One of my favourite things about Wrestlemania is the special entrances you get from certain superstars throughout the show. Whether this is a live performance of a stars theme song by the band, or it’s just some special ring attire (specifically Rey Mysterio’s movie from the year ring gear, The Joker, Daredevil and Avatar) there is always something interesting happening.
So let’s countdown my ‘Top Five’ Wrestlemania Entrances.
FIVE: ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage (IX)
Randy Savage was known for his lavish entrances and crazy coloured ring gear, but ‘The Macho King’ took it one step further at Wrestlemania IX when he lay on a bed pulled by horses and fed grapes by two beautiful women… no really.
Granted Wrestlemania IX was decked out to look like a coliseum, and what else is a King to do than become an emperor for a day, but maybe the most interesting thing about this entrance is Savage didn’t even have a match.
This was Savage’s first Wrestlemania in the commentary booth, although it’s no secret that he would have preferred to be in the ring, this didn’t stop him from being the Macho Man we would all expect him to be.
FOUR: Shawn Michaels (XIII)
I remember watching this entrance and being memorised, I was only a kid at the time and a huge Michaels fan. This zip line spot as lived on for 20+ years and with good reason. For something that seems so simple, but looks so great, and the era it was done all the camera flashes just add to the epic-ness of the entrance.
One of the things that made this entrance so good was years later when the ‘True Story of Wrestlemania’ was released on DVD (If you haven’t watched it it’s a gem on the WWE Network) they showed the first person to do the zip-line spot was none other than Vince McMahon himself.
Not only was this a great entrance to the ring but it was the beginning of possibly one of the best Wrestlemania matches, the Iron Man between Shawn and Bret.
THREE: The Undertaker (XX)
It’s hard to pick just one Undertaker Wrestlemania entrance and firstly there has been so many of them, and let’s be honest, it doesn’t matter if it’s Wrestlemania, Smackdown or a random house show, soon as that gong hits you get goosebumps.
The reason 2004 stands out is simply that it was the return of The Deadman. I was never a huge fan of ‘The American Badass’ gimmick, although saying that I have recently been watching 2002-2004 WWE and I have warmed to the character. That being said The Undertaker as the Deadman is so much cooler and invokes so much more emotion than the biker ever could.
I think the return of this gimmick was great enough, but to get the return of Paul Barer too just pushed it to the next level of nostalgia. Interestingly Barer was almost not there as he had gained a lot of weight (weighing almost 500lb, and not being completely mobile) WWE wanted the return of The Undertaker to be authentic, so they paid for Barer’s gastric band, this helped him drop more than 100lb in preparation for his Wrestlemania return. All in all, this is a great return of a fan favourite gimmick.
TWO: John Cena (25)
Just like The Undertaker, Cena has had a far few Wrestlemania entrances, but there is one that stands out above all the others. It’s someone’s nightmare (and probably someone’s dream) when we see 100’s of John Cena’s filling the stage.
This was (apparently) a nod to the ‘Real Slim Shady’ music video, and although it was so simple, it worked out to great effect. I have watched this recently, and I wonder how many of the ‘Fake John’ were a developmental talent that went on to being big names?
Honourable Mention: (XXIV) This may not be everyone’s favourite Cena entrance, but I have a huge love for a drumline (so much so, I want one for my upcoming wedding), I have always thought this entrance was so cool, and different.
If you were a fan, check out ‘New Orleans Brass Band’ who travelled around New Orleans over Wrestlemania 30 weekend playing wrestlers music.
ONE: Triple H (31)
Triple H has had so many different and interesting entrances for Wrestlemania is hard to pick just one. It doesn’t matter if is an elaborate stage show, or a thrown, or a live band (Motorhead played live twice) or even a biker gang, Triple H always kills it.
A particular favourite was at Wrestlemania 32; when Stephanie McMahon cut possibly one of the best promos of her career introducing Triple H in a fitting ‘Game of Thrones’ style. That being said my favourite Triple H entrance has to be his ‘Terminator’ entrance, and I know this isn’t everyone’s number one, but hey, this is my list!
It was Wrestlemania 31, and Triple H was set to face Sting. The night before Trips had inducted Arnold Schwarzenegger into the Hall of Fame, which is where the idea to do this came from.
The opening vignette with Arnie introducing, then Triple H kitted out in Terminator/machine gear, but still incorporating the classic skull-face head gear Triple H I know for was beyond cool for a huge Arnie and Terminator fan.
There are Tybo Talks favourite Wrestlemania entrances. What is your favourite entrance? Let us know yours in the comments below or tweet us @SLTDWrestling
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