Iron Man matches are a race against time that pushes wrestlers past their limits. Unlike standard bouts, these contests run on a fixed time limit, usually 30 or 60 minutes, and the winner is the wrestler or team who earns the most falls, whether by pinfall, submission, count-out, or disqualification, before the clock runs out.
Fans love Iron Man matches for the display of endurance and determination. They battle through fatigue, try to build a lead, and sometimes catch up from behind, knowing that even a single mistake can be very costly.
Some Iron Man matches end with one wrestler dominating from the start, while others see scores tied when time expires, forcing sudden death overtime. Here are the top 10 Iron Man matches in WWE history.
10. Adam Cole vs. Johnny Gargano – NXT (September 1, 2020)
Cole and Gargano showcased their endurance and technical skills in a 60-minute Iron Man match for the NXT Championship. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, leading to a sudden-death match to determine the champion the following week.
9. Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins – Extreme Rules (2018)
Competing for the Intercontinental Championship, Ziggler and Seth Rollins battled to a 4-4 tie in 30 minutes, leading to sudden death overtime. Ziggler capitalized on interference from Drew McIntyre to secure the win and retain his title.
8. Cesaro & Sheamus vs. The Hardy Boyz – Great Balls of Fire (2017)
In a 30-minute Iron Man match for the Raw Tag Team Championship, both teams displayed resilience and chemistry. Cesaro and Sheamus edged out a 4-3 victory, retaining their titles.
#RAW #TagTeamChampions @WWESheamus & @WWECesaro were RELENTLESS in pursuit of retaining their titles at #WWEGBOF! #IronManMatch pic.twitter.com/tmmvueDBRh
— WWE (@WWE) July 10, 2017
7. Charlotte Flair vs. Sasha Banks – Roadblock: End of the Line (2016)
This 30-minute Iron Man match for the Raw Women’s Championship ended in a 2-2 tie, leading to sudden-death overtime. Charlotte secured the decisive fall, winning 3-2 and capturing the championship.
6. Bayley vs. Sasha Banks – NXT TakeOver: Respect (2015)
Making history as the first women’s Iron Man match in WWE, Bayley and Sasha competed for 30 minutes for the NXT Women’s Championship. In a critically acclaimed bout, Bayley won 3-2, solidifying both as trailblazers in women’s wrestling.
5. John Cena vs. Randy Orton – Bragging Rights (2009)
In a 60-minute Anything Goes Iron Man match for the WWE Championship, John Cena and Randy Orton used various weapons and tactics. Cena emerged victorious with a 6-5 score, reclaiming the championship.
1️⃣0️⃣ years ago today, @RandyOrton and @JohnCena settled their rivalry by way of a 60-MINUTE ANYTHING GOES #IronManMatch! pic.twitter.com/V2uG2m80Kx
— WWE (@WWE) October 25, 2019
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 Best Tables Matches in WWE History
4. Chris Benoit vs. Kurt Angle – Backlash (2001)
Dubbed an “Ultimate Submission” match, this 30-minute Iron Man contest required victories by submission only. Both technical masters showcased their grappling prowess, with Benoit securing a 4-3 win in overtime.
3. Triple H vs. The Rock – Judgment Day (2000)
Competing for the WWF Championship, Triple H and The Rock battled intensely for 60 minutes. The match featured interference from The Undertaker, leading to a controversial finish where Triple H secured a 6-5 victory to capture the championship.
2. Brock Lesnar vs. Kurt Angle – SmackDown (September 18, 2003)
This 60-minute Iron Man match for the WWE Championship saw Brock Lesnar and Kurt Angle exchange multiple falls. Lesnar’s tactical use of a steel chair led to a disqualification but allowed him to gain subsequent falls, ultimately winning 5-4 to reclaim the title.
Kurt Angle (c) vs Brock Lesnar
60 Minute Iron Man Match
WWE Championship
SmackDown! 9/18/2003
🎶 Crying Out – Shinedown 🎶 pic.twitter.com/p4FNVK1xOf
— CV (@CVHighlights247) January 26, 2025
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 Best Ladder Matches in WWE History
Which is the greatest Iron Man match in WWE history?
Shawn Michaels vs. Bret Hart – WrestleMania XII (1996)
In a 60-minute Iron Man match for the WWF Championship, both competitors fought to a stalemate, with neither securing a fall during regulation time. The match went into sudden-death overtime, where Shawn Michaels delivered his iconic “Sweet Chin Music” to claim his first WWF Championship.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 Best Ladder Matches in WWE History
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Iron Man match had zero falls during regulation time?
Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart at WrestleMania XII famously ended 0-0 after 60 minutes before Michaels won in overtime.
Was there a tag team Iron Man match in WWE history?
Cesaro & Sheamus vs The Hardy Boyz at Great Balls of Fire 2017 featured a 30-minute Iron Man tag team title match, with Cesaro and Sheamus winning 4-3.
Who used a steel chair strategically for a disqualification in an Iron Man match?
Brock Lesnar intentionally got disqualified against Kurt Angle on SmackDown 2003, using the opportunity to gain extra falls and win 5-4 immediately.
