WrestleMania has launched countless careers into WWE superstardom, but a few iconic wins stand out as true turning points. From emotional triumphs to historic cash-ins and game-changing moments, here’s a look at five WrestleMania victories that defined legends and reshaped WWE history.
1) Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40
Cody Rhodes clashed with Roman Reigns in a thrilling Bloodline Rules match at WrestleMania 40 for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, fueled by his mission to “finish his story” after falling short the year prior.
The crowd roared for Rhodes as he fought through relentless interference from The Bloodline, featuring surprise allies. Rhodes finally pinned Reigns after multiple Cross Rhodes finishers, sparking massive cheers among the live crowd.
Rhodes walked into WrestleMania 40 already a fan-favorite, but his win solidified his legacy.
2) Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 31
At WrestleMania 31, Seth Rollins executed a historic heist, cashing in his Money in the Bank contract mid-match during Brock Lesnar’s brutal clash with Reigns, instantly transforming it into a high-stakes triple threat for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
The cunning heel had patiently plotted his moment, and the crowd erupted in shock as he seized the opportunity, curb-stomping Reigns to claim the title.
Lesnar’s unstoppable aura was suddenly shattered, and the chaotic, hard-hitting match culminated in Rollins’ crowning moment. His 220-day reign ended after he was forced to vacate the title due to injury, but the victory solidified him as a main-eventer and cemented his rise to superstardom.
3) Stone Cold Steve Austin at WrestleMania 14
Stone Cold Steve Austin collided with Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 14 for the then-WWF Championship, with boxing legend Mike Tyson as the enforcer. The storyline showcased Austin’s rebellious attitude against Michaels’ arrogance, fueling the Attitude Era.
Fans showed massive support for Austin, recognizing a revolutionary shift in WWE.
The title wasn’t just gold — it was the torch passed to Austin as the undisputed face of the company. After a fierce battle and Tyson’s pivotal involvement, Austin dropped Michaels with a Stone Cold Stunner to claim victory.
4) Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 35
Becky Lynch made history at WrestleMania 35, overcoming Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair in WWE’s first-ever women’s main event at WrestleMania to claim both the RAW and SmackDown Women’s Championships.
The white-hot buildup showcased Lynch’s defiant “The Man” persona against Rousey’s combat sports dominance, electrifying fans worldwide. With the crowd roaring her name, Lynch outlasted her rivals in a grueling battle, finally pinning Rousey.
She would lose the SmackDown title a month later, but Lynch would hold onto the RAW Women’s Championship for well over a year.
5) Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania 30
Daniel Bryan’s hard-fought journey to WrestleMania 30 culminated in one of WWE’s most emotionally charged main events, as he defeated Triple H in a show-stealing opener before overcoming Batista and Randy Orton in a chaotic triple-threat match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
The storyline framed Bryan as the ultimate underdog battling The Authority’s oppression — a narrative fueled by fan backlash after his initial exclusion from the WrestleMania title picture. Fans rallied behind Bryan, chanting “Yes!” relentlessly as he made Batista tap out to win the match. Though Bryan’s reign was cut short to 64 days due to injury, the win cemented his legacy as a symbol of resilience and proved WWE could pivot to fan demand.
With blockbuster matches like Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena and Rhea Ripley vs. IYO SKY vs. Bianca Belair on the card, fans are left wondering — will WrestleMania 41 deliver another historic title change this year?