Hence, to be in a featured WrestleMania match is quite an achievement. While it’s something else to be in a singles match on WWE’s biggest show. Here, we present 10 WWE Veterans who have never had the privilege to wrestle a one-on-one match at WrestleMania.
#10 Stephanie McMahon
WWE Debut: November 30, 1998
‘Mania Debut: WrestleMania XXXIV (Mixed-tag match)
This might occur as a surprise inclusion into the list, but the Chief Brand Officer of WWE, Stephanie McMahon, is a former Women’s Champion. And that’s why it’s shocking that her first WrestleMania match came almost 20 years after her debut when she wrestled a mixed-tag match alongside her husband Triple H against Kurt Angle and Ronda Rousey.
WWE has always loved to bring the McMahon family into the main feuds. Vince and Shane McMahon have both been featured in huge one-on-one matches. Yet, Stephanie has never had the privilege to wrestle a singles match at ‘Mania.
#9 Heath Slater
WWE Debut: July 12, 2010 (Slater’s first official match as a member of the NEXUS)
‘Mania Debut: WrestleMania XXVII (8-person Tag)
Heath Slater has had his WWE moments. Since, his debut as part of the NEXUS in 2010, he has gone on to become one of WWE’s most lovable losers in singles competition, and part of several moderately successful teams. However, he has never quite been able to break the proverbial ceiling.
It’s not a surprise that Slater hasn’t ever featured in a one-on-one match at ‘Mania. Yet, Slater has a connection with the fans. And, his time hasn’t passed yet. Hence, it won’t be a surprise if he receives a push someday that takes him to dream WrestleMania match.
#8 Curt Hawkins
WWE debut: May 1, 2007 (alongside Zack Ryder as The Major Brothers)
‘Mania debut: WrestleMania XXXIII (Andre the Giant Battle Royal)
Curt Hawkins has held one of the most weirdly amazing streaks in Pro-Wrestling history, with a losing streak that has gone well past 200 losses. Hawkins has spent a lot of time in WWE and its developmental territories, but one thing he has not done is to wrestle a singles match at ‘Mania.
Well, it’d have been cool to have Hawkins lose to The Undertaker at the grandest stage, but that match will probably not happen. Well, It’s unlikely that Curt Hawkins will ever get a singles match at WrestleMania, but he may be featured prominently on a ‘Mania card someday alongside Zack Ryder.
Speaking of Ryder…
#7 Zack Ryder
WWE Debut: May 1, 2007
‘Mania Debut: WrestleMania XXVIII (12-person tag)
It’s not that Zack Ryder hasn’t ever had a ‘Mania moment. Ryder’s Intercontinental Championship win at WrestleMania 32 will go down as one of the great underdog victories. However, that match like many of his other ‘Mania matches was a multi-men affair.
Ryder has participated in ladder matches, battle royals, and high-profile tag matches, but a one-on-one match at the grandest stage still lacks from his resume. Can The Broski tick a ‘Mania one-on-one match? Well, time will tell.
#6 Shelton Benjamin
WWE Debut: January 2, 2002 (Note: The date reflects his first televised match as part of the “World’s Greatest Tag-Team”; Benjamin had made various house-show and Sunday Night Heat appearances earlier.)
‘Mania Debut: WrestleMania XIX (Triple-threat Tag)
Shelton Benjamin started in WWE as part of “World’s Greatest Tag Team” alongside Charlie Haas winning the WWE Tag-Team Championship twice. Quite early in his career, he had everyone believing that he was the next big thing. Since then, he has won the Intercontinental Championship, US Championship, and has had great moments, but Benjamin had never wrestled a singles match on WWE’s biggest card.
Moreover, With age not on his side, it’s getting unlikely that Benjamin will feature in one. And, that’s a shame for one of the most gifted athletes ever in WWE history.
#5 Rhyno
WWE Debut: March 9, 2001 (Note: Rhyno had wrestled in WWF earlier as Gerin in 1995)
‘Mania Debut: WrestleMania XIX Triple-threat Tag match)
The final World Heavyweight Champion of the original ECW promotion, Rhyno, has also never been featured in a WrestleMania singles match. The PWI’s #10 ‘Wrestler of the Year’ in 2001 has found moderate success in the WWE. He has won multiple championships and has been over with the audience owing to his beast-like build and his finisher - Gore. Yet, he hasn’t ever been overly pushed by Vince McMahon.
While Rhyno has had an entertaining career, we will have to accept that he’d probably never be in a one-on-one contest at ‘Mania. Still, he only needs to gore some to steal a WrestleMania moment.
#4 Brie Bella
WWE Debut: August 29, 2008
‘Mania Debut: WrestleMania XXV (Battle Royal)
Brie Bella hasn’t had the level of in-ring success that her sister Niki Bella has got, yet she has still earned a very important place in the list of modern WWE women. Brie still has had people backing her, most notably in her bout against Stephanie McMahon at SummerSlam in 2014. She is also a former WWE Divas Champion.
However, like many other women of the past, she too couldn’t feature in a singles match at ‘Mania. Moreover, the time for her to be involved in one such match may have already passed.
#3 Nikki Bella
WWE Debut: November 7, 2008
‘Mania Debut: WrestleMania 25 (Battle Royal)
Nikki and Brie may not have been the best technical wrestlers of their generation. Yes, they may not have put on wrestling classics like many of their predecessors. But, their contribution to the Women’s Revolution can’t be denied. Especially, Nikki Bella has had one of the best WWE Divas Championship reigns, holding the title for a record 301 days. She also went to develop one of the best heel characters in the Women’s division.
Yet, Nikki Bella couldn’t find a singles match at WrestleMania. Well, you’d have to think that pro-wrestling has been a male-dominated business. It also shows how great the Women’s Revolution has been in the WWE when women are main-eventing big shows.
#2 Kofi Kingston
WWE Debut: January 22, 2008
‘Mania Debut: WrestleMania 25 (Money in the Bank ladder match)
One-third of the New Day, Kofi Kingston, has stolen many hearts with his thrilling, jaw-dropping and show-stealing moves in the ring. Along with Big E and Xavier Woods, Kingston has excelled as part of a team that’ll certainly go into the ‘Hall of Fame’ one day.
Kingston has achieved a lot, but he hasn’t done one thing that every wrestler dreams of - featuring on a one-on-one bout on the ‘Mania card. However, Kingston should have a high-profile singles match on the show sooner than later.
#1 Dolph Ziggler
WWE Debut: September 19, 2005 (on Sunday Night Heat; his RAW debut came in January, the following year)
‘Mania Debut: WrestleMania XXVI (“Money in the Bank Ladder” match)
The Show-Off has spent over a decade in the WWE entertaining fans with his amazing skills and swag. Since making his RAW debut on January 23, 2006, Dolph Ziggler has won Championships, headlined shows, popped audiences, and has often been the hottest property on the roster. Yet, Ziggler hasn’t fought a singles match at ‘mania.
It’s a startling fact when you consider that Ziggler is a multi-time World Champion, and connects really well with the audience. Let’s hope that Ziggler will someday get his well deserved ‘Mania singles match.
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