Long Lasting WrestleMania Moments

We are now in the week of WrestleMania. The event of the year for WWE is coming to town!

Yes, the Super Bowl of the wrestling world is upon us. WrestleMania takes place in Arlington, Texas in the AT&T stadium. Of course, I’ve been going through the WrestleMania catalog on WWE Network, and it has brought some great memories to mind. So I decided to compile a few of my favorite moments in the 32 years of WrestleMania. Of course I couldn’t every awesome moment. So don’t bury me, but I think I included just enough to bring out the inner mark in every reader. Enjoy!!

The Buildup of Roddy Piper as a huge heel– Wrestlemania 1

Piper’s rise to dominance in the peak of the 80s sports entertainment boom was epic. Piper’s devilish ways was properly matched by the bumble gum babyface of that era. Hulk Hogan and the Rock ‘N’ Wrestling connection was the perfect bait for Roddy’s antics. With his attacks against Cyndi Lauper and real life heat with Mr. T, he was carrying serious heat coming into the first WrestleMania and he did not disappoint.

Macho Man Randy Savage vs Ricky Steamboat – WrestleMania 3

There is much that has been said about this match. Words can never do this match justice. Just watch this bout and see why these two competitors were the best in the business.

Hulk Hogan vs Sgt. Slaughter – WrestleMania 7

WWE did a great job of capitalizing on the real life tension in the US, with the current war at the time, desert storm. Sgt. Slaughter, the poster boy for American pride and serving this great nation, openly turned his back on America and endorsed Saddam Hussein. This was a true slap in the face to the WWE and fans. Taking place at a time when kayfabe was at its peak and heels could get real heat. Sgt. felt that heat for sure. Receiving death threats and being hit and spat on as he came to the ring. The fans were building up this rivalry. And who could defend the ole’ U-S of A ? Well, of course the Huckster could. This is one of my favorite feuds in WWE history. Just seeing the video package for the match still gives me chills.

Bret vs Owen Hart – WrestleMania 10

Best brother vs brother feud period. Owen really shined in this, just wished WWE wouldn’t pushed Owen better after this.

Alundra Blayze vs Leilani Kai – WrestleMania 10 – This was the time when Alundra Blayze was being pushed to build up a legit women’s division. Competitors were brought in from all over the world to face the champ and she defended it well. Alundra brought respect to that title. Coming into WrestleMania 10 with a big following and she delivered in that match. Legendary wrestler Leilani didn’t hold back in her vicious attacks in this match and really brought the pain to Alundra. Like a good babyface, Alundra stood strong and retained her title.

The seal of the Austin Era – WrestleMania 14

1998 was the year of the Rattlesnake. Everyone was waiting for the crowning of this hot new talent that took the wrestling world by storm and just the sound of the glass breaking in his entrance music sends the crowd into a frenzy. The timing was perfect. The buildup against ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ Shawn Michaels and DX as his henchmen made Stone Cold into the unconventional babyface. And let’s not forget the brilliant addition of Mike Tyson as the guest enforcer in this main event. Hearing Jim Ross scream Austin’s name at the end of the match as Steve Austin stands on the top rope will always be embedded in the minds of wrestling fans. The best ending to a pay per view ever.

The Rock vs Steve Austin– WrestleMania 17

This match is an example of a perfect way to tell a story in the ring. An amazing beginning, middle and end.  Paul Heyman and Jim Ross on commentary highlighting  the matchup. The video package shown before both competitors came to the ring. Limp Bizkit’s ‘My Way’ theme was icing on the cake. Stone Cold doing the unthinkable and aligning himself with Mr.McMahon and the brutal chair shots delivered to the Rock help to solidify that Steve Austin would do anything to keep that title. As he said a few days prior to the match, he needed that title more than you can imagine. Damn, I love this match.

Trish Stratus vs Lita vs Jazz– Wrestlemania 18

A solid match that I believe deserves a hell of a lot more recognition. These three women did a great job pulling off a triple threat match. It ran smoothly and each wrestler was able to get their spots in ,but they also told a great story. This was the beginning of the Golden era for the female wrestlers at that time in WWE.

Kurt Angle vs Brock Lesnar – WrestleMania 19

It is quiet rare to have two amateur wrestlers in the ring at the same time. This was a five-star match even with the botched frog splash from Lesnar.

Chris Jericho vs CM Punk – WrestleMania 28

This match stole the show in my opinion. Both opponents have always been of main event caliber. The chemistry between these two has always been electric. Man, would I love to see them fight again. Well, one could dream!

CM Punk vs The Undertaker – WrestleMania 29

The last Undertaker match that I truly enjoyed. This should’ve been the main event. CM Punk knew how to play to Undertaker’s larger than life persona without being overshadowed. There were great spots and a wonderful psychology that both Punk and Taker are masters of. All in all a five-star match.

Well there you have it. Just a short list of a few WrestleMania moments that are near and dear to me. Feel that I left anything out? Please be sure to leave some comments on the WrestleMania memories that you will never forget!

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