10 Ideas That WWE Stole From Other Companies

3. Starrcade & Wrestlemania

Starrcade WrestleMania
WWE

NWA’s Starrcade was wrestling’s first major flagship event, and served as a precursor to every pay-per-view that followed. It was WrestleMania before WrestleMania existed, a landmark event bringing all of the company’s biggest names together for the biggest show of the year, and it debuted in 1983.

Jim Crockett pioneered the PPV format long before WCW’s sale to Ted Turner, and Starrcade remained the biggest show on the WCW calendar right up until the promotion folded in 2001. Crockett and Starrcade paved the way for WrestleMania, which debuted on March 31st, 1985 with an ensemble cast of celebrities and wrestling superstars.

WrestleMania has become a monster. A disputed 101,763 fans crammed into Arlington, Texas' AT&T Stadium for this year's event, and no other annual wrestling show comes close to capturing its majesty and "big night" feel.

WrestleMania transcends the industry, and while McMahon should be praised for building such a powerful brand, it's important to recognise the source.

Vince McMahon continues to peddle the idea that he invented the “supercard” format, but really, he was just following Crockett’s example.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.