The wrestling world is full of “what if” dream scenarios—matches that would have set the wrestling world on fire if only the stars had aligned. Whether it’s due to different eras, untimely retirements, or tragic losses, here are ten dream matches we’ll likely never see but can only imagine.
10. Andre the Giant vs. The Big Show
Why it’s a dream:
Andre, the original “giant” of wrestling, vs. The Big Show, his modern equivalent, would have been a colossal battle of the titans. It’s a match fans of larger-than-life wrestling would have clamored for. I can’t imagine there would be many superkicks in this one, however it could have been an intriguing battle and this kicks off our list at number 10.
Why it won’t happen:
Andre’s passing in 1993 and Big Show’s recent move into semi-retirement put this one permanently on the shelf.
9. Shawn Michaels vs. AJ Styles
Why it’s a dream:
Shawn Michaels, the “Heartbreak Kid,” revolutionized high-flying, technical wrestling in WWE. AJ Styles has been the flagbearer of modern wrestling excellence. Their similar styles and storytelling abilities could have created an instant classic. Can you imagine a build-up, perhaps towards WrestleMania, with these two? I just know the match would be incredible.
Why it won’t happen:
Michaels retired in 2010 and has been adamant about staying retired (excluding the one-off Crown Jewel debacle). While Styles is still active, this dream match is out of reach. HBK always said that once he was retired that was it, he would stay retired.
However, the many millions from Saudi obviously tempted him back. That match surely put HBK’s mind at rest knowing that he should have always stayed true to his word.
8. Daniel Bryan (Bryan Danielson) vs. Bret Hart
Why it’s a dream:
Both men are technical wrestling geniuses known for their submission styles and ability to make any match unforgettable. A clash of their pure wrestling skills would have been a showcase of the craft at its finest. Daniel Bryan took many years to reach the pinnacle and once he did, he was a force to be reckoned with. Bret was a master in the ring and these two would put on a technical clinic.
Why it won’t happen:
Bret’s in-ring career was tragically cut short in 2000, and Danielson is now thriving in AEW (although currently toying with retirement). The timing never lined up.
7. The Rock vs. Roman Reigns
Why it’s a dream:
A match between two Samoan dynasty icons would have been the ultimate family drama. With Roman as “The Tribal Chief” and The Rock as a Hollywood megastar, it’s a natural fit. These two did tease having the match at last year’s WrestleMania until the ‘Cody Crybabies’ came out in full force. This match is the only one on the list that I feel could happen, but has the ship sailed on this one?
Why it won’t happen:
Jumanji 3 (just kidding). While this one isn’t entirely impossible, The Rock’s Hollywood schedule and Roman’s potential future hiatus make it increasingly unlikely.
6. CM Punk vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
Why it’s a dream:
Punk’s anti-establishment persona vs. Austin’s rebellious “beer-swilling” attitude is a promo war and clash of styles fans could only dream of. Can you imagine Punk in the ring talking shit about Austin and then the sound of glass shattering and Austin storming down to the ring? This would be money.
Why it won’t happen:
Austin retired in 2003 due to neck issues, and Punk’s polarizing career trajectory means this match is forever out of reach. Although Punk is back in WWE (for now), Austin’s career seems like it ended with that one-off Kevin Owens match.
5. Kenny Omega vs. Kurt Angle
Why it’s a dream:
Kenny Omega, the “Best Bout Machine,” and Kurt Angle, arguably the greatest wrestler of the 2000s, could have redefined what a five-star match looks like. Their athleticism, storytelling, and adaptability would have created pure magic. Kurt was just a natural in the ring. He had it all, great ring ability and was fantastic on the mic. The intensity of Kurt would carry the promos and the matches would carry themselves.
Why it won’t happen:
Angle is retired due to long-term injuries, while Omega remains a top star in AEW. Their paths never crossed during their primes.
4. Brock Lesnar vs. Batista
Why it’s a dream:
Two of WWE’s most dominant forces, Lesnar and Batista, are dream opponents for fans of powerhouse wrestling. A clash between these two physical specimens would have been explosive. Brock has been wrestling a very limited schedule and is now gone (seemingly) from WWE for the time being. These two at their best, crossing paths, would have been an absolute blast.
Why it won’t happen:
Batista retired in 2019 and is busy filming movies, and Lesnar’s sporadic appearances make this highly improbable.
3. Hulk Hogan vs. John Cena
Why it’s a dream:
The two biggest babyface icons of their respective eras facing off would have been a generational spectacle. Imagine the crowd reaction as Cena’s “Never Give Up” meets Hogan’s “Hulkamania.” We did get to see Rock vs Hogan (which was incredible) however, seeing the two biggest babyfaces of all time going head to head would have been incredible (naturally, at WrestleMania). Fruity Pebbles or milk – what you got?
Why it won’t happen:
Hogan’s age and health issues have sidelined him permanently, while Cena is winding down his career in favor of Hollywood. Surely this won’t happen? Right??
2. Eddie Guerrero vs. Seth Rollins
Why it’s a dream:
Eddie Guerrero was one of the most charismatic and versatile wrestlers of all time. Seth Rollins, with his athleticism and adaptability, would have been a perfect dance partner for Latino Heat. I didn’t fully appreciate how good Guerrero was until he was gone. Looking back on his career and his matches now, I can see just how good he was and his ring presence was right up there. Rollins in his prime would be a fantastic opponent for Latino Heat.
Why it won’t happen:
Eddie’s tragic passing in 2005 ended his career far too soon. Rollins can only dream of what might have been.
1. Sting vs. The Undertaker
Why it’s a dream:
It had to be here didn’t it? Two of the most iconic supernatural characters in wrestling history squaring off would have been an epic clash of mystique, theatrics, and storytelling. It’sss STINNNNGGGG vs The Phenom. I can’t believe they were both finally in WWE at the same time and we never got this match at WrestleMania. Can someone tell me why this didn’t happen? If you want to print money then surely you just book this match, right? Well we got Sting vs HHH instead (sigh).
These two legends would have tore the house down in their prime (probably best we didn’t get it a few years back) and maybe a run-in from old-school Kane would have added to the mix nicely.
Why it won’t happen:
Both legends are now retired so this is a pipe dream unfortunately. While both teased the idea over the years, WWE never pulled the trigger when they had the chance.
Honorable Mentions
- Ric Flair vs. Kazuchika Okada
- The Young Bucks vs. The Hardy Boyz (in their prime)
- Trish Stratus vs. Sasha Banks (Mercedes Moné)
Which dream matches are on your list? I’m really interested to know, so let me know in the comments! Thanks for reading.
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