Many fans consider WrestleMania IX as one of if not the single worst edition of the annual event. From match bookings to visual presentation, top to bottom this one is a prime example of how not to book a major flagship wrestling event. First, since the event took place at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, someone thought it would be a good idea to go all-out with the Roman theme, including having the non-wrestling personnel wear togas, as if that made any difference whatsoever. Then, of course, were a series of bad matches. The Undertaker-Giant Gonzalez (more on that later) was terrible, but at least that match had the right finished (albeit via disqualification). But when it comes to bad match endings, not even Taker-Gonzalez can hold a candle to the Bret Hart-Yokozuna-Hulk Hogan fiasco. Owing to backstage politics and Vince McMahons deceptive nature, Hogan appeared after Yokozuna had defeated Bret Hart, then challenged him for the WWF title, and won it in 22 seconds. Yes, even though Bret had only a 9-minute main event match against a giant of a man in Yokozuna, he worked as hard as he could; only for Hulk to walk in and win the belt, because Hulk Hogan. If anything, this match highlights the dangers of backstage politics and a lack of clear focus. The match pairings werent ideal, time limits given to matches were even worse, and Hulk Hogans ego and influence left fans with a very sour taste in their mouths.
Alexander Podgorski is a writer for WhatCulture that has been a fan of professional wrestling since he was 8 years old. He loves all kinds of wrestling, from WWE and sports entertainment, to puroresu in Japan.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen's University in Political Studies and French, and a Master's Degree in Public Administration. He speaks English, French, Polish, a bit of German, and knows some odd words and phrases in half a dozen other languages.
