Sunday Sermon: Recasting WrestleMania III

Jamie Lithgow, John Carbery and Brian Damage

With Wrestlemania XXXIII fast approaching today we pause for breath to reflect on the fact that it has been 30 years since Wrestlemania III; regarded as the pinnacle of the 1980s boom period in wrestling. Mixing new school with old school, in today’s Sunday Sermon we try to recast the performers on this seminal show with modern-day WWE Superstars. Can anyone on the current roster do justice to the roles of Hogan, Andre, Savage and Steamboat? Or, has the product evolved so much that such comparisons are no longer even possible?

Top Five Hulkamania era WrestleMania matches

John Carberry, Jamie Lithgow and Craig Wilson

The countdown to WrestleMania is firmly on. With that in mind, we felt we were long overdue a WrestleMania Top Five. Today we take a look at the best matches which took place on the Hulkamania era events, covering WrestleManias 1 through to 9. 

From Hero to Zero: The Take Down of A WWF Champion

Brian Damage

Vince McMahon is renowned for the ruthlessness he displayed during the expansion of the WWF during the 80s. Much of that was directed at other territories as he hoovered up all the brightest and best talents. However, it wasn’t solely reserved for opponents as Bob Backlund, a man that was champion under his late father, would find out.

30 Years Ago Today: Hulk Hogan wins the WWF title

Brian Damage, Jamie Lithgow & Craig Wilson

Hulk Hogan wearing the original Big Green WWF
Championship belt shortly after winning it in 1984 (Image courtesy of http://www.wildcatbelts.com/)

On this day in 1984 one of the most significant moments in WWE history took place when Hulk Hogan pinned The Iron Sheik to become the new champion. It was a moment that gave birth to Hulkamania and saw the then WWF go from a North-East territory to a global phenomenon.

This month we’ve counted down to that momentous occasion and with it being the 30th anniversary of that match Craig, Brian and Jamie share their take on the match and its significance.

Suburban Commando – Movie Review

Jamie Lithgow

(Image courtesy of tvropes.org)

This month we’re celebrating 30 years since Hulk Hogan won his first WWE Championship, and thus introduced the world to Hulk-a-mania. So, I thought I’d join in the festivities by celebrating The Hulkster’s acting career. Previously I’ve endured No Holds Barred, Hogan’s debut as a leading man. This WWE produced film is just as bad, if not worse, than people say. So, it was with some trepidation that I recently sat down to watch his 1991 effort; Suburban Commando.

Hulk-A-Mania: 30 Year Overview Of Highs, Lows and Mr. T

Brian Damage

(Image courtesy of officialfan.proboards.com)

Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the start of Ring the Damn Bell’s “30 Years of Hulk-A-Mania!” This countdown will feature a series of blogs, top 5’s, Sermons…etc…all about a man many call the Babe Ruth of professional wrestling. You may ask why Hulk-A-mania? Simple, we are celebrating the 30 year anniversary of the birth of Hulk-A-Mania which took place on January 23rd. 30 years is a lot of time to cover that a simple piece can’t do justice for. Some of us are fans…some of us despise him…but clearly…Hulk Hogan left an indelible mark on pro wrestling.

No Holds Barred – Movie Review

Jamie Lithgow

The other night I suddenly felt an urge to watch ‘No Holds Barred’, WWE’s first attempt to make it in the movie business. I, like most people reading this, was fully aware that it is not exactly considered a masterpiece; I just had to satisfy my curiosity and see it for myself.

I’ve known about the film pretty much since it was released, I’ve just never been able to, or gotten round to watching it. My knowledge of the film comes from having seen Summerslam 1989 literally dozens of times, and hearing other people rip the pish out of it. I mention Summerslam ’89 because, in an attempt to promote the film, Hulk Hogan was booked in a tag match opposing his nemesis from the film Zeus (Tom ‘Tiny’ Lister) in the main event.