10 Most Successful Wrestling PPV Debuts

10. Big Van Vader

The 450-pound masked mastodon made history by debuting in WCW as the IWGP Heavyweight Champion, the first foreigner to hold that title. WCW aired clips rather than vignettes to promote Vader’s arrival, showing his wild, intimidating entrances in New Japan. When the monster finally arrived at Great American Bash 1990, he marched to the ring, playing to the crowd while his trademark helmet spewed steam.

Tom Zenk was the unfortunate soul to serve as Vader’s punching bag, devoured by the behemoth in about two minutes. Vader made a literal and figurative splash, wowing audiences and WCW management on his first night.