WWE: 29 Iconic WrestleMania Moments

WrestleMania IV - Macho Man's Finest Hour

Given that the first three iconic moments have involved Hulk Hogan, it's interesting to see how much the times had changed by WrestleMania IV. Only in hindsight can I see how the company did a brilliant job of grooming Randy Savage to be the next champion, without making Hogan look weak. After despising Savage for many years, to in short order wanting him to win the title, and fully believing that he deserved it €“ well kudos to you, Mr. McMahon, for making a believer out of this kid.

"What intestinal fortitude! This is Macho Man's finest hour!" The authoritative voice of Gorilla Monsoon informed much of my childhood opinions about wrestling, and I hung on his every word during Savage's most triumphant moment. For the first time ever, Randy Savage seemed to be expressing genuine emotions, dropping his veil of gruff intensity. And Miss Elizabeth, who I adored beyond words, had also relinquished her usual composure. After celebrating with the belt and shaking Hogan's hand, Randy places the title on Elizabeth's shoulder and a fresh surge of cheers rises up in the Trump Plaza. "They have worked long and hard for this, and deserve it," says Gorilla. Even as an adult, reflecting back on Savage the workhorse and Savage the entertainer, his deserving it is still unquestionable. And seeing him share the credit and adulation with Elizabeth humanized him even more. I cry every damn time.
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Follow me @kickyhick :) I hold a degree in English Rhetoric & Professional Writing from the University of Waterloo in Canada. I've done technical writing, executive presentations, and recruiting materials for BlackBerry, and I write for non-profit organizations. My favourite project so far has been combining my passion for writing with being a die-hard wrestling fan. It's a pleasure to write here for WhatCulture, and also for TJRwrestling.com.