This is the story of how WrestleMania was created, along with a highlight of each event through the past 42 years. On March 31st, 1985, the WWF brought WrestleMania to Madison Square Garden.
In front of a crowd of 19,121, Vince McMahon entertained the masses. Stephanie McMahon, Vince’s daughter, said he took a gamble in an A&E documentary on WrestleMania 1: “My dad literally bet the farm. He mortgaged everything my parents owned.”
Originally, Vince wanted to name it “The Colossal Tussle.” According to Wrestlezone, it was announcer Howard Finkel who created the name WrestleMania.
Finkel said the name WrestleMania was based on the music group of the 1960’s, The Beatles, who had Beatlemania.
“When it came time to come up with a name, what do we call it?” Finkel said, “20 years ago, four guys came across the shores from Liverpool to the United States and made a phenomenal impression on everybody. So, there was BeatleMania, so why can’t there be a WrestleMania?”
Neither Vince nor Howard could imagine how big their vision would become.
This is WrestleMania
At the first WrestleMania was the only event where the top prize was not defended. Hulk Hogan, the WWF Champion, would team with Mr. T to take on Roddy Piper and Mr. Wonderful.
The reason for this is that McMahon wanted to make the show larger than life and gain mainstream publicity.
Now, how does the Chairman step it up for WrestleMania 2? He shoots the event in three different locations and schedules it for a Monday.
In a video published by Squared Circle Stories, Jesse Venture examined what it was like for the wrestlers performing live.
“Imagine trying to cram a whole wrestling card into an hour. You can almost see the sweat on their brows, trying to get everything in before time’s up, “Ventura said. “Three-minute matches. Barely enough time to get a move in.”
WWE did shoot a ‘Mania in three different locations decades later, but it was not live like this one.
Unlike the two previous events, WrestleMania 3 was missing something. This was the only time that the Tag Titles were not featured on the card.
There were three other tag/trio bouts instead. Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart (The Hart Foundation) were the champions at the time, and the company opted to go with special attractions for the big spectacle.
WrestleMania 4 holds the record for most matches on a card with 16. The WWF title was vacated, and a tournament was held to determine who was going to be crowned the new WWE Champion. Randy Savage won and wrestled four matches, the most by any individual superstar at WrestleMania.
WrestleMania 5 is the first time a wrestling move was executed in wrestling history. During his match with Hercules, Haku delivered a superkick to his opponent off the top rope.
The superkick was created by Chris Adams. He called it the bionic kick, but it is the first time that it happened from an aerial spot.
When it came time for the next ‘Mania, Vince McMahon ventured outside the United States. Taking place at the Skydome in Toronto, Canada, it would be the first of two times WWE hosted their WM there.
Over 67,000 fans were in attendance to witness the main event between The Ultimate Warrior and Hulk Hogan at ‘Mania 6.
One year later, fans witnessed the first and only match of its kind on the grandest stage of them all. At WM 7, Ricky Martel took on Jake “The Snake” Roberts in a blindfold match.
This was one of five times in WWE history that this stipulation happened, and it is known as one of the best. Roberts and Martel fed off the crowd, getting a feel for it. Jake the Snake told Ten Count about his experience in the match.
“The whole thing with the blindfold was just genius. Then to go out there and get the fans to participate, “Roberts said, “My finger did get sore hanging it out there like that.”
From superstars to the broadcast desk, this next ‘Mania was special. It was the first time Bobby “The Brain” Heenan and Gorilla Monsoon were commentators for the entire show. These two provided excellent commentary and added so much to what was already a star-studded affair.
With the ninth edition up at the plate, Vince decided to hold it at Caesars Palace in Nevada. Making it the first time WrestleMania was outdoors.
At the 10th anniversary, WWE showcased the first-ever ladder match in WrestleMania history. Shawn Michaels faced Razor Ramon, and it is the first of only two five-star ratings by Dave Meltzer in ‘Mania history. Meltzer is regarded as one of the highest-profile professional wrestling journalists.
When the 11th edition rolled around, Vince decided to do something never been done before. In the main event, Lawrence Taylor faced Bam Bam Bigelow, making Taylor the first non-wrestler to headline the show.
He was a linebacker for the New York Giants and was the victor. Bam Bam gets wide praise for leading him through the match.
The city of Anaheim was where the longest match in WM history took place, clocking in at 61 minutes. An Iron Man match between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels that went into sudden death after a draw with the time limit reached. Michaels won the match shortly after with a Sweet Chin Music to Bret Hart.
From the longest match in the event’s history to the second five-star classic, according to Dave Meltzer. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Bret Hart turned out great for both performers, as one of the most successful double turns happened. Austin entered as a heel, while Hart was the babyface.
The finish of the match ended when Stone Cold passed out and refused to tap out to Hart’s Sharpshooter. During a Broken Skulls Session, the two watched their match and offered input about it.
“People were giving me the finger, people were spitting on me, throwing drinks at me.”
Bret Hart said, “All I did was give you what you deserved, after all the things you’ve done for me the past four months.” The next night on Raw, Bret Hart turned heel and went on to feud with Shawn Michaels before forming the Hart Foundation.
WM 14 gave fans something unique for the event with a gimmick that has only been featured four times in WWE history. Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie (Terry Funk) defeated the New Age Outlaws for the Tag Team titles in a Dumpster Match.
WM 15 is the first time the Hell in a Cell match was featured at ‘Mania. The Undertaker defeated the Big Boss Man, and then controversy ensued. The Phenom put his opponent in a noose and hung him up towards the ceiling of the cell.
When WWE hit the millennium, they decided not to feature any singles matches on the card. Instead, there was a Triangle Ladder Match for the tag titles and a triple threat to determine the Intercontinental Championship.
WM 17 was the final match of the Hall of Famer Chyna. The Ninth Wonder of the World defeated WWF Champion Ivory for her only title win in her career.
She had her last match at the Reliant Dome in Houston, Texas. Chyna passed away on April 17th, 2016, but was a trailblazer for the company. Joan Laurer was inducted into the Hall of Fame with DX posthumously, and Triple H assures fans she will have her own spot in there soon.
On the topic of last matches, WM 18 was the final time the Hardcore Championship was ever featured on the card. Maven took on Goldust in a match that ended in a no-contest when Spike Dudley interfered.
The belt was retired soon after when it was unified with the IC champ RVD. The company replaced it with the 24/7 title, which only lasted 3.5 years before Nikki Cross unintentionally missed the trash can when she threw it in there.
WrestleMania 19 holds a unique reality to it. This is the only main event where both competitors use their government names.
In a company where superstars are told to find new names, Brock Lesnar and Kurt Angle are their real names. John Cena did the main event several times, but his opponents were under a gimmick name.
During the 20th annual WM, it was the first time the United States Championship was defended on the big stage. The belt debuted in 2003, and one year later, the US Championship got onto the card. In the opening match of the show, John Cena captured his first title in WWE by defeating the Big Show.
The Money in the Bank match debuted at WM 21, where six competitors fought, intending to climb up the ladder and retrieve the briefcase.
This briefcase was a guarantee of a future match for the title. Edge won that night, and his iconic cash-in at New Year’s Resolution set the tone for how the MITB could transform careers.
The 22nd edition was the final WM to be held in an arena as WWE transitioned to large-scale stadiums. It was held at All-State Arena in Illinois.
Next year’s edition was hosted by Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, and was the only time a President had participated in the event.
The President of the United States was involved in a storyline with Vince McMahon in the “Battle of the Billionaires.” the President chose ECW champion Bobby Lashley, while the Chairman selected Umaga.
During their ‘Mania match, the current President took down Vince at ringside, gave him a few punches, and got a stunner from special guest referee Stone Cold Steve Austin.
This featured the shortest title match in WM history. Chavo Guerrero lost the ECW championship to Kane in 8 seconds. Fans might have thought Chavo would have been disappointed in the outcome, but he was more than fine with it.
In an interview with Renee Dupree, Guerrero offered behind-the-scenes insight on the situation. He said originally his title match with Kane was not on the card, but they persuaded Vince to give it some time.
Vince obliged, and what was going to be an eight-minute match turned into an 8 second display. Guerrero was not mad about the change, and he told Renee the whole title bout was his idea.
“They will remember getting beat in 8 seconds, “Chavo said, “What if I do my entrance, Kane’s music comes [on], no entrance, where is he at. He pops out behind me. Chokeslams me right there. Beat 1, 2, 3.”
Guerrero revealed that the match was the biggest payday of his career.
At the Silver Anniversary for WrestleMania, a one-of-a-kind milestone occurred. It is the first time a WWE superstar has had his own two songs produced during the entrance.
John Cena used his “Dr. of Thuganomics” theme song to introduce all his cosplayers, before entering to “My Time is Now.” Triple H and the Undertaker had two different theme songs as well, but Cena is the only one who produced his own.
One year later, it was Shawn Michaels’ last match on American soil. He took on the Undertaker in a Career vs Streak match, and that was the final time WWE fans saw him wrestle in the USA.
That was until he came out of retirement to face the Brothers of Destruction in Saudi Arabia before hanging up the boots for good.
There is much debate as to what the worst match in WM history is, but there is one that stands out the most. According to cagematch.com, Michael Cole vs Jerry Lawyer at WM 27 was rated a .19 out of ten. The match had Stone Cold Steve Austin as a special guest referee.
‘Mania 28 is the highest-grossing PPV in WWE history with 1.3 million buys. Billed “Once in a Lifetime,” The Rock handed Cena a shocking loss in the main event in Miami.
Vince wanted to experiment with the weather, so WM 29 was the first WWE event held outdoors in a cold-weather city.
Hosted by MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, they had to install heaters and furnaces to keep the ring warm for performers.
The 30th edition was the debut of the Andre the Giant Battle Royal, and was won by Cesaro. The match was designed to get as many people on the show’s card.
In recent years, WWE has publicly stated that it is not its mission anymore. Instead, it usually takes place the night before WM.
The following year marked the first time the MITB briefcase was cashed in at WM. In the main event of WM, Seth Rollins ran down the ramp with his briefcase and stomped on Reigns to become the WWE Champion.
WM 32 has the shortest match in Mania history between the Rock and Erick Rowan. This match was six seconds long and only featured Rock Bottom.
In an interview with Chris Van Vliet, Rowan explained how the segment came to be:
“I think I found out three days before,”
Rowan said. “I don’t know if he had some sort of deal where he couldn’t do a lot of physicality.” He was grateful for the opportunity and wished there could have been more.
When WM 33 rolled around, it was the only time a proposal happened on the grandest stage of them all between superstars. John Cena and Nikki Bella defeated The Miz and Maryse.
Afterward, Cena popped the question, and she said yes. Cena revealed that Vince was the only one in the company who knew it was going to happen.
The couple later broke up due to conflicting feelings about having a family. Either way, this was a high-profile couple in WWE and not scripted either.
WrestleMania 34 may have a record that will never be beaten. Braun Strowman won the tag team titles with Nicolas. Nicolas was 10 years old at the time and was the son of WWE referee John Cone.
Strowman was advertised to take on the Bar (Cesaro and Sheamus) at WM, but he did not have a tag partner. Before the match started, he walked through the crowd and chose Nicolas.
They would go on to win the titles, but relinquished them on Raw the next night because Nicolas had a “scheduling conflict.”
It took 35 years, but we finally got there. This was the first time women headlined WM. Becky Lynch defeated Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair.
Lynch had lost the Women’s Championship to Asuka at the Royal Rumble, but took Lana’s spot in the actual Rumble match and won. Lynch solidified herself as one of the greatest female superstars in the business.
WrestleMania 36 will be remembered as the one with no fans. COVID-19 prevented WWE from having its annual show in Tampa, so instead, they had to get creative.
In an interview with SportsCenter, the EVP of Global Talent Strategy and Development, Triple H, addressed the reality of the situation.
“Now more than ever, entertainment for people is a necessity, and them having something that they can tune in, forget about everything that’s going on,” Triple H said, “Our fans are there for us year-round, they’ve been doing it for years.”
He also added the reason WM is now a two-night event: “This year, there’s just so much to the card. We felt like that is the right time for people to be able to sit back and enjoy this, but let’s give it to them on multiple days.
It’s just too big for one night.” The event was highlighted by the Boneyard and Firefly Funhouse matches.
Tampa Bay was able to get its ‘Mania one year later. At WM 37, another event happened that the company could not have anticipated.
This is the first time there was a weather delay at WM, which lasted about 30 minutes. That led to impromptu backstage interviews as WWE did their best to entertain the fans before they were able to get the show started.
WM 38 holds the record for the oldest person to wrestle in a match in the show’s history. Vince McMahon was 77 years old when he beat Pat McAfee in a very short bout where McAfee got no offense in. This was meant to get Stone Cold to come out and hit a stunner on everyone.
WM 39 was the first year the tag titles headline a WM. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens won the tag titles from the Usos, climaxing in an emotional moment for both men.
They battled with the Bloodline separately for months, and when they reunited to close out SmackDown, the fans could not help but cheer.
In an interview with Fun_cast, Owens described what the moment meant for him.
“Winning the tag title together at WM was insane.“
Owens said. “The story started to shift with him and the Usos, and all the pieces fell into place, and we won the tag titles at WrestleMania.” Their title reign did not last very long, but it was a heartwarming moment for WWE fans.
The fortieth edition was a wild one. In the main event between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, there were seven run-ins.
Jimmy and Jey Uso collided with each other, Solo Sikoa hit his spike, Cena hit two AA’s, the Rock gave Cena a Rock Bottom, Seth Rollins appeared in his SHIELD gear, and the Undertaker put the Rock down with a chokeslam. Cody Rhodes finished his story to get the one belt that had evaded his father’s career.
The latest edition will be known for when John Cena became a 17-time WWE Champion, surpassing Ric Flair for the most all-time.
Can this record be reached? Randy Orton is aiming for his 15th WWE title at WM 42 against Cody Rhodes. Charlotte Flair sits at 14 title reigns. Either way, Cena is now retired and letting other WWE superstars take the spotlight.
This year’s WM will be held in Las Vegas again, and WWE has been operating on the fly, it seems, so much so that the graphics department has five different displays for the design of the card.
Tying this into WrestleMania 43, and now the WWE has expanded overseas.
On September 12th, 2025, the Chief Content Officer of the WWE, Triple H, announced something groundbreaking.
“I’d like to announce that for the first time ever, WrestleMania be held outside of the United States and Canada.
In 2027, we are proud to announce that WrestleMania 43 will take place in Saudi Arabia as part of Riyadh Season.”
Hunter was joined by ‘His Excellency’ Turki Alalshikh of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, along with superstars past and present, including the Undertaker, Bianca Belair, and Liv Morgan.
It is reported that the KSA paid a combined $350 Millon dollars to host both the Royal Rumble in 2026 and WrestleMania 43 in 2027.
As of this writing, there is conflict happening in the Middle East, and WWE still plans to host WM in Saudi Arabia, but is keeping an eye on the situation.
What was once a gamble on Vince McMahon’s part resulted in a global phenomenon, as WrestleMania is the pinnacle of sports entertainment and is now one of the biggest events of the calendar year.
It is now a two-day spectacle where people from all over the world gather to see the biggest and brightest that WWE has to offer.
