This month boasts the greatest sports extravaganza of all time, Wrestlemania. Careers are made and finished at this event. The venue is never the same two years in a row, and even the faces change. One thing is for certain about Wrestlemania, it will be talked about by wrestling afficianados for years to come. I just thought that in honor of this great tradition that I would recap some great Wrestlemania moments.
When Wrestlemania III is mentioned one picture comes straight to my mind. Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant battling for the World Title. Andre the Champ and Hogan the challenger. The most memorable part of that match, which is still shown in highlights, is Hulk Hogan bodyslamming Andre the Giant. It was and still is an amazing feat and demonstration of strength.
The next match that comes to mind is the Title vs. Title main event at Wrestlemania VII, The Ultimate Warrior defeating Hulk Hogan. This was an incredible match and a nail biter that went right down to the wire. At one point, it looked as though the Hulkster was going to beat the Ultimate Warrior due to his “Hulking up”. But the Warrior came through and retained his Intercontinental belt as well as gained the World Title.
One hour long, a match of endurance, the Iron Man match at Wrestlemania XII. Bret the Hitman Hart and the Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels battled it out for an hour ending in a tie at zero points. Bret was forced to re-enter the ring and continued the match. Shawn set him up for the Sweet Chin Music and fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming the Champion of the World.
Who could forget Wrestlemania XIV when Mike Tyson turned his back on DX? Tyson was the special enforcer in the HBK, Stone Cold match. This match also led to a back injury that Michaels has kept Michaels out of the squared circle to this day. It also gave a rise in Stone Cold Steve Austin’s popularity. The Rattlesnake as a hero was born that day.
This year’s Wrestlemania promises much the same as far as entertainment goes. The main event, a Fatal Four-Way, The Rock v. Big Show v. Mick Foley v. Triple H, the defending champion. This has the potential to blow the roof off of the venue with the fan explosion. Four of the biggest superstars in a World Title match at Wrestlemania. As JR would say, “it’s gonna be a slobberknocker folks!” The future hangs in the balance as the warriors prepare for battle, careers may be ended and reputations may be won. Only time will tell.
What will Wrestlemania hold for wrestling in the future? No one can possibly know for certain. It will, however, remain in the forefront of wrestling events and continue to delight fans for years to come. Wrestlemania has and will always be the defining moment in sports entertainment history.