35 Years Of WWE WrestleMania Mistakes

13. WrestleMania 23 - Trying To Recreate WrestleMania III

WWE

One of the problems with trying to replicate the past is that more often than not it just serves to highlight how much better it was than the present. This was precisely the case as WWE paid homage to WrestleMania III as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations.

Returning to Detroit, the show began with a clip of Vince McMahon welcoming the fans before handing over to Aretha Franklin, who belted out America The Beautiful just as she had two decades previously. Though the echoes of the past brought up fond memories of Steamboat vs. Savage and André vs. Hogan, fans actually got Melina vs. Ashley and The Great Khali vs. Kane.

The finishing touch was the 'Big Red Machine' slamming Khali in a moment designed to resemble Hogan's "bodyslam heard around the world" - except this time, there were just groans heard around living rooms.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.