9 Times WWE Promoted 'Freak-show' Matches

7. Muhammad Ali Vs. Gorilla Monsoon

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WWE Network

The famous bout between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki wasn't the first time 'The Greatest' had gloved-up against an opponent in trunks. In fact, Ali was a big fan of wrestling, and built much of his charismatic media persona on what he saw within the squared-circle. Gorgeous George was a particular favourite, though the boxer stopped short of frolicking in feather boas.

Just under a month before his showdown with Inoki, Ali tested the bounciness of his new confines when he interrupted Gorilla Monsoon's match opposite Baron Scicluna. 'The Champ' goaded the grappler like the worst sort of warm-weather lager-lout, tearing his shirt off and directing jabs in Monsoon's direction. Gorilla, indifferent to the nonsense, almost certainly mouthed "will you stop!" to Ali, before hoisting him up for a trademark airplane spin and humiliatingly dumping him to the mat. The enraged wrestler ranted to Vince McMahon afterwards, ululating that Ali didn't "know a wrist lock from a wrist watch!"

Was it all pre-planned? Nobody knows, but... yes. Clearly yes.

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.