Top 10 Greatest Pro Wrestling Rivalries

Pro wrestling isn't just about the physical prowess, the high-flying moves, or the power slams. Oh no, it's about the stories, the drama, the burning tension between two athletes that turns a simple match into a legendary feud. It's about the villains you love to hate and the heroes you cheer for, the fierce rivalries that make you jump to your feet, eyes glued to the screen. And let's not forget those epic mic battles that often leave as much of an impact as the physical altercations.

You probably have your favorite rivalries, the ones that make you raise your voice in heated discussions. Those clashes that, in your mind, defined what pro wrestling is all about. Maybe it's a classic feud from the golden era that continues to be talked about with reverence, or perhaps it's a modern rivalry that's breaking boundaries and redefining the game. Each fan has their own preference, their own understanding of what makes a rivalry great, and that's exactly what makes this topic so engaging.

So here's the deal: you get to vote on the choices you believe should be celebrated as the greatest pro wrestling rivalries. This isn't just a popularity contest. It's a celebration of the storylines, the characters, the matches, and the moments that set our hearts racing. It's about acknowledging the rivalries that pushed the boundaries, that inspired awe, laughter, anger, and maybe even a few tears.

Whether it's a personal rivalry that simmered over years, a scripted feud that was so well done it felt real, or even those real-life animosities that spilled over into the ring, your vote counts. And remember, it's not just about who won the most matches. It's about the journey, the suspense, the emotional rollercoaster that made these rivalries unforgettable.

The Top Ten

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock

Their three matches at WrestleMania X7, XIX, and 21 were absolute classics. They also led to Stone Cold's retirement for over 20 years.

Just the best rivalry and the most entertaining.

If this wasn't number 1, then I don't know what is.
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon

This was the magic that made the Attitude Era as great as it was.

This made the Attitude Era great.
Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart

Bret versus Shawn. Who is really the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be? Bret says he is, while Triple H in 1997 and even today says it's Shawn. Even if a mini Bret Hart called Shawn, John Michaels.
It's Joeysworld

A rivalry that led to the infamous "Montreal Screw Job." Former tag team wrestlers that had great chemistry with each other.
Eric Bischoff vs. Vince McMahon
Ric Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat

This was the greatest technical rivalry in the history of wrestling. These two men wrestled 60-minute matches and made it look easy. This has not happened since.
Both were masters of technical wrestling. Pure gold!

These two had some of the greatest technical matches ever. A rivalry that spanned the late 70s through the early 90s. They were so evenly matched.
Edge & Christian vs. The Hardy Boyz vs. The Dudley Boyz

Their TLC match at WrestleMania was legendary. It redefined the Tag Team Division.
Andre the Giant vs. Hulk Hogan

A rivalry that lasted throughout the 80s. Hogan lost to Andre several times over the years but that changed with one big body slam at Wrestlemania 3.
John Cena vs. Randy Orton

This has been a rivalry for as long as they've been in the WWE and before as well!

Longest running rivalry ever.
The Undertaker vs. Edge
Hulk Hogan vs. Sting

The greatest storyline and rivalry in wrestling history. The face of WCW versus the biggest threat to WCW in the face of Hogan and the NWO. This was epic.

This was one of the reasons WCW beat WWE during the Monday Night Wars. It was truly epic.

Epic - from start to finish. WCW versus NWO.

The Newcomers

?
CM Punk vs. MJF

Greatest Personal Rivalry to never have a proper conclusion
?
Hangman Adam Page vs. Swerve Strickland

The Contenders

Kane vs. The Undertaker

Titan vs. Titan! This was one of the most exciting angles in the business during its time.

Two of the darkest forces in WWE, and they're both good guys being cheered for.
Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada
Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega
The Undertaker vs. Mankind

Do you remember their Hell in a Cell match where Mankind was tossed off the cage through a table?
D-Generation X vs. The Undertaker
CM Punk vs. John Cena

The dynamic of this rivalry is that Cena is the Superman of the WWE while CM Punk is Batman. Cena may have had more intense rivalries with Orton and Edge, but Punk has a conflicting personality to Cena that makes it feel more authentic. When Punk and Cena were both faces in 2011, it had a Hogan/Savage type of rivalry that was not seen too often.
In 2012, when Punk feuded with Cena as the Top Heel, it developed into a Hogan/Piper rivalry. Maybe someday Punk and Cena can complete the trifecta with Cena being the Top Heel and Punk as the Top Face to create a Rock/Austin type of rivalry.

Throughout the Summer of Punk in 2011, I was more excited than I had ever been since starting to watch wrestling in 2004.
The matches were amazing. They were 5-star and a perfect blend of old school and new era. I cannot believe this isn't higher, as the complexity, longevity, and awesomeness of this never-ending feud really brought a lot of people back to wrestling.
Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit

Two wrestlers with similar wrestling styles. The way they were able to counter each other's moves was astonishing.
Giulia vs. Tam Nakano
Steve Austin vs. Bret Hart
The Rock 'n' Roll Express vs. The Midnight Express

This was the tag team rivalry of its time. Great performances and great to watch. This was when wrestling was wrestling.

Greatest tag team rivalry from '87 to '89.
Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa
Hulk Hogan vs. Randy Savage

Great fun to watch, but this was quite literally a testament to Hogan's ego. These men detested one another in and out of the ring. In fact, most of the locker room detested Hogan. He had the biggest ego in wrestling.

They had a major rivalry both in and out of the ring.
John Cena vs. Edge
Hulk Hogan vs. Roddy Piper

Their rivalry propelled future WrestleManias.