WrestleMania 3: Full Card, Matches, And Moments

by Jhon Lennon 48 views

WrestleMania 3, held on March 29, 1987, at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan, remains one of the most iconic events in WWE history. Attracting a record-breaking attendance of over 93,000 fans, the show was a spectacle of athleticism, showmanship, and unforgettable moments. The WrestleMania 3 full card was stacked with some of the biggest names in wrestling, delivering a night of action that is still talked about today. Let's dive into the matches and moments that made this event so special. From the opening bell to the final curtain, WrestleMania 3 delivered a blend of high-octane action, compelling storytelling, and unforgettable moments. The event not only solidified the careers of many wrestlers but also helped propel the WWE into a new era of popularity. The energy of the crowd, combined with the in-ring performances, created an atmosphere that is still unmatched in wrestling history. Whether you were there in person or watching from home, WrestleMania 3 was an event that you would never forget.

The planning and execution of WrestleMania 3 were monumental tasks. The Pontiac Silverdome was transformed into a wrestling wonderland, complete with a massive stage, state-of-the-art lighting, and a sound system that could be heard throughout the stadium. The WWE pulled out all the stops to ensure that the event was a success, and the results speak for themselves. The WrestleMania 3 full card was carefully curated to provide a mix of different wrestling styles and storylines, ensuring that there was something for everyone in attendance. The event was also broadcast live on pay-per-view, allowing fans from around the world to witness the spectacle. The success of WrestleMania 3 helped to establish the event as the premier wrestling show in the world, and it paved the way for future WrestleManias to become even bigger and better.

The Main Event: Hulk Hogan vs. André the Giant

The main event of WrestleMania 3 saw Hulk Hogan defend his WWF World Heavyweight Championship against André the Giant. This match was the culmination of a year-long storyline that saw André turn against Hogan after years of friendship. The narrative was simple yet effective: the unstoppable force versus the immovable object. André, once Hogan's ally, had aligned himself with Hogan's nemesis, manager Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, setting the stage for a monumental clash. The match itself was a classic David versus Goliath encounter, with Hogan using his strength and determination to overcome the much larger André. The defining moment of the match came when Hogan slammed André, a feat that was considered impossible at the time. This iconic slam, followed by Hogan's leg drop, secured the victory and cemented Hogan's status as the top star in wrestling. The match was more than just a wrestling contest; it was a cultural phenomenon that captured the attention of the world.

The match between Hulk Hogan and André the Giant was built on a foundation of betrayal and personal animosity. André had been a long-time friend and ally of Hogan, but the lure of money and power, combined with the influence of Bobby Heenan, led him down a dark path. The storyline was carefully crafted to make André a believable villain, and the fans were eager to see Hogan get his revenge. The match itself was a testament to the storytelling abilities of the WWE, as it managed to create a sense of drama and excitement that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. The victory by Hogan was not just a win for the character, but a triumph for all those who had ever been betrayed by a friend. The impact of this match is still felt today, as it is considered one of the greatest moments in wrestling history.

Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

Another standout match on the WrestleMania 3 full card was the Intercontinental Championship bout between Randy "Macho Man" Savage and Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat. This match is often regarded as one of the greatest in wrestling history, showcasing incredible athleticism, innovative offense, and a captivating storyline. Savage, the heel champion, had injured Steamboat prior to the event, adding a personal edge to the contest. The match was a fast-paced, back-and-forth affair, with both wrestlers displaying their incredible skills. The near-falls and reversals kept the audience on the edge of their seats, and the match built to a thrilling climax. Steamboat eventually defeated Savage to win the Intercontinental Championship, ending Savage's reign and cementing his own legacy as a top performer. The match was a perfect blend of technical wrestling and high-flying maneuvers, and it set a new standard for what a wrestling match could be.

The match between Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat was a masterpiece of wrestling storytelling. The two wrestlers had a natural chemistry, and they were able to create a sense of drama and excitement that kept the audience engaged from start to finish. The match was also notable for its innovative offense, as both wrestlers incorporated new and exciting moves into their repertoire. The victory by Steamboat was a feel-good moment for the fans, as he had overcome a serious injury to win the Intercontinental Championship. The impact of this match is still felt today, as it is considered one of the greatest matches in wrestling history. The match is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both wrestlers, and it is a reminder of what can be achieved when two talented individuals come together to create something special.

Other Notable Matches

  • Roddy Piper vs. Adrian Adonis: This Hair vs. Hair match was a heated battle between two rivals. Piper, in his supposed retirement match, defeated Adonis, leading to Adonis getting his head shaved. The match was a brawl from start to finish, and the crowd was electric as they watched Piper get his revenge on Adonis. The match was also significant because it marked the end of Piper's wrestling career, although he would later return to the ring. The match was a fitting end to their feud, and it provided a memorable moment for the fans. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, and the crowd was on their feet as they watched Piper get his revenge on Adonis. The match was a fitting end to their feud, and it provided a memorable moment for the fans. The victory by Piper was a feel-good moment for the fans, as he had overcome a serious injury to win the match. The impact of this match is still felt today, as it is considered one of the greatest matches in wrestling history. The match is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both wrestlers, and it is a reminder of what can be achieved when two talented individuals come together to create something special.

  • Jake "The Snake" Roberts vs. Honky Tonk Man: Roberts sought revenge after Honky Tonk Man attacked him on Saturday Night's Main Event. While Honky Tonk Man won by questionable means (using the ropes for leverage), the real highlight was Roberts unleashing his snake, Damien, on Honky Tonk Man and manager Jimmy Hart, scaring them out of the ring. The match was a showcase for Roberts' unique charisma and his ability to connect with the audience. The match was also notable for its use of psychology, as Roberts was able to get into the head of Honky Tonk Man and make him fear him. The victory by Honky Tonk Man was a controversial one, but it did not diminish the impact of the match. The real highlight of the match was Roberts unleashing his snake, Damien, on Honky Tonk Man and manager Jimmy Hart, scaring them out of the ring. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, and the crowd was on their feet as they watched Roberts get his revenge on Honky Tonk Man.

  • Harley Race vs. Junkyard Dog: The stipulation was that the loser had to bow to the winner. Race, with the help of Bobby Heenan, defeated Junkyard Dog, who reluctantly bowed after the match. This match was a classic example of a heel getting the upper hand on a babyface, and it generated a lot of heat for Race. The match was also notable for its use of psychology, as Race was able to get into the head of Junkyard Dog and make him doubt himself. The victory by Race was a controversial one, but it did not diminish the impact of the match. The real highlight of the match was Junkyard Dog reluctantly bowing to Race after the match. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, and the crowd was on their feet as they watched Junkyard Dog get humiliated by Race.

Impact and Legacy

WrestleMania 3 was a watershed moment for the WWE and the wrestling industry as a whole. The event's massive attendance and pay-per-view success helped to solidify wrestling as a mainstream form of entertainment. The matches and moments from WrestleMania 3 are still talked about today, and the event continues to inspire wrestlers and fans alike. The success of WrestleMania 3 paved the way for future WrestleManias to become even bigger and better, and it helped to establish the WWE as the dominant force in the wrestling world. The event was a showcase for some of the greatest wrestlers of all time, and it provided a platform for them to display their talents to a global audience. The impact of WrestleMania 3 is still felt today, and it is a reminder of the power of wrestling to entertain and inspire. WrestleMania 3's legacy extends beyond the ring. It demonstrated the power of sports entertainment, showcasing how compelling storylines and larger-than-life characters could captivate audiences worldwide. The event's success helped to legitimize professional wrestling as a viable form of entertainment, paving the way for its continued growth and popularity.

In conclusion, the WrestleMania 3 full card was a collection of memorable matches and moments that have stood the test of time. From the epic main event between Hulk Hogan and André the Giant to the classic Intercontinental Championship match between Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat, WrestleMania 3 delivered a night of action that is still talked about today. The event's impact on the wrestling industry is undeniable, and it remains a testament to the power of sports entertainment. WrestleMania 3 was a game-changer for the WWE, and it helped to establish the company as the dominant force in the wrestling world. The event was a showcase for some of the greatest wrestlers of all time, and it provided a platform for them to display their talents to a global audience. The impact of WrestleMania 3 is still felt today, and it is a reminder of the power of wrestling to entertain and inspire.