The Most Entertaining Last Man Standing Matches in WWE History

When feuds go over the limit, there is only one way to settle them and that is in a true battle of attrition. Where pinfalls and submissions are not enough in WWE, the Last Man Standing matches come into play. 

Over the decades, WWE has had some of the biggest Last Man Standing matches, which as the name stipulates, is decided by the last Superstar on his feet at the end of a ten count. 

Here are some of the best Last Man Standing matches WWE has seen in recent years.

1.Dean Ambrose vs Kevin Owens (WWE Royal Rumble 2016)

Given the bloody history of both these Superstars, everyone expected a hardcore fight just like the ones with Mick Foley. As living embodiments of hardcore matches, Owens and Ambrose (now Jon Moxley) pushed each other to the limit. 

Although it wasn’t quite the blood-spewing affair, the match went beyond extreme and made both Superstars fight to their level best. Dean Ambrose managed to pick up the win after cleverly pushing Kevin Owens down from the top rope through two tables. The latter did not recover in time from this to survive.

2.Edge vs Randy Orton (WrestleMania 36)

Edge made one of the most memorable returns in WWE history at the Royal Rumble in 2020. However, his close friend Randy Orton did not appreciate his comeback and immediately sought to end his career with attacks on his spine.

Determined to prove that he’s no cripple, ‘The Rated R Superstar’ challenged Orton to a Last Man Standing match at WrestleMania, and the stage was set. 

After a brawl that went through the entire backstage area including the gym, Edge ended Orton with multiple chair shots to the back. He then locked ‘The Viper’ in a submission maneuver that took the fight out of him. 

Edge won in what was a brutal encounter which put both the Superstars to the test. ‘The Rated-R Superstar’ made his point and proved he was staying in WWE this time. 

Also read: From Edge to John Cena, The Best Royal Rumble Returns of the Modern Era

3.John Cena vs Batista (Extreme Rules 2010)

Few can forget the memorable ending to this match, as John Cena used duct tape to tie down Batista to the ring post! 

In the midst of his heated feud with Batista, John Cena knew that it would take more than muscle power to beat his foe. Using the facilities at his disposal, Cena outsmarted ‘The Animal’ by using duct tape.

When Batista was in a weak position, ‘The Cenator’ quickly grabbed both his legs and tied them up using the tape. He went around his leg at least 5 times with it and ensured that Batista couldn’t tear through and break free. 

This meant that even though he was conscious, Batista could not stand up to clear the count. Cena laughed along with the fans as the referee counted to 10, while Batista couldn’t believe what had just happened to him. 

4.Roman Reigns vs Big Show (Extreme Rules 2015)

Back in 2015, Roman Reigns was being given the push of his life. Vince McMahon wanted him as the face of the company and placed him in many big encounters.

One such encounter was against Big Show at Extreme Rules. The David vs Goliath-like situation made Roman look like the underdog. The match itself was of epic proportions and the two actually gave it their best.

Big Show put Reigns through hell and showed him the eye of the storm before facing the fist of the Superman punch himself. Reigns more or less ended the fight with a thunderous Spear through the commentary table. 

When Big Show miraculously got up from this, Reigns lifted and dropped the entire heavy desk on him. He then stood on it to ensure his victory in the hard-fought contest. 

Also read: Roman Reigns’ Insane Workout Routine for His Super Human Physique

5.Braun Strowman vs Bobby Lashley (Extreme Rules 2019)

The titan of ECW clashed with ‘The Monster Among Men’ in what would go on to be the most destructive affair between two powerhouses. 

Bobby Lashley was the behemoth of them all and took on Braun Strowman in a fight that went well into the audience. 

Fans changed ECW loudly in memory of the hardcore promotion as Braun and Lashley fought tooth and nail. Finally, Braun took out his foe by power slamming him through a stand. The entire scene was covered so everyone assumed that both Superstars were going to lose.

However, on the eighth count, Strowman burst through the folds, but Lashley was nowhere to be seen. This meant that Strowman was the last man standing and won the match. He gave it his all towards the end and walked triumphantly back to the ring. 

These matches really put the competitors to the test. Last Man Standing matches are always the most demanding and there are bound to be bigger ones in the new decade. The real test of will power makes and breaks Superstars as they fight to be the Last Man Standing.