The First PPV From Every Major Wrestling Promotion, Ranked Worst To Best

Pay-per-view (PPV) events have long been a central component of the wrestling industry, providing a platform for wrestlers to showcase their skills and storytelling abilities on a larger stage. With numerous promotions operating around the world, each with its distinct style and approach to presentation, the task of ranking the first PPV from every major wrestling promotion is a daunting one.

Some promotions grew drastically after their debut shows, while others remained consistent. The early efforts of major wrestling promotions can be judged, in hindsight, on their overall quality and impact on the industry. This list will examine the first pay-per-view event of every major wrestling promotion ranked from worst to best.

9 AWA - SuperClash III

At a time when the American Wrestling Association (AWA) was struggling to compete with its more popular rivals, SuperClash III was a valiant attempt to rejuvenate the promotion's fortunes. The event, held in December 1988, featured an eclectic mix of wrestling styles and included a historic title unification match between AWA World Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lawler and World Class Championship Wrestling's (WCCW) World Heavyweight Champion Kerry Von Erich.

While the unification match was a memorable moment, the rest of the card was largely unremarkable. It ended up being the first and last AWA pay-per-view.

8 TNA/Impact Wrestling - Weekly PPV #1

In June 2002, Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling (known as Impact Wrestling now) made its debut with its first-ever weekly pay-per-view event. The show featured a mix of established veterans and up-and-coming talent, including AJ Styles, Jeff Jarrett, and Ken Shamrock. The matches showcased the fast-paced, high-flying style that would come to define TNA's early years.

While the production values were low and the commentary was rough, the first Weekly PPV was a promising start for a company that would go on to become a major player in the wrestling world.

7 ROH - Respect Is Earned 2007

ROH has a reputation for emphasizing pure wrestling, which was cemented by Respect Is Earned 2007. In May 2007, this event boasted an impressive lineup of top wrestlers, such as Bryan Danielson, Nigel McGuinness, and KENTA.

The main event featured a memorable match between champion Takeshi Morishima and challenger Bryan Danielson for the ROH World Championship, which received praise from both fans and critics alike. Overall, Respect Is Earned 2007 showed world-class wrestling and reinforced ROH's standing as a premier promotion in the industry.

6 AAA - When Worlds Collide 1994

When Worlds Collide 1994 was a groundbreaking pay-per-view event held by the Mexican promotion, AAA (Asistencia Asesoría y Administración), in November 1994. The show featured a mix of Mexican luchadores and American wrestlers, including Rey Mysterio Jr., Eddie Guerrero, and Art Barr, who competed in a series of high-flying, fast-paced matches that captivated audiences.

The main event saw Octagón face off against El Hijo del Santo in a Mask vs. Mask match, which is still regarded as one of the greatest matches in lucha libre history. When Worlds Collide 1994 was a bold and innovative effort that helped to popularize Mexican wrestling in the United States.

5 AEW - Double or Nothing 2019

AEW burst onto the wrestling scene in a big way with its debut pay-per-view event, Double or Nothing. The show featured a mix of established stars and up-and-coming talent, including Kenny Omega, Chris Jericho, and Cody Rhodes. The main event saw the program crown its first-ever AEW World Champion, as Chris Jericho defeated Kenny Omega in a hard-hitting, dramatic match.

Double or Nothing was a resounding success, earning critical acclaim, and 5-star matches, and established AEW as a major player in the wrestling world.

4 Jim Crockett Promotions - Starrcade 1983

Starrcade 1983 NWA Championship Ric Flair Vs. Harley Race

Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) hosted Starrcade 1983 on Thanksgiving Day in 1983. Many consider this one of the most important wrestling events of all time. The show featured a host of legendary wrestlers, including Ric Flair, Harley Race, and Roddy Piper.

The main event saw a famous battle between Ric Flair and Harley Race for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. This Steel Cage match is, often, regarded as one of the greatest in wrestling history. Starrcade 1983 was a pivotal moment in the history of professional wrestling and helped establish JCP as a major player in the industry.

3 ECW - Barely Legal

Barely Legal, held in April 1997, was a landmark event that marked ECW's transition from regional entertainment to a national competitor. It was the first official ECW pay-per-view show ever. Barely Legal featured a mix of hardcore matches, technical wrestling, and high-flying action, with a roster that included a ton of future legends like Sabu, Taz, and Rob Van Dam.

The main event saw Terry Funk defeat Raven to become the ECW World Heavyweight Champion in a brutal match that helped relaunch Funk as a star in a new decade. Barely Legal was a defining moment for the promotion and helped cement its reputation as a pioneering force in the wrestling industry. It also changed the perception of the "indies."

2 WWE - WrestleMania I

WrestleMania I, held in March 1985, was the first-ever pay-per-view event and a pivotal moment in the history of professional wrestling. The show featured top wrestlers, celebrity appearances, musical performances, and classic wrestling matches, with a roster that included legends of the era like Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper.

The main event saw Hulk Hogan and Mr. T defeat Roddy Piper and "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff in a tag team match. WrestleMania I was a groundbreaking event that set the standard for professional wrestling pay-per-views to come. Although the show was decent, the event is best remembered for its huge impact on the world of wrestling in the decades since.

1 WCW - Starrcade 1988: True Gritt

Starrcade 1988: True Gritt was, both, a great show and extremely important. It was crucial in establishing a company that became one-half of the Monday Night Wars. The show saw a legendary match between Ric Flair and Lex Luger for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

And also featured a great tag team match that saw The Road Warriors, Dusty Rhodes, and Nikita Koloff compete against The Four Horsemen. Starrcade 1988: True Gritt was a classic show that helped establish WCW as a major player in the wrestling industry. It's one of the rare times a wrestling company's first pay-per-view was also one of their best.