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, or 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.
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.
This made the Attitude Era great.
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.
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.
Their TLC match at WrestleMania was legendary. It redefined the Tag Team Division.
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.
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.
Epic - from start to finish. WCW versus NWO.
This has been a rivalry for as long as they've been in the WWE and before as well!
Longest running rivalry ever.
The Newcomers
Two of the darkest forces in WWE, and they're both good guys being cheered for.
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.
Do you remember their Hell in a Cell match where Mankind was tossed off the cage through a table?
Greatest tag team rivalry from '87 to '89.
Their match at Wrestlemania 3 was arguably the best of all time.
They had a major rivalry both in and out of the ring.
