10 Hot WrestleMania Openers That Blew The Main Event Away
8. The Rockers Vs The Barbarian And Haku - WrestleMania VII
1991’s WrestleMania VII houses a major match in one of the most controversial storylines in WWE history when Sgt Slaughter turned his back on the US to become an Iraqi sympathiser. The company understandably came under fire for exploiting a real-life war. This contributed to lesser ticket sales than anticipated and the event moved from a stadium to an arena because of it.
This, and the lacklustre main event that saw Slaughter toppled by all-American hero Hulk Hogan, are largely what the event brings to mind first. But it’s not all bad and one of the undercard matches that stood out was the show opener.
Shawn Michaels, the man who would go on to call himself Mr WrestleMania, makes his first appearance on the Grandest Stage of Them All alongside tag partner Marty Jannetty in full babyface bravado. Haku and The Barbarian similarly got their heat via their manager Bobby Hennan, as always never failing to get under the crowd’s skin by interruption.
More an exhibition match than anything high stakes, nevertheless it’s a peek into the potential of the future HBK. The quick ten-minute bout contains both speedy, team-based offence and the anticipation of a Michaels hot tag.
The Rockers go over with a dropkick and crossbody combination to a surprisingly hot reaction. Hey, that Michaels kid is over!