10 Classic Wrestling Matches New Fans Need To See
10. Ricky Steamboat Vs. Randy Savage, WrestleMania III
Fortunately, history hasn't allowed the immensity of Hogan and Andre to overshadow this absolute gem of a match. In any other scenario, Steamboat and Savage would have been a barn-burning main event.
Aside from the match itself, Savage came into the event with tremendous heat. After injuring Steamboat's larynx during the build-up to Wrestlemania III, the reigning Intercontinental Champion Savage knew well enough to capitalize on the momentum. Savage and Steamboat carefully built the match together, painstakingly tending to each detail.
The result was the match that many say stole the show from Hogan and Andre. It wasn't due to amazing acrobatics or rapid-fire output. The bout endures because it exemplifies how two ring technicians and psychologists can tell a story using little but actions and reactions.
With less than 17 minutes in the ring and over 20 false finishes, Steamboat finally rolled up Savage for the 1-2-3. Steamboat won the title and the match was named 1987's Match of the Year by both Pro Wrestling Illustrated and the Wrestling Observer.