It’s been 45 years since World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) was incorporated, and over the decades, there have been some truly epic moments in the wrestling world. As a wrestling promotion and media giant, WWE is no stranger to big headlines in sports entertainment. Check out 10 of the biggest WWE moments in recent history.
1. Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant
It was the slam heard around the world at WrestleMania III. Often referred to as an “Immortal Moment”, Hulk Hogan put WWE on the map and inspired Hulkamania everywhere when he body slammed Andre The Giant. The 7’5″, 500-pound wrestler was taken down in front of 93,000 people.
2. KofiMania
WrestleMania 35 saw the meteoric rise of Kofi Kingston, who until then was not considered a main event player. However, support for the underdog forced WWE to switch things up for the championship match, pairing Kofi against Daniel Bryan. Kofi’s win marked the first crown for an African-born WWE fighter and an incredible moment in an 11-year career.
3. Women’s WrestleMania
WrestleMania 35 also featured the first-ever women’s main event in April 2019, featuring Ronda Rousey, Charlotte Flair, and Becky Lynch. A full house at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, watched as Lynch pinned Rousey to earn her nickname “Becky Two Belts” atop the women’s division. It was a groundbreaking development in women’s wrestling and paved the way for a milestone match between Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair at WrestleMania 37.
4. Undertaker’s 21-0 Streak
The Undertaker’s 21-0 streak against WWE legends like Shawn Michaels, Sycho Sid, and Jake “The Snake” Roberts, came to an end at WrestleMania XXX. Brock Lesnar shocked the WWE world by toppling Deadman, who has since been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
5. Lex Luger vs. Hulk Hogan
When it comes to World Championship wins, one of the most iconic is Lex Luger’s defeat of Hulk Hogan on August 4, 1997. The WCW Monday Nitro #99 takedown saw Hogan’s 359-day reign come to an end. The win is considered Luger’s biggest of his career, as he successfully submitted Hogan to the Torture Rack, a sight that shocked fans everywhere.
6. WCW Nitro’s Debut Episode
World Championship Wrestling ran on TBS for six years before Vince McMahon bought it out and launched WCW Nitro. Created by Eric Bischoff and Ted Turner, the first episode debuted in September 1995 and aired live from the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. The hour-long show featured Hulk Hogan, Lex Luger, and Ric Flair with a dramatic finish, setting the stage for an epic run on national television.
7. Dusty Rhodes vs. Ric Flair
In the early days of wrestling entertainment, The Great American Bash showcased Dusty Rhodes and Ric Flair in 1986. It was a back-and-forth battle, with “the Son of a Plumber” overpowering Flair and ending his 793-day run at the top. This moment placed Rhodes at the forefront of the wrestling world and made him a main event player.
8. Ron Simmons World Championship
Ron Simmons made history at the WCW Main Event on August 2, 1992 after defeating Big Van Vader. Simmons power-slammed his competitor to earn the title of World Heavyweight Champion, the first African-American to do so. His achievement paved the way for Kofi Kingston, Bobby Lashley, and more.
9. Goldberg’s Streak
Bill Goldberg’s epic streak ran from June 23, 1997 to December 27, 1998, earning him a 173-0 record. His seemingly never-ending wins came to a screeching halt with an epic takedown by Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. However, his streak is an enduring classic in WWE history and featured a prestigious victory over Hulk Hogan on Nitro in July 1998.
10. Hulk Hogan vs. Ric Flair
Two greats met on the mat for Bash at the Beach in July 1994. During their prime, these two had the biggest names in pro wrestling, and fans were thrilled to see WCW World Heavyweight winner Ric Flair take on Hogan, who became World Champion after a 20-minute match. It’s a classic rewatch for WWE supporters everywhere.
