10 WWE PPVs That Changed EVERYTHING

3. WrestleMania III

Austin Vince McMahon WrestleMania X-Seven
WWE.com

If the first WrestleMania spawned the big theatre format Vince McMahon would build his promotion's industry-crushing success on, the third 'Showcase of the Immortals' highlighted just how gloriously over-the-top his sports entertainment razzmatazz could be, and it was capped by the single most iconic moment in the event's history.

It didn't matter that Andre the Giant wasn't actually undefeated heading into WrestleMania III. It didn't matter that he'd already been slammed countless times throughout his career. It didn't matter that his clash with Hulk Hogan (famously rated at -**** by Dave Meltzer) was, effectively, an elongated bearhug spot leading to the inevitable slam. It didn't matter that Andre couldn't move at anything faster than a glacial pace at that stage in his career.

What mattered was that a (disputed) 93,173 fans crammed into the Pontiac Silverdome to see 'The Hulkster' slam his mammoth foe to the mat, and popped their hearts out when it actually happened.

A show largely defined by its grandest moment, WrestleMania III is a monument to Vince McMahon's success as a wrestling promoter, his company's biggest annual event, and the essence of the sport itself.

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.