WWE's third installment in the WrestleMania series featured Hulk Hogan vs. Andre "the Giant" and Ricky Steamboat vs. Macho Man Randy Savage.
Vince McMahon ushered in this installment of WrestleMania with a phrase that is still heard in every WrestleMania video package that WWE puts together: “Welcome to WrestleMania 3!” Coming off the heels of the multi-venues and steel cage main event of WrestleMania 2, the WrestleMania of 1987 had the unenviable task of improving once again. This time the WWE would again make good on that goal by setting an indoor attendance record of 93,173 people. At the time, there were only two people in professional wrestling that could be considered household names: Hulk Hogan and “Andre the Giant”
Andre “the Giant” congratulated Hulk Hogan in the locker room when he won his first world title by cracking open the bottle of champagne. Andre wrestled for years never asking for a title match, but under the guidance of Bobby “the Brain” Heenan Andre challenged Hogan for a title match at WrestleMania. Stunned Hogan didn’t know what to say, but when Andre ripped the shirt and crucifix from Hogan’s chest – the decision became easier. The stage was set, the two biggest names in professional wrestling, the biggest wrestling event of all time, and WrestleMania 3 already upstaged WrestleMania 2.
With Mary Hart and Bob Uecker providing color commentary and the interviewing of different superstars, the March 29, 1987 edition of WrestleMania was not without their celebrities. Directly after welcoming everyone to WrestleMania 3, Vince McMahon gave the microphone to Aretha Franklin so she could sing America the Beautiful.
As for the actual wrestling, Jesse “the Body” Ventura and Gorilla Monsoon called the action with match after match of excitement. Wrestling fans remember WrestleMania 3 for two matches in particular: Ricky “the Dragon” Steamboat vs. “Macho Man” Randy Savage for the Intercontinental title and Hulk Hogan vs. Andre “the Giant.” Although these two matches were by far the most technically pleasing, there were many matches impacting the future of wrestling for many years to come.
Bearing particular resemblance to one of the main events at this year’s WrestleMania, Rowdy Roddy Piper fought Adorable Adrian Adonis in a hair vs. hair match. That match ended with the Rowdy one applying the sleeper hold to Adonis and giving him a haircut. Experience says that Roddy Piper should have been selected as the choice for Vince McMahon or Donald Trump in this year’s WrestleMania Battle of the Billionaires.
Another match that resembles today’s storylines is the Billy Jack Haynes vs. Hercules Hernandez bout. This match came about as a result of Hercules claiming that nobody could break his Full Nelson. When Billy Jack challenged that, Hercules attacked him from behind. With the Masterlock challenge occurring every week on Monday Night Raw, at some point we can almost guarantee a repeat of this WrestleMania match. Hopefully this time the match doesn’t end in a double count out.
In a match featuring King Kong Bundy, Hillbilly Jim, and a number of wrestling midgets, the 450 pound Bundy attempted to put a splash on Little Beaver. Fortunately for the fans in attendance, the other midgets pulled Little Beaver out of the way and Bundy’s team was disqualified. In the final gimmick match of the evening King Harley Race defeated the Junk Yard Dog in controversial fashion. As stipulated in the rules JYD had to bow before the King.
Many wrestling fans recall the Intercontinental Title match between Ricky the Dragon Steamboat and the Macho Man Randy Savage as their favorite of all time. As always Savage was accompanied to the ring by Miss Elizabeth. In uncommon fashion though, Steamboat was accompanied by George “the Animal” Steele. Savage hit Steamboat with a double axe handle from the top rope to the canvas outside. Steamboat hit Savage with those deep arm drags “the Dragon” is known for. The match was filled with distractions, but it ended when Savage went for a bodyslam and Steamboat wrapped up Savage in a small package.
With guest ring announcer, Bob Uecker, and guest time keeper, Mary Hart, the final match was one of extreme anticipation. Hogan made an early mistake when attempting to bodyslam Andre. The Giant then took control of the match using his weight to his advantage. When Hogan regained control he attempted a pile driver on the outside, but Andre countered sending Hogan crashing to the canvas below. The finish was sudden when Andre went for a clothesline, but Hogan ducked and gave Andre one of his own. From there Hogan connected with a boot to the face of Andre and Hogan hit his signature leg drop for the victory. Hulk Hogan retained his title to the surprise of most everyone in attendance.
After three WrestleMania’s, Hulk Hogan is undefeated at WrestleMania. What would WWE do for WrestleMania 4?
- CanAm Connection defeats Ace Bob Orton and the Magnificent Muraco via pinfall
- The Billy Jack Haynes and Hercules Hernandez match ended in a double count out
- Hillbilly Jim, The Haiti Kid, and Little Beaver defeat King Kong Bundy, Lord Little Brook and Little Tokyo
- King Harley Race defeats the Junk Yard Dog via pinfall
- The Dream Team (Brutus Beefcake and Greg Valentine) defeat the Rougeau brothers via pinfall
- The Natural Butch Reed defeats Koko B. Ware via pinfall
- Ricky Steamboat defeats Macho Man Randy Savage via pinfall
- Hart Foundation and Danny Davis defeat British Bulldogs and Tito Santana via pinfall
- Honky Tonk Man defeats Jake “the Snake” Roberts with Alice Cooper via pinfall
- Nikolai Volkoff and the Iron Sheik defeat The Killer Bees via disqualification
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Also See: Raw Review March 5
