The Royal Rumble match winner is traditionally guaranteed a world championship match at ‘Mania, which is usually expected to be the main event. But over the last two decades, WWE has featured more than one world title, which has lessened the chances of the Royal Rumble winner going on last at The Shows of Shows.

In fact, there have been quite a few instances where the main event of the night was not a title match at all. Rather, it was the culmination of a feud or storyline that Vince McMahon deemed more important than any championship.

In this list, we will take a look at eight times a non-title match headlined WrestleMania. Which of the following matches is your favorite? Share your opinions in the comments section below.

#8. The Undertaker defeated AJ Styles in a Boneyard Match - 2020

WrestleMania 36 was the only year The Showcase of the Immortals took place behind closed doors. It was also the first time the event spanned two nights, which is now gradually becoming the standard format.

Night one was headlined by The Undertaker and AJ Styles in a first-ever Boneyard match. This match came 10 years after The Undertaker’s last title reign, and Styles wasn’t champion at the time either.

However, the Boneyard Match was truly a spectacle worthy of the main event. It also turned out to be The Deadman’s last ride in the squared circle (or graveyard, in this case).

#7. Roman Reigns defeated The Undertaker - 2017

Three years before clashing with Styles, The Undertaker headlined The Show of Shows in a non-title match against Roman Reigns. Their bout was the main event of WrestleMania 33, an extravaganza that featured Brock Lesnar and Goldberg locking horns for the Universal Championship on the undercard.

The feud between the two big dogs started at the Royal Rumble when Reigns eliminated The Phenom from the event’s titular match. The showdown was then set for April 2nd, where The Undertaker would suffer his second and final loss in ‘Mania history.

#6. The Rock defeated John Cena - 2012

The Rock whipped fans into a frenzy of excitement when he returned to wrestling in 2011. He soon targeted the face of the company, John Cena, and a match between the two titans was booked for WrestleMania 28.

Their match was confirmed the day after ‘Mania 27, and thus its buildup lasted an entire year. Though it wasn’t for the world title, the event was billed “Once in a Lifetime”. This made it a certainty to headline The Showcase of the Immortals, which it eventually did.

#5. The Undertaker defeated Shawn Michaels - 2010

Shawn Michaels was more desperate than anyone on the WWE roster to break The Undertaker’s famous streak. The Heartbreak Kid even put his career on the line for the opportunity to do so.

The match was billed as “Career vs. Streak”, and this stipulation is arguably greater than any championship in WWE history. So it’s no surprise that the bout was announced to be the main event of Wrestlemania 26.

Not only did the match end the night, it also ended Shawn Michaels’ career. The Deadman would continue his streak for four more years while HBK hung up his boots and left the business behind.

#4. Lawrence Taylor defeated Bam Bam Bigelow - 1995

Bam Bam Bigelow (w/Tatanka) lost a tag-team tournament at the Royal Rumble in 1995. Bigelow vented his frustration on NFL legend Lawrence Taylor by pushing him.

A match between the two superstars was booked for that year’s WrestleMania, with Pat Patterson as the guest referee. Although Shawn Michaels had a match against Diesel for the WWF title that night, it was Bigelow and Taylor that headlined the event.

Eventually, Lawrence Taylor emerged triumphant in the main event of WrestleMania 11.

#3. Hulk Hogan defeated Sid Justice - 1992

WrestleMania 8 featured Hulk Hogan taking on Sid Justice in the main event. However, the original plans were a bit different.

WWE had originally planned to book Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair in a dream match, and their interaction was even announced by WWF President Jack Tunney.

However, the plans were changed and Flair instead squared off against Randy Savage while Hogan fought Sid Justice. Despite not holding the world title, Hogan took the main event and emerged victorious against Justice.

The Hulkster then became the victim of a post-match attack by Justice and Papa Shango, but was saved by a returning Ultimate Warrior.

#2. Mr. T vs. Roddy Piper had a Boxing match - 1986

Roddy Piper is one of the earliest heel megastars in WWE. He had a bitter rivalry with Mr. T during the latter’s stint with the company that led to a match at WrestleMania 2.

It was the only WrestleMania to air from three separate venues simultaneously. Riding high on the the previous year’s blowout success, Vince McMahon quite literally tripled down in an effort to create the grandest spectacle he possibly could. The results were mixed, however, and the format was abandoned afterward.

Piper vs. Mr. T headlined the New York portion of the show in a boxing match. The contest was awarded to Mr. T when Piper bodyslammed him in the fourth round.

#1. Hulk Hogan and Mr. T defeated Paul Orndroff and Roddy Piper - 1985

Vince McMahon went all out with the first-ever edition of WrestleMania. In an effort to create an event that transcended wrestling, he ignored the title in the main event. Rather, he sought to employ as much star power as he could.

Thus, a tag team match headlined the event for the first and only time in its history. Mr. T and Hulk Hogan teamed up to take on Paul Orndroff and Roddy Piper. Additionally, both Muhammad Ali and Pat Patterson were involved as special guest referees.

Ultimately, T and the Hulkster stood tall in the clash and became the winners of the first-ever main event in WrestleMania history.

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