5. 190,000 Wrestling Fans Is The Largest Reported Attendance For A Wrestling Show
Generally speaking, professional wrestling has the capability to draw huge crowds. The annual WrestleMania PPVs now frequently have an attendance of at least 70,000 people. However, it takes a lot more than 70,000 fans to top the record for the highest attendance figure. Most fans would immediately jump to WrestleMania III have the largest crowd. Held in the Pontiac Silverdome in 1987, the third annual Showcase of the Immortals featured Hulk Hogan against Andre the Giant in a match for the ages. According to WWE, the event drew 93,173 fans, becoming the highest attended wrestling event at the time. Other sources claim the number was inflated, and the true honor belonged to 1992s SummerSlam PPV from Wembley Stadium -- which had 80,355 fans in attendance. However, despite the squabble between wrestling historians, neither of the aforementioned pay-per-view events can claim the honor of being the highest attended sports entertainment show. Instead, that distinction belongs to New Japan Pro Wrestlings Collision in Korea event. The show was held in Pyongyang, North Korea over the course of two days -- the first time North Koreans had likely seen professional wrestling, but it wouldnt be the last. Both days of the event -- separate of each other, not combined -- outdrew WrestleMania III. The announced attendance for day one of the show was 150,000 people, while day two supposedly drew 190,000. Meltzer has disputed these figures, stating that both days drew 160,000 fans combined. However, like Mania III, were going by the announced and officially reported figures. While WrestleMania III is still the highest attended WWE event, NJPWs Collision in Korea holds the all-time record.
Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.
