15 Things You Didn't Know About WrestleMania (1995 - 2004)

8. WrestleMania XV - Gorilla Monsoon Received One Of The Biggest Ovations Of The Night

WrestleMania XV was the final television appearance for Federation legend and pioneer Gorilla Monsoon as the all-time great would unfortunately pass away in October of 1999. Monsoon had been battling health issues for the better part of the previous two years and made one final appearance as a Brawl For All judge at WrestleMania XV. As a fan in attendance that night in Philadelphia, it was obvious that the crowd sensed Monsoon would not be long for this world. In a surprise appearance, Monsoon was announced to the sold-out Philadelphia crowd who duly gave him a huge standing ovation as to say "thank you" for all of the years he worked and the memories he made for World Wrestling Federation and its fans. Austin winning the title might've been what fans remembered the next day, but the final appearance of the Gorilla has stood the test of time and the incredible ovation given to the Hall Of Famer was the thing this spectator remembers most.
Contributor
Contributor

A former stuntman for Paramount Pictures, Matt enjoys sports, water skiing, driving fast, the beach, professional wrestling, technology, and scotch. At the same time, whenever possible. Having attended many famous (and infamous) shows including WrestleMania XV, In Your House: Mind Games, and the 1995 King of the Ring, Matt has been a lifelong professional sports and wrestling fan. Matt's been mentioned in numerous wrestling podcasts including the Steve Austin Show: Unleashed, Talk Is Jericho, and Something To Wrestle With Bruce Prichard. As a former countywide performer, Matt has been referred to as Mr. 300 for his amazing accomplishments in the world of amateur bowling. He is also the only man on record to have pitched back-to-back no hitters in the Veterans Stadium Wiffle Ball League of 2003.