Undoubtedly, Vince McMahon was risking a lot by putting all his chips behind the concept of WrestleMania. Long having aspirations to take pro wrestling out of smaller arenas into the world of celebrity, McMahon envisioned an annual event which would be the envy of the world, not just other wrestling promoters. 'Mania was born in 1985, but according to some of McMahon's most trusted employees - such as Pat Patterson and Howard Finkel - there were worries that the show could actually ruin the WWF as opposed to help it. No bones about it, this was a risky venture from Vince, but one he truly believed could launch his brand into the annuls of time. As it turned out, he was correct, but boy, things could have been so different. The first WrestleMania may make for tame viewing now, but at the time it was larger-than-life, glitzy and glamorous, and completely changed the attitudes of many towards the WWF. What other truly huge decisions can you think of that helped change the course of wrestling history? Do you agree with the choices on this list? Let us know down in the comments section below!
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
