In the realm of WWE, dream matches are the equivalent of fantasy bouts that fans typically envision in video games.
These matchups involve the biggest and most revered superstars, creating a blend of excitement and anticipation. These encounters often pair wrestlers based on their styles, characters, and overall presence, creating moments that seem implausible or unlikely.
Historically, WWE has delivered on some quintessential dream matches, such as The Rock vs. John Cena, Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar, and AJ Styles vs. Edge. These bouts capture the essence of what fans crave, and the company goes the extra mile to make them a reality.
However, not all dream matches come to fruition, as unforeseen circumstances and various factors can hinder their realization. Let’s delve into five dream clashes that, unfortunately, will never happen.
#5. The Undertaker vs. Sting
The Undertaker and Sting, both iconic figures with mysterious personas, were long-standing subjects of fan speculation regarding a potential dream match.
Despite their similarities, they operated in different wrestling landscapes – Sting in WCW and Taker in WWE. Although Sting eventually joined WWE in 2014, by that time, The Undertaker’s career was winding down. The missed opportunity leaves fans pondering the “What if?” scenario.
#4. Brock Lesnar vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin
A planned encounter between Brock Lesnar and Stone Cold Steve Austin in 2002 never materialized, as Austin declined to lose to Lesnar in an unannounced bout on free television.
Despite subsequent opportunities and speculation, the dream clash never occurred. Current uncertainties surrounding Lesnar’s WWE future and Austin’s retirement make the realization of this bout highly unlikely.
#3. Shawn Michaels vs. AJ Styles
Considered one of the greatest in-ring performers, Shawn Michaels, unfortunately, retired before the arrival of AJ Styles in WWE in 2016.
The dream match between these two phenomenal talents could have been an instant classic, but due to timing and Michaels’ retirement status, the opportunity slipped away.
#2. Hulk Hogan vs. John Cena
The charismatic Hulk Hogan and the polarizing John Cena, both larger-than-life figures, shared morally upright characters, making them intriguingly similar.
Despite their similarities, a dream match between Hogan and Cena never materialized. Hogan’s physical health concerns and Cena’s ventures in Hollywood limit the likelihood of this dream match ever happening.
#1. Roman Reigns vs. ‘The Fiend’ Bray Wyatt
Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt engaged in various storylines, but the clash between Reigns and Wyatt’s ‘Fiend’ persona never occurred.
The Fiend, known for his mind games and dominating presence, could have posed a unique challenge for The Tribal Chief. Unfortunately, Wyatt’s untimely passing in August 2021 extinguished any possibility of this intriguing matchup.
These unfulfilled dream matches leave fans with a sense of curiosity and a collection of “What if?” scenarios, adding an extra layer of complexity to the rich tapestry of WWE history.