Top 10 Most-Attended WWE Events In The 1980s
New York, 15 November - The 1980s were a golden age for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now known as WWE. The company experienced a surge in popularity during this decade, and its shows became some of the most popular sporting events in the world.## WrestleMania, the company's annual flagship event, became a cultural phenomenon, and its stars, such as Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, and The Ultimate Warrior, became household names. The 1980s also saw the rise of other popular WWF shows, such as Saturday Night's Main Event and Slammerversary.## These shows were known for their over-the-top storylines, larger-than-life characters, and exciting matches. The 1980s were a time of great success for the WWF, and the company's shows during this decade helped to shape the world of professional wrestling. ## With an attendance of 78,000, WrestleMania III, held on March 29, 1987, stands as the most widely attended event of the 1980s. ## #1. WWF WrestleMania III - (78,000): WrestleMania III, held on March 29, 1987, at the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan, marked a pivotal moment in wrestling history with a record-breaking attendance of 78,000 fans. The headline bout featured the WWF World Heavyweight Championship clash between Hulk Hogan and André the Giant. Hogan emerged victorious, defending his title in a match that captivated the massive audience. ## #2. WWF The Big Event - (64,000): On August 28, 1986, The Big Event went down at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto, drawing 64,000 fans. The main deal was Hulk Hogan defending his WWF World Heavyweight Championship against Paul Orndorff. The crowd was buzzing as these two went at it, but in the end, Hulk Hogan kept his title, making it a memorable showdown in wrestling history. ## #3. WWF at the Ohio State Fair - (50,000): Back on August 13, 1985, at the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus, Ohio, 50,000 people gathered for a WWF match. Hulk Hogan was putting his World Heavyweight Championship on the line against Big John Studd. The crowd was hyped, and after a gritty battle, Hogan came out on top, keeping his title and making it a memorable night for wrestling fans at the Ohio State Fair. ## #4. WWF Showdown at Shea - (36,295): On August 9, 1980, Shea Stadium in New York City hosted WWF's "Showdown at Shea." The main event was a Steel Cage match between Bruno Sammartino and Larry Zbyszko, pulling in 36,295 fans. It was a big deal, with the steel cage adding extra drama to the showdown. In the end, Sammartino and Zbyszko gave the crowd a memorable wrestling spectacle at Shea Stadium. ## #5. WWF at the Michigan State Fair - (30,000): Back on August 28, 1985, at the Michigan State Fairgrounds in Detroit, 30,000 fans saw a big WWF match. Hulk Hogan, holding the World Heavyweight Championship, took on Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, who had the World Tag Team Championship. It was a Champion vs. Champion showdown, with both titles up for grabs. ## #6. WWF on MSG Network - (27,000): Back on July 30, 1983, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, 27,000 fans tuned in to watch a WWF event on the MSG Network. The main event was Bob Backlund defending his World Heavyweight Championship against George "The Animal" Steele. It was a big showdown, and in the end, Backlund kept his title in a memorable wrestling match at Madison Square Garden. ## #7. WWF on MSG Network - (26,292): On January 23, 1984, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the WWF aired a match on the MSG Network. It was a six-man tag team face-off featuring André the Giant and The Soul Patrol (Rocky Johnson and Tony Atlas) against The Wild Samoans (Afa, Sika, and Samula). With 26,292 fans in the crowd, the match brought intense action, highlighting the strength and skill of these wrestling giants. ## #8. WWF on MSG Network - (26,109): On March 20, 1983, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the WWF aired a match on the MSG Network. It was a big deal—a "Champion vs. Champion" Texas Death match. Bob Backlund, the Heavyweight Champion, faced off against Don Muraco, the Intercontinental Champion. With 26,109 fans in the crowd, the match was intense, with a special rule: the winner had to make sure the other guy couldn't get up for a ten-count. In the end, Bob Backlund came out on top, becoming a double champ in a memorable bout at Madison Square Garden. ## #9. WWF on MSG Network - (26,102): On March 24, 1980, the MSG Network aired a WWF match at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Bob Backlund defended his WWF Heavyweight Championship against Sika. With 26,102 fans watching, it was a tough fight, but Backlund held onto his title in the end, making it a memorable night for wrestling fans at Madison Square Garden. ## #10. All American Wrestling/Championship Wrestling/All American Wrestling/Prime Time Wrestling/The War To Settle The Score - (26,092): In the '80s, Madison Square Garden in New York City hosted some epic WWF showdowns. First up, on February 20, 1984, Hulk Hogan defended his title against Paul Orndorff in front of 26,092 fans. Then, on March 25, 1984, Bob Backlund took on Greg Valentine. Fast forward to June 16, 1984, where Sgt. Slaughter and The Iron Sheik faced off in a Bootcamp match. December 28, 1984, saw Hulk Hogan defending his championship again, this time against The Iron Sheik. The climax came on February 18, 1985, with "The War To Settle The Score," featuring Hulk Hogan defending against Roddy Piper. These matches at Madison Square Garden marked unforgettable moments in WWF history, bringing intense wrestling action to the Big Apple. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk...
