Finally, its the moment you have all forgotten would happen and maybe dont care anymore but nevertheless here it is! Its another WrestleMania review by me and this is not really a better than one than the others, the build up was poor, the review is poorly booked and I haven't been here for most of the weeks since the last review. I'm sure you lot wont mind though.
(Also just realised this is almost my first post being a WF Legend, me happyman)
Also like to say a late thank you to those who liked and commented on my previous review, thank you!.
WrestleMania 7Well this PPV pretty much personifies my running gag, for those who dont know what it is, its simple "America, F*** Yeah!"
Here is to the good ol' USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! USA! (and the international audience too).
Love the intro Video, Vince just has the voice for it, its tremendous. Its a simple thing but the red and white striped background with Hogan and Slaughter individually shown and being followed by white stars and blue tinted video of small bits of the build up and feud to Mania is visually pleasing and I really dig it.... Sucka. Its so simple but it works perfectly.
"FACE TO FACE!, Its WWRRRESTLEMANIA!"Its almost goosebump quality, makes this match, the title and the event feel big.
WWF was really ahead of WCW in graphics and video work, just the way the WrestleMania logo comes onto the screen is fun to watch, who knew a logo could be fun to watch but it is for WWF and I dont get tired of seeing it. I love the WrestleMania logo and the simple edits to the colour for the red white and blue theme is great, on some days I prefer it to the original. The old WrestleMania music is great too, love it!
Whilst the size of the arena is a little bit of a letdown compared to WM6 it still looks great, this too me is a perfect example of the way an arena can be given a theme for a PPV without going over the top and being distracting to the ring action like WM's of recent and even the stupid light shows the crowd get going on them on every show WWE and even TNA do. I would also say if it werent for WM6 and 3, the other Manias where in similar sized arenas that werent much bigger than the Sports Arena.
I also love the corner entrance way, wish it was used today at some PPVs.
Speaking of the sports arena, I love Monsoon on the introduction, he really goes after the end letter of the sentence.
"Welcome to Los Angeles, Californiaaaaa, Welcome to the Sports Arenaaaaa, Welcome to star spangled WrestleMania Seveeeeeen."I feel welcomed.
Willie Nelson looked like he lost his luggage an his clothes so he just shopped in the WWF merchandise before he went out there.
Of course it woulnt be WrestleUSAMania without Jim Duggan, Hooooooo! America, F*** Yeah!
Love the match graphics for the show, simple but professional and they look good.
I liked Duggan on commentary in this but he didnt do well with Monsoon on the introduction bit, kept interupting him and he did seem a bit, well, simple minded I suppose.
The Barbarian & Haku vs. The RockersGood little promo before hand, a little hint of HBK from Michaels with the
"oooh" after being told their facing the Barbarian and Haku. Michaels does shine a little in the promo , shows hes comfortable in front of the camera.
This is probably my favourite Rocker gear, might be a lot to do with nostalgia like a lot of this event will be, might influence the score slightly too, but its still cool looking and we need more of it today.
Rockers get a good "pop" and theres a good energy about them, feels like a nicely paced opening and were underway quickly to this WrestleMania with some nice early action. "Jobber entrance" to kick off WM is odd though but it works for me, this kind of entrance was common back then and it helps speed the action along.
Some nice action early, shows the Rockers are going for the speed game and the Heenan Family is going for power, Haku not heavy on his feet though and compliment the fast action well. Duggans not great on commentary but does a job well for one match and Monsoon carries him through this well, shows how a great commentator can make an average one look good. Nice double team manoeuvres and a pre-Sweet chin Music "crescent kick" from Michaels and Jannetty. Heenan shows how to be a proper manager and gives strategy to his men, he aint out there to stand around. Its amazing how good these two team where (including Haku/Babarian in WCW which I was a fan of) that they where never really in the Tag Title picture for that long if at all. Bigger shame we dont have that kind of depth to Tag Teams today. Rockers do well to counteract the power with double teaming, in reality its hard to see them winning on an individual level credibly so some nice work there on developing the match story. Heenan's men take control of the match and rightfully so, there bigger, stronger and they have a Brain in their corner so they should look like they know what their doing in the ring. Some nice and simple double team manoeuvres, they aint flashy but their affective and honestly sometimes there the best kinds. A good show of athleticism by the Barbarian and a "devastating" manoeuvre on Jannetty from a double team hot shot really puts Heenan's men in the driving seat, Duggan also calls this move really well and makes it seem like its "devastating". Almost ruins it with "I think hes hurt" but its still miles better than what we get today, these days they tell you nothing, I'd love to know what Swagger calls his ankle lock now, I'm sure it must have a name but Cole never mentions it. Dodgy looking double cross body but its covered well although Jannetty really oversells a corner whip. Hes taking a beating in this match and its looking doom and gloom for Jannetty, is it wrong I'm waiting for him to do a spinning back suplex, knuckle drop and AA to get the in in a minute? This is proper tag tea wrestling, their just picking Jannetty apart, not with their special or signature moves but with normal moves to weaken him and wear him down. Nice catching power-slam by the Barbarian and then he leans and falls off the top rope for some reason, I'm assuming for a head-butt but he did not look comfortable coming off their. Michaels in and the camera angle is cool, another simple thing that adds to the viewing of the match for a viewer and I'm pumped for Michaels to get in the ring since quite a while. Signature forearm and hes unloading on Haku, pre-HBK is fresh and hes using that energy to his advantage well. Whats interesting and good here is Michaels gets a "hot tag" but he doesn't do the typical hot tag thing, attack both men they go for the finisher which I like a lot. Makes the match feel different to other tag matches that also have a hot tag. Jannetty is terrible at the double drop-kick, never connects. Some nice high flying action and the Rockers pick up the in with high energy double team manoeuvres, they only way you'd really expect them to win and it goes over well to the crowd on hand.
Good tag match, good action, a nice opener that starts the PPV off lively and gets you ready for more action.
Duggans going off commentary, thank god for that. He wasnt bad but we its WrestleMania and not bad dont cut if for the whole PPV. It was nice to have him for one match but thats all I feel you could really take of him before he got annoying. Even after the match and him leaving he interupts and shouts over Monsoon who tries to segway to a backstage interview with the celebrity guests for the night. Hooooooo!
I love Regis, he really does seem like he likes being there, or hes a great actor, either way I like him on this and works well with Gene too. Marla looks nice and Gene has some nice lines in this one. Alex seems like hes a bit off on this and him a Genes interaction was a little confusing and poor but overall it didnt take much time and the celebrities are on the show. Job done.
Dino Bravo vs. The Texas TornadoNot a fan of Dino, did like the Tornado though and I'm a sucker for tassle style gear.
The tassles go flying over the top early and this match has almost turned into a brawl on the outside. We have Heenan on commentary now and hes shinning already, a true commentary legend and I love him. Did no one else want a big Tornado/Warrior feud? Seemed perfect, or maybe a tag team, they could have been huge. Heenan is great. Some average ring work and not a lot happening, no real story to the action but this doesnt seem that kind of match in a funny way. We see the spinning Tornado minutes into this thing and we have a winner, the crowd are having fun and the show rolls on. I think it works well, second match in, keeps the crowd going and the action flowing but doesnt overstay its welcome and we continue with WrestleMania Seveeeeeen.
The Warlord vs. The British BulldogI love the interview set, its so simple but so iconic and it does everything you need it to do. Love the locker-room interview too, locker-rooms back then where so stylish. Not bad interviews and Slick was good on the mic here, puts over his man well and we go from two matches that where more speed vs. power, one on a bigger scale than the other, to a power vs. power match and I'm excited for it. A nice contrast of match styles early on.
There doing a good job of building up the matches and WrestleMania itself so far and it does feel like a proper important PPV. I can see why people would turn from being a bad guy to a good guy back then, sometimes its just nice to see your entrance on the video.
Monsoon pushes home that this is a power style match, no fancy moves in this one and his excitement for it makes me excited. Interesting that there wasnt a real "test of strenghth" to kick things off but again like the tag match its nice to see molds not being used. The immovable object goes down and too the outside and Davey Boy is on top early on. Warlord regroups, gets advice from his manager and goes back in to take control of the match. Bulldog goes goes a crucifix, interesting high flying move from a power man and I like it, countered easily by Warlord though, hes not worn down enough for it to be effective yet. A good old bear hug and the crowd see Davey Boys in trouble, they get behind their man and he gets out of it only to be countered into a hot shot, our second one of the night and the bad guys are utilising it well to take control in their matches. Heenan is on his A-game tonight. Flashy move with the belly to belly by oh Lordy, I was told we wouldn't be seeing these. Slic cuts a promo to the camera and its looking good for ol' metal face. What I like here is the Warlord has a half decent submission hold on Bulldog and the commentators dont cover it up, they talk about how he should be applying it for maximum effect, proper commentating at its finest. Bulldog bringing a bit of high flying to the match, might be a good gameplan as Warlord does look a little bigger and he would expect a power game. Warlord has been more in control of this one but Davey Boy has had good squirts of offence. Full Nelson slapped on and this one is close to being over, I'd like a little more effort in the applying of this, seems to much like a rest hold. Fingers are not locked, Davey Boy may just break the unbreakable hold! He broke it! Running Power Slam and the crowd are delighted, Davey Boy with the win in a hard fought match. Love the Running Power Slam, looks a proper effective finisher. Nice big win for the Brits, USA, hacktooey!
Tag Team Championships
Nasty Boys vs. The Hart FoundationNice pre-match promos, the Nasty Boys come across as Nasty, the name ain't just for show. Anvil starts off well on his rant but he goes a bit off at the end, dont think he actually made his point. Hitman is a nice contrast and the Harts seem ready for this one, proper tag teams here, these aren't thrown together and they have good credibility, ah the good old days. Hitman starting to stand out a bit now and shows he got what it takes to go it alone, he wont make it.
This feels like were really under-way now, first BIG match of the evening and its for the tag belts, wow tag belts with credibility, say it ain't so. Good booking again, we have three matches that get the crowd going and cheering for their guys and 3/3 for the good guys puts them in a happy mood. This is the first match that feels like either team can win it, I like the feel of this. These two teams have stature in that ring, the feel legitimately good.
There a nice ring pacing and lock up to kick things off, Bret comes out on top with wrestling but Nasty Boy Saggs gets a dirty move in to take control in the get-go, nice show of what these two will bring to the match. Hitman gives Nastys a bit of their own medicine and shows a little bit of a mean streak, best streak for a WrestleMania. Interesting that Knobbs wants Anvil in, a heel team that isnt a coward? WHA!?!?!?!?! Anvil takes control with a bit of a power show and The Nastys are reeling. Interesting take down with the "spinning arm breaker" by Anvil, hey if it works I guess. Nastys Boys seem more reliant on each other whereas Hart Foundation play more as individual strengths, a nice match-up indeed. Monsoon makes the Tag Belts sound like Gold (in more than what their made of capacity). Nice signature moves by HF but again Nastys take control with double teaming. They work this well, it doesn't feel like tag team template #3, it actually feels like a unique match whilst still using the typical tactics of bad guys cheating and getting away with it and the good guys getting a little frustrated. They dont have the shots that where awe inspiring like WM6 but the zoom out shot of the ring with the Mania banner in the background looks awesome to me. Nasty Boys really taking control of this and Hitman has had no offence for a while, Anvil has been out of this match for a long time too. Some nice double teaming that isn't all about signature moves, its double teaming thats just wearing a man down and I prefer it. Heenan puts over the crowd a little and they are getting into this match, considering this is in 1991 there aren't so much a "smark" crowd as today so the noise is a little different but its still a "were into this" reaction and it gets you a little more into the match. No Buddy Hart chants here (yes I did look that up
). Cheap shot on Anvil and he is fired up in the corner but the referee holds him back, the hot tag is building. Bret counters in a simplistic but effective way but again Nasty Boys use double teaming to aid them. The referee blind tag is made to Anvil and man is he hot, megaphone miscue from the Nastys and Anvil is in now. A bit slow To get going is Anvil but effective. Heenan states his love for the match and it does feel a gooden. Nasty Boys in trouble and their is the signature tag manoeuvre of HF, this ones over. Confusion with the referee and the Hitman allows Nastys to again double team and this time the megaphone hit its intended target and Anvil is out, 1,2,3 and New Tag Team Champions! A miscarriage of justice at WrestleMania sees the Nasty Boys walk away with the gold. They may not have earned it with their wresting skill but they utilised their tag teaming to perfection here and again a manger is crucial in a win without really getting involved in the match. Great celebrations after too, makes the win seem like a huge deal and it should, they won the WWF Tag Team Championships! There's something more special about Fink announcing you as champion, it just feels better. Jimmy Hart looks like he wants to take the belt home with him. Great match, cool ending and this WrestleMania isn't disappointing so far.
The Model Rick Martel vs. Jake..... The Snake..... Roberts!Interesting concept and at first thought it sounds rubbish, lets see what these two can do as this could be a real buzz-kill to the show and stink up the joint. Lets give it a go though.
Nice build up video, shows exactly why there feuding and the relevance of the match. To be fair to it, it does make sense as a match choice with what happened between the two and the feud does seem like a decent one. It shows a nice "these two didn't touch before the match" build up and the fans I assume would have been gagging for this one. Awesome promo from Jake, short and sweet and it really does make him look like a sinister fellow. Why is there a Halo countdown? Is this just my copy? (Anthology). I miss the Coliseum Video exclusive Jake interview before he comes out, always loved that. Entrances aren't anything special, again the bad guy is in the ring already giving a strange award to the Nasty Boys in being the only heel participants to have a full entrance on this Mania. Love Jakes music, its just perfect for him.
Not too much time wasted with applying the blindfolds, almost straight into the match. The crowd seem up for this and the commentators are again doing their job, an awesome one as there is a lot of time that could be awkward or boring with the pointing and slow moving around the ring. About the loudest this crowd has been. Heenan and Monsoon are
ing awesome! This is strangely entertaining, I've seen normal single matches that where worse than this, hell I'd rank this above matches that on paper where good like the WM15 Hell in a Cell. There not overdoing this, the crowd is better for it too as there not getting bored with getting involved. I do like Heenan in this match, this is a great way of putting over a crowd for their noise level. The traditional ref grab in a blindfold match, strangely nothing really came of it. Ok something needs to happen soon, this is getting a bit boring. Jake tries to get the crowd back, there starting to get bored too. Another opponent grab that comes to little. A huge DDT chant rings out and its the loudest one of the night. Martel grabs Damien and quickly back peddles almost straight into Jake. Some nice spots in this but overall it feels a bit too stretched out. They get in contact again and Jake ends up on the outside, Martel grabs a chair and starts jabbing, this is amusing. A real funny spot with Martel, the ring post and the chair, best spot in the match and one of my favourites. Its so simple yet so effective and clever. Finally a but of action, not a lot but its something. DDT! Jake finds Martel on the canvas and this one is over.
Nice match, cool concept thats executed well albeit a bit stretched out but I enjoyed it overall and Jake gets his revenge. The Martel arrogance that started this all is destroyed and we get to see Damien too, its a big ol' snake. Crowd are happy and again, Monsoon and Heenan are
ing great!
Cool interview with a celebrating Nasty Boys and Marla Mapple? This shows that the tag titles are a big deal and winning them at WrestleMania is even bigger, champagne celebrations and a locker-room party, what more could you want? Odd interview, Marla struggles to get a word in and no interview really takes place but again it shows the Tag Title win means something.
Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka vs. Some dead bloke that wont go farStock music for the Superfly, first time we see a good guy have a half entrance and the bad guy get the spotlight. Bell tolls and that can mean only one man, he looks awesome. Fits in perfectly for the time frame as well. I would rank Undertaker as probably the greatest of all time as he has had so much going for him, a 20+ year career, he is the pinnacle of WrestleMania now, a gimmick that has lasted the majority of his career and he puts on some stellar matches to boot. For a time where characters all tried to stand out, he really stood out. Bearer is perfect as his manager too and by golly this man would have freaked me out as a kid. Taker was just the perfect man for the gimmick, this is how to play a character.
Bell rings and were under way here, Taker stares down Snuka like he wants to bury him, and not in the Triple H way. Snuka looks odd in boots, he tries to get a reaction from the Deadman but he stands still, lifeless almost. A strange move by the Undertaker choosing to cheap-shot Snuka to get the action going but he takes control and he looks impressive. Nice flying clothesline, a big man with agility like Taker is just so awesome to see.Bearer again is awesome as a manager, was there a bad one during this time? There is a slow pace to this match but it suits Taker, he misses an elbow but sits up, that will never stick. Heenan makes the Undertaker sound even more impressive. Snuka goes for it all and misses, spilling to the outside and Monsoon makes it sound even more devastating. A small "botch" but Taker covers it decently, a tombstone and this one is done. Taker dismantles a legend in Snuka with ease and you really would pity the man that has to face this guy. He is a beast! Quick match but it does its job perfectly, I liked it but its only relevance in history is the start of 1-0. That gives me chills.
Career Ending Match"Macho King" Randy Savage vs. The Ultimate WarriorThis is really the beginning to me of the double main event, especially in significance for the match. The Warriors gear said it all in "Much bigger than this" in reference to the Title. It does feel like it too. It deserves a little match graphic in my review. I wish they did the double career ending match more as when its only put on one person it makes the outcome too obvious when looked at with the build up. This really starts off with a "by god one of these main event superstars will have his last match tonight" feel and while now I would probably know Savage would loose, if watching it during that time period I can see I wouldn't have the foggiest of the outcome, just like when I first watched this as a young lad.
The build-up video isn't mind blowing but its still great, showcases the feud perfectly and puts the match on a pedestal, rightfully so too. Love seeing the various colourful attires of the two as well, Warriors Rumble attire is a big favourite especially with the jacket. We need more tassels in the modern product, tassels = ratings. The sceptre shot always looks a little nasty, comes across as a great shot though and believable as a way to get beat. Machos attires in this period aren't my favourite style though.
The Elizabeth shot before the match is cool, adds more to an already emotional match. Love the Macho Mans entrance on the seat thingy. I must say although the period wasn't the best for Macho Man in terms of attires, his WrestleMania one is by far and away my all time favourite of his, its beautiful. This match has that same magnitude feeling that Hogan/Warrior had the year before but for different reason, its like a continuous wrestling orgasm. Already some storytelling and were just on the entrances, Warrior conserving energy, no running, he wants everything hes got for this match. By god I'm getting goosebumps. Back to the attires and Warriors is bordering on being a mess but whoever designed this deserves some kind of award, its amazing and perfect for the match. Warrior/Macho King knee pads are so
ing cool. The "much more than this [title]" is not something I would be a fan of usually because the title should be THE thing for every wrestle to want but for this it seems right and adds even more to the match, it does feel like once in a lifetime and it feels huge. Goosebumps are off again. Commentary is top tier in this, Heenan deserves an Oscar or something for this. Warrior sets off in his traditional running of the apron, the crowd get even more pumped. Warrior may not be the best wrestler to ever grace a ring but I'm giving him big props here, second year in a row he blends into the huge match feel seamlessly. He has the look and feel of a real top superstar, both men do. The stare-down is awesome, different styles already on show with Savage bouncing around the ring and Warrior just holding his ground.
Bell goes and we are underway! My Goosebumps have goosebumps. Savage stand atop the turnbuckle to a chorus of boos, Warrior shows him how its done and the fans eat it up. Savage tries to steal the first bit of offence with the Warriors back turned but its telegraphed, stalemate and we haven't even had a wrestling move yet. Lock-up and the strength was always going to Warrior but Savage gets leverage on the ropes and comes out on even ground. Lock-up once again and Warrior isn't messing about, Savage is flung back and its clear strength is firmly in the court of the Warrior. Early flurry by the Warrior causes Savage to regroup on the outside, Warrior is apparently distracted by Sherri but it looked a bit dodgy, Savage takes advantage of his back being turned and gets a blow on the Ultimate one, irish whip and Warrior comes out on top again with a clothesline. Hes just messing with Savage now and really showing that on strength, hes always coming out on top and Savage needs a new game-plan quick. Sherri tries to interfere but Warrior dispatches of her using the Macho King as a javelin. Maybe the pressure is getting to Randy, he is not in the ballgame at all. Speaking of which he finally counters the Warrior and takes control fully for the first time. Top rope jump by Savage, caught by the Warrior, by god can Savage get any offence in? UW chooses not to slam Macho King, instead he places him down then slaps him, mind games of the highest standard here and Savages mind must be all over the place. This one is so intriguing and the story so far has me hooked like a fish. Savage is stunned, goes to the outside to catch a breather and rethink things, he needs to do something else. A steelchair distracts the Warrior for some reason and Savage agains hits him from the blindside. Once again Ultimate takes control though, wow this is one sided, this needs to change soon. Warrior really wants to get some punishment dished out on Savage and hes had almost the whole match to do just that. Savage is starting to look too weak. Savage moves out the way of a corner splash and Warrior takes a spill to the outside, finally a big blow to UW and Sherri gets some licks in with the referee distracted. Top Rope axe-handle too the outside, signature manoeuvre by Macho and now the Warrior is finally taking some punishment, Savage is starting to look good now too. Sherri tries once again to get some licks on the UW but he aint standing for that. Macho sees this and decides he needs to take control of the situation and Warrior is sent head-first into the steel post. The crowd are getting louder! Our first pin fall of the match gets a 2 from Savage, goes for one more but counter and this time Savage is the one down for 2 with a reverse backslide. Randy is starting to show his smarts and speed by going to the outside and taking away Warriors momentum (I missed Savage spit at the Warrior first time, massive mind games here that could send Warrior over the top and risk DQ). Macho King tries the blindside attack once more but even the Warrior knows whats coming now, Monsoon says it best "went to the well one too many times." The commentary is absolutely
ing superb, these men deserve every penny they get for this job and more! Warrior goes for his big shoulder tackle leading to his big finishing splash but its sidestepped and he goes crashing down to the canvas. Savage goes close to ending the career of the Ultimate Warrior, this match, the crowd, the action, the commentary and the storytelling is electric. Everything is flowing perfectly and every eye is glued to that ring. Its amazing how much more colourful everything is back then but it all flows beautifully with each other whereas today, they attires aren't as good to me and there's a lot more distractions with all the crowd lighting and HD stage stuff. I miss the simplistic style, its the best by far and away to me. This arena isn't even "WrestleMania standard" but this match, the crowd and the commentary are bringing it up to that level and its not even a thought anymore for this PPV. Sleeper hold that doesn't last too long, a strange thing to notice but it does well not to kill the momentum of the match, the fans are in the palm of their hands and they need to repay that. Standing should tackle by Warrior and he springs off the rope once more but this time both men have the same idea and we are at stalemate with a double clothesline. Both men look spent and rightfully so, you shouldn't look like you can give anymore than you did in a WrestleMania main event calibre match, even more so when its a career ending match. A nice breather for everyone here and Heenan agrees with me, this is the first time this match has stopped fully. Warrior has a 3 count but Sherri earns her paycheck with her distraction and buys Macho enough time to kick out. Warrior argues with the ref and Savage takes advantage with a jumping knee to the back, the ref is down as well now and this is right where Savage wants it. Savage hold Warrior while Sherri goes to the top with her shoe, this could be the beginning of the end for the Warrior... But he moves out the way and Savage gets nailed, Sherri undoes all her good work previously and puts Savage in the danger zone. This match right here is awesome. The referee is coming too as Warrior walks down Sherri, he gets hold of her but too much time has passed and Savage has enough wits about him for a roll up but only gets a 2 count. Both mens careers are hanging on a knife edge and by golly do the fans love it. Even Heenan is getting emotionally invested in this one, more so than other matches. Savage is repaying the earlier dominance of the Warrior and shows off some of his signature moves, he pulls them off brilliantly. Savage goes up top for an elbow drop and nails it! From winning the World Wrestling Federation Championship from Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania in front of 60,000+ to loosing your career in the space of a year, The Ultimate Warrior appears to be done... But Savage goes up top once more, elbow #2 and this has got to be it!... NO, one more elbow drop from Savage and this has to be the end of the Warrior, not just contractually but physically as well. Elbow #4, this is intense! Heenan is pushing this over the edge and my goosebumps are the size of a truck. Macho King Randy Savage patented elbow drop number 5 and we finally get a pin, we finally get an end to the punishement and the Ultimate Warrior is no more!... 1...2...
3.... UNPRECEDENTED! A Kickout of not one but 5 finishing manoeuvres of a former WWF Heavyweight champion in Randy Savage and Warrior is digging as deep as he can possibly go. This is a mans career on the line and my goosebump trucks look tiny compared to what they are now, this is over the top awesome and one hell of a wrestling orgasm. The fans muster up some more noise for the kick out of the Warrior and Savage looks like he has seen a ghost! He goes back to work on the Warrior but his offence seems less thought out, his game=plan is out the window and the Warrior is back on his feet! Hes taking Macho Kings blows and fighting through the pain, the adrenaline is surging through this mans body and the gods are giving him the strength to fight back! Warrior unleashes a series of punches clothesline, the pace of this match has picked up even though these men look dead on their feet, this is proper performing and these two men deserve every last bit of credit and money they receive for this performance, these two wont get much better. Warrior digging even deeper, I didn't think it was possible! PRESS SLAM and man did he deliver this well, he holds Savage up high for a good portion of time for this move even though he looks absolutely exhausted, these two men know this match needs every last bit of energy they have and they are giving more! BIG WARRIOR SPLASH and every think this is over... 1...2... NO!... Savage returns the guts that UW showed earlier and kicks out, he does not want to loose his career! I love this, the Warrior doubting his power, doubting his ability and his connection to the gods being diminished, no facepaint anymore, sweat running down his doubt ridden face, The Ultimate Warrior looks human. He plays this beautifully, he goes within an inch of walking out of that match and maybe he would if Savage didn't take the opportunity to nail him from behind once more. Savage goes for the big axe handle to the outside on the steel barricade but Warrior finds his power once more and sends Savage crashing into the steel, hes not only dug deeper, hes opened up a new barrel. The gods are returning his messages of doubt and the Warrior is Ultimate once more, hes found a whole new pot of energy and even Monsoon and Heenan sound like there running on empty. One last push through from all men, a huge, and Ultimate flying shoulder tackle from the Warrior this is over... NO... ONE MORE TIME! and the Macho King is flown to the floor once more. The Warrior brings him back once more and a third Ultimate tackle.... 1...2...3! This one is OVER! Warriors music is pumped over the arena sound system and its perfect for the ending, its like a small shot of adrenaline to push through one more time and savour the aftermath of a five star classic, these two left everything in that ring and it epitomises everything that a career ending match at WrestleMania should. By god I've felt less excited coming off of roller coasters than I have after this match. I am
ing spent, but I am so glad I am, it was worth every second. The goosebumps are running wild now, I said it before in this and I truly believe that this can be defined as a wrestling orgasm.
ing amazing!
Small notes on the finish, I think it would have looked better if Warrior didn't get Savage from the outside to pin him, makes the foot pin look a little weak with the time in-between, normally this would bug me like hell but after the show these two put on I can give them a little slack on one thing. What a match! To quote someone from here "Awesome Sauce" at its very finest.
Warrior leaves the ring and disappears up the ramp in his fancy coat, he has won his Ultimate battle, a more personal and bigger battle than the year before. That sounds so wrong considering the calibre and stature of the match last year but watching this match, it feels like its right. AND ITS NOT EVEN OVER! Sherri is furious, she's irate, she's getting some big shots in on Savage (and there sold brilliantly), its not just Savages career on the line here and Sherri will have to follow him out the door, the King and Queen have become peasants and she ain't the type of lady who is going to accept that. Savage looks out of it, and Sherri is getting no fight back whatsoever. Kicking and stomping and clawing and scratching at a man she has managed for over a year and who has allowed her to earn fortunes in accompanying him to the ring, 2 minutes ago Sherri was 100% behind Randy Savage and as soon as the bank account has topped growing she shows her true colours and turns on the man. This is the final star for a woman who was basically tossed aside and ignore by Savage, a woman who stood by his side during his greatest triumph has come to his aid at his biggest loss. Elizabeth has come back to Randy Savage.
She throws Sherri of of Savage and out the ring, the crowd love it so do I. Randy almost nails her with a back hand but sees its not Sherri, a staredown ensues unlike the usual ones you see in wrestling and the crowd as well as the commentators are 100% emotionally invested into this, its pure gold. Heenan deserves every award you can think of for his commentary throughout this match and the aftermath. Savage is piecing everything together and everyone watching anywhere is so anxious to see what happens next. Savage deserves an Oscar here too, this is acting at its finest in that ring. He plays the decision making so well, does he continue the way he is and leave Liz standing in the ring and rejecting her once more or does he finally take back a woman that could easily be described as his soulmate. The tension builds and builds and builds and finally.... The hug.... The goosebumps I had before are nothing compared to this now, as a kid this was just a cool moment, as an adult, this is a truly wonderful moment that would bring anyone to shed a little tear. B E A Utiful! If you haven't watched this or you dont feel anything inside you, not even as a wrestling fan, as a human being, if this does nothing for you then by god need some emotion in your life. Liz holds the ropes for Randy but no, Savage says no! Its his turn to hold the ropes for her and
me this is as good as sex. This is as big a wrestling orgasm as you will ever find! You cant describe this in words. This is my top moment, not only in WrestleMania but in wrestling ever, you can not beat this. this is 100% perfectly done, this is perfect.
A nice break in play now, its needed, that was an emotional roller coaster to beat all emotional roller coasters. From the match to the Liz and Savage ending. By god I need to lay down for a while.
A cool triple graphic of the three big matches still to come and another showing of the WrestleMania logo graphic.
Heenan and Monsoon talk about the Intercontinental Championship match, a title that is in the camp of Heenan and he tries to stay with the story in the feud but you can see it in his eyes, he is also spent. Cant blame him though. Amazingly he still pulls out a good build up to the match and gets back into his famous character, "I'd rather have some money, than a skirt". Heenan is announcing god.
Finally hits home as well after Brain says it that the Macho Man Randy Savage is out of wrestling. Still high on the emotions from the match and trying to immerse myself into the PPV without thinking about Savage going to WCW and not really being done in wrestling. This seems huge and amazingly almost overshadowed by the ending. Top, top class.
Big breather now with some witty back and forth interviews with the celebrity guests, Taker and Bearer are awesome here too. I really do like Regis, he immersed himself well into the event.
Demolition interview is also very good, some great characters that give a cool segment here. Master Fuji is boss!
Tenryu and Kitao? interview amuses me, normally its a bit off for the PPV but its well needed after the last match. Regis shines again and gets a response from the Japanese men, he seems like a real fun guy.
Dont like the Jake interview, makes too light of the match he had and turns him a bit too much into a comedy character for my liking in this show.
Bobby Heenan setting the whole thing up is brilliant, lovely segments that appeal to wrestling fans and that are amazingly about wrestling. Who'd have thought it?!
Demolition vs. Tenryu & KitaoThe break did good and I feel ready to go again, we have a nice tag match too featuring a team I was never really familiar with so its nice seeing them compete in one of the rare matches I own of them.
Stock music for Demolition, big shame as they have some top standard music. Hate the weird Fink echo as well. Demolition dont have the stature they once had when entering a ring, they seem like they have passed their time here and dont offer the threat they once did. Stock music for the Japanese lads, not as bothered as I dont remember their music being that amazing but its still odd.
Bell goes and the action is back under way once more. Demolition use their numbers to get the advantage then Smash steps out to let Crush deal with Kitao I think. Interesting to me that Kitao is wearing kickpads, was not really a style for bootwear back then so a nice change of design. He looks a big fellow too and from first look I feel he could have been a bigger deal than what he was in WWF. the "Fuji working over his own countrymen" is a great line. Heenan and Monsoon have so much chemistry, the Fred lines have me in stitches. Interesting back elbow drop from Tenryu, looked a bit odd. This match is nothing stellar and its something that usually would get a negative from me in that its just moves for the sake of it with all men just looking like their waiting for the finish but its a real nice pace after Savage/Warrior. Slight mess near the end of the match and a rare powerbomb from that era and this one is over. Not a great match but a nice showing of something new for the Japanese and my energy has filled up nicely thanks to it. Decent stuff overall and good booking of the card
Bossman interview is good, he plays passion well and plays to the camera well. Some nice cop puns that dont go over the top and adds nicely to the interview. Bossman is pumped for this one. One thing I noticed a lot though is people staring at the wrong camera when the view is switched, sometimes its amusing, sometimes its awkward depending on how big the feud is.
Heenan shows again why he is king of the microphone, can this man say anything that sounds bad? Perfect is good and would normally have higher rating on the stick here but compared to Heenan hes always second best. Nothing to be ashamed of though.
Intercontinental Championship
Big Bossman vs. Mr. PerfectChallenger enters first, albeit to his attitude era music which is a real bummer but its a small but nice thing to see tradition stand. Really wish they could have used some more of the older themes though, especially Demolition and Bossmans. Perfect comes out with so much arrogance, its great, he plays the gimmick... perfectly. Its amazing how different this Mania feels after the career ending match, it just has a buzz and an aura around it that makes it seem a notch bigger than it began with.
We have Lord Alfred on commentary here as Heenan is once again on commentary duty.
Both men try to rile the other up and Perfect makes an uncharacteristic mistake in going on the outside and turning his back on the Bossman. Big hair swing to Perfect that looks quite painful and Bossman shows some nice athleticism and agility to counter Perfect and gain control of this match. The Warrior/Savage match is still being talked about on commentary, its a double edge sword for me on this as the match is of that calibre where it deserves to be mentioned in the later matches of the show but its also overshadowing the second biggest singles title in the company on the biggest PPV of the year. I dont get the hate for Lord Alfred, hes not the best and yes he isn't really that great but I think he does a stand in job decently and doesn't diminish the in ring product like some commentators do, or maybe its because I'm English too that I can stand him more. Bossman takes his belt to Perfect, the referee shows some big leniency here and lets the match continue. Perfect takes a nice whipping here. A distraction by Heenan and a lack of concentration by Bossman allows Perfect to wrap the belt around his fist and deliver a big blow to the sternum of the Bossman, Ref set the standards earlier so no DQ given for that. Loud, echoing chop by Perfect on Bossman... WOoooooo. This match seems lacking in something but I cant pinpoint what. Heenan on commentary maybe? Nevertheless the two men in he ring throw out some nice action but there seems to be no end game on the horizon. Perfect tries for that Horizon out of the blue with the Perfect-Plex but its blocked, a strange jump over kneckbreaker follows shortly after that looks nice but could have gone wrong. Perfect comes off the top but only finds a foot in his face on the way down and its Bossmans time to shine. Perfect goes head first into the turnbuckle and I love the way he does it, springing off the bottom rope and corkscrewing away is so nicely done. Poor throw and sell by Bossman and Perfect respectively but it seemed to be caused by the aim to get to the next spot with the leg split to the ring post. Bossman has Perfect on the ropes and chases him to the outside, he stops his offence to walk down Heenan who stands his ground long enough for Perfect to come from behind and ram Bossman into the steel steps. Good move there and cheap shots by the weasel ensue until Andre the Giant starts to make his way down to ringside, the crowd almost erupt and Heenan wants no piece of Andre. Perfect has Bossman down but Andre's presence at ringside has him completely off his game. So much so he goes to confront him and gets his own IC title in his cranium and both men are down in the centre of the ring. The ten count ensues and Bossman is first to stir, cover, 1,2,No. Just as the match was kicking into the finale, the Heenan Family come down and attack Bossman causing a DQ, bad finish here that I do not like.
Andre and Bossman clean house, although there is a point where both men go for the same man that looks a bit of a mess. Bossman is announced the winner to the cheer of the crowd but Perfect escapes with the belt. I feel with the amount of good guys winning tonight that Perfect could have benefited from the win here and the match quality would have been better too as the two men seemed to just be wasting time waiting for Andre to appear and the the Heenan Family. Poor match for the standards of the two involved that could have been better. The first one of the night hat has failed to live up to expectations for me,
Earthquake vs. Greg "The Hammer" ValentineMean Gene has an interview with Donald Trump after Quakes entrance (seems everyone is getting an entrance in this portion of the match). Real short interview with Trump and we have a Chuck Norris appearance too, he seems like he actually does like the product which is nice to hear. Nice short snippet from Henry Winkler? and then a hard to understand one from Lou Ferrigno but still cool. A nice show of celebrities that aren't booked for the show, it always seems cooler to me when they just show up to see the show as fans and look like there enjoying it.
On paper, this one doesn't look great, Hammer entered during the celebrity interviews which on this occasion I dont mind. Heenan and Monsoon talk a little about the previous match with Heenan keeping the IC belt in his camp and Andre appearing, nice time to do it too as this match has little significance. Both men display a bit of offence before Quake finally finishes him off, more half the match was spent talking about the previous title match but that doesn't bother me like it normally would. Nice quick match that get the two men on the card and it wasn't really a squash match either. We see the big Earthquake finisher and the Hammer is down. Quake looks good and the show moves on. Hammer moves out of and aftershock to live to fight another day and were off to Sean Mooney.
Power & Glory vs. Legion of DoomLOD interview, first Mania for them and they talk up the match upcoming. I was raised on WWF so when I think Road Warriors my first thought it LOD instead of RW which up until a few years ago I thought was the normal name for them
. Nice short and sweet interview that describes why the match is happening and shows that LOD, especially Hawk, are good in front of a camera.
P&G already in the ring to start with, "eeeeeaaaaaoooouuuuuugggghhhhhh What a Rush!"... Love it, such an awesome intro that gets ya pumped.
Straight to the action, nice and quick on the get go and its turned into a bit of a brawl, this isn't traditional tag team wrestling, a big counter powerslam and the doomsday device makes short work of P&G and the LOD get the W. Wish the LOD got more of a showing but it really showcases them as a bad-ass team. Short and sweet.
Million Dollar Championship
Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase vs. VirgilNice build up video, really shows how Virgil was disgraced and humiliated by MDM, you can see why the fans loved this angle and feud. Ted Dibiase plays a perfect villain, perfect! I like the addition of Roddy Piper, he adds a little star power to Virgil thats needed. Virgil really gets into Teds head too, why do people not want his autograph?
Dibiase's music is one of the best ever, bar none. Piper comes out to a real nice reaction, I say it almost too much but I feel its worth saying every time, Heenan is so good on commentary its freakish. I really like Virgil's music, its real nifty and fits him well, decent attire too. Mini tassels! (I dont know why I like tassels, I just do
). Wait... I spoke too soon, Virgil has no music at WrestleMania, well his music is nifty at SummerSlam. Fans are behind Virgil in this one.
Nice bit of action to kick things off, nice to see Virgil start off on top over a managerless Dibiase, he look naked out there. Dibiase is getting frustrated and Virgil is in control to the delight of Piper and the disgust of Heenan. Virgil looks a little awkward in the ring though. Does some basic moves like a clothesline nicely though. Virgil shows his inexperience and gets caught by Dibiase but quickly get back in control, Dibiase is struggling to find a way to get control in this one. Dibiase finally gets a foot in and hes off and running in this match, this is not what Virgil needed and hes in trouble now and Piper knows it too. This match seems a lot slower paced than what we have seen, its a nice change of pace to me as it allows for less attention on the match in a weird good way. The action finds it way on the outside leading to a staredown between Hotrod and Millionairrod and Ted pushes the Piper on crutches to the floor. A despicable act if I ever saw one and Monsoon does not like that move by Dibiase at all. Heenan on the other hand loves it. Piper gets a small bit of retribution on Dibiase by pulling down the top rope but Ted has easy picking on one legged Piper and hits him down the the ground twice. No matter now though as this causes Ted to be counted out and Virgil picks up the win. No title though and the ending is one that was needed in this feud but with a title match already having a dodgy decision earlier with the DQ win, this feels a little more sour. The WrestleMania curse is still alive.
Dibiase slaps on the Million Dollar dream on Virgil after the bell and wares him down as Piper slowly makes his was into the ring and nails him with the crutch. A surprise in Sherri comes down to aid Dibiase, clearly going where the money is once more and she helps Ted work over Pipers leg that was hurt in a motorcycle accident, devious actions from those two. Virgil makes the save and the Million Dollar Man and Sherri hightail it out of there. Theres a great moment here where Roddy manages to throw a crutch into a referees crotch, brilliant. I like this moment of Virgil telling Piper to stand on his own but it would have been a lot better from the crowd if 1) they understood what Virgil said and 2) they weren't spent. A nice moment as Piper and Virgil stand in the ring together, victorious at the end of the day too. Virgil helps Piper too the back and we go back once again to Sean Mooney. Poor booking though when on the same show and placed so close to the IC title match, one of those needed a clean outcome and the IC match would have benefited more from it I feel.
Sean Mooney presents a real cool clip of Slaughter burning a Hulkamania shirt, great visual and represents a real cool thing in the Hulkamania burning down. Slaughter is a natural heel, he seems like a guy that would burn down his own house if it benefited him and I like that. The build up really shows Hulkamania dying and Hulk Hogan having little hope in this. As a kid I really saw Slaughter as Hogans biggest threat, great build up, controversial, but great in my opinion.
The Mountie vs. Tito SantanaMountie starts in the ring and Tito gets an entrance, still donning the Strike Force colours. This match feels more in the way of the Main Event than anything else and would do a good job of being real short and sweet. Tito sends Mountie flying and to the outside, double noggin knocker to the Mountie and Jimmy Hart and Santana is quick out of the blocks in this one, referee gets distracted though and the Mountie cattle-prods him in the stomach to pick up the win. Please this was short but it did feel like a bit of time wasted before the Main Event, nonetheless its over and we can kick on. Not much of the match to really comment on or give a rating, its just sort of there and really wouldn't be missed if it where skipped over. Serves little purpose.
*Insert disc 2*... A whole disc just for the Main Event!
Main EventHulk Hogan vs. Sgt. SlaughterThis match is based on the war, it was a risky move and a very controversial one but these risks can make you big money sometimes and its risks like this that are worth taking. Its the big WWF, America F*** Yeah party, and this is where USA is the "underdog" but is still #1.
Strange but cool seeing Hogan in a blue starred bandanna instead of his usual colours. Hogan is real awesome in interviews, like him or not he puts the match over well and it does feel like its a big deal. Good bit of passion and intensity too that gets your blood flowing nicely for the bout ahead. Video package in the middle shows Slaughter and Adnan dismantling Hogan and showing their dominance over Hulkamania. This was the first sign (that I remember) of a darker side to Hogan, its not blatantly on show but there are hints of it. He gets his USA themes into his interview and some more intensity to finish it off. Mean Gene rounds the interview off nicely and the match has a real nice build to it now. Looking forward to getting under way.
Its Main Event time so its also time for celebrity acknowledgement and the first sign of them at ringside, adds star power to the match I guess and I liked them on this show so they can take this time, they did a good job.
We have Kathy Lee on timekeeper duty (she gets to ring the bell, yay!), Alex replaces the Fink for the introductions and Regis goes over to commentary. I'm glad we get Regis more for this as he seemed more into the show and might add something to it more than the others.
Champion enters first (Slaughters music is strange but so effective), like Mania 5 I dont like this but it works for what there going for with this match and I do feel Hogan coming out second to Real American (America, F*** YEAH!) after turncoat Slaughter is awesome. The crowd eat it up, the fans love the Hulkster. Hogan comes down, flag in hand, USA, USA, USA and America, F*** Yeah is in full swing. Hogan does have a great presence in the ring, I'm sorry but when people say anyone could have been in Hogans shoes I think thats poppycock, he was made for the roll and he has some big critics but he is a great presence to wrestling and a big reason why a lot of people are fans including myself.
Bell goes (thanks Kathy Lee) and we are under way here to the sound of USA chants. Slaughter gets straight out of dodge and Hogan takes chase around the ring. Both men back inside the squared-circle and Sarge finally has time to remove the belt and his nifty hat and jacket. USA has been replaced by Hogan and the crowd are making some big noise here, this may not have the magnitude of WM6 Main Event but it still feels like a Main Event. Like the Warrior/Savage match earlier, it just has that more emotional feel to it with a little more at stake. The problem with doing a Main Event like Hogan/Warrior, Title for Title, is the next years Main Event will always struggle to match it for stature so I think they did well to go in the other direction for this one. USA rings out and these fans are just getting louder. Early test of strength that Hogan comes out on top of and Sarge is already complaining to the ref, any advantage you can get I guess. Stale mate early one and we are in the feeling out process here until Hogan runs through Slaughter and he retreats to the outside with Adnan. Hulk goes to get him and we have a fight on the outside, Adnan tries to get his fill of Hulk but the Red and Yellow is having non of it. Slaughter comes at Hulkster with a chair, DQ? no, I like this and hate this as it shows the ref is being real lenient early on as this is the WWF Championship at WrestleMania. However he just hit the man in the back with a steel chair and Hulk also hulked up on it. Monsoon sells it well though and as a kid I remember it being so awesome so we will let this on slide for now. USA, USA, USA rings out again as Slaughter begins his beat down of Hogan (apparently he took control somewhere while I was typing
). Maybe that chair shot did more damage than Hogan let on. Hogan takes back control with a clothesline while Heenan is trying to interact with Regis who has been a little quiet. Monsoon tries to bring attention back to the match. Back rake to a man wearing a shirt, why not. Hogan going for a few pin covers here, unlike Hogan a bit. Slaughter goes head first into the steel post over the turnbuckle and is whipped into the turnbuckle by Hogan followed by a back body drop. Hogan is firmly in control now. Slaughter once again goes to the turnbuckle's and bounces off front first, nice selling there by Sarge. Hogan showing a little mean streak here and rightfully so, hes had his fans, his Hulkamania and his country defaced by slaughter and he wants to punish the man for doing so. Hogan goes high risk from the second rope on a rare occasion and it ends up in a miscue from both men that looks sloppy, poor moment there. Top rope this time from Hulkster but Adnan is having non of it and Slaughter picks of Hulk. Sarge send him to the outside and he needs to take Hogans momentum away, a shot to the ringpost will do that. Another chair shot and Hogan feels that one now and goes down on the arena floor. TV cables wrapped around the neck of the Hulkster and hes choked out by Slughter, this man does not respect the rules and the ref is accepting that, he knows Slaughter doesn't care for the rules, a DQ means he keeps the belt so Mr Hebner is saying anything goes in this one (Im trying to make sense of the chair shot and no DQ
). Boston Crab applied by Slaughter, poor positioning here, right next to the ropes where Hogan can just reach out and grab it. Regis sees this too and ask why he doesn't just go for the rope, Monsoon and Heenan have no answer. Poor spot. Heenan is really on the side of Sarge here and making up some funny rules to give Slaughter the win. High risk knee drop from the top rope to the servial dervial part of the back by Slaughter to Hogan that only gets a 2 count, Slaughter is getting frustrated and goes for the chair again. This time Adnan seems to have the ref distracted and Hogan gets nailed in the head. Heenan also points out Slaughter would be happy, as he stated in his interview, to get DQ'd on purpose and keep the belt. Hogans face is a crimson mask now and Sarge has Hogan in real trouble. Good story telling by both men in this match that makes it a lot better and moves the match along nicely, and here I was expecting, Camel Clutch, kick out, Leg Drop, kick out, lay down for 5 minutes... go back to step one and repeat for 20 minutes. Proper Wrestling this is! Monsoon and Heenan aren't just good at keeping you interested in a match, they do so well to put over the talent and the story in the ring, everything just clicks with them and I could honestly listen to this on an iPod or in a car and still enjoy it. Camel Clutch is now a applied in the middle of the ring and Hogan, with blood pouring down his face, is in the most trouble he has been in all match, could this be the end of Hulk Hogan? Could this be the end of Hulkamania?... Hogan fights back but Slaughter stops the hold to dish out more punishment to the back of Hogan and then reapplying the Camel Clutch, great game-plan by Sarge here. Hogan musters up strength enough to lift Slaughter on his back in a standing position and goes to charge him into the turnbuckle, Slaughter one step ahead releases the hold and uses Hogans momentum to ram him sternum first into the buckles. Sarge is firmly in control and the fans are really trying to get behind Hogan in this one. With Hogan down, Slaughter chooses this time to get the Iraq flag from Adnan and place it over Hogan for the cover, what despicable actions by the Champion here, 1,2,NO!... Hogan kicks out with authority and sees the flag, ripping it apart before Slaughter comes at him with right hand... No affect on Hogan! Hes Hulking up brother and the fans love it. Finger pointing now and a blocked right hand, its the Hulksters time to lay on some right hands... Big Boot!.... Leg Drop!... 1,2,3!!! Hogan wins, USA wins! Iraq is defeated! Hogan, covered in blood, lifts the World Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Championship above his head as Real American blasts out throughout the USA clad arena to the joy of the capacity crowd on hand. AMERICA, F*** YEAH!!!
Hogan Places the Championship around his waist as he shows of his signature poses to the delight of the fans in attendance, its a great sight to see when you take away the politics of the man, the kid in me loves it. Regis didn't really do much on commentary but thats ok as Heenan and Monsoon put on a stellar job behind the announce table. Strangely quick cutaway from the PPV, I'm sure the VHS version went on longer, seemed quite dodgy indeed but nonetheless the match is over and the PPV concludes with stars and stripes galore! Not the best Mania Main Event in history but I enjoyed it and the feud gave it a nice magnitude and the two competitors put on a fine performance. Fine job!
7.5/10This PPV, despite being in a lesser arena than previous years, had an all round better card in my opinion. WM6 relies heavily on the Main Event to be put up as a good WrestleMania wheres as WM7 has a nicely done but controversial feud as its WWF Championship match, a quality Tag Team Title match and a true spectacle in wrestling with the Career Ending match. The under-card also had some real fun clashes, the opening tag bout and the power match between the Bulldog and Warlord where fun to sit through and there where feuds like the Jake/Martel and LOD/P&G that got a nice send off as well as the $MDM$/Virgil and Bossman/Perfect/Heenan Family feuds that where kept spinning. Theres also some nice history too this event as it sees the very first number notched into the now 21-0 streak of The Undertaker. Overall this show felt more complete than previous years that where mostly filler with one or two matches that stand out whereas WM7 had a plethora of matches that had build and importance with only a few spot filler matches to pass the show along nicely. The booking of the card has improved with what felt like a lessening of dodgy WrestleMania curse finishes and the card layout was done really well too with a nice lull in action after the emotion of Warrior/Savage/Liz. I still think the IC title match should have had a clan finish though especially with the $$M$$ Title Match using a similar finish a short time after the IC match. Overall though I thoroughly enjoyed this PPV and writing this review. Well done WrestleMania 7, You rank very highly on my WrestleMania list indeed.
WrestleMania 8 is up next! (Hopefully)