6. Vince McMahon vs. Hulk Hogan: Street Fight - WrestleMania XIX
Two of the most important figures in professional wrestling history clashed in the most hyped match on the card as WrestleMania rolled into Seattle for its nineteenth incarnation. Hogan and McMahon each took credit for the success of World Wrestling Entertainment and the creation of WrestleMania prior to the match, creating a debate among fans and critics as to who really deserved the bulk of the recognition for the wrestling boom of the 1980s and everything that came with it. Despite the intriguing story surrounding the bout, there was every reason to doubt the quality of the match itself. Hogan still showed flashes of brilliance when working with the likes of The Rock or Kurt Angle, Superstars who were full-time competitors, but McMahon was neither of those men. Still, fans held out hope that the marquee match of the biggest show of the year would deliver in some form or fashion. They could have never expected the outstanding war of attrition they would be treated to when the icons locked horns inside SafeCo Field. Both men bled buckets as they pummeled each other both in and out of the ring. A leg drop from the top of a ladder, through a table by McMahon threatened to end Hogan's night on a sour note. The shocking return of Roddy Piper and his subsequent attack on Hogan further stacked the odds against the Hulkster but, as he did so many times throughout his Hall of Fame career, the Immortal One hulked up, mounted a comeback and finished McMahon off with the big leg drop. Hulkamania ran wild, the megalomaniacal owner of WWE was momentarily shut up and all was right with the wrestling world. Or something like that.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
