WrestleMania 2 was a unique spectacle in the world of professional wrestling, featuring main events at three different venues across the United States. Each location hosted its own headline match, showcasing a variety of wrestling styles and storylines. From boxing matches to tag team championships, WrestleMania 2 offered fans a diverse array of main events that highlighted the talents and rivalries of the era.
Uniondale's Boxing Match
The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
in Uniondale, New York, was the site of a boxing match between Mr. T and Roddy Piper. This match was a continuation of the feud that began at the first WrestleMania, where Mr. T teamed with Hulk Hogan against Piper and Paul Orndorff. The animosity between Mr. T and Piper was well-documented, with Piper's disdain for Mr. T's lack of wrestling experience fueling the rivalry.
The boxing match was intense, with Mr. T accompanied by boxing legend Joe Frazier, while Piper was seconded by Lou Duva. The match ended in controversy when Piper was disqualified for bodyslamming Mr. T, a move not permitted in boxing. This outcome added to the drama and tension of the event, leaving fans with a memorable, albeit contentious, conclusion.
Chicago's Tag Team Championship
In Chicago, the Rosemont Horizon hosted a WWF Tag Team Championship match between The British Bulldogs and The Dream Team. The British Bulldogs, consisting of Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid, were known for their high-energy style and technical prowess. They faced The Dream Team, made up of Greg Valentine and Brutus Beefcake, who had held the tag titles for seven months.
The match was a showcase of tag team wrestling, with both teams delivering impressive performances. The British Bulldogs emerged victorious, capturing the tag team titles and ending The Dream Team's reign. This victory was celebrated by fans and marked a significant achievement for The British Bulldogs, solidifying their status as top contenders in the tag team division.
Los Angeles' Steel Cage Match
The Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena was the venue for the main event featuring Hulk Hogan defending his WWF World Heavyweight Championship against King Kong Bundy in a Steel Cage match. This match was the culmination of a heated rivalry, with Bundy having previously injured Hogan in a scripted attack that left him with "broken ribs."
The Steel Cage match was a brutal affair, with Hogan's taped ribs serving as a focal point for Bundy's offense. Despite the odds, Hogan managed to overcome Bundy's attacks, utilizing his signature "Hulk up" moves to rally and secure victory. Hogan's triumph in the Steel Cage match was a testament to his resilience and popularity, reinforcing his position as the face of the WWF.
WrestleMania 2's main events were a testament to the diverse storytelling and athleticism that defined the era. Each match brought its own flavor and excitement, contributing to the legacy of WrestleMania as a premier event in sports entertainment.
