10 Fascinating WWE WrestleMania 1 Facts
4. Ricky Steamboat Only Debuted Four Weeks Before The Show
In early 1985, Steamboat parted ways with his long-time home territory of Jim Crockett Promotions, reportedly after differences with creative head Dusty Rhodes. "The Dragon" would quickly resurface in New York, the sort of popular and multi-faceted performer that was crucial for the "McMahonifest Destiny" that WWE was carving out.
It's not too common for wrestlers to make it to the WrestleMania main show without a firmly-rooted presence on company programming, but Steamboat was certainly an exception. For his WWE debut, he took part in a set of Atlanta tapings dated March 2, 1985, defeating veteran Tony Russo.
From there, Steamboat joined McMahon's touring circus, and made it to WrestleMania, where he was given a quick win over journeyman Matt Borne.