There is only one wrestling event in the earth known as “The Grandest Stage of Them All”. That worldwide global phenomenon is known as Wrestlemania. Since its first inauguration 25 years ago by WWE owner Vince McMahon, the event has manage to draw the attention of millions of wrestling fans annually.
Due to its ability to draw, thousands of wrestlers and fans have tried to take a role in the event, making it their dreams to one day participate in one edition. Experts in the industry even used the event to judge the success of many wrestlers. Failure to partake in the event is often associated with an unsuccessful career. Many WWE stars such as Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, The Rock, Steven Austin, Bret Hart, Triple H and more have used the event to elevate their careers and established themselves as bona fide wrestling superstars.
Occurring either between late March or April, Wrestlemania features some very unique and specialty matches such as a match known to wrestling fans as Money in the Bank. The only way to be declared the winner is to climb a ladder in an attempt to reach a briefcase suspended high above the ring while competing against five to seven competitors at the same time. This rapid pace and breathing match, filled with high flying maneuvers, electrifying aerobics and stunts, have been a favorite since its launch five years ago. The main attraction of Wrestlemania, however, is still the company’s WWE World Title and World Heavyweight Title, which are defended at the event. Most of WWE’s shows such as Raw, ECW, and Smackdown are targeted to reach their finale at the event.
Just How big is Wrestlemania? For a typical wrestling event, sports arenas is usually the prefer method of attendances. However, nine of the 25 editions have been held in large stadiums used by the NFL and the MLB. Those attendances goes from the low 54,097 at the 19th edition in Seattle to the current world indoor attendance record of 93,173 in Pontiac, Michigan at the event’s 3rd anniversary. That edition is widely considered to be the pinnacle of the wrestling boom in the 1980s and was the largest paying attendance in professional wrestling at that time.
Some of wrestling greatest moments and memories have taken place during Wrestlemania. Many wrestling fans still recall Hogan body slamming Andre the Giant, the universally acclaim confrontation between Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat, the explosion of the Mega Powers, the Ultimate Showdown, the now classic ladder match between Razor Ramon and Shawn Michaels, the one hour Iron Man, Stone Cold showing his toughness by refusing to submit, the Tables, Ladders, and Chair matches, Hogan vs. Rock, the emotional retirement of the 16 times World Champ, and the undefeated streak of the Undertaker, which now stands at an astonishing 17-0.
Due to the popularity and the wide appeal of Wrestlemania, many celebrities have participated with different levels of involvement throughout the 25 years. The first edition witnessed boxing legend Muhammad Ali and Mr. T. The second edition saw a 20 man battle royal pitting WWE superstars against NFL players. Mike Tyson appeared at XIV as the special guest enforcer, while professional welterweight boxer Flyod “Money”Mayweather battled The Big Show at XXIV. Even business tycoon Donald Trump was featured in a Hair vs. Hair match against owner Vince McMahon at the 23rd edition. The latest saw Oscar-nominated best actor Mickey Rourke as a spectator for a match that ended with him delivering a knock out blow to wrestler Chris Jericho.
Besides celebrities, many famous musical artists such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Willie Nelson, Reba McEntire, Little Richard, Boyz II Men, Ashanti, John Legend, Motorhead, Limp Bizkit, and Kid Rock have also performed at the events.
Though 25 years have passed since its first inauguration, Wrestlemania still shows no signs of slowing down as many cities are still bidding for WWE to bring the event to their cities as the event have helped brought in millions of dollars of revenues in the respective cities through the years. Would we see more memorable moments in the future from this event? We will just have to wait and see.
