The recent evolution of the WWE Network coincided with an advertisement promoting the network that featuring John Cena talking about “The Moment”. Any true wrestling fan can easily relate to the emotions in this very effective ad. After all, those moments are what make us fans! As with all sports fans, it is the thrill of those moments, which are the reason we watch, the reason we live, the reason we breathe, all things sports entertainment. And with the Royal Rumble in the rear-view mirror we are now officially on the Road to WrestleMania XXXI. This year will mark the 25th Anniversary of one of the signature moments in the History of the WWE’s greatest extravaganza.
One man, the Immortal Hulk Hogan, undeniably dominated the early years of WrestleMania. Hogan had teamed with Mr. T to defeat “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff when WrestleMania was born in 1985. The following year he would defend his WWF Title with a victory over King Kong Bundy at WrestleMania II. Of course, this would be followed by Hogan’s epic confrontation with Andre the Giant in WrestleMania III. Hogan would become the first man to defeat the WWE Legend. Hogan would briefly share the limelight with Macho Man Randy Savage at WrestleMania IV, before ultimately reclaiming his belt from Savage at WrestleMania V when the Mega Powers exploded!
Heading into WrestleMania VI, most wrestling fans could not help but notice a pattern was emerging. The main event on wrestling’s biggest stage would feature Hulk Hogan. And he would win. After all, he was the biggest star in the industry, and was branded as being “immortal”. WrestleMania VI however, would mark the first time where Hogan was not necessarily considered the clear-cut fan favorite. His opponent, the Ultimate Warrior had burst onto the scene in recent years, and his popularity was on the rise. In fact, legions of “Hulkamaniacs” had already jumped ship and were now fans of the Ultimate Warrior, while many remained loyal to training, saying their prayers, and eating their vitamins. The divide between the fans continued to escalate, as the anticipation was building leading up to WrestleMania VI. Clearly there was a different feel heading into the main event at Skydome in Toronto, Canada on April 1, 1990. However, one could not help but feel it would still end up the same. Vince McMahon had other plans!
“The Ultimate Challenge” would be a seesaw affair with both combatants holding the upper hand at various points in the match. After a lengthy battle the Warrior impressively hoisted Hogan in the air and landed his patented “gorilla press” slam. He would follow with his finishing maneuver the “big splash”. Predictably Hogan would kick out on a two-count and the inevitable conclusion appeared to be on the horizon for the Ultimate Warrior. Hogan appeared impervious to the Warrior’s blows, before ultimately unloading with a barrage of his own culminating with the big boot to the head of the Warrior. The next sequence was one of the all-time thrilling “moments” in the history of the WWE.
Hogan always followed up the big boot with the “leg drop” and this time would be no different. Except it was! The Ultimate Warrior quickly dodged his fate and Hogan crashed to the mat missing his signature move. The Warrior would capitalize by landing a second “big splash” and referee Dave Hebner counted the 1…. 2…. 3 and this writer nearly went through the roof! The WWF had pulled off the “Ultimate Shocker”. Twenty-five years later and this remains one of my all-time favorite child-hood memories. The conclusion of that match was executed perfectly, and the excitement for Ultimate Warrior fans worldwide was immeasurable. “The Ultimate Challenge” may not have been a technical masterpiece but it was “that moment” that will ALWAYS hold a special place in this fan’s heart!