While the main event of WrestleMania V may have been the culmination of the Mega Powers' implosion, it was hardly the first time Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage had competed against one another. In fact, shortly after Savage's arrival in Vince McMahon's WWE in 1985, he worked a lengthy series of house show main events against the Hulkster. The chemistry was undeniable then so it was no wonder that McMahon felt comfortable booking them in what would go down as one of the best rivalries of all-time. At WrestleMania IV, Randy Savage defeated four men in one night to capture the WWE Champion. Of course, he needed the assistance of Hogan, who kept Andre the Giant from interfering and ultimately blasted "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase with a steel chair to set up the finish. What should have been the crowning achievement in Savage's career was stolen from him by Hogan, whose ego fueled him to climb in the ring and hog the spotlight from the new champion. That would be a common occurrence throughout Savage's year-long title reign. No matter how great he was between the ropes or how popular he became, Hogan was always by his side, mooching off some of the spotlight and admiration directed Macho Man's way. By the time the Hulkster began eyeing up Miss Elizabeth, Savage understandably had enough. It was one thing to steal the spotlight but there was no chance in hell that a guy wearing red and yellow, with the hairline of a 50 year-old, was going to steal his woman. Savage snapped on a memorable episode of Saturday Night's Main Event, abandoning Hogan during a tag match against the Twin Towers (Big Boss Man and Akeem), then attacking him backstage. Vince McMahon sold it as if it were the biggest betrayal of all-time but those fans with rational thinking sided with Savage. After all, Hogan had done everything possible to undermine his title reign and Savage had had enough. To hell with Hogan and the fans. At WrestleMania V, he would defeat the man behind Hulkamania and not only prove that he was the best wrestler in the company but Hogan's superior as a man. That did not happen. Hogan won and posed. They would clash several times throughout the years, both on house shows and in World Championship Wrestling, where they dominated main events well into their 40s. Whether they should have or not.
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.
