SHOWCASE OF THE IMMORTALS
For 40 years, WrestleMania has showcased the pinnacle of pro-wrestling competition, with the WWE Championship consistently taking center stage in unforgettable matches. Over the decades, the championship's design has evolved alongside a diverse array of titleholders who have left their mark on the event. From legendary figures like Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Stone Cold, Shawn Michaels, and Randy Savage to modern icons such as Drew McIntyre, Roman Reigns, AJ Styles, and Randy Orton, WrestleMania has hosted a rich tapestry of competitors vying for the prestigious title. As of 2024, the event boasts seven distinct eras of WWE Title matches, each contributing to the storied history of this premier championship showdown.
THE BEGINNING:
GOLDEN ERA
In the electrifying era stretching from WrestleMania 1 in 1985 to WrestleMania 8 in 1992, the spotlight blazed brightly on the indomitable Hulk Hogan, reigning supreme as the WWE Champion. Yet amidst his colossal presence, luminaries like Randy Savage, Sgt. Slaughter, and Ric Flair shimmered into the ring, each wielding their own brand of stardom and snatching moments of glory with the coveted championship gold.
TIME FOR A CHANGE:
NEW GENERATION ERA
Following Hulk Hogan's departure from WWE in the summer of 1993, the company was looking for a hot new babyface to be the face of WWE, as well as push new, up-and-coming stars. From WrestleMania 9 in 1993 to WrestleMania 12 in 1996, we saw the emergence of Bret Hart, Yokozuna, Diesel, and Shawn Michaels all seeing WWE Championship successes at the showcase of the immortals.
GET IT:
ATTITUDE ERA & POST ATTITUDE
In 1997, the former World Wrestling Federation underwent a seismic shift, morphing into an edgier, boundary-pushing entity that redefined televised entertainment. This period, dubbed the Attitude Era, witnessed the meteoric ascent of Stone Cold Steve Austin, culminating in his WWE Championship triumph at WrestleMania 14 in 1998, emblemizing the Era's rebellious spirit. Amidst the chaos and controversy, luminaries like Shawn Michaels, The Rock, and Triple H blazed their trails as champions. And as WrestleMania 17 unfolded in 2001, it marked the end of the Attitude Era, paving the way for a new dawn in the post-Attitude landscape, epitomized by the transitional spectacle of WrestleMania 18 the following year.
GETTING THE 'F' OUT:
RUTHLESS AGGRESSION ERA
In the dynamic landscape of 2002, a significant change forced the company to adopt a new name, leading to its rebranding as World Wrestling Entertainment. Thus, WrestleMania 19 in 2003 being the first WrestleMania to bear the insignia of "WWE". This era, christened the "Ruthless Aggression" period, was characterized by an emphasis on athleticism and intense competition. Here, we saw stars like John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Eddie Guerrero, and Randy Orton ascend to prominence as WWE Champion, along with other Attitude Era stars such as Kurt Angle, Triple H, and Shawn Michaels. The latter cementing their legacies as titans of the squared circle. The era witnessed a shift towards a more diverse roster and storytelling, with a focus on realism and personal rivalries.
THE CLEANUP:
PG ERA
2008 saw the company move to more family-friendly content, changing its television rating to PG. This saw a heavy emphasis on the removal of graphic violence and explicit language, looking to reach attract a broader audience, including children. The focus shifted towards entertainment rather than pure athleticism. From WrestleMania 25 in 2009 to WrestleMania 29 in 2013, we saw Triple H, Batista, The Miz, CM Punk, and The Rock defend their gold in a period that many fans either really love or dislike.
WORLDWIDE DOMINANCE:
NETWORK ERA
Starting at WrestleMania 30, the WWE would launch the WWE Network, revolutionizing how fans consumed pro wrestling. This era witnessed a paradigm shift in how wrestling was consumed, with fans enjoying unprecedented access to live events, documentaries, and original programming. While WrestleMania 30 showcased the clash of titans between Randy Orton, Batista, and Daniel Bryan for championship glory, subsequent editions were not devoid of controversy, as the ascension of Roman Reigns stirred fervent debate among fans. Amidst the tumult, a diverse array of champions emerged, including Bray Wyatt, AJ Styles, Kofi Kingston, Drew McIntyre, and Bobby Lashley.
END OF AN ERA:
the renaissance
Amidst the aftermath of a global pandemic, the hiatus of live events plunged WrestleMania 36 into a surreal void devoid of fans, while WrestleMania 37 unfolded under restricted attendance. WrestleMania 38 in 2022 heralded a triumphant return to a packed WrestleMania arena, pulsating with the fervor of a reinvigorated fan base. Post-pandemic upheaval ushered in a tumultuous journey, highlighted by Roman Reigns' epochal heel turn and reign as WWE Champion, and the homecoming of Cody Rhodes, chasing and eventually capturing his dream of WWE Championship glory. Meanwhile, the ascendance of Triple H as the Chief Creative Officer added a compelling layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama. This era witnessed a resurgence of fan interest, infusing WWE with an electrifying vitality not felt in years, as the current product brimmed with renewed excitement and allure.
