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 VII, held on March 24, 1991, at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, featured one of the most emotionally driven matches in WrestleMania history. The Ultimate Warrior faced off against Randy Savage in a high-stakes “Career Ending Match,” meaning the loser would be forced to retire from in-ring competition.
The match was the culmination of Savage’s transformation into the arrogant “Macho King,” aligned with Sensational Sherri, after his heel turn post-WrestleMania V. Savage had long harbored resentment for Warrior’s rise in WWF, believing he had been overlooked and disrespected. After Warrior lost the WWF Championship to Sgt. Slaughter at the Royal Rumble earlier that year, Savage took credit for the loss, having interfered in the title match and cost Warrior the championship. This act of sabotage fueled the tension between the two.
The stakes were further heightened by the involvement of Miss Elizabeth, Savage’s former manager and real-life partner, who had been absent from his side during his heel run. The emotional undertones were clear: while the match was about glory and revenge, it also hinted at the redemption arc that would soon unfold.
Match Review: The Warrior vs. Savage match was a masterclass in storytelling and psychology. Both men entered the match with a heightened sense of urgency, understanding what was at stake. The bout began with methodical pacing, allowing the drama to build.
Savage played the cunning veteran, using underhanded tactics and distractions from Sherri to stay in control. Warrior, typically known for his fast-paced bursts, showed uncharacteristic restraint and focus, emphasizing the magnitude of the match.
The crowd watched in disbelief as Savage delivered five consecutive top-rope elbow drops to Warrior, only for Warrior to kick out, sending the fans into a frenzy. Warrior, looking to the heavens in search of divine strength, mounted his comeback and hit his running shoulder blocks and big splash to score the victory.
Aftermath: The aftermath of this match delivered one of the most heartwarming and memorable moments in WWF history:
- Randy Savage, having lost the match and his in-ring career, was attacked by Sensational Sherri for failing her. Miss Elizabeth, who had been watching from the crowd, stormed the ring and saved Savage, reuniting the iconic pair. The two embraced as fans in the arena — and at home — shed tears. This emotional moment turned Savage babyface once again, leading to his on-screen proposal to Elizabeth later that summer and their storyline wedding at SummerSlam.
- The Ultimate Warrior‘s win reinforced his spot as a top-tier talent, even though his momentum had slightly cooled following the end of his title reign. Despite a brief resurgence, Warrior would exit WWF by the end of 1991 amid backstage controversies.
This match is remembered not only for its in-ring drama and storytelling but for the emotional closure it offered fans who had followed the Savage-Elizabeth saga for years. WrestleMania VII’s Warrior vs. Savage showdown is often cited as one of the best matches of the era, both technically and emotionally.
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