WWE: 12 Most Controversial WrestleMania Moments Ever

11. Hogan Lifts Andre The Heel- WrestleMania III

It might not be controversial in terms of some of the wilder and darker things that have happened in the history of wrestling, but the historic victory of Hulk Hogan over Andre The Giant qualifies for this list simply on the strength of the pop it received around the world, and for what it represented to Andre's career. With Andre heading into the match undefeated, having just turned heel for the first time in his career, the stage was set for an almighty face-off between himself and the supremely babyfaced Hogan, and the match delivered more than anyone could ever have hoped. In a match that will forever be considered one of the most significant moments in the history of the WWE main event, the two big men traded massive blows, before Hogan eventually put the bigger man down. That was impressive enough, but the next step was unthinkable; the Hulkster picking Andre's prone body up and slamming him down, to leave jaws flapping around the ring, and leg dropping his way to victory and Andre's first defeat. The controversial elements continue in the match's reception: Meltzer scored it a negative four, and it was named the "Worst Worked Match of the Year." Indeed, the response to the match, and its historical importance ignores the fact that the match between Ricky Steamboat and Randy Savage on the same bill was a far superior spectacle.