Recommended Free Tools
WWE strap matches do not all use the same rules, but their shared tether turns distance into a weapon: neither wrestler can simply escape the other. This editorial ranking weighs story stakes, how the tether shapes the action, escalation and the finish. It is not an official WWE ranking, and comparing matches with different win conditions is imperfect.
What counts as a WWE strap match?
“Strap match” is best understood as a family of tethered matches, not one fixed rule set. WWE’s 2007 overview describes competitors connected by a binding such as a leather strap, steel chain or braided bullrope. Some versions end by pinfall; several bullrope matches instead require a wrestler to touch all four ring corners in succession. The label alone does not tell you which finish applies.
A Texas Bullrope match is one variant. In WWE’s account of the Great American Bash 2004 match, Eddie Guerrero and JBL were attached at the wrist by a bullrope, and the winner had to drag his opponent around the ring to touch all four corners consecutively. By contrast, WWE’s preview for the Royal Rumble 2020 strap match said victory could come by pinfall or submission. Check the stated rules for each bout rather than assuming every match is a four-corner race.
Five notable WWE strap matches, ranked
1. Eddie Guerrero vs. JBL — Texas Bullrope Match, The Great American Bash 2004
This is the strongest pick for the top spot because the documented stakes, physical tether and controversial finish all converge. The WWE Championship was on the line, and WWE’s recap describes Guerrero and JBL using the bullrope and its attached cowbell as weapons as they fought through the four-corner stipulation.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Celebrate WWE rivalries and tag teams with WWE Main Event Showdown 2-Pack action figures!
- The collectible sets come with an accessory, like a WWE Championship title or other accessory!
- Each 6-inch figure features 1 points of articulation for signature moves and poses!
- The Superstars are detailed with ring gear and TrueFX facial technology to bring the figures alive!
- Fans can collect the sets to build bigger battles and displays (Each sold separately, subject to availability).
WWE says the official ruling credited JBL with touching the final corner first, giving him the victory and the title. The disputed result makes the finish especially memorable: the match’s central rule did not merely shape the action, it decided a championship outcome that Guerrero contested. WWE’s 2007 overview called the bout one of the most vicious contests in recent memory; that is WWE’s own retrospective judgment.
2. The Fiend vs. Daniel Bryan — Universal Championship Strap Match, Royal Rumble 2020
This is a useful counterpoint to the bullrope format. WWE’s preview specified a strap joining one wrist of each wrestler and allowed a pinfall or submission victory—not a four-corner finish. That rule change makes the match a clear example of why “strap match” should not be treated as shorthand for one particular stipulation.
Rank #2
- WWE action figures bring fan-favorite Superstars to life in 6-inch scale!
- Each figure is detailed with TrueFX technology for a life-like face and added collectability!
- Fans can recreate signature moves with 14 points of articulation for dynamic posing!
- Reenact favorite WWE Main Event matches or create new rivalries and moves for play and display!
- WWE fans can find their favorite Superstar figure or can collect them all (each sold separately, subject to availability).
The Universal Championship gave the bout title stakes, while the tether kept the wrestlers connected as they pursued a conventional fall or submission. The secondary SmackDown Hotel catalog lists The Fiend as the winner. WWE’s available page focuses on the contract-signing segment and stipulation, so this ranking does not rely on it for a detailed account of the match’s action.
3. Dusty Rhodes vs. Randy Orton — Texas Bullrope Match, The Great American Bash 2007
This is a notable named candidate for viewers interested in the Texas Bullrope format and its place across different WWE eras. WWE’s 2007 overview explains the four-corner convention used in several bullrope bouts, while the SmackDown Hotel catalog identifies this matchup.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchRank #3
- Recreate unpredictable finishes and thrilling ladder matches with the WWE Money In The Bank Cash-In Ring playset!
- The action-packed ring stands more than 20-inches tall and features 2 ways to play!
- Choose Kick-Out Mode when it's time to go for the pin or set to Money In The Bank Mode to send Superstar figures (sold separately) flying toward the suspended briefcase or out of the ring.
- An astonishing 40+ sounds and phrases punch up the excitement even more -- just like in a real Money In The Bank ladder match!
- Amp up the action with iconic WWE accessories like a breakaway scaffold crane, ladders and WWE Money In The Bank briefcase!
The source coverage available for this ranking does not establish the match’s result or detailed story beats, so its placement is necessarily more tentative than the two better-documented title matches above. Treat it as a worthwhile shortlist entry, not a claim that its finish or in-ring execution outranks the others on independently verified detail.
4. CM Punk vs. Umaga — Samoan Strap Match, Extreme Rules 2009
The SmackDown Hotel catalog identifies this match as a Samoan Strap Match at Extreme Rules 2009. The variant name distinguishes it from the Texas Bullrope bouts, but the catalog identification alone does not establish its specific finish, sequence or stakes in enough detail for a fuller assessment here.
Rank #4
- WWE Elite Collection action figures bring WWE Superstars to life in 6-inch scale!
- Each figure features highly detailed TrueFX technology for life-like facial features!
- Recreate signature moves and dynamic poses with 25 points of articulation!
- Includes interchangeable hands and iconic accessories for play and display!
- WWE fans can find a favorite Superstar figure or can collect them all (each sold separately, subject to availability).
5. CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre — Strap Match, Bash in Berlin 2024
This modern-era entry broadens the list beyond older bullrope examples. The SmackDown Hotel catalog lists the match at Bash in Berlin 2024. Since the source coverage here supports identification rather than a detailed recap, it belongs on the watchlist without unsupported claims about its outcome or best moments.
How to choose what to watch first
- For a title match with a consequential, disputed finish: start with Guerrero vs. JBL at The Great American Bash 2004.
- To see how rules can differ under the strap-match name: compare that Texas Bullrope match with The Fiend vs. Bryan at Royal Rumble 2020.
- To explore more eras and named variants: use the 2007 Dusty Rhodes–Randy Orton bout, Punk–Umaga at Extreme Rules 2009 and Punk–McIntyre at Bash in Berlin 2024 as further candidates, bearing in mind that the catalog information cited here is not a detailed match review.
Where to watch
WWE’s viewing page lists platforms for premium content and historical and recent programming, including Netflix and Sony LIV. That does not establish that every match is currently available on each service or in every country. Check the local catalog for the specific event before planning a viewing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Fan Favorites! WWE action figures bring Superstars to life in 6-inch scale.
- TrueFX Technology! Each figure is detailed with a life-like face for added collectability.
- Dynamic Posing! Fans can recreate signature moves with 14 points of articulation.
- Play and Display! Reenact favorite WWE Main Event matches or create new rivalries and moves.
- Super Collectible! WWE fans can find their favorite Superstar figures (each sold separately, subject to availability).
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
