Wrestlemania 1 Review
We're kicking off Wrestlemania Reviews with an event that started it all. March 31st, 1985 was the day that a global phenomenon was born. This event would change the landscape of pro wrestling for decades to come, and with a star studded show like this, there was no doubt that history was going to be made on this special night. Without further ado, let's take a look back at what transpired on the very first Wrestlemania!
The show kicked off with Howard Finkel introducing Mean Gene Okerlund as he prepares to sing the National Anthem. This was just great as Okerlund got the crowd behind him and they all would sing the National Anthem together in true American spirit. Watching this made me miss Okerlund even more and he will forever be remembered as one of the most legendary figures in pro wrestling history.
The show kicked off with Howard Finkel introducing Mean Gene Okerlund as he prepares to sing the National Anthem. This was just great as Okerlund got the crowd behind him and they all would sing the National Anthem together in true American spirit. Watching this made me miss Okerlund even more and he will forever be remembered as one of the most legendary figures in pro wrestling history.
Tito Santana Vs. The Executioner
This was an okay match as Tito came in with the focus of putting down The Executioner. Executioner didn't really have much offense in this match as he got some punchs in, but Tito came back quickly with big momentum. Tito applied the Figure 4 Leg Lock and just like that, Executioner gave up and the referee ranged the bell as Tito Santana picked up the submission win!
King Kong Bundy Vs. S.D Jones
S.D. Jones didn't stand a chance at all. Bell rings and Bundy immediately tosses Jones into the corner then splashes him, then crushes him with a Big Splash on the mat for the quick victory! This match in total turned out to be 9 seconds long.
Ricky Steamboat Vs. Matt Borne
This was a good wrestling match as both men exchanged technical holds then shifted into more combat action as the match went on. Steamboat in particular was good here as he showcased some high flying maneuvers that wasn't seen much on WWF television at that time. Borne was no slouch as he brung down Steamboat a couple of times with his amateur wrestling skills. Steamboat would hit Borne with his vintage Flying Crossbody off the top rope and picks up the victory!
Brutus Beefcake Vs. David Sammartino
Really good match as these guys didn't hold anything back and delivered some good action. Brutus came into this match with high confidence as he tried toying with David, but you're not gonna do that to the son of the Living Legend. David performed some good wrestling holds and maneuvers, showing everyone that he's legit in the ring. Beefcake would gain some offense throughout the match and these guys would mainly battle back and forth for the remainder of the match. Beefcake tossed David out of the ring then Johnny Valiant comes from behind and cheap shots him. This absolutely sets off Bruno Sammartino as he immediately charged at Johnny and tossed him in the ring and attacks him! Beefcake comes from behind and jumps Bruno but David came in immediately and brawled with Beefcake while Bruno continued to brawl with Johnny. The referee would then officially call the match off but the fans didn't care as they went nuts to the sight of The Sammartinos beating down the villains! Howard Finkel then announced that the match ended in a no contest, but the sight of Bruno and David standing tall in the ring was a special moment. In fact, I would consider this to be an underrated Wrestlemania moment!
Greg Valentine (C) Vs. Junkyard Dog (WWF Intercontinental Championship)
Good storytelling match as JYD definitely had his sights set on becoming the IC Champion. Greg Valentine didn't hold back as he brought the pain to JYD and with Jimmy Hart by his side, Valentine sure had the advantage in this match. Valentine prepared to hit the Figure 4 Leg Lock but JYD booted him away and started gaining control. JYD would begin to pick up steam and fans were behind him as he sure looked like he was on his way to becoming champion. Jimmy Hart attempted to get involved and JYD wasn't having any of that as he grabbed Hart, then Greg came up from behind and attempted to hit JYD but ended up striking Hart instead. Greg somehow then rolled up JYD and with his foot on the ropes for leverage, he picked up with win and retained his Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship. Things were going good for Valentine until Tito Santana came out and argued with the referee as he told the ref what had transpired, and the referee was convinced enough to the point where he restarted the match and began counting to 10 for Greg to get back in the ring. Valentine refused and was counted out so JYD picked up the win, but unfortunately didn't win the title as it couldn't be changed hands due to count out.
The US Express (C) Vs. The Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff (WWF Tag Team Championships)
Good tag match that featured some unique wrestling action. U.S. Express performed with pride as they fought not only to retain their tag titles, but fought for their country as this match had the USA vs Evil Foreigner feel to it. Mike Rotunda of the U.S. Express was especially impressive in this match as he displayed some great athleticism against Iron Sheik. Barry Windham would take most of the beating from the heels but fought back with heart. Things were going good for the U.S. Express until a distraction occurred as when the referee was dealing with Mike Rotunda by getting him back into his corner, Freddie Blassie handed Iron Sheik his cane and Sheik proceeded to wack Barry Windham in the back of his head with it. Nikolai Volkoff took this opportunity to pin Windham and secured the win and gained the World Tag Team Championships with Iron Sheik!
Andre The Giant Vs. Big John Studd (Body Slam Challenge)
This was one of the most iconic matches in Wrestlemania history. The stipulation of this match was if Andre could body slam Studd then he would win $15,000, but if he couldn't slam Studd then he would retire from pro wrestling. Now even though this match is iconic, it wasn't particularly a good match. The action was slow and not much really happened worth noting. The main highlight was the big finish as Andre proceeded to body slam Studd and the fan erupted! Andre The Giant emerged victorious and gained the $15,000 then he decided to share it with fans by throwing the money into the crowd. Bobby Heenan would sneak in and unfortunately steal the money from Andre before running off to the back. Andre tried attacking Studd but he got away as well and Andre continued to celebrate with fans afterwards.
The Fabulous Moolah (C) Vs. Wendi Richter (WWF Women’s Championship)
This was honestly a match I wasn't a fan of because it was just sloppy. Moolah got involved at one point by grabbing Richter's hair at ringside until Cyndi Lauper collided with her to even the odds. The rest of the match was still just sloppy then the finish came where Leilani went to the top rope for a Flying Crossbody. Leilani hits the aerial maneuver but Wendi flips over her and covers her for the win! Wendi Richter became the new Women's Champion then Moolah and Kai tried to ambush her but failed. Wendi stood tall with the Women's Championship and celebrated with Cyndi Lauper in what was a big moment.
Hulk Hogan & Mr T Vs. Roddy Piper & Paul Orndorff
The main event of the show was set to take place but not without a few special guests. Here were the special guests for the big match:
Special Guest Ring Announcer: Baseball legend Billy Martin
Special Guest Time Keeper: Legendary Pianist Liberace
Special Guest Referee: One of the all time greats, Muhammad Ali
"Rowdy" Roddy Piper and "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff w/ Cowboy Bob Orton vs Mr. T and Hulk Hogan w/ Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka. The main event that solidified Wrestlemania! This match was just filled with chaos and it was entertaining every step of the way. Mr. T was impressive as he squared up with Roddy Piper and the two would have a good exchange of wrestling holds with T overcoming Piper! Throughout the match, Bob Orton would try to get involved but gets overwhelmed the intensity of Muhammad Ali who wasn't taking any crap from anyone! Muhammad Ali even threw some shots at Piper at one point, showing that he would take anyone down without hesitation. Hogan would mainly compete for his team for the remainder of the match and was taking a beating for a while. Mr. T would repeatedly hop in the match to help Hogan and more chaos would unfold, allowing Muhammad Ali to again come in and break everything up. Muhammad Ali was mainly an enforcer while WWE Hall of Famer Pat Patterson was the main referee for the matchup. Fast forward to the end where Paul Orndorff had Hogan in a Full Nelson position as Bob Orton attempts to hit an aerial attack on Hogan. Orton dives off but Hogan got out of the way and Orton accidentally nails Orndorff in the back of his head with a cast he had on his left arm. Jimmy Snuka would knock Orton out of the ring and Hogan pinned Orndorff for the victory! Hulk Hogan and Mr. T would reign supreme in the very first Wrestlemania main event!
Wrestlemania turned out to be a major success to the surprise of everyone involved. So many memorable moments and matches made this show a night to remember. Absolutely no one thought that this show would turn out to be successful as it did, and for the next 34 years the success would grow more and more over time!
Show Rating: 9/10
Special Guest Ring Announcer: Baseball legend Billy Martin
Special Guest Time Keeper: Legendary Pianist Liberace
Special Guest Referee: One of the all time greats, Muhammad Ali
"Rowdy" Roddy Piper and "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff w/ Cowboy Bob Orton vs Mr. T and Hulk Hogan w/ Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka. The main event that solidified Wrestlemania! This match was just filled with chaos and it was entertaining every step of the way. Mr. T was impressive as he squared up with Roddy Piper and the two would have a good exchange of wrestling holds with T overcoming Piper! Throughout the match, Bob Orton would try to get involved but gets overwhelmed the intensity of Muhammad Ali who wasn't taking any crap from anyone! Muhammad Ali even threw some shots at Piper at one point, showing that he would take anyone down without hesitation. Hogan would mainly compete for his team for the remainder of the match and was taking a beating for a while. Mr. T would repeatedly hop in the match to help Hogan and more chaos would unfold, allowing Muhammad Ali to again come in and break everything up. Muhammad Ali was mainly an enforcer while WWE Hall of Famer Pat Patterson was the main referee for the matchup. Fast forward to the end where Paul Orndorff had Hogan in a Full Nelson position as Bob Orton attempts to hit an aerial attack on Hogan. Orton dives off but Hogan got out of the way and Orton accidentally nails Orndorff in the back of his head with a cast he had on his left arm. Jimmy Snuka would knock Orton out of the ring and Hogan pinned Orndorff for the victory! Hulk Hogan and Mr. T would reign supreme in the very first Wrestlemania main event!
Wrestlemania turned out to be a major success to the surprise of everyone involved. So many memorable moments and matches made this show a night to remember. Absolutely no one thought that this show would turn out to be successful as it did, and for the next 34 years the success would grow more and more over time!
Show Rating: 9/10
