The Rise of the Jerichoholics: 28-time champion Chris Jericho’s WWE dominance
1990s WWE superstar Chris Jericho has made a significant impact in various wrestling promotions, including World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), and World Championship Wrestling (WCW), as well as in Canadian, Mexican, German, and Japanese promotions. Jericho amassed an impressive record of 30 championships across WWF/E, WCW, and ECW, which were prominent American promotions during the 1990s and early 2000s. Notably, he was the first Undisputed WWF Champion, successfully unifying the WWF Championship and the WCW Championship. Chris Jericho’s WWE Champion reigns Within WWE, Jericho achieved a total of six world championship reigns, winning the WWF Championship once, the WCW Championship twice, and the World Heavyweight Championship three times. He is also a record nine-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, a two-time WWE United States Champion, and the fourth WWE Grand Slam Champion. In 1996, Jericho joined Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) upon the recommendation of Mick Foley to promoter Paul Heyman. He quickly made an impact, winning the ECW Television Championship in June 1996. Jericho faced top talents in ECW, including Tazz, Sabu, Rob Van Dam, Cactus Jack, Shane Douglas, and 2 Cold Scorpio. His performances caught the attention of World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Jericho made his first appearance with WCW on August 26, 1996, and participated in his first pay-per-view match against Chris Benoit at Fall Brawl on September 15. He won the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship on two occasions, and his notable feuds included battles against Rey Mysterio, Jr., Dean Malenko, and Juventud Guerrera. Jericho gained infamy for collecting and wearing trophy items from his defeated opponents to the ring. Jericho’s time in WCW culminated in a feud with Goldberg, where he constantly taunted and mocked the undefeated champion. Despite never actually wrestling Goldberg, Jericho claimed to have defeated him multiple times. His tenure with WCW came to an end in 1999. Jericho engaged in feuds with notable superstars such as Chyna, Triple H, and Kurt Angle. He won the WWF Intercontinental Championship multiple times and achieved his first world championship victory by defeating The Rock for the WCW Championship. At Vengeance in 2001, Jericho became the first-ever Undisputed Champion by defeating both The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin in a single night. Jericho’s WWE career included various character shifts, from face (good guy) to heel (villain) and vice versa. He had memorable storylines and matches, including a rivalry with Shawn Michaels, a tag team partnership with Christian, and participation in the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 21. Outside of wrestling, Jericho is the lead vocalist for the band Fozzy, which he formed in 1999.
How the Big Show changed the WWE Universe
Paul Wight, also known as the Big Show, had a long and successful career in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). However, he decided to leave WWE and join All Elite Wrestling (AEW), now WWE’s biggest rival. In an interview with Inside The Ropes in October 2021, Wight discussed his final appearance on air for WWE and the reasons behind his departure. While WWE superstars often fought out against the “man” during their feuds, a real altercation is as rare as it gets. Some famous on-screen feuds include the one between Stone Cold and Vince McMahon, which served as one of the most memorable feuds that ever became a part of the WWE. Here, we look at how the Big Show shook things up by deciding to exit his contract with the WWE. Paul Wight, aka the Big Show’s issues with the WWE Wight revealed that one of the main factors that led to his decision was his frustration about being put in a “legends role” and being perceived as ready for retirement. He expressed his desire to continue performing and not be relegated to a lesser role. Wight acknowledged that WWE tends to utilize its established talent differently, including playing such roles. However, he disagreed with being placed in that position and believed he still had more to offer as a performer. While Wight acknowledged the importance of focusing on younger talent, he felt that the creative department shouldn’t overlook veterans with something valuable to contribute. He described the experience of being criticized by Randy Orton on air as humbling, where he had to check his ego at the door, as is expected in the industry. Wight understood the dynamic but reached a point where he no longer wanted to suppress his aspirations and ego. He ultimately decided to leave WWE and pursue new opportunities with AEW. Wight’s departure from WWE marked a significant shift in his career, as he joined AEW to continue his wrestling journey. His decision to leave was driven by his desire to remain an active performer and not be limited to the role of a legend or forced into retirement. Wight’s move to AEW allowed him to explore new creative avenues and contribute his experience and talent to a growing promotion.
Tracing American Heartthrob John Cena’s incredible WWE career
John Cena embarked on his journey to become a wrestler in 1999 when he started training at the “Ultimate University” operated by Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) in California. Initially, he portrayed a semi-robotic character named The Prototype. His early career was featured in the Discovery Channel program called Inside Pro Wrestling School. Cena held the UPW Heavyweight Championship for almost a month in April 2000. The World Wrestling Federation (WWF) signed him from UPW in 2001, placing him under a developmental contract and sending him to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), their developmental territory, to continue his training. In OVW, Cena wrestled under the names The Prototype and Mr. P, winning the Heavyweight Championship and Tag Team Championship (with Rico Constantino). Cena’s Rise in the WWE Cena’s first televised match in WWE took place on June 27, 2002, in response to an open challenge by Kurt Angle. Inspired by a speech from WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, where he encouraged young talents to display “ruthless aggression,” Cena impressed by almost defeating Angle but ultimately lost. Following this, he became a fan favorite (face) and engaged in a rivalry with Chris Jericho, defeating him in an upset at Vengeance. Cena later formed a tag team with Billy Kidman but turned heel (villainous) and attacked Kidman after a loss. He then adopted a rapper gimmick and began cutting promos in rhyme. Cena’s popularity grew as he showcased his rapping skills, and he was joined by enforcer Bull Buchanan, later replaced by Rodney Mack. In early 2004, Cena participated in the Royal Rumble match, making it to the final six before being eliminated by Big Show. This led to a feud between Cena and Big Show, resulting in Cena winning the WWE United States Championship from him at WrestleMania XX. During his reign, Cena clashed with SmackDown! General Manager Kurt Angle and was involved in issues with René Duprée and Torrie Wilson. Cena lost the title due to an incident with Angle and later regained it by defeating Booker T in a “best of five” series. However, he lost it to Carlito Caribbean Cool and feuded with him. Cena suffered a kayfabe injury, keeping him out of action while he filmed his debut movie, The Marine. Upon his return, he regained the US title from Carlito and introduced a custom-made spinner-style title belt. Cena continued his rise in 2005, participating in the Royal Rumble and making it to the final two with Batista. The match ended controversially, leading to a rematch that Batista ultimately won. Cena then faced Kurt Angle and earned a spot in the WrestleMania 21 main event, initiating a feud with WWE Champion John “Bradshaw” Layfield (JBL). Cena defeated JBL at WrestleMania, capturing his first world title in WWE. Their rivalry continued, and Cena reclaimed the original WWE Championship belt in an “I Quit” match at Judgment Day. Cena’s impact off the ring Beyond his wrestling career, Cena has been involved in various endeavors outside the ring. He has showcased his musical talents as a rapper, releasing his debut album “You Can’t See Me” in 2005. The album succeeded commercially and featured his entrance theme song, “The Time Is Now,” which became his signature tune. Cena has pursued an acting career and has appeared in several films. His debut came in 2006 with the action film “The Marine,” followed by roles in movies such as “Trainwreck,” “Daddy’s Home 2,” and “Bumblebee.” Cena’s list of championships and accomplishments in WWE is extensive. He has won the WWE Championship a record 13 times, the World Heavyweight Championship three times, and has held numerous other titles, including the United States Championship, Tag Team Championship, and Money in the Bank contract.
What are the Rock’s best-ever catchphrases?
The Rock is undoubtedly one of the most charismatic and memorable figures in the history of professional wrestling. Throughout his career, he had a plethora of catchphrases that became iconic and endeared him to fans worldwide. Here, we look at some of the best ones he has uttered during his illustrious career: “One On One With The Great One”: The Rock used this catchphrase to announce and build up his matches. It showcased his confidence and reminded fans that he was “The Great One” in the wrestling business. “Roody Poo, Candy Ass”: Despite its silliness, The Rock managed to make this catchphrase immensely popular. He would get the audience to chant with him, turning it into a great insult to his rivals. It displayed The Rock’s ability to engage the audience and make them laugh while being taken seriously. “Laying The SmackDown”: This catchphrase became so iconic that it became the name of a WWE show. Whenever The Rock uttered this line, it increased the fans’ excitement. It signified that he meant business and left a lasting impact on the wrestling world. “The Most Electrifying Man”: Claiming to be the most electrifying man in sports entertainment could have come across as arrogant, but The Rock’s charisma and larger-than-life persona made fans buy into it. He could put different spins on this catchphrase, making it fun and captivating for the audience. “Millions And Millions”: This catchphrase invited a vast fan response and became a chant that fans worldwide could join. The Rock would say the first part, and the fans would eagerly complete it. It connected with the audience and created an incredible response. “Know Your Role, And Shut Your Mouth”: The Rock used this classic catchphrase to put his rivals in their place. It made people laugh while leading to a strong reaction from the other person. The Rock was known for delivering such comments and taking full advantage of their impact. “If You Smell, What The Rock Is Cooking”: Undoubtedly The Rock’s most famous catchphrase, this line has become synonymous with his persona. It perfectly captures the essence of professional wrestling with its nonsensical yet captivating delivery. Fans still chant this catchphrase, and it is an iconic way to conclude a promo. The Rock’s catchphrases played a significant role in solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats in professional wrestling. His charisma, wit, and ability to connect with the audience through these memorable lines have impacted the industry. The Rock’s catchphrases continue to be celebrated and cherished by fans worldwide.
Tracing WWE Legends’ careers: John Cena
The legendary John Cena began his training at the “Ultimate University” operated by Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) in 1999. He wrestled under the ring name The Prototype and held the UPW Heavyweight Championship for nearly a month in April 2000. The following year, Cena signed with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) and was assigned to their developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). During his time in OVW, he wrestled under the names The Prototype and Mr. P, winning the OVW Heavyweight Championship and the OVW Tag Team Championship with Rico Constantino. WWE Rise to Stardom Cena made his WWE debut in June 2002, answering an open challenge by Kurt Angle. He quickly gained popularity and became a fan favorite, engaging in feuds with wrestlers like Chris Jericho and participating in a tag team tournament to crown the first WWE Tag Team Champions. Cena also developed a new gimmick as a rapper and began cutting promos in rhyme, adopting the slogan “Word Life” and the “signature symbol” of the 80s WWF logo. In 2004, Cena won the WWE United States Championship from Big Show at WrestleMania XX. He feuded with SmackDown! General Manager Kurt Angle came into conflict with René Duprée and Torrie Wilson. Cena’s reign ended when he was stripped of the title by Angle. He later regained the championship in a “best of five” series against Booker T but lost it to Carlito Caribbean Cool. Cena then began a feud with Carlito, where he was stabbed (kayfabe) in the kidney. Cena took time off to film his debut feature film, “The Marine.” WWE Titles In 2005, Cena participated in the Royal Rumble and made it to the final two participants. He feuded with WWE Champion John “Bradshaw” Layfield (JBL) and won his first world title by defeating JBL at WrestleMania 21. Cena had a spinner WWE Championship belt made, while JBL still claimed to be the champion with the original belt. Cena eventually reclaimed the original belt in an “I Quit” match at Judgment Day. Cena was drafted to the Raw brand in 2005 and continued his success, feuding with Eric Bischoff and defeating Chris Jericho to retain his title. However, Cena faced backlash from a vocal portion of the audience, who began booing him, despite being portrayed as a face (good guy). He had feuds with Kurt Angle and retained his championship against him at Unforgiven and Survivor Series. Cena has won 21 championships, including 16 World Championships, making him one of the most decorated wrestlers in WWE history. Cena has had numerous feuds and accomplishments throughout his career, including winning the Royal Rumble in 2013, becoming a multiple-time WWE Champion and World Heavyweight Champion, and feuding with notable wrestlers like The Miz and The Rock. He has also pursued a career in music and film and has made guest appearances on various television shows.
Tracing WWE Legends’ careers: Shawn Michaels
Shawn Michaels began training under Mexican professional wrestler Jose Lothario and adopted the ring name. He debuted in 1984 with Mid-South Wrestling and Texas All-Star Wrestling (TAW), where he won the TAW Tag Team Championship with Paul Diamond. He also wrestled for Central States Wrestling and appeared in World Class Championship Wrestling in 1985. In 1986, Michaels debuted nationally with the American Wrestling Association (AWA), teaming with Marty Jannetty as The Midnight Rockers. They won the AWA World Tag Team Championship and gained popularity. 1987 they signed with the WWF but were fired two weeks later due to a bar incident. They returned to the AWA before being re-signed by WWF in 1988. Return to the WWF/WWE In WWF, Michaels and Jannetty were known as The Rockers and became popular with fans. They were a mid-card tag team for the next two years, appearing on television and pay-per-view shows. They were scheduled to win the WWF Tag Team Championship from The Hart Foundation in 1990. Still, the decision was reversed, and the match was never acknowledged due to a storyline explanation of a collapsed turnbuckle. The Rockers split in December 1991 after Michaels super kicked Jannetty and threw him through a glass window on the set of Brutus’ “The Barber” Beefcake’s Barber Shop talk show segment. Following the split, Michaels adopted the nickname “The Heartbreak Kid” and became a cocky, vain heel. He aligned himself with Sensational Sherri and won the WWF Intercontinental Championship from The British Bulldog in 1992. Michaels had his first pay-per-view main event against Bret Hart for the WWF Championship at the 1992 Survivor Series but lost the match. He engaged in a feud with his former tag team partner, Marty Jannetty, and lost the Intercontinental Championship to him on Monday Night Raw in 1993. Michaels regained the title shortly after with the help of his new bodyguard, Diesel. Temporary Retirement In September 1993, Michaels temporarily quit the WWF after being suspended for testing positive steroids, although he denies the charge. He appeared in the United States Wrestling Association (USWA) during a WWF/USWA cross-promotion and returned to WWF television for Survivor Series in November. Michaels then entered a feud with Razor Ramon, claiming to be the rightful Intercontinental Champion since he had never been defeated for the title. They had a Ladder match at WrestleMania X, which Ramon won. Michaels battled various injuries but won the WWF World Tag Team Championship with Diesel in 1994. Michaels captured his third Intercontinental Championship in 1995 and had a successful title defense against Razor Ramon in a ladder match at SummerSlam. During this time, Michaels became associated with a backstage group called The Kliq, which influenced the WWF. Michaels won the Royal Rumble in 1995, setting up a championship match against Diesel at WrestleMania XI, but he lost the game and took time off to transition into a crowd favorite. In 1996, Michaels returned to WWF and won his second Royal Rumble, earning a WWF Championship match at WrestleMania XII. He defeated Bret Hart in an Iron Man match, which went into sudden death over time and solidified Michaels as a top star. All in all, rather than his on-paper achievements, Shawn Michaels’ overall personality and ability to command audiences make him a legendary and unforgettable name among top WWE stars.
Tracing WWE Legends’ careers: Stone Cold Steve Austin
Various twists and turns mark Steve Austin’s journey in the wrestling industry. Starting in 1989 at “Gentleman” Chris Adams’ wrestling school in Dallas, Texas, Austin began his career as Steve Williams. However, in Memphis, Tennessee, Dutch Mantell (Zeb Colter) gave him the name Steve Austin, inspired by the “Six Million Dollar Man” character. Upon returning to Texas, Austin engaged in a teacher vs. student feud with Chris Adams, who had his ex-wife Jeannie Clark as his valet. The rivalry between Austin and Adams became a wild and entertaining storyline, filled with tabloid-like drama and memorable moments. Unfortunately, the feud didn’t have a proper ending due to the USWA pulling out of Dallas. Austin’s move to WCW Austin then moved on to WCW in 1991, where he quickly made an impact by winning the WCW World Television Title and later forming a successful tag team known as the Hollywood Blondes with Brian Pillman. He continued to excel in WCW, becoming one of the best young wrestlers in the business, working with talented individuals like Ricky Steamboat, and being part of Paul Heyman’s Dangerous Alliance stable. However, Austin’s run in WCW began to decline after a back injury forced Ricky Steamboat to retire, leading to a change of plans for their planned rematch. Austin’s position on the card slipped, and conflicts with WCW boss Eric Bischoff eventually resulted in his firing. He briefly wrestled in ECW, where he showcased his promo skills and began to develop the persona that would ultimately become Stone Cold Steve Austin. Signing with WWE (then WWF), Austin initially debuted as The Ringmaster, managed by Ted DiBiase. However, the generic gimmick and lack of character development hindered his progress. Wanting to reinvent himself, Austin drew inspiration from a documentary about Richard “The Iceman” Kuklinski, adopting a more emotionless and ruthless persona. During this time, the name “Stone Cold” Steve Austin emerged, thanks to a clever reference to his cold tea. Rise of Stone Cold, “The Rebel” As Austin’s character evolved, he shed The Ringmaster persona and embraced his true self, becoming one of the most popular and rebellious figures in professional wrestling history. Winning the 1996 King of the Ring tournament marked a significant turning point in his career, where he delivered the iconic “Austin 3:16” promo that catapulted him to superstardom. From that point on, Stone Cold Steve Austin became a cultural phenomenon. In the following years, Austin’s character underwent several changes, including a brief heel turn that didn’t connect with the audience as intended. He later turned babyface again and had memorable feuds with Triple H, The Rock, and others. Austin’s career was temporarily halted by a neck injury in 1999, and he returned in 2000 to capture the WWE Championship once more. However, tensions arose between Austin and WWE’s creative team when he criticized them publicly. Austin left WWE for eight months and returned for another WrestleMania feud with The Rock. After WrestleMania 19, Austin’s storyline character was “fired,” he officially retired due to worsening spinal issues and a heart scare.
What was the WWE’s Attitude Era?
The Attitude Era, a pivotal period in the history of professional wrestling, emerged during the Monday Night Wars and marked a radical shift in the World Wrestling Federation’s (WWF) programming content. From the mid-to-late 1990s to the early 2000s, this Era sought to attract a young adult demographic by transforming the product into a more edgy and controversial form of entertainment. Traditional heroes were replaced with anti-heroes, and family-friendly storylines gave way to controversial narratives rooted in shock value. The Attitude Era represents one of the most memorable periods in WWE history. Rather than focusing on family values and wholesomeness, the WWE was suddenly home to controversial figures that spoke to the new generation of American Young Adults. The Attitude Era famously included the feud between Vince McMahon and Steve Austin. Spearheaded by Vince McMahon and head writer Vince Russo, the Era introduced a new booking style called “Crash TV,” characterized by shorter matches, backstage vignettes, and shocking television moments. McMahon’s character, “Mr. McMahon,” was crafted as a corrupt and manipulative owner, feuding with Stone Cold Steve Austin, who emerged as the central figure of the Attitude Era. The feud between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Mr. McMahon became the defining storyline of the Attitude Era. Austin’s rebellious persona, marked by profanity-laden tirades against McMahon, resonated with fans and propelled him to superstardom. Portraying a corrupt and authoritarian figure, McMahon retaliated against Austin through violent and increasingly immoral means. Their ongoing conflict captivated audiences and created a compelling narrative that epitomized the Era’s rebellious spirit. Notable Events and other controversies Several notable events during the Attitude Era contributed to its cultural impact and commercial success. The Montreal Screwjob at Survivor Series 1997, where Bret Hart was controversially stripped of the WWF Championship, added real-life drama to the on-screen product. The USA vs. Canada storyline featuring The Hart Foundation and the feud between Hart and Shawn Michaels further intensified the Era’s controversial and personal narratives. The introduction of D-Generation X, a faction known for its innuendos and mischief, provided additional entertainment. The Attitude Era also embraced female sexuality, with characters like Sable leading the way. Sable’s appearance in Playboy Magazine generated significant buzz, highlighting the Era’s ability to cross into mainstream entertainment. Marketing Success and Legacy The Attitude Era was a marketing triumph for the WWF, attracting a previously untapped young adult demographic and surpassing WCW in the ratings war. The Era’s success allowed WWF to acquire WCW in 2001, ending the Monday Night Wars. By this point, the WWF had become a financial powerhouse, enabling McMahon to purchase WCW at a reduced valuation. However, the Era’s conclusion came in May 2002, as a legal battle with the World Wildlife Fund led to the prohibition of using the WWF logo associated with the Attitude Era.
Tracing WWE Legends’ careers: The Undertaker
The Undertaker had two contrasting personas throughout his career. The first was “The Deadman,” an undead, occult-like figure that went through various iterations. It began with a Western mortician character in November 1990 and evolved into the Satanic Ministry of Darkness leader in September 1999. He returned as a hybrid of all his previous incarnations in March 2004. The second persona was “The American Bad Ass,” a biker character he portrayed from May 2000 to November 2003. The Undertaker’s gimmicks were associated with specialty matches such as the Casket, Buried Alive, Hell in a Cell and Last Ride matches. Another important aspect of his character was his half-brother Kane, with whom he had feuds and alliances as the Brothers of Destruction. The Rise Calaway’s early career began 1984 in World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW) under the ring name “Texas Red.” He later wrestled in various promotions such as CWA, WCW, and New Japan Pro Wrestling before signing with the WWF in October 1990. He debuted as “Cain the Undertaker” but soon dropped the “Cain” from his name. Undertaker’s WrestleMania debut came at WrestleMania VII, where he defeated “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. He had notable feuds with wrestlers such as Ultimate Warrior, Randy Savage, and Hulk Hogan. Undertaker won his first WWF Championship at Survivor Series but dropped it back to Hogan at This Tuesday in Texas six days later. The Undertaker feuded with Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Kamala, and Giant Gonzales in the following years. He took a hiatus after a casket match loss against Yokozuna at the Royal Rumble, during which his “spirit” appeared from inside the casket, hinting at his return. After his return, The Undertaker faced an “Underfaker” clone played by Brian Lee, leading to a showdown between the two at SummerSlam, which the real Undertaker won. He had another casket match against Yokozuna at Survivor Series, where he won with the help of Chuck Norris as a special guest enforcer. The Streak The Undertaker was best known for his undefeated streak at WrestleMania, which stood at 21-0 until he lost to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 30. Throughout his career, he held numerous championships, including the WWF/E Championship four times, the World Heavyweight Championship three times, and the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship once under the character “The Master of Pain.” He also won seven World Tag Team championships: six WWF Tag Team Championships and one WCW Tag Team Championship. Additionally, he won the 2007 Royal Rumble and became the first wrestler to enter the event last and best.
What was the Rock n Wrestling Connection in 1980s WWE?
The Rock’ N’ Wrestling Connection was born from a collaboration between the WWF and pop culture. It all began when WWF manager Lou Albano met with music icon Cyndi Lauper. Their encounter led to Albano appearing as Lauper’s father in her music video for “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” The subsequent booking of Lauper and Albano on a segment of Piper’s Pit became the catalyst for an era that would elevate wrestling to new heights. A pivotal moment in the Rock ‘N’ Wrestling era they occurred with The Brawl to End It All, which marked the first live wrestling match on cable television and the first live women’s professional wrestling match. Cyndi Lauper, managing Wendi Richter, faced off against Lou Albano’s chosen wrestler, The Fabulous Moolah. Although the event featured eleven games, only Richter and Moolah’s main event match was televised on MTV. Richter’s victory, aided by Lauper’s interference, made this program the most-watched MTV history. WWE’s partnership with MTV led to Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Connection era During the Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Connection era, WWE Superstars expanded their reach beyond the squared circle, appearing in MTV videos, releasing music albums, and even starring in their animated series, Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling. This unexpected partnership between WWE and MTV propelled professional wrestling into mainstream popularity, leading to the monumental first WrestleMania. With the rich history of this era in mind, the idea of reviving the Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Connection in the present day sparks excitement and promises a unique blend of entertainment. The momentum continued with The War to Settle the Score, where Cyndi Lauper played a significant role again. She interfered in the main event match between Hulk Hogan and Roddy Piper, igniting a feud. The event also featured a Women’s Championship match between Wendi Richter, with Lauper in her corner, and Leilani Kai, accompanied by Moolah. Kai emerged victorious, taking the title from Richter. The subsequent WrestleMania marked a turning point for the Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Connection. While the event featured memorable moments, such as the feud between Piper and Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka, the ’80s wrestling boom began to wane. The departure of key figures like Andre the Giant and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan signaled the end of an era that had captivated audiences throughout the decade. Although the Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Connection faded away in the ’80s, its impact persisted through the memories of fans and the occasional appearances of its breakout stars. However, recent years have seen a significant decline in the presence of ’80s wrestling icons. The passing of legendary figures like Andre the Giant, Macho Man Randy Savage, and Roddy Piper, along with the controversies surrounding Hulk Hogan, have shattered hopes of reunions or revivals.
