Today in Pro Wrestling History: April 7th

I had to get a little creative here since we know I don’t like only WrestleMania events. Time to find out what I found:

• WrestleMania II: Boxing Match: Rowdy Roddy Piper vs Mr. T (1986)

On a show which I wanted to lambaste for being awful historically awful, there was one shining light from an entertainment perspective. Piper’s short temper added some realism in a time when the lines were still blurrable. While Piper lost via DQ since it was a boxing match, the moment was memorable and used for years in the Mania highlight reel.

• WCW Monday Nitro: World Television Championship: Prince Iaukea (c) vs Ultimo Dragon (1997)

This was a follow-up after Spring Stampede. Steven Regal lost to Iaukea, so he attacked him before the match. Ultimo took advantage of taped ribs for a fairly quick and easy win. Notable because it was Ultimo’s first Television title reign, but the match was more of a conduit for the overarching storyline.

• WrestleMania XXIX: Fandango vs Chris Jericho (2013)

Fandango’s official debut match because he kept getting fussy over people saying his name wrong. I remember this being a fairly big shock at the time since Jericho was still a big deal to the fans and Fandango was generally dismissed as a corny dancing gimmick. When Jericho lost, it was one hell of a debut victory for the Fandango character and also a moment that made many fans shocked and confused. The early days of “smart fans”, so its almost nostalgic when things still surprise people who think they know it all.

• NJPW Invasion Attack: IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs Kazuchika Okada (2013)

The shift in New Japan happened at this match. Coming off Wrestle Kingdom 7 where Tanahashi retained after picking apart Okada; Okada won the New Japan Cup for the rematch. While Tanahashi tried to focus the arms, Okada overcame the technical assault with a few more high impact moves, eventually being able to land the Rainmaker after exhaustion spots. This match was Okada officially surpassing Tanahashi. All of the technical stuff that worked at Wrestle Kingdom, fell a little short at Invasion Attack. Rainmaker on top!

• ROH Supercard XII: Cody Rhodes w/Brandi vs Kenny Omega (2018)

One of the early moments in “The Bullet Club is Fine” era. Cody is trying to solidify himself as the leader. Kenny’s loyalty to Ibushi comes into play and they start the Civil War. Even though Cody and Kenny both have moments of anger with the Young Bucks, people weren’t sure who the Bucks would side with, the Bucks make their decision to help Kenny. But Cody evades the Superkick Party and they lay out Kenny. A Cross Rhodes later, and Cody beats Kenny leaving Ibushi and the Bucks to navigate this turbulent Bullet Club time.

• NXT TakeOver: New Orleans (2018)

Adam Cole pulling double duty to become the inaugural North American champion and help Undisputed Era retain the tag titles is a big deal within itself. But then we also had the Unsanctioned match with Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa. Still in the peak era of NXT, its hard to really complain about this card in general. Since there were multiple moments, I’ll just say relive the show, you won’t be disappointed.

• WrestleMania 35: WWE Championship: Daniel Bryan (c) vs Kofi Kingston (2019)

Daniel Bryan giving Kofi his own Daniel Bryan moment was poetic. Sure, it could be argued by some that the women’s winner take all match was more historic, but since the finish was mired in controversy and went nowhere, it’s hard to have that top the birth of KofiMania! The New Day celebrating, the crowd was electric for Kofi…it was a moment. And that, as we know, is what WrestleMania exists for.

• WrestleMania XL: Bloodline Rules Match for Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs Cody Rhodes (2024)

The obvious continuation for Day 1 (and yesterday’s article), Cody got to finish the story. Many wanted to see it happen the previous year, but with the extra delay, the attempted sabotage from Rock and the fact the match turned into an overbooked spectacle…somehow didn’t takeaway and honestly added. The Bloodline has been on top too long, The Rock’s ego had to be checked, so enemies became allies, legends checked legends and Cody got the moment he wanted. He finally gets to hold the championship that eluded Dusty.

Cody ending the story, being what ends the article works nicely. Even trying to get creative, there were some fun moments all in all for today. And as we get deeper into the month, I can only imagine what kind of randomness with appear.

Which significant events did I miss? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments. And if you don’t do anything else today, remember, Always Use Your Head!