Opening tag team match
America's Most Wanted
vs.
The Brain Busters
50
Chris Harris and James Storm were the most successful tag team in TNA history, capturing the tag team titles seven times, while Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard captured tag team gold in the WWF and WCW, not to mention being Four Horsemen staples. Winners: The Brain Busters
Hellllllo, ladies. During their primes, Rude and Venis had somewhat similar characters, portraying sleazy, buff characters who fed off the fairer sex. Rude definitely had the more dominant personality and record, although Val may give him a run for his money (shot). Winner: Rick Rude
Battle of the ladies men
Ravishing Rick Rude
vs.
Val Venis
49
Styles has made a name for himself by having the best match on the card no matter whom he had as an opponent, and Hart had the exact same reputation. Both men also execute highspots that mean something in their matches, unlike many high-flyers of the current generation. Winner: AJ Styles
Years ago, when the wrestling industy had more than one dominant promotion, we fans used to wonder about what would happen one company's top star met his or her counterpart in the rival company. Or sometimes, we'd wonder if two wrestlers were similar (or different) enough to make for a really cool match.
In compiling this week's Top 50 list, we looked at the biggest wrestling stars from the last three decades and came up with matches that have never happened (or at the very least, never on a major stage). We also had a rule that each wrestler could only be featured ONCE, regardless of a gimmick change or different era. We're also assuming that each wrestler is in their prime as these happen, so you're not getting a rookie year Curt Hennig or 70 year-old Hulk Hogan.
Are every last one of these true Dream Matches? Probably not, but they're definitely fun fantasy match-ups to consider.
Ready? Here we go!
Two of the most dynamic personalities ever to appear in women's wrestling are matched up here. A.J. is the longest-reigning Divas Champion in WWE history, while Lita held the WWE Women's Championship four times and has made the WWE Hall of Fame. Both have killer finishing moves, too. Winner: Lita
Any names missing or misplaced? Leave your feedback in the Comments section below...
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No one could ever try to control The Ugandan Headhunter Kamala, and the same could be said for The Samoan Bulldozer Umaga. In addition to their names kind of rhyming, both had a knack for holding off their opponents with a brutal and often unpredictable style. Winner: Double Disqualification
SAVAGE STREETFIGHT
Kamala
vs.
Umaga
48
While Earthquake and Typhoon weighed slightly more at 850-odd pounds, Big Boss Man and Akeem were nothing to laugh at with combined poundage at roughly 800. Using their immense size, both teams made life for the likes of Hulk Hogan and The Road Warriors miserable. Winners: The Twin Towers
REINFORCE THE RING!
The Natural Disasters
vs.
The Twin Towers
47
Both men were largely portrayed as simple-minded, naive and easily distracted throughout their careers. While Eugene had a better range of wrestling moves, George was far more brutal, particularly during his rulebreaking stage. Let's hope the turnbuckles don't get destroyed here. Winner: George Steele
Special Challenge Match
Eugene
vs.
George The Animal Steele
46
Look..... I get that this is stretching the notion of a "dream match", but it's hard to argue that both guys don't have similar characters based on obnoxious dancing. I'm envisioning a dance-off rather than a traditional match, and you could have an outside party dance his way to victory. Winner: Santino Marella ?
Dancing With The Stars
Disco Inferno
vs.
Fandango
45
This match-up wouldn't feature similar styles or names - Tito and Pac are as different as night and day - but both were known throughout their careers as solid hands in the ring who had the ability to routinely make their opponents look great. Could definitely see this as a highlight of the card. Winner: X-Pac
Midcard Mayhem
Tito Santana
vs.
X-Pac
44
What characteristics do Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson, Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo and Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane have in common besides the name "Express"? Not that much. But each were solid tag teams that captured championship gold whereever they went. Winners: Rock and Roll Express
Triple Threat Express
Rock and Roll Express vs.
The U.S. Express vs.
The Midnight Express
43
Even the promos leading up to this bout would be insane. Roberts and Raven are two of the most nuanced and dark interviews in the business and can certainly get the job done in the ring. Add to that that Roberts helped Raven in his early WCW days and the match writes itself. Winner: Jake Roberts
Mind Games
Jake The Snake Roberts
vs.
Raven
42
With quite literally a ton of wrestler in the ring, this match would absolutely be a spectacle. Vader and Yokozuna were dominant champions in WCW and the WWF, respectively, while Bundy and Bigelow both experienced success in the upper mid-card. Pitying the poor referee in this one. Winner: Big Van Vader
FAT-AL FOUR WAY MATCH
Big Van Vader vs. Yokozuna
vs. King Kong Bundy
vs. Bam Bam Bigelow
41
Crazy or Jezebel?
A.J. Lee
vs.
Lita
40
Top 50 Lists
Which wrestler swings a meaner guitar? The Honky Tonk Man boasts that he is the total entertainment package and was the longest-reigning WWF Intercontinental Champion, while Jarrett was a World Champion in both WCW and TNA (although less of a success as a singer). Winner: Jeff Jarrett
Music City Melee
Jeff Jarrett
vs.
The Honky Tonk Man
39
True, these were both African-American tag teams in WCW, but they were also much more. Booker T and Stevie Ray held the company's tag team titles a record 10 times, while Ron Simmons and Butch Reed had to defend those same belts against the likes of The Steiners and Freebirds. Winners: Harlem Heat
WCW TAG TEAM FRANCHISES COLLIDE
Harlem Heat
vs.
Doom
38
Ventura will openly admit that he copied his entire look from Graham (as have others), so this matchup is a natural. Superstar accomplished more during his wrestling, winning the WWWF Championship from Pedro Morales, while Ventura was more successful outside the ring. Winner: Superstar Billy Graham
Super Posedown
Superstar Billy Graham
vs.
Jesse The Body Ventura
37
Interestingly enough, Mysterio has battled Mascaras' nephew (Alberto Del Rio) and Mascaras has tangled with Mysterio's uncle (Rey Mysterio Sr.). That said, a one-on-one between two of the best-known names in lucha libre history would keep the fans on their feet the entire match. Winner: Rey Mysterio
Battle of the Lucha Legends
Rey Mysterio
vs.
Mil Mascaras
36
This match might actually be closer than you think. While Backlund was one of the longest-reigning WWF Champions in history, McGuinness was the longest-reigning Ring of Honor Pure Champion. Plus their styles are similar enough to allow for a great give-and-take scientific match. Winner: Bob Backlund
Scientific Supermatch
Bob Backlund
vs.
Nigel McGuinness
35
High-FLYING DREAM MATCH
The Phenomenal AJ Styles
vs.
Owen Hart
34
Two of the most iconic teams in in WWF/E history, whom both happen to be made up of legitimate relatives. The Hardy Boyz are six-time WWE Tag Team Champions, while Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid held the belts just once but in a very competitive era. Winners: Matt and Jeff Hardy
FAMILY FEUD
Matt and Jeff Hardy
vs.
The British Bulldogs
33
Both women grabbed headlines by looking (and being) tougher than many of their male counterparts, which gave them a huge competitive advantage over the rest of the Divas division. Chyna was also WWF Intercontinental Champion, proving she could mix it up with the men. Winner: Chyna
DON'T TREAT ME LIKE A WOMAN...
Chyna
vs.
Kharma
32
OLD FASHIONED BRAWL
Sheamus
vs.
Harley Race
31
This may seem like a horrendous mismatch at first, but both men are former kings of the ring who love a good brawl, and would likely mesh together quite nicely as a result. Race is an eight-time NWA World Champion, while Sheamus is a three-time WWE/World Champion. Winner: Harley Race
Can you imagine the crazy spots in this one? All four are accomplished high-flyers with varying degrees of hardcore in their repertoire, which combines for a must-see dream match. Injuries would definitely pile up during what would definitely be a spotfest. Winner: Rob Van Dam
AERIAL WARFARE
Superfly Jimmy Snuka vs.
vs. Sabu vs. Rob Van Dam
vs. The Great Muta
30
There would be absolutely nothing fancy about the approach if Brian Knobs and Jerry Sags tangled with Jay and Mark Briscoe. While The Nasties have held tag team gold in WWF and WCW, The Briscoes have done the same in ROH. One thing is for sure - this would have to be a No-DQ match. Winners: The Briscoes
Tornado Tag Team Match
The Nasty Boys
vs.
The Briscoe Brothers
29
Both competitors here are inherently greedy, evil and know the value of a dollar, so Ted DiBiase and JBL would likely have some backup in their respective corners, be it Virgil and Orlando Jordan or The Million Dollar Corporation and The Cabinet. Winner: The Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase
MONEY IN THE BANK
The Million Dollar Man
Ted DiBiase vs.
John Bradshaw Layfield
28
Talk about unstable! The argument could be made here for either competitor to cross the line and do something against their company's wishes. Scott Steiner is the more accomplished of the two, holding the WCW World Title, while Dean Ambrose is just starting his singles career. Winner: Scott Steiner
STRAIGHTJACKET MATCH
Dean Ambrose
vs.
Scott Steiner
27
Sure, everyone always suggests Big Show vs. Andre The Giant as the true giant dream match, but this could be the more competitive alternative. Both Show and Studd hover near the 7 foot mark and have main evented cards while never completely dominating a company. Winner: The Big Show
Battle of the Big
The Big Show
vs.
Big John Studd
26
Here's another clash between dominant tag teams, this time in the WWF. Ax and Smash were three-time WWF Tag Team Champions (including holding the longest-reign in history), while Billy Gunn and Road Dogg held the belts five times. This would definitely be a clash in styles. Winners: Demolition
WWF Tag Team Dynasties Collide
Demolition
vs.
The New Age Outlaws
25
Dusty Rhodes, the patriarch of the Rhodes clan, is a three-time NWA World Champion, while his sons Stardust (Cody Rhodes) and Goldust (Dusty Rhodes) have also accomplished a lot in their WWF/E careers. The only question is whether Dusty would don gold facepaint, too? Winner: Dusty Rhodes
DUST BOWL
Dusty Rhodes
vs. Stardust
vs. Goldust
24
Slaughter, a former WWF World Champion and iconic symbol of America against Rusev, the up and coming and undefeated Bulgarian Brute? While Sarge has always looked against foreign competitors, this may one instance where he's truly met his match. Winner: Sgt. Slaughter
Cold War Collision
Sgt. Slaughter
vs.
Rusev
23
Another match that may not seem like a Dream Match on paper, but when you think about it.... both Roman Reigns and Samoa Joe experienced early success in their careers and were annointed as future top stars, a level that neither Samoan has quite managed to reach just yet. Winner: Roman Reigns
Samoan Supremacy
Roman Reigns
vs.
Samoa Joe
22
This would be a very unique six-man tag team match. Whereas Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts practically invented the idea of a trio working as a faction, Bray Wyatt, Erick Rowan and Luke Harper have taken it to a newer (and much darker) level over the past year. Winners: The Fabulous Freebirds
TROUBLEMAKING TRIOS
The Fabulous Freebirds
vs.
The Wyatt Family
21
It's hard to believe that two wrestlers from pretty much the same era never crossed paths, despite working in some of the same promotions. Both Steamboat and Hennig are technical wrestling masters who have held the WWF Intercontinental Title. Winner: Ricky The Dragon Steamboat
The Perfect Pairing
Ricky The Dragon Steamboat
vs.
Mr. Perfect
20
Some would suggest that Abyss was a carbon-copy of Kane, and while that may not necessarily be true, there are certainly enough similarities between the two fearless monsters (they both have less-devilish split personalities, too; see also Corporate Kane and Joseph Park). Winner: Kane
Monster vs. Demon
Kane
vs.
Abyss
19
Besides both men coming from famous wrestling families, Eddie Guerrero and Terry Funk both captured World Championships en route to proving their worth as the crown jewel of their respective families. Both are also former World Champions who take their opponents to the limit. Winner: Eddie Guerrero
Second-Generation Showdown
Eddie Guerrero
vs.
Terry Funk
18
Throw the rulebook out when these two lock up! Both Cactus Jack and Bruiser Brody had reputations for picking fights anywhere on the planet and coming out of them a brutal, bloody mess. Today's "no blood" standard would mean absolutely nothing to these competitors. Winner: Bruiser Brody
The Kings of Hardcore
Cactus Jack
vs.
Bruiser Brody
17
Luger and Batista have more in common than you may think. Both men captured multiple World and secondary championships in their respective companies, were known for their muscular appearance and seemed more natural as rulebreakers than fan favorites. Winner: Batista
Upper Midcard Showdown
Lex Luger
vs.
Batista
16
Daniel Bryan and Kurt Angle each have that reputation for being the best in-ring performer of their era, with Angle riding high atop the WWF and TNA, and Bryan in ROH and WWE. When both men are healthy, there's no way this match doesn't get five stars. Winner: Time-limit draw
Yes! It'S TRUE!
Daniel Bryan
vs.
Kurt Angle
15
Besides being two of WWF/E's hottest and most popular Divas, both Trish and Sable helped to elevate the Women's Championship in their own ways. This may not lead to a five-star classic, but the storyline leading up to it would be well thought-out and executed. Winner: Trish Stratus
Diva Destruction
Trish Stratus
vs.
Sable
14
Even if these two battled it out on a microphone, this would be comedic gold and a showdown for the ages. But an actual wrestling match would showcase the heart and fighting spirit of both Jericho and Piper, making the fans always wonder what would happen next. Winner: Chris Jericho
Masters of the Mic
Rowdy Roddy Piper
vs.
Chris Jericho
13
While Edge is one of the most decorated stars in WWE history, capturing the WWE/World Championships on 11 occasions, Savage captured the World Title twice in both WWF and WCW at the arguable peak of both companies. This would be a highly-competitive match - DIG IT! Winner: Randy Savage
Rated R Madness
Edge
vs.
Macho Man Randy Savage
12
Perhaps this wouldn't be awarded many stars as a wrestling match, but it would definitely be interesting to see which woman gains more crowd sympathy, as both competitors have ill-will from the fans for real or perceived slights during their reigns on top of their respective companies. Winner: Stephanie McMahon
Billion Dollar Princess Brawl
Stephanie McMahon
vs.
Dixie Carter
11
Another case where these two competitors are the best in their entire wrestling families, and the results would show loud and clear in this classic. The Hitman has held the WWF and WCW titles seven times in total compared to The Apex Predator's 12 World Titles in WWE. Winner: Bret Hitman Hart
Hitman vs. Predator
Bret Hitman Hart
vs.
Randy Orton
10
Although they only teamed briefly as part of Powerteam, Sting and Ultimate Warrior ran parallel careers, with both men winning their first World Championships in 1990. While Sting clearly had more longevity in the business, Warrior made just as big an impact. Winner: Sting
Powerteam USA EXPLODES!
Sting
vs.
The Ultimate Warrior
9
While everyone has been looking at Undertaker vs Sting as a Dream Match, here's one that's just as intriguing. While The Dead Man's winning streak at WrestleMania lasted much longer than Goldberg's entire career, Da Man had an impressive undefeated streak in WCW as well. Winner: The Undertaker
Streak vs. Streak
The Undertaker
vs.
Goldberg
8
Another Dream Match where the promos leading up to it would be just as fun as the actual confrontation. Flair has the edge in experience, technical wrestling and holding overall championships, while The Rock parlayed his unique charisma into becoming one of Hollywood's top stars. Winner: The Rock
The Man vs. The Great One
Nature Boy Ric Flair
vs.
The Rock
7
No two tag teams have been as dominant as Bubba Ray and Devon Dudley and Hawk and Animal, with both capturing multiple tag team championships in virtually every territory they competed in. And should things get violent, either tag team would be up to the challenge. Winners: The Road Warriors
Tag Team Super Bowl
The Dudley Boyz
vs.
The Road Warriors
6
While Andre tangled with larger opponents than Lesnar during his career, he never encountered someone as dangerous as The Beast Incarnate. If anyone could hold The Eighth Wonder Of The World up in place for an F-5, we would have to give that virtual honor to Lesnar. Winner: Andre The Giant
Giant vs. Beast Showdown
Andre The Giant
vs.
Brock Lesnar
5
Another match that wouldn't mean anything from a scientific standpoint, but it would still be extremely enjoyable seeing these three wrestling heads competing in a physical wrestling match. To think - WWE once had all three in a promo but never followed up with the logical match! Winner: Vince McMahon
Promoter Pow-Wow
Vince McMahon
vs. Eric Bischoff
vs. Paul Heyman
4
One of the best promos in WWE history was never shown on Raw - it was The Texas Rattlesnake and The Second City Saint engaging in a tense, verbal duel. Imagine if it were an actual match! Both men are known for kicking ass and doing whatever they wanted to do. Winner: Stone Cold Steve Austin
Pipe-Bombing The Bottom Line
Stone Cold Steve Austin
vs.
CM Punk
3
DX and the nWo had a ton of similarities - most notably the fact that all four men are lifelong friends behind the scenes. Neither team would be afraid to bend, break or destroy the rules to gain an advantage and both have no shortage of championship gold on their resumes. Winners: D-Generation X
DX meets the Nwo
Shawn Michaels & Triple H
vs.
Kevin Nash & Scott Hall
2
It doesn't get much bigger than this. Cena is a 15-time WWE/World Champion, while Hogan is a 12-time World Champion in WWF and WCW. Both were undoubtedly the faces of their respective eras and have an unprecendented amount of charisma. While this would be a tough match to call (given both competitors always win), it would be a match for the ages. Winner: Hulk Hogan
The Main Event
John Cena
vs.
Hulk Hogan
1
