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.
WrestleMania III – Ricky Steamboat vs. Randy Savage w/ Miss Elizabeth for the Intercontinental Championship
Back Story: It started on a match on WWF Superstars in November 1986. “Macho Man” Randy Savage attacked Ricky Steamboat after their Intercontinental Championship match by jumping from the top rope and hurting Steamboat’s throat with the ring bell. “The Dragon” recovered from his wounds and challenged Savage for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania III.
However, that’s not the only part of the equation. Both Savage and Steamboat were brought up into pro wrestling during the early to mid-1970s and were staples in the mid-card scene. It also presented a sharp contrast in styles. “The Dragon” was a hard-working, no-nonsense wrestler while Savage was an arrogant, crazed superstar. One played by the rules while the other resorted to whatever tactics he could find, whether it was the ring bell or hiding behind Miss Elizabeth.
Match Review: If you know anything about Ricky Steamboat, he was a determined wrestler without a mean streak. He always played by the rules and used his pure skill and technique to win matches. However, this was a different occasion, especially with Savage putting him out of commission.
Steamboat would lay into the Intercontinental Champion with harder punches, stronger holds, and angrier arm drags. He was more aggressive throughout the match, which played more into Savage’s heel tactics. The champion would hide alongside Miss Elizabeth and scurry away, escaping the challenger.
Of course, that would help “The Dragon” win the Intercontinental Championship” with the help of George “The Animal” Steele. Steele helped Steamboat out after he got tossed out of the ring, carrying him back to the ring. A frustrated “Macho Man” also had the ring bell snatched by Steele, who pushed him off the top rope. A small package sealed the deal as Steamboat won the title.
Overall, it was a strong match that set the standard for the mid-card. Excellent maneuvers and wrestling from both Steamboat and Savage made this incredible to watch. It was also a great redemption story for “The Dragon,” who had “The Animal” prevent another bell-ringing from happening.
Aftermath: The match was a springboard for the mid-card, propelling the Intercontinental Championship to new heights. It inspired a legion of professional wrestlers to get into the business and grow. It even received the honor of being “The Match of the Year” by Pro Wrestling Illustrated in 1987.
It also bolstered the careers of the parties involved.
- Ricky Steamboat would build an illustrious pro wrestling career. However, WWF management took issue with Steamboat taking time off to be with his wife, leading to him losing the title to the Honky Tonk Man on June 15, 1987. He also had a couple of stints in World Championship Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling. He was eventually elected to the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.
- Randy Savage would eventually become one of the most iconic pro wrestlers ever. After his historic match at Wrestlemania III, the “Macho Man” would become a two-time WWF champion and be inducted into the 2015 Hall of Fame class. He was also the WCW World Heavyweight champion four separate times. Savage passed away on May 20, 2011, from a sudden heart attack.
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