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: WrestleMania VI, held on April 1, 1990, at the SkyDome in Toronto, Canada, was dubbed “The Ultimate Challenge.” The main event pitted WWF Champion Hulk Hogan against Intercontinental Champion The Ultimate Warrior in a rare Champion vs. Champion match, where both titles were on the line. Warrior’s rising popularity matched Hogan’s, creating a rare dynamic where two fan favorites faced off. The crowd was split between the established hero Hogan and the rising star Warrior, adding significant emotional investment to the match.
The seeds for this match were planted at the Royal Rumble in January 1990, where Hogan and Warrior had a memorable face-off. After both men had cleared the ring of other competitors, they turned their attention to each other in an iconic staredown that had the crowd on their feet. The intense moment established that the two most powerful forces in WWF were on a collision course.
In the following weeks, tension escalated as Warrior’s popularity continued to grow, creating buzz that he might be the one to finally surpass Hogan’s dominance. WWF framed the match as a symbolic “passing of the torch,” where one megastar would inevitably replace the other as the company’s leading figure.
Match Review: The match was a captivating battle of strength, resilience, and endurance. From the opening bell, both men engaged in a power struggle, repeatedly testing each other’s might. Warrior dominated early with powerful shoulder blocks and impactful strikes, overwhelming Hogan and gaining an advantage.
Hogan battled back, showcasing his trademark resilience. The match escalated with dramatic momentum shifts, with both men trading near falls that kept the audience in suspense. The emotional turning point came when Hogan attempted his signature leg drop — only for Warrior to dodge the move. Warrior capitalized immediately, delivering a powerful running splash to secure the victory and claim the WWF Championship.
In a memorable post-match moment, Hogan presented Warrior with the WWF Championship in a symbolic passing of the torch. The visual of Hogan handing Warrior the title marked a rare show of respect between two titans of the industry.
Aftermath: The victory at WrestleMania VI was intended to establish The Ultimate Warrior as WWF’s new top babyface.
- The Ultimate Warrior‘s win elevated him to superstardom. Warrior’s reign as WWF Champion saw him defeat many top contenders, though his run didn’t match the longevity or mainstream success of Hogan’s peak.
- Hulk Hogan‘s clean pinfall loss — his first in years — signaled a temporary transition. However, Hogan remained a major force in WWF and would return to the main event scene within months.
Despite Warrior’s championship victory, Hogan’s star power proved difficult to surpass. Warrior’s title reign ended at Royal Rumble 1991, and Hogan soon reclaimed his position as WWF’s biggest draw.
WrestleMania VI’s main event remains an iconic moment in WWF history, remembered for its emotional stakes, powerful storytelling, and the dramatic shift in the company’s landscape.
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