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WWF WrestleMania - "The Greatest Wrestling Event Of All Time!"
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- Tails Azimuth
WWC "WrestleMania III" Recap
By Henry Winter, Zohash.com Sports Journalist
March 31st, 1985 - Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY - The grandeur of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWF) was on full display as the WWF presented its latest Pay-Per-View extravaganza, "WrestleMania III", to a packed house of 19,121 enthusiastic fans at the iconic Madison Square Garden.
The Undercard
Tito Santana kicked off the evening with a solid victory over The Executioner in a Singles Match (4:49). This was a straightforward match that showcased Tito's technical prowess and set the tone for what was to come. Next up, King Kong Bundy made quick work of SD Jones in another Singles Match (0:25), dispatching his opponent with ease.
Ricky Steamboat then took on Matt Borne in a well-matched contest (4:39). Both men showcased their skills, but it was Ricky who ultimately emerged victorious, further solidifying his reputation as one of the WWF's top contenders. The crowd was thoroughly entertained by this opening salvo.
Main Event Mayhem
The action continued to build with Brutus Beefcake and David Sammartino facing off in a Singles Match that ended in a Double DQ (11:43). This bout saw both men trading blows and showing their stuff, but ultimately, the match was declared a no-contest due to excessive violence.
Next up, The Junkyard Dog challenged Greg Valentine for the WWE Intercontinental Title. In a thrilling matchup, JYD managed to outmaneuver Valentine and claim the gold in (6:55). This victory marked another milestone in JYD's impressive career.
The WWF World Tag Team Titles were on the line as Nikolai Volkoff and The Iron Sheik took on Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo. In a hard-hitting affair, the champions emerged victorious, retaining their titles (no time limit).
Main Event Mayhem Part Two
In one of the most highly anticipated matches of the evening, Andre the Giant faced off against Big John Studd in an Andre's Career vs. 15,000 Dollar Bodyslam Match. This was a battle for the ages, with both giants trading blows and showing their incredible strength. In the end, it was Andre who claimed victory (5:53), but not before Studd gave him a run for his money.
The WWE Women's Title was on the line as Wendi Richter took on Leilani Kai. Wendi successfully defended her title, defeating Kai in a solid matchup (no time limit).
Main Event Mayhem Part Three
Finally, it was time for the main event: Hulk Hogan and Mr. T taking on Paul Orndorff and Roddy Piper in a Tag Team Match with special guest enforcer, Muhammad Ali. This match had all the makings of a classic, with both teams putting everything on the line. In the end, Hulkster and Mr. T emerged victorious (13:34), thanks in part to some timely interference from their enforcer.
Closing Thoughts
"WrestleMania III" was an unforgettable evening of professional wrestling, featuring some of the WWF's top talent. From the opening bell to the final bout, this event had it all - action, drama, and excitement. It's a testament to the enduring power of pro wrestling that an event like this can bring fans together in such a way.
Stay tuned for more coverage from Zohash.com!
Card Details
- Date: 31 Mar 1985
- Promotion: World Wrestling Entertainment
- Arena: Madison Square Garden
- Attendance: 19121
- Type: Pay Per View
- Broadcast Type: Live
- Broadcast Date: 31 Mar 1985
Matches
Tito Santana defeat The Executioner in a Singles Match
Match Time: 04:49King Kong Bundy defeat SD Jones in a Singles Match
Match Time: 00:25Ricky Steamboat defeat Matt Borne in a Singles Match
Match Time: 04:39Brutus Beefcake Double DQ David Sammartino in a Singles Match
Match Time: 11:43The Junkyard Dog
(C)
defeat Greg Valentine in a WWE Intercontinental Title Match
Match Time: 06:55Nikolai Volkoff and The Iron Sheik
(C)
defeat Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo in a WWF World Tag Team Title MatchAndre The Giant defeat Big John Studd in a Andre's Career vs. 15.000 Dollar Bodyslam Match
Match Time: 05:53Wendi Richter
(C)
defeat Leilani Kai in a WWE Women's Title MatchHulk Hogan and Mr. T defeat Paul Orndorff and Roddy Piper in a Tag Team Match (Special Enforcer: Muhammad Ali)
Match Time: 13:34