WrestleMania X, held on March 20, 1994, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, marked the tenth anniversary of the WrestleMania franchise, a milestone event in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE). This event is remembered for its iconic matches, groundbreaking moments, and significant behind-the-scenes implications that would shape the future of professional wrestling.

Brother vs. Brother: Owen Hart vs. Bret Hart

The event kicked off with a deeply personal feud between brothers Owen Hart and Bret “The Hitman” Hart. This match was the culmination of a long-simmering storyline that began when Owen turned on his brother, seeking to step out of Bret’s shadow and establish himself as an equal or superior talent. Their match at WrestleMania X is often cited as one of the greatest opening matches in the event’s history, showcasing technical wrestling at its finest. Owen’s victory was a significant moment, propelling him into the upper echelon of WWF performers and setting the stage for future Hart family storylines.

Mid-Card Highlights

• Bam Bam Bigelow and Luna Vachon vs. Doink the Clown and Dink the Clown: This mixed tag team match added a comedic yet competitive element to WrestleMania X, showcasing the diverse entertainment styles WWF offered. Bigelow and Vachon’s victory further established them as dominant heels in the company.
• Randy Savage vs. Crush (with Mr. Fuji) – Falls Count Anywhere Match: This feud was rooted in betrayal, as Crush turned on Savage after blaming him for a hospitalizing attack by Yokozuna. The match’s stipulation allowed for a brawl that spanned the arena, highlighting Savage’s resilience and tactical genius, ultimately securing his victory.
• Alundra Blayze vs. Leilani Kai – WWF Women’s Championship: Alundra Blayze’s defense of her title against the veteran Leilani Kai represented the WWF’s attempt to revitalize its women’s division. Blayze’s victory was a step toward modernizing women’s wrestling, showcasing athleticism and skill over mere spectacle.
• Men on a Mission vs. The Quebecers – WWF Tag Team Championship: Although the match ended in a countout victory for Men on a Mission, it was significant for its energetic performance and the involvement of memorable characters from the era’s tag team division.
• Earthquake vs. Adam Bomb: This quick match served to showcase Earthquake’s dominance, offering a moment of triumph for the fan-favorite giant against the villainous Adam Bomb and his manager, Harvey Wippleman.

Yokozuna vs. Lex Luger – WWF Championship

The match had high stakes, with special guest referee Mr. Perfect enforcing the rules. The disqualification finish, caused by Luger’s confrontation with Perfect, added layers to Luger’s ongoing storyline of just falling short of the championship, while also sowing seeds of controversy and dissent.

Razor Ramon vs. Shawn Michaels – Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWF Intercontinental Championship

This match is heralded as a watershed moment for both athletes and the industry. The innovative use of the ladder as both a weapon and a tool to victory set new standards for what could be achieved in a wrestling ring. Razor Ramon’s victory solidified his legacy, while the match itself is often credited with launching Michaels into superstardom.

Main Event: Bret Hart vs. Yokozuna – WWF Championship

The event concluded with Bret Hart challenging Yokozuna for the WWF Championship, a rematch from the previous year’s WrestleMania IX. With Roddy Piper as the special guest referee, the match was a story of redemption for Hart, who had suffered a defeat at the hands of Yokozuna a year prior. Hart’s victory not only secured him the WWF Championship but also established him as the face of the company. The conclusion of WrestleMania X saw many wrestlers congratulating Hart, symbolizing his respected status within the locker room and among fans.

Behind the Scenes and Legacy

WrestleMania X is often looked back on as a pivotal moment in wrestling history. The event showcased the WWF’s ability to blend storytelling with athletic competition, setting the stage for the future of sports entertainment. The Hart brothers’ match was a masterclass in storytelling, rooted in real family dynamics, which added depth to their in-ring performance.

The ladder match between Razor Ramon and Shawn Michaels not only stole the show but also revolutionized the industry, introducing audiences to a new level of creativity and risk-taking in matches.

The event’s success laid the groundwork for the Attitude Era, pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible in wrestling. WrestleMania X’s legacy is its contribution to the evolution of wrestling into a form of entertainment that could engage fans emotionally and visually, setting a high bar for WrestleManias that followed.