While it's a bit much to say that wrestling is nothing without the theatrics, you can make just about anything better with a few fireworks.

WWE is known for cutting lose when it comes to a Superstar's entrance: the pyrotechnics, the lights, the fog...everything feels so dramatic, like everything really is on the line.

If you're looking for examples, look no further than WrestleMania. WWE's biggest show of the year never holds back when it comes to the special effects, and the spectacle only continues to grow each year.

These are the entrances that send a chill down your spine, the kind you could never forget - these are the best entrances in WrestleMania history.

Stone Cold Steve Austin & The Rock

WrestleMania XXX

It's not the most traditional of entrances, but when WrestleMania XXX began, most people were just expecting Hulk Hogan to ramble about the Silver Dome for a few minutes. The WWE had given no hints whatsoever about anyone else being there - but when that glass broke and the music hit, the entire stadium went ballistic.

Somehow, it only got more intense when the iconic "IF YA SMELL" came over the loudspeakers a few minutes later. True, not much actually happened, but seeing Stone Cold Steve Austin, the Rock and Hulk Hogan in the ring at the same time was a perfect WrestleMania kickoff.

Andre the Giant

WrestleMania III

Back in the early days of WrestleMania, the WWE was a very different place. Pyrotechnics were pretty limited (if present at all), there was no Titantron and there wasn't much room to maneuver in general. That's why Andre the Giant's entrance at WrestleMania III was such a show-stopper at the time: one of the biggest athletes in the world, accompanied by his manager, rolling down the aisle in a raised cart just wasn't something wrestling fans saw back then. It seems pretty tame nowadays, but back then, something like that entrance was huge.

"Macho Man" Randy Savage

WrestleMania IX

In six short years, the raised cart was traded in for an elephant, a procession of 'virgins,' and Randy Savage literally being carried to the ring. When WrestleMania made its way to Las Vegas, the city's over-the-top and extravagant nature welcomed the WWE with open arms. Yes, it's strange to see Randy Savage being fed grapes after being escorted in by Caesar and Cleopatra, but the ridiculousness and excess of the whole thing is why it's so fun to watch. If you wonder why people still love to talk about classic wrestling, it's because of this kind of moment.

John Cena

WrestleMania XXII

It's easily the corniest entry on this list, but John Cena's WrestleMania XXII entrance is still a sight to behold. Watching the entrance ramp rise up so a car full of gangsters can ride out from underneath and surround the ring is ridiculous in so many ways, especially considering Cena isn't even in the car - but it's such a goofy attempt to be cool that it's ultimately endearing.

And, yes - that was a young CM Punk riding on the side of the car. Time flies, doesn't it?

The Ultimate Warrior

WrestleMania VIII

Everyone loves to see a wrestler make a big comeback, especially after an injury. These athletes put so much on the line, and while injuries are an unfortunate inevitability of the business, seeing someone make a successful return almost cancels it out.

That's why the crowd went absolutely nuts when the Ultimate Warrior's music hit back at WrestleMania VIII. Not only was one of the WWE's favorites returning after more than seven months on the bench, he was doing so in order to save the company's biggest star. Watching Hulk Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior fend off Sid Vicious and Papa Shango helped kickstart the 'surprise return' tradition that still continues today.

Shawn Michaels

WrestleMania XII

Some say Shawn Michaels is the greatest wrestler who ever lived, simply because of how far and how often he pushed the envelope. The man dedicated most of his life to the ring, and he helped make the WWE what it is today.

If you're looking for proof of that sentiment, look no further than WrestleMania XII - while the old switcheroo is common in the WWE today, it's never followed up by a Superstar swinging down from the roof of the stadium. Sadly, following the death of Owen Hart, the WWE will never risk something like this again - but, at the time, it was another case of Shawn Michaels doing something that no one had ever dared to do before.

Edge

WrestleMania XXIV

Edge's entrance at WrestleMania XXIV was a perfect reflection of his character: loud, explosive and completely over-the-top. Going into his World Heavyweight Championship match against the Undertaker was the special effects highlight of the night, with an absolutely absurd amount of pyrotechnics lighting up the arena. It wasn't the most complex entrance ever done, but it's a perfect example of just how much hype the WWE can create with nothing but fireworks. While it's true that Edge would go on to lose his title that night, you never would have guessed it with how he entered the ring.

Triple H

WrestleMania XXVII

To explain Triple H's character can be tricky: he's sort of a half-viking, half-rocker/biker who now wears a suit and runs the entire company. It's not the most eloquent explanation...but, then again, it's also unnecessary.

The WWE defined Triple H with his entrance at WrestleMania XXVII. It was near-perfect: the soldiers, the throne and the skull crown made the Game seem like the most dangerous man in the building. Since then, the WWE has continued to build on this entrance - however, nothing tops the spectacle of the Cerebral Assassin's entrance at WrestleMania XXVII.

The Undertaker

WrestleMania XX

Let's be honest: this entire list could have been filled with the Deadman's entrances. So, why is the WrestleMania XX the best of them all?

It's because of the simplicity and the perfection of execution. There are tropes present from the Undertaker's entire career, and yet, there has never been a better example of any of them. Paul Bearer's manic voice, druids chanting, the fire, the lighting, the smoke - if you're wondering why people get so worked up about a tall man slowly walking down an aisle, just watch this entrance.

Shawn Michaels

WrestleMania XXV

He's the only man who's made the list twice - but with a name like Mr. WrestleMania, it's only natural that Shawn Michaels would have some of the best ring entrances ever.

While his swinging entrance at WrestleMania XII was a spectacle to behold, Michaels' entrance at WrestleMania XXV was as close to perfect as you can get. His feud with the Undertaker had been about light vs. dark from the very beginning, and watching Michaels slowly descend from the heavens in a bright white mirror of the Undertaker's attire was the perfect way to kick off what would become a monumental match.

This list could go on forever: there are so many amazing entrances to choose from. For over 30 years, WrestleMania has pushed the boundaries of what the WWE can do - even if it's just a Superstar walking down the aisle.

WrestleMania XXXI goes live Sunday, March 29 at 7pm EST on the WWE Network.


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