The wrestling staff of Back Sports Page have carefully selected what they believe to be the top 41 matches in WrestleMania history. Presented in chronological order, this series will detail the backstory, match review, and aftermath of each match, along with how the outcomes shaped the careers of those involved.
Backstory: The main event of WrestleMania V, held on April 2, 1989, at the Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, New Jersey, featured one of the most emotionally charged matches in WWF history. Hulk Hogan challenged WWF Champion “Macho Man” Randy Savage in a match built on betrayal, jealousy, and personal conflict.
The feud began a year earlier when Hogan and Savage formed the “Mega Powers,” a dominant alliance that captivated fans throughout 1988. Managed by Miss Elizabeth, the pair seemed unstoppable, combining Savage’s technical ability with Hogan’s power and charisma. However, tension brewed as Savage’s jealousy over Elizabeth intensified. Hogan’s tendency to celebrate alongside Elizabeth, coupled with moments where Hogan appeared to show concern for her well-being, created friction.
The breaking point came during a tag team match on The Main Event in early 1989. Elizabeth was inadvertently knocked down, and Hogan carried her backstage for medical attention, leaving Savage to fight alone. When Hogan returned, an irate Savage accused Hogan of abandoning him and putting Elizabeth ahead of their team. This confrontation turned violent backstage, where Savage brutally attacked Hogan, ending the Mega Powers and turning Savage into one of WWF’s most hated heels. This betrayal set the stage for their WrestleMania showdown.
Match Review: The WrestleMania V main event was an emotionally charged, dramatic contest that played heavily on the tension built over the previous year. Savage, in true “Macho Man” fashion, strategically controlled the match by repeatedly targeting Hogan’s injured ribs. Savage’s calculated offense — including a series of precision elbow drops and aerial attacks — kept Hogan on the defensive. Hogan’s ability to sell the rib injury built sympathy with the crowd, making his comeback even more impactful.
Miss Elizabeth, neutral during the match, added another emotional layer by standing at ringside, torn between her former partners. At one point, Elizabeth attempted to prevent Savage from using underhanded tactics, adding further drama. The turning point came when Savage aggressively shoved Elizabeth to the ground, solidifying his heel persona. The crowd erupted as Hogan made his signature comeback, landing his trademark big boot and leg drop to win the WWF Championship.
Aftermath: This match had significant implications for all competitors:
- Hulk Hogan‘s victory reaffirmed his status as WWF’s top star and returned him to the role of WWF Champion. His win marked the end of his partnership with Savage and kicked off another dominant title reign. Hogan’s feud with Savage would continue through the summer and beyond, as their rivalry remained one of the WWF’s hottest storylines throughout 1989.
- Randy Savage‘s loss drastically altered his career path. Following the match, Savage aligned himself with Sensational Sherri, reinventing himself as the “Macho King.” This new persona propelled him back into the main event scene, ultimately winning the King of the Ring tournament and solidifying himself as one of WWF’s top heels. Savage’s long-term storyline arc would continue to feature dramatic twists, including a memorable reunion with Miss Elizabeth at WrestleMania VII.
- Miss Elizabeth played a pivotal role in the fallout. While initially siding with Hogan, Elizabeth’s involvement kept fans emotionally invested in the ongoing Hogan-Savage conflict. Her eventual reconciliation with Savage provided one of the most iconic moments in WWF history.
The Hogan vs. Savage rivalry became one of the most memorable feuds in wrestling history, remembered for its long-term storytelling, emotional depth, and memorable in-ring performance. WrestleMania V’s main event remains one of the greatest matches in WrestleMania history and is a testament to the power of compelling storytelling in professional wrestling.
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