WWE is all about the stars and their rivalries. The hype around dream matches is what makes fans happy. Everyone remembers Hogan vs. The Rock at WrestleMania 18 Cena and Rock (twice) after that.
These were matches that people believed would never take place due to various circumstances. There are still some matchups people dreamed of but never saw. Here are 10 highly anticipated dream matches that never took place in WWE.
10. Brock Lesnar vs Batista
Given how their careers have been parallel for so long, it’s difficult to believe that Brock Lesnar and Batista never met in the WWE. They did face off at OVW but they were not the stars they are today.
Both made their debuts in 2002. However, Brock immediately entered the main event scene, while Batista remained in Evolution. After the Beast left, Batista gradually grew to become a main-event player. Imagine what could have happened.
9. AJ Styles vs. Shawn Michaels
Shawn Michaels thought it was too late to have this match at WrestleMania. This match could have been a real banger, considering how talented AJ Styles was in the ring. Shawn was a top performer in the WWE. Undertaker’s two matches at Mania are legendary. AJ helped Taker to have a well-deserved farewell match.
8. Daniel Bryan vs. Kurt Angle
Kurt Angle, Daniel Bryan and other technical wrestlers are considered to be among the best in their respective generation. Angle expressed regret at never having a match with WWE. They almost faced off in Ring of Honor but never in WWE because they were on different brands. Angle returned to WWE in 2017 and Bryan emerged from retirement in 2018. They only had a short interaction in 2018 at the Greatest Royal Rumble, despite having a full year to do it.
7. Shawn Michaels vs. Eddie Guerrero
Eddie Guerrero was a beloved and iconic wrestler during his time with WWE. They never met in WWE because they were on different brands. Eddie was a member of SmackDown from 2002 until his tragic demise in November 2005.
Rumors circulated that a dream WrestleMania 22 match was planned between the two, with Eddie winning the World Title early in 2006 and HBK challenging Eddie after winning the Royal Rumble. The match would have showcased their charisma and talent, and been a magical experience for fans. Guerrero died unexpectedly, and the match was never held.
6. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. CMPunk
CM Punk, along with Stone Cold Steve Austin, are two of WWE’s most famous anti-establishment wrestling stars. They never met each other during their careers but they had run-ins with each other on WWE TV and they even did a promo interview for WWE ’13 where they discussed the outcome if they were to meet in the ring.
Punk, a straight-edged wrestler with a distinct personality, is known for his beer-loving. These two wrestlers’ potential promo battles would be epic, and their clashing personalities would be an unforgettable experience for fans. This dream match may never happen, but in the world professional wrestling anything is possible.
5. Shawn Michaels vs. Brock Lesnar
Many fans would have loved to see a match between Brock Lesnar, Shawn Michaels. Brock Lesnar’s abrupt exit from WWE in 2004, meant that this match could not take place before HBK retired in 2010. The two men also had different brands between 2002 and 2004, which made it difficult for them to interact.
The only time they ever had an altercation was in the lead-up to SummerSlam when Michaels gave Lesnar his Sweet Chin Music during a match between Triple H and The Rock. Lesnar has had some of the most entertaining matches against smaller and more athletic opponents, such as AJ Styles Daniel Bryan, Finn Balor, etc. Lesnar vs Michaels was a match that would have been incredible, as Lesnar’s strength, dominance, and speed were matched with Michaels’ agility, speed, and prowess in the ring.
4. The Rock vs. Shawn Michaels The Rock
Shawn Michaels was widely known to have had drug and personal issues during the 1990s. This led him to be perceived as a not very nice person at that time. The Rock was allegedly one of those he mistreated. Shawn allegedly disrespected Shawn and his grandmother. Bret hart also claimed that Michaels disliked The Rock in WWE when he first arrived in 1996.
Michaels, despite his personal problems, underwent a transformation upon his return in WWE in 2002. A dream match with The Rock – another iconic and showstopper – never happened. The Rock reportedly did not want Michaels to work with him, but this is not confirmed. Shawn Michaels, , is Shawn Michaels best friend. It’s odd that , Triple H, , has such a long-standing rivalry with The Rock. Fans may one day see this epic match between the two legends. For now, however, it is a dream that has never been realized.
3. NWO vs.
The Monday Night Wars period was a time of great anticipation for the potential dream matchup between DX and the nWo. Both groups were leading the industry shift to a more adult-oriented and edgy product. The match was never held due to a number of factors. For example, the nWo originally formed under WCW, and DX was primarily an WWE faction.
The two groups were prevented from fighting in the ring by issues such as contracts and egos. Despite this missed opportunity, DX and the nWo remain two of the most influential and iconic factions in the history of wrestling.
2. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan and Stone Cold Steve Austin were considered to be the two greatest stars in WWE’s history. The much-anticipated WWE match between the two legendary wrestlers never happened despite Hogan’s return in 2002. Hogan instead faced The Rock in a dream match.
Rumors claim that Austin did not think he and Hogan could put on a great match. Hogan’s political maneuvering may also have played a part. Hogan’s matches weren’t known for their technical abilities, but his star power is undeniable. The idea of Hogan and Austin squaring off is tantalizing for wrestling fans, despite the odds of it not happening.
1. The Undertaker vs. Sting
Sting vs is a long-time dream match for Monday Night Wars fans. The match did take place in 1990 when Sting still had his “Surfer’ character, and The Undertaker wasn’t even a household word.
In 2001, when WCW folded, it looked like the stage had been set for the dream to be finally realized. Sting was a holdout for a long time before he joined WWE in 2014. Sting’s only WrestleMania was against Triple H. The Undertaker, however, suffered from injuries and could not compete. It would have been amazing to see a match between these two legendary figures, but it never happened.
