WWE: WrestleMania I

The One That Started It All
A couple of notes here in that this is the exact same version of this event taken from the WrestleMania Anthology set meaning that all references to "WWF" & various music has been changed to due the rights expiring but there is no blurring of the WWF logo since this event happened before the "Attitude Era."

"The Greatest Wrestling Event Of All Time" is what this was advertised to be as this was the event that started it all from New York City's Madison Square Garden where the idea of combining the sport of wrestling together with the celebrities & media presence of the entertainment industry to create the era that is now known as "Rock N' Wrestling Connection." Celebrities include Billy Martin & Liberace & The New York City Rockettes.

The main event match was WWE Champion Hulk Hogan teaming with Hollywood superstar Mr. T with "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka in their corner against "Rowdy" Roddy Piper & "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff with "Cowboy" Bob Orton in their corner...

Hasn't Found The Right Formula Yet
Though no one can say that the first Wrestlemania wasn't a landmark event in professional wrestling history, this event (for a number of reasons) just doesn't pass muster compared to other events that would come later.

First of all, the presentation is not befitting of an epic event. The announcing team of Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse Ventura is rock-solid, but the transitions between matches and camera work leaves much to be desired. Instead of the truly magnificent feel of later shows, "Wrestlemania I" is a bit dark and sparse.

In terms of the matches themselves, they really don't start to get going until the last half hour or so. Andre the Giant vs. Big John Studd in a Slam Match is kind of fun, as is the women's match featuring Cyndi Lauper. The finale (Rowdy Piper and Paul Orndorf vs. Hulk Hogan and Mr. T) is full of energy, if not a bit anti-climactic.

Overall, it is clear from viewing this in hindsight that the WWF was still searching for the...

Love Wrestlemania!
I am so glad to start my collection of Wrestlemania and the same time throw out my VHS version of all these events.

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