Today’s top five list:
My favorite WWF Golden Era pay-per-views!
For the purpose of this exercise, we’re doing 1985-1992 as the qualifying years. I know 1993 is technically included for some due to Hulk Hogan not leaving until after King of the Ring in June.
But 1993 just doesn’t fit the Golden Era. You could even argue that post-WrestleMania VIII in 1992 doesn’t either.
Let’s have some fun.
5. SummerSlam 1992. This is going to be low for a lot of people, but I couldn’t put it any higher, even with arguably the best wrestling match of any of the five PPVs listed. Bret Hart vs. The British Bulldog was awesome, and the atmosphere was unique. I just don’t have the same nostalgia for the rest of the card.
4. Royal Rumble 1992. It’s this against 1990 and 2001 for my favorite Royal Rumble match ever. Bobby Heenan’s commentary might be the single best performance in WWE history, and Ric Flair winning was the right choice. Plus, the Orient Express has another fun opener for the second straight year!
3. Royal Rumble 1990. While the 1992 Rumble might be better, this is a nostalgia pick. I can remember renting this VHS numerous times at the local video store and being enamored with the stars. It’s the most talent ever in a single Rumble. Bonus: It’s my four-year-old son’s favorite Rumble, so we’ve watched it countless times in recent years.
2. WrestleMania VI. I’d say 1990 is a top three favorite WWF year. In hindsight, The Ultimate Warrior win was a risk, but man was it something in the moment. My two guys: Warrior and Hogan clashing for all the marbles. But really, it was this entire card that pushed it so high on the list. There weren’t any classics, but the combination of legendary stars and that pop when Demolition won the tag titles that made this an all-time PPV.
1. WrestleMania III. And yet, it’s this WrestleMania that ranks at the top. What more can be said? Hogan vs. Andre, and Savage vs. Steamboat. Two of the most memorable matches in WWE history. Both could even rank in the top five. This is in the running for my favorite WWE PPV ever, and it’s deserving of the No. 1 ranking for the Golden Era.