During the 1980s, the world of professional wrestling experienced significant transformation as WWE expanded its reach from regional territories to a nationwide audience, rapidly growing in popularity and establishing itself as a leading force in the industry.
Several WWE matches from that decade stand out not only for their memorable moments and star-making impact but also for shaping the wrestling landscape. These key bouts, highlighted in ratings by the Wrestling Observer newsletter and cagematch.net, reflect the era’s influential storylines and legendary performers.
10. Randy Savage vs. Hulk Hogan at WWE WrestleMania 5 (April 2, 1989) marked a pivotal feud with intense storytelling culminating in a main event that captivated a passionate crowd. Hogan’s victory helped fuel the peak of “Hulkamania,” with a cagematch.net rating of 7.21 stars.
9. The inaugural 1988 Royal Rumble, although not flawless, laid the groundwork for an iconic annual wrestling event, with Jim Duggan emerging as the first winner. This match earned a 5.44 rating and set a legacy that endures in WWE history.
8. Hulk Hogan’s win over Iron Sheik on WWE’s MSG Network (January 23, 1984) was a landmark moment, launching Hogan’s legendary WWE Championship reign and securing his position as the face of the company. The match is rated 6.09 on cagematch.net.
7. The Glamour Girls versus the Jumping Bomb Angels on MSG Network (November 24, 1987) showcased top-tier women’s tag team wrestling, earning an impressive 8.62 rating. Despite this, WWE eventually sidelined women’s tag titles, highlighting early challenges for women’s wrestling in the promotion.
6. At WWE SummerSlam 1988, The Ultimate Warrior defeated Honky Tonk Man, ending a long title run and propelling Warrior into superstardom. Though unofficially rated -0.5 stars, this contest was crucial for elevating one of WWE’s next big draws.
5. Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat at WrestleMania 3 (March 29, 1987) is regarded as a timeless classic that raised the bar for in-ring performance on WWE’s biggest stages, receiving an 8.97 rating for its excellence.
4. Hulk Hogan & Mr. T defeated Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff at the very first WrestleMania (March 31, 1985), a match that helped establish WrestleMania’s cultural significance, earning 5.35 stars on cagematch.net despite lacking wrestling brilliance.
3. The Rockers took on the Brainbusters on WWE’s MSG Network (January 23, 1989), a match praised for its fast-paced tag team action and significant in introducing Shawn Michaels, a future WWE legend, with an 8.51 rating.
2. Randy Savage vs. Bret Hart on WWE Saturday Night Main Event (November 11, 1987) provided Bret Hart a breakthrough showcase, proving his star potential with a 7.96 rating.
1. The monumental Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant at WrestleMania 3 drew over 70,000 fans and defined the spectacle of WWE’s flagship event. Despite a modest 5.65 rating, it featured the iconic Hogan body slam, creating a legendary WrestleMania moment.
Fan Take: These matches represent the foundation of WWE’s golden era, captivating fans with larger-than-life personalities and groundbreaking storytelling. Understanding these moments helps fans appreciate wrestling’s evolution and the enduring impact these legends have on the sport’s future.
