5 WrestleMania title match losers who didn't receive a direct rematch

#2 Chris Jericho never got a direct rematch after losing the WWE Undisputed Championship to Triple H at WrestleMania 18

Triple H defeated Stephanie McMahon and Chris Jericho in a triple threat match to retain the Undisputed Championship on this day in 2002. The stipulation was that if Steph lost, she would have to leave the Federation. She was carried out of the arena by security while Triple H... pic.twitter.com/I0ECPljha0

— Old School Jason (@attitudefan91) March 25, 2021

The final match of the night at WrestleMania 18 saw Triple H defeat Chris Jericho for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

If you ask long-time WWE fans about their memories of that pay-per-view, though, most will point you to the 'Icon vs Icon' match between The Rock and Hulk Hogan that took place earlier in the evening.

1️⃣8️⃣ years ago today, @TheRock and @HulkHogan made dreams come true. #WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/wauJJequku

— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) March 17, 2020

Trying to top a dream match featuring two legends of the industry, Jericho and Triple H were always facing a tall task. Their match was fine. It just didn't compare to The Rock against Hulk Hogan, particularly as fans in attendance that night couldn't get enough of The Hulkster.

By the time WrestleMania was over, the company had already decided that Hogan would be Triple H's challenger for the title at the following month's Backlash pay-per-view.

This meant no direct rematch for Jericho. Instead, the former champion was forced to accept a Triple Threat title opportunity eight days after WrestleMania on RAW - in a match that also featured Stephanie McMahon.

Even worse for Jericho, the story of that bout revolved around the stipulation that Stephanie would leave WWE if she lost, rather than the former champion's quest for redemption.

In a 2020 interview, Jericho revealed he had wanted his match with Triple H to go on before Rock vs Hogan but was denied.

The rebirth of Hulkamania at WrestleMania 18 did Jericho no favors.