Pro Wrestling Throughout the Years

The Randy Savage vs. Stevie Richards match on the September 22, 1997, episode of WCW Nitro was an interesting clash, showcasing Savage’s dominant in-ring style against the comedic underdog antics of Richards. Though not a major feud, the match provided fans with an entertaining showcase of Savage’s intensity as he continued his prominent role in the nWo. It was a relatively quick bout, further cementing Savage’s position as a top heel during WCW's peak.

The Randy Savage vs. Stevie Richards match on the September 22, 1997, episode of WCW Nitro was an interesting clash, showcasing Savage’s dominant in-ring style against the comedic underdog antics of Richards. Though not a major feud, the match provided fans with an entertaining showcase of Savage’s intensity as he continued his prominent role in the nWo. It was a relatively quick bout, further cementing Savage’s position as a top heel during WCW's peak.

The debut episode of WWF Monday Night Raw aired on January 11, 1993, live from the Manhattan Center in New York City, marking the beginning of a new era in wrestling. This episode featured The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, and others in high-energy matches, showcasing WWF’s (now WWE) bold, live format. The event introduced a fresh, gritty presentation style and set the stage for what would become WWE’s flagship show, blending exciting in-ring action with memorable segments and setting up future feuds and storylines that would shape wrestling for years.

The debut episode of WWF Monday Night Raw aired on January 11, 1993, live from the Manhattan Center in New York City, marking the beginning of a new era in wrestling. This episode featured The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, and others in high-energy matches, showcasing WWF’s (now WWE) bold, live format. The event introduced a fresh, gritty presentation style and set the stage for what would become WWE’s flagship show, blending exciting in-ring action with memorable segments and setting up future feuds and storylines that would shape wrestling for years.

The Empty Arena Match between Jerry "The King" Lawler and Terry Funk aired on April 5, 1981, in Memphis Wrestling and was an iconic clash that set the tone for hardcore wrestling. Set in an empty Mid-South Coliseum, the only voices were the wrestlers and commentator Lance Russell, adding a raw intensity to the bout. The match saw Terry Funk taunting Lawler and using everything at his disposal, leading to a brutal brawl that left a lasting impression on wrestling fans and showcased the fierce rivalry between the two legends.

The Empty Arena Match between Jerry "The King" Lawler and Terry Funk aired on April 5, 1981, in Memphis Wrestling and was an iconic clash that set the tone for hardcore wrestling. Set in an empty Mid-South Coliseum, the only voices were the wrestlers and commentator Lance Russell, adding a raw intensity to the bout. The match saw Terry Funk taunting Lawler and using everything at his disposal, leading to a brutal brawl that left a lasting impression on wrestling fans and showcased the fierce rivalry between the two legends.

On April 28, 1985, Ric Flair defended the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Kerry Von Erich at a house show, showcasing their ongoing rivalry. The match brought the intensity typical of Flair’s title defenses, with Kerry delivering a strong challenge. Flair’s technical style clashed with Von Erich’s power, making for a hard-fought and memorable encounter. This bout exemplified classic NWA wrestling in the mid-80s, featuring Flair's savvy in-ring tactics and Von Erich's resilience, hallmarks of their legendary feud.

On April 28, 1985, Ric Flair defended the NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Kerry Von Erich at a house show, showcasing their ongoing rivalry. The match brought the intensity typical of Flair’s title defenses, with Kerry delivering a strong challenge. Flair’s technical style clashed with Von Erich’s power, making for a hard-fought and memorable encounter. This bout exemplified classic NWA wrestling in the mid-80s, featuring Flair's savvy in-ring tactics and Von Erich's resilience, hallmarks of their legendary feud.

At WCW Halloween Havoc 1998, Bret Hart defended his United States Championship against Sting in a highly anticipated match. Both legends brought their technical skills and intensity, making for a thrilling encounter. The match took a dramatic turn when Hart used a steel baseball bat behind the referee's back, incapacitating Sting and applying the Sharpshooter, forcing a knockout finish. This controversial victory allowed Hart to retain his title and further solidified his heel persona in WCW during this period.

At WCW Halloween Havoc 1998, Bret Hart defended his United States Championship against Sting in a highly anticipated match. Both legends brought their technical skills and intensity, making for a thrilling encounter. The match took a dramatic turn when Hart used a steel baseball bat behind the referee's back, incapacitating Sting and applying the Sharpshooter, forcing a knockout finish. This controversial victory allowed Hart to retain his title and further solidified his heel persona in WCW during this period.

The October 20, 2003 episode of Raw featured a World Heavyweight Championship match between Goldberg and Shawn Michaels. As Goldberg defended his title, Michaels, known for his resilience and technical skill, pushed Goldberg to the limit in a hard-fought battle. However, Goldberg's power and aggression ultimately proved too much, as he retained his championship in this intense main event. This match was a key part of Goldberg's dominant run during his WWE tenure.

The October 20, 2003 episode of Raw featured a World Heavyweight Championship match between Goldberg and Shawn Michaels. As Goldberg defended his title, Michaels, known for his resilience and technical skill, pushed Goldberg to the limit in a hard-fought battle. However, Goldberg's power and aggression ultimately proved too much, as he retained his championship in this intense main event. This match was a key part of Goldberg's dominant run during his WWE tenure.

At WWF Survivor Series 1995, The Bone Street Krew, wrestling as "The Darkside," took on "The Royals" in a traditional Survivor Series elimination match. The Darkside team, led by The Undertaker, featured Savio Vega, Fatu, and Henry O. Godwinn, while The Royals team consisted of Jerry "The King" Lawler, King Mabel, Isaac Yankem DDS, and Hunter Hearst Helmsley. The Darkside team dominated the match, with The Undertaker eliminating all members of The Royals, leading to a clean sweep victory.

At WWF Survivor Series 1995, The Bone Street Krew, wrestling as "The Darkside," took on "The Royals" in a traditional Survivor Series elimination match. The Darkside team, led by The Undertaker, featured Savio Vega, Fatu, and Henry O. Godwinn, while The Royals team consisted of Jerry "The King" Lawler, King Mabel, Isaac Yankem DDS, and Hunter Hearst Helmsley. The Darkside team dominated the match, with The Undertaker eliminating all members of The Royals, leading to a clean sweep victory.

The October 11, 1996, WAR event in Osaka featured an exciting match between two legendary luchadores, Rey Misterio Jr. and Psicosis, both representing AAA. Known for their high-flying style and long-standing rivalry, this match saw both competitors showcase their incredible athleticism and innovative maneuvers. Their chemistry in the ring made this contest a thrilling and memorable spectacle for lucha libre fans, continuing their storied feud that spanned multiple promotions.

The October 11, 1996, WAR event in Osaka featured an exciting match between two legendary luchadores, Rey Misterio Jr. and Psicosis, both representing AAA. Known for their high-flying style and long-standing rivalry, this match saw both competitors showcase their incredible athleticism and innovative maneuvers. Their chemistry in the ring made this contest a thrilling and memorable spectacle for lucha libre fans, continuing their storied feud that spanned multiple promotions.

The full match between Bret "The Hitman" Hart and Diesel for the WWE Championship inside a steel cage at WWE In Your House 6 took place on February 18, 1996. This bout was the culmination of a long-standing rivalry between two of WWE's biggest superstars of the era, each with contrasting styles: Bret Hart’s technical prowess and Diesel’s power. The steel cage added an extra layer of intensity, as the only way to win was to escape the cage or secure a pinfall or submission, preventing outside interference. Diesel, with his size and strength advantage, looked to dominate, while Bret Hart used his technical wrestling skills to outmaneuver the giant. Throughout the match, both men delivered punishing blows, with Diesel using the cage to his advantage, slamming Bret into the steel walls, while Bret targeted Diesel’s legs to weaken the big man. The match saw dramatic moments and near escapes, keeping the audience on edge. The climax of the match came when The Undertaker emerged from underneath the ring, dragging Diesel into the depths, allowing Bret Hart to escape the cage and retain his WWE Championship. The Undertaker’s interference not only cost Diesel the title but also set up a major feud between Diesel and The Undertaker. This match is remembered for its high drama, physicality, and the unforgettable interference by The Undertaker, making it one of the most memorable WWE title matches of the mid-90s.

The full match between Bret "The Hitman" Hart and Diesel for the WWE Championship inside a steel cage at WWE In Your House 6 took place on February 18, 1996. This bout was the culmination of a long-standing rivalry between two of WWE's biggest superstars of the era, each with contrasting styles: Bret Hart’s technical prowess and Diesel’s power. The steel cage added an extra layer of intensity, as the only way to win was to escape the cage or secure a pinfall or submission, preventing outside interference. Diesel, with his size and strength advantage, looked to dominate, while Bret Hart used his technical wrestling skills to outmaneuver the giant. Throughout the match, both men delivered punishing blows, with Diesel using the cage to his advantage, slamming Bret into the steel walls, while Bret targeted Diesel’s legs to weaken the big man. The match saw dramatic moments and near escapes, keeping the audience on edge. The climax of the match came when The Undertaker emerged from underneath the ring, dragging Diesel into the depths, allowing Bret Hart to escape the cage and retain his WWE Championship. The Undertaker’s interference not only cost Diesel the title but also set up a major feud between Diesel and The Undertaker. This match is remembered for its high drama, physicality, and the unforgettable interference by The Undertaker, making it one of the most memorable WWE title matches of the mid-90s.

The WCW Title match between Booker T and The Rock at SummerSlam 2001, held on August 19, 2001, was one of the marquee matches of the night during the famous "Invasion" storyline. This match featured the charismatic clash between Booker T, representing WCW and The Alliance, and The Rock, a WWE legend, in a battle for the WCW Championship. Booker T, who had been a dominant force in WCW, came into the match as the defending WCW Champion. The Rock, making his return to WWE after a brief hiatus, was hungry for gold and ready to represent WWE in this intense cross-promotional feud. The match was full of high-energy action, with both superstars delivering their signature moves. Booker T showcased his athleticism with Spinaroonies and Scissors Kicks, while The Rock countered with his iconic Rock Bottom and People's Elbow. The two exchanged control throughout, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. In the end, The Rock emerged victorious after hitting a Rock Bottom, capturing the WCW Championship and delivering a major blow to The Alliance. This win not only gave The Rock another championship to his impressive résumé but also marked a pivotal moment in the "Invasion" storyline as WWE began to turn the tide in their favor. This match is fondly remembered for its star power and for being a key part of the memorable SummerSlam 2001 card.

The WCW Title match between Booker T and The Rock at SummerSlam 2001, held on August 19, 2001, was one of the marquee matches of the night during the famous "Invasion" storyline. This match featured the charismatic clash between Booker T, representing WCW and The Alliance, and The Rock, a WWE legend, in a battle for the WCW Championship. Booker T, who had been a dominant force in WCW, came into the match as the defending WCW Champion. The Rock, making his return to WWE after a brief hiatus, was hungry for gold and ready to represent WWE in this intense cross-promotional feud. The match was full of high-energy action, with both superstars delivering their signature moves. Booker T showcased his athleticism with Spinaroonies and Scissors Kicks, while The Rock countered with his iconic Rock Bottom and People's Elbow. The two exchanged control throughout, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. In the end, The Rock emerged victorious after hitting a Rock Bottom, capturing the WCW Championship and delivering a major blow to The Alliance. This win not only gave The Rock another championship to his impressive résumé but also marked a pivotal moment in the "Invasion" storyline as WWE began to turn the tide in their favor. This match is fondly remembered for its star power and for being a key part of the memorable SummerSlam 2001 card.