WWE has a special relationship with the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden. There have been many epic and memorable moments over the years. Let us take a look at a few moments that have stood the test of time.
March 31, 1985: The First WrestleMania. Only 8 more days until WWE live TV returns to The Garden! #WWEMSG (📸: @WWE) https://t.co/HaOonbsZbq pic.twitter.com/otd7XaEHf8
— MSG (@TheGarden) September 1, 2019
5. Triple H returns after an injury
Triple H tore his quadriceps in 2001 and went off television for almost a year after having an impressive 2000. He was the top heel in WWE at that point in time and fans were anxious to see when he might return.
The January 7, 2022 edition of RAW was being held at Madison Square Garden. Triple H made his triumphant return as the crowd blew the roof of the arena. They were so happy to see him and showed how big a star Triple H had become.
4. Jimmy Snuka’s ‘Superfly Splash’
WWE Legend Jimmy Snuka competed against Don Muraco in a Steel Cage match at Madison Square Garden in 1983. The match resulted with Muraco grabbing the win. But Jimmy Snuka had unfinished business with the victor.
Snuka brought back Muraco into the ring and hit him with a few moves before he attempted one of the most memorable spots in WWE history. He climbed the 15-foot high cage and went for a ‘Superfly Splash.’ Many superstars like Mick Foley and Tommy Dreamer confessed that they became wrestlers because of this iconic moment.
3. Kane’s unmasking
Kane was one of the most mysterious wrestlers in WWE. The promotion would build Kane having burnt his face as a child and wearing a mask to cover his facial wounds. Kane wore his mask since his debut in 1997. But, he finally unmasked himself on an episode of RAW in 2003 at the Garden.
Kane competed against Triple H for the World Heavyweight Champion with the stipulation that if Kane loses, he will have to unmask himself. He did lose the match and was forced to unmask himself. It was a big moment for the fans when they saw him without the mask.
2. Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon
The Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon Ladder match was one of the best gimmick matches ever. Both superstars fought for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania X. It was the second ladder match in WWE history.
OTD: 2️⃣8️⃣ years ago Wrestlemania 10 from @TheGarden
Razor Ramon vs. Shawn Michaels for the Undisputed Intercontinental Championship in a Ladder Match pic.twitter.com/OUTylUBiQw
— Wrestling Inside The Ropes (@WrestleCast985) March 20, 2022
The match was an instant classic, remembered for an incredible HBK splash into Razor Ramon which took place midway through the match. There were several numerous spots involving the ladder, which helped shape the future of the Ladder match.
1. Austin stuns McMahon for the first time
In 1997, Vince McMahon was one of the biggest heels in the company. Stone Cold Steve Austin acted as the anti-hero who defied the authority. The feud started after McMahon prohibited Austin from wrestling due to a certain injury sustained by the Texas Rattlesnake.
#RAW emanated from @TheGarden for the very first time 20 YEARS AGO today, and @steveaustinBSR introduced @VinceMcMahon…to the STUNNER! pic.twitter.com/TdtfyKLsss
— WWE (@WWE) September 22, 2017
During a ring interview at Madison Square Garden on an episode of RAW, McMahon decided to ban Austin from wrestling altogether. Austin would tell McMahon to “Kiss his ***” and deliver a stunner. McMahon sold it tremendously as the crowd was shocked and erupted in excitement.