Every Wrestler Who Main Evented In Their WrestleMania Debut, Ranked

In 1985, Vincent Kennedy McMahon poured all of blood, sweat, tears, and money into creating the greatest sports entertainment event of all time. Emanating from Madison Square Garden, the event quickly became exactly what McMahon wanted it to be. Everyone made their WrestleMania debuts that night of course, but only four men main evented the show.

Over the years, plenty of superstars have made their WrestleMania debut headlining the show. Without further ado, here’s every wrestler who main evented in their WrestleMania debut, ranked.

11 Mr. T. - WrestleMania

The original show came at the height of the Rock 'n' Wrestling Connection. To keep up with that era, the main event was made to be as star-studded as possible. One of the biggest TV stars at the time, Mr. T was more than game to try his hand in the squared circle. While he didn’t make a career out of it, T not only main evented a WrestleMania, he would also be a huge part of WrestleMania 2 in the boxing match against "Rowdy" Roddy Piper.

10 Lawrence Taylor - WrestleMania XI

Having recently retired, Lawrence Taylor decided to take in some action at the 1995 Royal Rumble and inadvertently picked a fight with Bam Bam Bigelow. It all led up to L.T.’s first and only wrestling match - headlining the show at WrestleMania XI.

Despite never working a match before, Taylor didn’t want to be embarrassed out in the ring, so he strived to put on a performance that was worthy of the spectacle of WrestleMania.

9 Paul Orndorff - WrestleMania

"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff headlined the inaugural show, teaming up with Roddy Piper. Orndorff would also open up WrestleMania 2 against Don Muraco. But after suffering an arm injury and trying to tough it out, Orndorff’s career wouldn’t get much higher than the classic Main Event cage match with Hogan where both men’s feet touched the floor in a photo finish.

8 Yokozuna- WrestleMania IX

After tearing through all of the competition since his debut back in late 1992. Yoko rose quicker than just about anyone else before or since. His first WWE Championship run sadly ended after a mere few minutes at WrestleMania IX. But after gaining the title back at the 1993 King Of The Ring, Yoko went on a tear until WrestleMania X. The big guy would become one of the best big men in the industry.

7 Roddy Piper - WrestleMania

No matter what he was doing or how he was doing it, Rowdy Roddy Piper made sure that he was the biggest name on the card. Headlining the first WrestleMania allowed the Hot Rod to spend the rest of his career letting everyone know he was around before WrestleMania had numbers. Without Piper being the ultimate instigator, Hulkamania wouldn’t have a had a prime villain to go after.

6 Hulk Hogan - WrestleMania

Of course the WWE champion is going to headline the inaugural WrestleMania. At the time, Hulkamania was hitting its apex and was the biggest thing in the world.

There isn’t a fan on the planet whom doesn’t owe a debt of gratitude to Hogan and all that he and Vince were able to do for the business, whether fans want to admit it or not.

5 Sgt. Slaughter - WrestleMania VII

WrestleMania VII took place during a very patriotic time in America’s history. The defending champion was the now ex-patriot turned Iraqi-sympathizer, Sgt. Slaughter. At 43-years-old, not only was Sgt. Slaughter enjoying a career resurgence, it wound up being a career highlight. The turncoat hasdtaken out the Warrior to win the title at the Rumble and faced Hogan at WrestleMania VII.

4 Sid Justice - WrestleMania VIII

The career Sid had is certainly Hall Of Fame worthy. He wrestled and headlined both WrestleManias he was a part of. At WrestleMania VIII, Sid Justice was ready to do the one thing that no one else could have done - finally end Hulkamania. Despite Hogan wrestling for years afterward, this match was billed as Hogan’s last match, win or lose. Obviously, this wasn't the last of Hulkamania.

3 The Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase - WrestleMania IV

Not only did Ted Dibiase headline his first WrestleMania, his antics created it! He tried to buy the WWE Title from Andre The Giant, which instantly vacated the title. At WrestleMania IV, DiBiase’s great run continued as he made it to the finals of the tournament, losing to Randy Savage. But the Million Dollar Man kept his main event matches going, headlining the original SummerSlam later in 1988.

2 Brock Lesnar - WrestleMania XIX

After debuting the day after WrestleMania X8, Brock Lesnar did what Brock Lesnar does best, destroyed everyone in his path. Almost immediately it became apparent the big money match was going to be The Next Big Thing against Kurt Angle.

Some fans can’t stand the part time schedule Brock has been on for the past eight years, but he’s still one of the biggest attractions in sports entertainment.

1 Ric Flair - WrestleMania VIII

WrestleMania VIII was the first time in WrestleMania history that there was a double main event. It took almost two decades to get him to the WWE, but Ric Flair was headlining his first WrestleMania (right where he belonged) as the WWE Champion. He headed into the show already the greatest ever, main eventing the show just cemented what most fans already knew.

Next: WrestleMania: 5 Best (& Worst) Women’s Title Matches In History