Rivalries & Legendary Matches in 2020
The first half of 2020 was one of the most unprecedented and transformative periods in WWE history. With the world shifting due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WWE adapted, creating new storylines and rivalries that reshaped the company. Let’s explore the key matches and rivalries that defined the first six months of 2020—without revealing the outcomes.
📅 January – Royal Rumble Kicks Off the Year 🏆
🔥 Key Matches:
- Men’s Royal Rumble Match – Drew McIntyre, Brock Lesnar, Edge, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns
- Women’s Royal Rumble Match – Charlotte Flair, Shayna Baszler, Bianca Belair, Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley
- Universal Championship Strap Match – “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt vs. Daniel Bryan
- RAW Women’s Championship Match – Becky Lynch vs. Asuka
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
In one of the most unforgettable Royal Rumbles, a future champion stood tall after eliminating a dominant force. A surprise return added emotional weight to the match, while the women’s division saw a powerful star rise to claim her moment.
Elsewhere, The Fiend and Daniel Bryan battled in a grueling Strap Match, and Becky Lynch defended her title against one of her fiercest rivals.
📅 February – Super ShowDown & Elimination Chamber ⛓️
🔥 Key Matches:
- WWE Championship Match – Brock Lesnar vs. Ricochet
- Universal Championship Match – Goldberg vs. “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt
- Women’s Elimination Chamber Match – Shayna Baszler vs. Asuka vs. Natalya vs. Ruby Riott vs. Liv Morgan vs. Sarah Logan
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
The Universal Title scene was turned upside down as a shocking result changed the landscape heading into WrestleMania.
In the Elimination Chamber, one competitor completely dominated, eliminating all others and stamping her ticket to the biggest stage of them all.
📅 March – The Road to WrestleMania During a Pandemic 🛣️
🔥 Key Matches & Segments:
- The Undertaker confronts AJ Styles
- Edge vs. Randy Orton feud intensifies
- Becky Lynch vs. Shayna Baszler buildup
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
As arenas emptied and the world changed, WWE began focusing on powerful promos and deeply personal rivalries.
Edge and Randy Orton took their story to new emotional heights, while AJ Styles crossed paths with The Undertaker, setting up a chilling confrontation.
📅 April – WrestleMania 36: The Show Must Go On 🎇
🔥 Key Matches:
- WWE Championship Match – Brock Lesnar vs. Drew McIntyre
- Universal Championship Match – Goldberg vs. Braun Strowman
- Boneyard Match – The Undertaker vs. AJ Styles
- Firefly Funhouse Match – John Cena vs. “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt
- RAW Women’s Championship Match – Becky Lynch vs. Shayna Baszler
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
WrestleMania 36 broke new ground with cinematic matches and no live crowd. One superstar completed a long journey to the top by dethroning a legend.
The Undertaker delivered a haunting and innovative performance in the Boneyard Match, while John Cena faced a surreal reckoning inside the Firefly Funhouse.
The women’s division saw a hard-hitting encounter between a dominant champion and a fearsome challenger.
📅 May – Money in the Bank at WWE Headquarters 🏢
🔥 Key Matches:
- Men’s & Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Matches
- WWE Championship Match – Drew McIntyre vs. Seth Rollins
- Universal Championship Match – Braun Strowman vs. Bray Wyatt
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
WWE took a bold step as the Money in the Bank matches unfolded across the company’s corporate HQ, offering cinematic chaos and unexpected winners.
The aftermath of the women’s match brought an emotional moment as a surprising announcement changed the title scene.
Meanwhile, Drew McIntyre and Seth Rollins battled for the WWE Championship in a match filled with pride and respect.
📅 June – Backlash & The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever 💥
🔥 Key Matches:
- Edge vs. Randy Orton (“Greatest Wrestling Match Ever”)
- WWE Championship Match – Drew McIntyre vs. Bobby Lashley
- Universal Championship Handicap Match – Braun Strowman vs. The Miz & John Morrison
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Edge and Randy Orton delivered a technical and emotionally charged clash billed as the “Greatest Wrestling Match Ever,” showcasing both men’s legacies.
Drew McIntyre faced a fierce challenger in Bobby Lashley, while the Universal Champion battled against overwhelming odds in a high-stakes handicap match.
🔥 2020 Summary – The First Half in Review
The first half of 2020 saw unprecedented changes, cinematic storytelling, and new superstars rising.
- A new WWE Champion emerged on the Grandest Stage 🏆
- The Undertaker redefined his legacy in a final confrontation ⚰️
- Money in the Bank chaos at WWE HQ brought fresh surprises 🏢
- Edge and Randy Orton’s rivalry delivered emotional storytelling 🔥
As WWE moved into the second half of 2020, the company proved its ability to evolve—leaving fans asking: what’s next in this new era?
