| GREAT MATCHES Hulk Hogan v The Ultimate Warrior Wrestlemania VI, Skydome, Toronto, April 1st, 1990 by Gary Black (gf006f9390@blueyonder.co.uk) |
| I love watching Angle and Benoit go at it in a submission-based suplexfest. I like nothing more than watching Samoa Joe and Low Ki stiffing the heck out of each other. I'm in awe watching Rey Mysterio Jr. and Eddie Guerrero show us the technicalities of heel versus face. But for sheer energy, atmosphere and sports entertainment, no match has ever come close to Hulk Hogan versus the Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania VI. For months we had been teased of the strain between the WWF's top two faces; a pairing on Saturday Night's Main Event proved too much for the egos and they collided. Almost immediately (and conveniently) the dateline for the next PPV was set, and this just happened to be WrestleMania from the SkyDome in Toronto. This match was full of different elements to throw into the build-up mix: there was title versus title as the Intercontinental champion Warrior held his belt up against Hulk's Heavyweight strap; the wrestler of the 80s against the wrestler of the 90s; paced brawling versus energetic rough-housing; an intriguingly rare face v face contest; and atop all this a sensation that the two guys just didn't get along. It was with prickly excitement that I saw Warrior bound his way into the ring, shaking the ropes with typical fury, as Hulk sauntered down to the ring, genuine concern on his face. It read, can I beat this man? The crowd were polemic and added to each man's aura. In terms of actual wrestling there are perhaps seven or eight unique moves used, and it is saying something that the most memorable move of the match is a playground-style clenched-hands battle of strength. But it awesomely proves that economy allows for more story and impact of each individual feat to relay itself. There are punches, clotheslines, kicks, the odd slam. But each one feels like it means something, expertly told by each man's movement and reaction. I would be remiss if I did not mention the announcing throughout this. Jesse Ventura, stuck for a heel to root for, did some marvellous work expounding upon the tactics of each man whilst the late Gorilla Monsoon called play-by-play with befitting gravity. The ending was a complete shock. Bouncing off the ropes, Hogan lifts the big leg, but Warrior has already sprung up and off the ropes himself. The pain is felt through Hulk's face as he jars his spine on the canvas. Then Warrior rushes over to his prone opponent and splashes him into the end of his second reign as champion. The unbelievable has happened. Hulk Hogan had been pinned cleanly in the middle of the ring. The Ultimate Warrior was victorious. In a touching display, which we unfortunately now know to be self-serving and narcissistic, Hogan took the belt and handed it over to Warrior, who accepted it with a comradely embrace. It fitted the moment so well. The titanic struggle was over and each man acknowledged the effort the other had given. Warrior pointed to Hogan as he left the arena in a salute to both sets of fans. Then in a sight that I will never forget, he stood tall in the centre of the ring, both belts aloft, basking in glory. The Rock and Hogan managed a match with a similar feel some twelve years later (!) although the spectacle did not quite match up. Sadly Warrior never attained such greatness ever again, however it is wonderful to go back to that match and see pure excitement distilled into any wrestling as I've ever seen. |
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