9. WWE Championship Match: Hulk Hogan vs. Sgt. Slaughter - WrestleMania VII
It is completely plausible for fans to wonder how a WWE Championship match featuring Hulk Hogan can possibly be considered a hidden gem. Well, when one takes into account his classics against the likes of The Ultimate Warrior, Randy Savage and Andre the Giant, the 1991 title match against Sgt. Slaughter is inexplicably left out of the discussion regarding the Hulkster's finest 'Mania performances. Sure, the angle preceding the match is still highly controversial, thanks to Vince McMahon opting to use the very real Operation Desert Storm as inspiration for the story. Slaughter, a former American hero, had turned his back on all that he once stood for and sided with Iraq. Citing Saddam Hussein as a hero, Slaughter became such a hated villain that he regularly received threats of violence and death from the fans. It was against the background of patriotism and national pride that Slaughter stepped foot inside the Los Angeles Sports Arena for WrestleMania VII and a WWE Championship defense against the biggest star in the industry. A bloodied, battered Hogan withstood one of the greatest challenges of his career and overcame a very game Slaughter to land the big leg drop and capture his third WWE Championship. The sight of the Hulkster celebrating the title victory with the American flag in hand, the arena decorated in the stars and bars, is one that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the United States that filled the air that April evening.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
