a lackluster contest.

Just like an anticlimactic blockbuster film, this event was more about the undercard than the main events. The inaugural Money in the Bank match was a sensational array of eye-popping athleticism and original uses of the ladder. Shelton Benjamin put on a show-stealing performance and Chris Benoit added some gritty realism selling his arm injury, but it was Edge that emerged victorious, furthering his rise to superstardom. Eddie Guerrero and Mysterio had a good opening match that got the crowd hot.

The Legend Killer attempted to slay the Undertaker in a very good match and one of the few times in recent years that the streak appeared in jeopardy. This card will be most remembered for the instant classic between Kurt Angle and HBK. Two of the greatest of the last two decades put on an epic story that rivaled the drama and entertainment of any Hollywood movie. The sight of watching Michaels struggle against the Angle-Lock before finally tapping out was extraordinary.

WrestleMania 21 had incredible matches, a tremendous build, star power, innovation and historical significance. The first Money in the Bank match's success not only elevated The Rated R Superstar, it insured the gimmick was here to stay. Steve Austin and Hulk Hogan each participated in entertaining, memorable segments to add to the event's aura. We had one of the greatest matches of all time between Angle and Michaels. Finally, we had the crowning of two champions that have stood the test of time as bonafide top tier superstars. Even Hollywood had to step aside when WWE took over Los Angeles with its spectacular showcase.

(2) WrestleMania 17

This is widely recognized as the greatest pay per view of all time and I will not argue with anybody that gives this spectacular event that elusive title. It was an incredible showcase of everything a wrestling fan could ask for. We had a fun battle royal that gave us a trip back through time to some of the most colorful characters we have seen. For those that enjoy the overbooked, soap opera, there was Vince taking on his son Shane in a wildly entertaining bout. If technical wrestling is your fancy, there was a very good mat battle between Angle and Benoit. If you crave jaw-dropping athleticism and high spots, the unbelievable TLC classic between Edge and Christian, The Hardys and The Dudleys satisfied your appetite.

The main event is one of the greatest in the history of wrestling. The Rock and Steve Austin wowed audiences with a devastating no rules fight for The World Title. The brutal action and the top-notch storytelling in front of the enormous Houston audience made it one of the most memorable matches ever. Unfortunately, and this is my opinion, the ending where Austin and McMahon joined forces and shook hands came off as contrived. The fans never bought into Stone Cold as a heel, and the fact the crowd continued to cheer even after the revelation took away from the moment. This ill-advised turn also was a factor that led to the drop in business that has never recovered. It also inexcusably led to the dreadful "what" chants that have plagued wrestling audiences for the years following.

I realize that many people love the finish and even I admit that it does not tarnish the glow of this phenomenal event. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, adding to the feeling that you were watching something special. Despite the ending, this is one of the most sensational events in the history of wrestling. WrestleMania 17 was the peak of The Attitude Era and it finally gave the glorious period the landmark spectacular it deserved.

(1) WrestleMania 19

I know many of you are shaking your heads at this selection, but let me put the law school skills to work and present my argument why WrestleMania 19 is the greatest of all time. The card featured new beginnings, dramatic endings, and a celebration of the history of the business itself. The featured match was the confrontation between Hulk Hogan and Mr. McMahon, the two men that were responsible for the innovation and the success of WrestleMania in its first decade. They put on a very entertaining battle with Hogan defeating a bloody McMahon with the surprise appearance of Roddy Piper adding to the nostalgia. Booker T and Triple H had a good match, but it is overlooked by the fact the racist overtones in the storyline did not result in the happy ending it should have.

What made this event legendary were the three absolute classics we will remember forever. We were treated to an incredible main event between Lesnar and Angle that is often overshadowed by the breathtaking and frightening sight of Brock's botched shooting star press. The match leading up to it was a terrific and the moment was unforgettable. Not only that, Shawn Michaels returned to the big stage in an extraordinary bout against the man who idolized him as a child, Chris Jericho. This was a pure wrestling clinic and a flawless illustration of in-ring storytelling, with the master showing the student he still had it. Above all, there was the finale of the epic WrestleMania trilogy between Austin and The Rock. The Rattlesnake had returned from a long sabbatical and The Great One was at his absolute best with his pompous Hollywood character. It was built around Rock's quest to finally defeat his arch-rival on the big stage and he was able to fulfill his quest in a terrific showdown. The finish, where the two legends were alone in the ring thanking each other for what they meant to their respective careers and the overall industry itself was an emotional finale to the rivalry.

WrestleMania 19 earns its place as the greatest ever not only because of its incredible matches but its unmatched historical significance. We saw perhaps the two finest amateur wrestlers in the history of the industry battling it out in the main event, one of whom would become the top star in another avenue. Not only that, the greatest performer in the history of the event made his return in grand fashion. People forget that we thought this would be HBK's last hurrah, but he has went on to put on some of the most amazing matches ever to stake his claim to his Mr. WrestleMania moniker.

The match against Jericho was a precursor to what would be maybe the top feud of the decade. Most importantly, this event celebrated the two most successful eras in wrestling history. Hogan and McMahon were responsible for The Rock and Wrestling boom and Rock and Austin were the reason for The Attitude Era's thriving business, and all four of them rose to the occasion here. We also enjoyed the final WrestleMania matches of the two biggest stars in the history of wrestling. For all of these reasons and more, this was the grandest event in the history of WrestleMania.

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