Wrestlemania XXVIII is only days away and as the time grows near, anticipation of the biggest event in the WWE grows stronger. One has to wonder if there will be any moment in Wrestlemania that stands the test of time as one of the biggest. With that in thought, here are five of the biggest moments in Wrestlemania history.
Hulk Hogan
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5. WrestleMania 13: Stone Cold Steve Austin
Steve Austin was trying to find himself in the WWE. Austin debuted in the WWE as The Ringmaster, managed by Ted DiBiase but made his name at the King of the Ring tournament where he coined the term Austin 3:16. Fans finally started to take notice. At the same time, Bret Hart was the top baby face in the WWE but fans were tiring of his sanctimonious attitude and holier than thou personality. Hart won the submission match here against Austin, but what makes this match special, is the fans changing their allegiances because Austin refused to give up. It was the defining moment in Austin's career and changed the face of the WWE, ushering in the Attitude Era.
4. Wrestlemania XXVI: Shawn Michaels
For years, Shawn Michaels was the best wrestler in the WWE and earned the name the Showstopper because of how he could steal the match at Wrestlemania, main event or not. His time finally came to an end in 2010 when he fought The Undertaker for the second year in a row and put his career on the line. He lost the match, and was forced to retire, but gave one more show stealing moments for fans to remember him by.
3. WrestleMania X8: The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan
Sure, this match wasn't that great from a technical standpoint but that is not what it is about. Hulk Hogan came to the ring as an evil bad guy who tried to cripple The Rock. The Rock came to the ring as one of the most popular wrestlers in the WWE, fighting the ultimate evil. When The Rock stepped into the ring with Hulk Hogan, WWE fans made the easy decision. They cheered Hulk Hogan. Luckily, these men were the best of the best. They looked around and made an unspoken decision on the spot. Hogan immediately became the baby face and The Rock began to wrestle as a heel. It made no sense but if the fans wanted to cheer Hogan, far be it from The Rock to disappoint them. It goes down as one of the more special moments in recent WrestleMania memory.
2. WrestleMania XXIV: Ric Flair
Taken as a moment in time, this is one of the most special moments at any WrestleMania. This feud pitted the greatest wrestler of all time against the best wrestler in the world. Shawn brought out the best in Flair and gave everything he had to make sure that Flair's last match was something to remember. This was exactly the way Flair's career should have ended and the ovation he got at the end was amazing. While Flair later returned to the ring, this was still the best "final match" I have ever seen.
1. WrestleMania III: Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant
Hulk Hogan was the most popular wrestler in the world, a super hero in the ring. Andre the Giant was a legend. He was "undefeated" and was easily the most beloved wrestler in the entire sport. At this time, Andre the Giant was one of the most hated wrestlers in the WWE because he hired Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and challenged Hulk Hogan for the World Championship. One big thing happened in this match that blew me away. Hulk Hogan lifted Andre and slammed him to the mat, setting up the leg drop for the win. When Hogan lifted the Giant and slammed him, my jaw hit the floor. WrestleMania III was one of the greatest of all time. The Steamboat/Savage match was awesome but the moment Hogan slammed Andre, the show became immortal.
Author Shawn S. Lealos has been a professional wrestling fan since the rock and roll days of the 80s. Shawn watched all the promotions, but held an affinity for the more rugged ones in the Mid South and Dallas focused World Class regions. He still watches wrestling today, enjoying the WWE, TNA and ROH, watching all three on television weekly.
Source: WWE.COM
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