10 Secret Conversations That Changed Wrestling History Forever

3. Howard Finkel Names WrestleMania

Wrestlemania 1
WWE

The brand name WrestleMania has become synonymous with pomp, circumstance, an endless explosion of fireworks and excitement. It's by far the biggest show on WWE's calendar every single year, and it still commands attention even when recent real-world events meant running stadiums would be impossible.

It's hard to see it still being around as a respected thriller had original plans to call the show 'The Colossal Tussle' prevailed. That, believe it or not, was the first name proposed for 'Mania, and it didn't change until someone said something to the effect of, 'Erm... that sucks. How about calling it WrestleMania instead?'.

That 'someone' was Howard Finkel.

Bruce Prichard once revealed on his podcast that the 'Fink' was the one who named WWE's iconic annual masterpiece. Without his intervention and willingness to speak up one day, Vince McMahon might've went with 'The Colossal Tussle', and yours truly wouldn't be writing about wrestling.

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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.