We are on the Road to Wrestlemania, and with the biggest week of the wrestling year incoming, Peacock (also known as PeaPenis) decided to drop this doc 33 years in the making.
The doc breaks down the lead up and the BTS of the making of Wrestlemania 9, from the decision to host in Sin City, to wrestling’s effect on the boxing industry, and most prominently the WWF universe and hierarchy heading into what would become a new era.
Before we go any further, I gotta say, give me all the 90s docs for the rest of time. From ‘Made in America’ to ‘The Last Dance,’ to ‘Defiant Ones’ to now this… there really something that was just more innocent about the 90s idk. But give me all the vibes.
Anyways, the doc taught me a lot I didn’t know about the WWE during this time and the landscape of sports entertainment. I decided to break down some of my favorites here:
- WWE paved the way and lent to some of what boxing has become?
So according to the doc WWE lent some of their production to Caesars as part of an effort to show this could work and get an event under their belt. The result (according to them) was an uptick in the production aspect and a new spectacle of combat in the desert. I always say everything in life would be better if it was more like WWE.
2. WWE used to have a stated goal that fans should be able to get in for $25
I KNOW WE ARE IN 2025 AND THE AGE OF CONSUMERISM BUT WTF HAPPENED TO THIS???? There’s a specific part of the doc where they talk about how they were focused on the fan experience, I don’t think this has fallen off by any means but WTF man. Let’s get back to trying to let everyone enjoy the sports entertainment experience regardless of where it is.
3. They Were Struggling to Sell Tickets So They Pitched it as the ‘World’s Largest Toga Party’
This one caught me completely off guard… not only was WWF working to promote and make their product available to everyone, they were struggling to sell tickets in Vegas. Well actually I guess shit dont change…
But still shocking to hear that wrestling was in that spot with Wrestlemania in Vegas. Will be interesting to see what pub comes out this week.
4. THEY HAD ODDS AT THE SPORTSBOOK (***for entertainment purposes***)
NUF SAID
5. Hulk Hogan Claims He Got a Black Eye from a Jet Ski Going 70-80 mph
I mean just when we thought we were going to get through this doc about Hulk Hogan politicking his way into Mania 9 without some nonsense… he brought it to the surface in full force. The rumor is that Macho Man slugged him, but he says it was from a water incident that week. Idk, even though the story seems farfetched it just seems like someone would’ve outed him if they knew otherwise. I actually am gonna believe the Hulkster on this one brother dude.
6. Wrestlemania 92 was Jim Ross’ Debut
A lot of the doc focuses on how WWE/WWF was in a transformational time at this point and began speeding forward. It doesn’t get more gas on flame than Jim Ross making his debut in a toga. I had no idea the lore of his debut in WWE, but having it at such a big event that led to bigger and better things makes total sense.
Honorable Mention: Nick Khan was an usher at Mania 9!!?!?!?