10 Wrestling Matches To Entice New Fans

There are a lot of things that are wrong with professional wrestling in the modern age, but much of WWE's malaise can be put down to the company's inability to create superstars. The halcyon days of a packed card are long gone, replaced by a conveyor belt of middling booking that keeps everyone at the same level. Nobody gets over, nobody becomes a superstar, and WWE remains mired in the doldrums.

Pro wrestling's popularity has always been predicated on larger than life personalities, on legitimate stars who transcend the squared circle and embed themselves in the hearts and minds of the wider audience. In the annals of wrestling history, The Rock and Hulk Hogan are 1A and 1B in this regard. Yes, Stone Cold Steve Austin may be the first name on many people's wrestling Mount Rushmore, but no two stars have made it into the mainstream like Rock and Hogan.

The dream match between the two at WrestleMania X8 may not be the best wrestling match of all time from a workrate standpoint, but few bouts come close to it in terms of starpower, atmosphere and that intangible big fight feel. Even the most disinterested of people know who these two men are, and seeing them do battle in the squared circle in front of a rabid crowd is a great showcase of pro wrestling at its most pro wrestling.

Sure, you can almost literally see Hulk Hogan's hips shattering with every planted foot and yeah, the work might have been overblown due to time and nostalgia, but this remains a tremendous gateway match. Even your nan knows who The Rock and Hulk Hogan are, so use this match to finally bring her into the wacky world of professional wrestling.