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WWF WrestleMania IV - "What The World Is Watching"

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WrestleMania IV: A Night to Remember at the Trump Plaza

March 27th, 1988 - Atlantic City, New Jersey's Trump Plaza Convention Center played host to one of the most electrifying pay-per-view events in professional wrestling history - WrestleMania IV. The stage was set for a night that would see some of the sport's biggest stars clash in pursuit of the WWE Championship.

Battle Royal: A Thrilling Opener

The evening commenced with a 20-man battle royal, featuring an eclectic mix of grapplers from near and far. Bad News Brown emerged victorious after dispatching his opponents in a thrilling match that lasted a mere 10:40 minutes. The action was fast-paced and hard-hitting, with bodies flying everywhere as the competitors fought for supremacy.

Tournament Action Kicks Off

The WWE Title Tournament got underway with four first-round matches. Ted DiBiase, Don Muraco, Greg Valentine, and Randy Savage all secured victories in their respective bouts. DiBiase's win over Jim Duggan showcased his cunning and technical prowess, while Muraco's defeat of Dino Bravo demonstrated his raw power.

Singles Match Highlights

In a highly anticipated contest, The Ultimate Warrior faced off against Hercules. The Warrior's intensity was on full display as he dispatched the big man in just 4:29 minutes. This match marked one of the first major victories for the charismatic superstar.

Chaos Ensues in the Main Event Tournament Bracket

The tournament quarterfinals saw Andre the Giant double DQ Hulk Hogan, a shocking turn of events that sent shockwaves throughout the crowd. The bout was marred by interference from various competitors, ultimately leading to a no-contest finish. Meanwhile, Ted DiBiase and Randy Savage both secured victories in their respective quarterfinal matches.

Title Chases

The night's main event saw Randy Savage face off against Ted DiBiase in the WWE Title Tournament final. In a hard-hitting contest that showcased the best of both competitors, Savage emerged victorious to claim the vacant championship. This marked a long-overdue title reign for the Macho Man, who had been one of the sport's top stars for years.

Intercontinental Title and Tag Team Action

In the evening's other notable matches, Brutus Beefcake successfully defended his Intercontinental Championship against The Honky Tonk Man, while Demolition (Ax and Smash) retained their WWF World Tag Team Titles against Strike Force. These contests added to the overall excitement of an already stacked card.

Post-Match Chaos

In a bizarre conclusion to the event, Andre the Giant confronted Hulk Hogan in the ring, leading to a post-match melee that involved several competitors from earlier in the evening. This unexpected turn of events left fans eagerly anticipating what would come next at WrestleMania IV.

Overall, this was an unforgettable night of professional wrestling that will be remembered for years to come. The sold-out crowd at Trump Plaza witnessed some of the sport's most iconic figures clash in a series of thrilling matches that showcased the best of WWE.

Card Details

  • Date: 27 Mar 1988
  • Promotion: World Wrestling Entertainment
  • Arena: Trump Plaza Convention Center
  • Attendance: 18165
  • Type: Pay Per View
  • Broadcast Type: Live
  • Broadcast Date: 27 Mar 1988

Matches

  1. Bad News Brown defeat B. Brian Blair, Boris Zhukov, Bret Hart, Danny Davis, George Steele, Hillbilly Jim, Jacques Rougeau, Jim Brunzell, Jim Neidhart, Jim Powers, Ken Patera, King Harley Race, Nikolai Volkoff, Paul Roma, Raymond Rougeau, Ron Bass, Sam Houston, Sika and The Junkyard Dog in a Battle Royal
    Match Time: 10:40

  2. Ted DiBiase(C) defeat Jim Duggan in a WWE Title Tournament First Round Match
    Match Time: 04:54

  3. Don Muraco(C) defeat Dino Bravo in a WWE Title Tournament First Round Match
    Match Time: 04:53

  4. Greg Valentine(C) defeat Ricky Steamboat in a WWE Title Tournament First Round Match
    Match Time: 05:07

  5. Randy Savage(C) defeat Butch Reed in a WWE Title Tournament First Round Match
    Match Time: 09:12

  6. The One Man Gang(C) defeat Bam Bam Bigelow in a WWE Title Tournament First Round Match
    Match Time: 02:56

  7. Jake Roberts(C) Draw Rick Rude in a WWE Title Tournament First Round Match
    Match Time: 15:00

  8. The Ultimate Warrior defeat Hercules in a Singles Match
    Match Time: 04:29

  9. Andre The Giant(C) Double DQ Hulk Hogan in a WWE Title Tournament Quarter Final Match
    Match Time: 05:22

  10. Ted DiBiase(C) defeat Don Muraco in a WWE Title Tournament Quarter Final Match
    Match Time: 05:44

  11. Randy Savage(C) defeat Greg Valentine in a WWE Title Tournament Quarter Final Match
    Match Time: 06:06

  12. Brutus Beefcake(C) defeat The Honky Tonk Man in a WWE Intercontinental Title Match
    Match Time: 06:30

  13. Bobby Heenan and The Islanders (Haku and Tama) defeat Koko B. Ware and The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and The Dynamite Kid) in a Six Man Tag Team Match
    Match Time: 07:30

  14. Randy Savage(C) defeat The One Man Gang in a WWE Title Tournament Semi Final Match
    Match Time: 04:05

  15. Demolition (Ax and Smash)(C) defeat Strike Force in a WWF World Tag Team Title Match

  16. Randy Savage(C) defeat Ted DiBiase in a WWE Title Tournament Final Match (vakant)

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