WrestleMania, the undisputed crown jewel of professional wrestling, stands as a testament to WWE’s enduring legacy. From its humble beginnings in 1985 to its current two-night extravaganza, WrestleMania has consistently delivered moments of spectacle, drama, and athletic brilliance. It’s a stage where legends are made, rivalries are settled, and wrestling history is written.
However, amidst the iconic clashes and unforgettable moments, WrestleMania’s vast history also harbors a collection of matches that have faded into obscurity, lost to the sands of time. While some notorious “duds” remain etched in wrestling lore, others have been quietly relegated to the annals of forgotten WrestleMania moments. These are the matches that failed to ignite the crowd, lacked compelling narratives, or simply fell flat in execution.
Unearthing these forgotten follies provides a unique perspective on WrestleMania’s evolution, highlighting the inherent unpredictability of live entertainment and the ever-shifting landscape of professional wrestling.
The Anatomy of a WrestleMania Dud:
Before delving into specific examples, it’s essential to understand the factors that contribute to a WrestleMania “dud.” These matches often suffer from:
- Lack of Storyline Investment: A compelling narrative is the lifeblood of professional wrestling. Without a well-developed storyline, matches can feel arbitrary and lack emotional resonance.
- Poor Execution: Even with a strong storyline, a match can fall flat due to botches, miscommunication, or a lack of chemistry between the performers.
- Mismatched Expectations: WrestleMania is a grand spectacle, and fans expect high-quality performances. Matches that fail to meet these expectations are often met with disappointment.
- Lack of Crowd Engagement: The energy of the crowd is a crucial element of a successful wrestling match. Matches that fail to engage the audience can feel lifeless and unmemorable.
- Time Constraints/Placement: Sometimes good matches are ruined by bad placement on the card, or time constraints.
Forgotten WrestleMania Follies:
While the “classics” are replayed, some matches are not. Here are some examples of those matches that have been forgotten.
- Butch Reed vs. Koko B. Ware (WrestleMania IV): WrestleMania IV was a lengthy affair, and this match, while not inherently terrible, was simply forgettable. In a card filled with tournament matches, this one felt like filler.
- The Bushwhackers vs. The Fabulous Rougeaus (WrestleMania VI): The Bushwhackers were known for their comedic antics, but this match lacked the necessary spark to engage the WrestleMania crowd. The match felt like a comedy skit more than a wrestling match.
- Tatanka vs. Diesel (WrestleMania XI): While both performers were talented, this match lacked the intensity and drama expected of a WrestleMania encounter. It felt like a standard television match rather than a grand stage spectacle.
- The Godfather vs. Goldust (WrestleMania XV): This match, while having a controversial undertone, was generally considered a dud. It lacked any real wrestling action and was more of a spectacle than a match.
- Battle Royal (WrestleMania XX): This Battle Royal was a mess. It was filled with random wrestlers and lacked any real storyline or purpose. Battle Royals can be fun, but this one was not.
- Aksana and Tamina vs. The Bella Twins (WrestleMania XXVII): This match was short, and not very good. It was placed on a huge card, and was very forgettable.
- The 12-Man Tag Team Match (WrestleMania 32): This match was chaotic, and not in a good way. It was hard to follow and lacked any real storyline or purpose.
- Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal (WrestleMania 35): Battle Royals can be fun, but this one was not. It was filled with random wrestlers and lacked any real storyline or purpose.
The Significance of Forgotten Matches:
While these matches may have faded from memory, they serve as a reminder that even WrestleMania is not immune to missteps. They also highlight the ever-evolving nature of professional wrestling, where trends, styles, and audience expectations are constantly changing.
These forgotten follies also provide a valuable lesson in the importance of storytelling, execution, and crowd engagement. They underscore the fact that even the grandest stage requires a compelling narrative and a captivating performance to create a lasting impact.
The Enduring Legacy of WrestleMania:
Despite the occasional dud, WrestleMania’s enduring legacy remains untarnished. The event continues to captivate audiences worldwide, delivering moments of magic and spectacle that transcend the realm of professional wrestling.
The forgotten matches, while a footnote in WrestleMania’s history, serve as a reminder that even the greatest spectacles are not without their imperfections. They also underscore the enduring appeal of WrestleMania, a stage where dreams are made, legends are born, and wrestling history is written.
