40 Years Of Fascinating WWE WrestleMania Facts (Part 1)

1. 'Mania X - A Genius Idea From The Brother Of The Genius

Ultimate Warrior Sabotage
WWE

In the climactic scene of WrestleMania X, Bret Hart defeated Yokozuna in a match that was more necessary than good - certainly it was inferior to their main event the prior year, a monumental over-delivery of a strategic sprint.

After taking back the belt, the babyface locker room emptied. The goodies of the day hoisted Bret (who could not see but presumed they were all soaked in grateful tears) on their shoulders in celebration.

This was not the idea of Vince McMahon, but rather Randy Savage. Savage opened doors when they were actually forbidden, set the template for the modern match layout, and pioneered the table bump. His was a brilliant mind, and he dreamed up the scene as a means of disassociating fans from Hart's visual demotion at WrestleMania IX. The contrast was as sharp as Savage was. The idea was very effective; Hart was very much presented as the man, literally head and shoulders above everybody.

Was there a certain cynicism at play here?

Savage famously loathed Hogan around this time, and even made digs at him at the Raw commentary booth, so perhaps revenge acted in part as a motivator - but, whatever the reason, this was a great bit of atonement.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!