Wrestlemania IV Review

by Alfonso Colasuonno

Overall - While it doesn't have the highest high points of the previous two Wrestlemania's, this is probably the best Wrestlemania to date. The fact that it didn't revolve around Hogan might have something to do with it. Macho Man gets his chance to shine and win the world title in a tournament to determine the new undisputed champion after a fast count led Andre the Giant to beat Hulk Hogan. This is the first time we see Demolition, The Ultimate Warrior, and the Million Dollar Man at a Wrestlemania. Overall, an epic Wrestlemania.

Invitational Battle Royal - While it wasn't as exciting as Wrestlemania 2's Battle Royal, I've always been a sucker for battle royals. Sneaky win for Bad News Brown over Bret Hart here.

Hacksaw Jim Duggan vs. Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase - Hacksaw Duggan's always been a technical master, apparently...I'm amazed that the man has had one gimmick, a meatheaded patriot, his entire career (albeit 2000 WCW he joined Team Canada unwillingly)

Dino Bravo v. Don "The Rock" Muraco - Watch the original Rock. I prefer the Maivia version, myself.

Greg Valentine v. Ricky Steamboat - Ricky comes out with his young son. He loses in an upset to Valentine. Surprisingly average match from two great performers.

The Natural Butch Reed v. Randy Savage - Savage's first win of many on the night. I think Butch Reed's best days were with Ron Simmons in Doom in WCW.

One Man Gang v. Bam Bam Bigelow - A short, but quality match between these two big boys. A chance to see OMG before he became African Akeem.

Rick Rude v. Jake the Snake - Probably the best match of the card. A 15 minute draw.

Hercules v. The Ultimate Warrior - The Warrior didn't look too powerful in his Wrestlemania debut, but manages to get the win regardless in controversial fashion.

Andre the Giant v. Hulk Hogan - Both men get eliminated from the tournament in this match. I preferred the main event at Wrestlemania III to this match.

Don Muraco v. Ted DiBiase - Ho-hum. A boring match.

Greg Valentine v. Macho Man Randy Savage - A quality match, with Savage getting his second win of the night by scooping up The Hammer when he was about to put on the Figure 4.

Honky Tonk Man v. Brutus Beefcake for the Intercontinental Title - The second best match of the night, after Rude-Jake the Snake. I never realize how quality a performer Brutus Beefcake was until I started watching these old Wrestlemanias. He's not anything flashy but he gets the job done in surprising quality.

The Islanders and Bobby the Brain Heenan v. The British Bulldogs and Koko B. Ware - This was interesting seeing Bobby the Brain wrestle. He didn't do too horribly either.

One Man Gang v. Macho Man Randy Savage - One Man Gang blows his chance at the title by nailing Macho Man with Slick's cane. Boo.

Demolition v. Strike Force for the Tag Team Championship - Demolition - WWF's answer to The Road Warriors. I think they were an exciting tag team. Here they win the titles from Tito and Martel.

Macho Man Randy Savage v. Ted DiBiase for the World Title - Macho Man wins his fourth match of the night in a fairly good one against the Million Dollar Man. However, credit the assist to Hulk Hogan for slamming DiBiase with a chair when he had a sleeper on the Macho Man.