California Dreamin' of Slams and Steel Chairs: How Many WrestleManias Have Golden Slammed Their Way to the Golden State?
Ah, California. Sunshine, beaches, Hollywood dreams...and apparently, a whole lot of bodyslams. That's right, the Golden State has played host to its fair share of WrestleManias, the granddaddy of all professional wrestling events. But just how many WrestleManias have graced the West Coast with their spandex-clad glory? Let's dive deeper than a Stone Cold Stunner, folks!
From Hulkamania to Hollywood: A Golden History of California WrestleManias
We gotta start at the beginning, brother (or sister)! The first California WrestleMania wasn't quite the single-location extravaganza we know today. Back in WrestleMania II (1986), the event was a three-ringed circus, spreading the wrestling goodness across the country. One of those rings landed smack dab in the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, featuring Hulk Hogan body-slamming King Kong Bundy in a steel cage match. Talk about a West Coast throwdown!
WrestleMania VII (1991) also took place in the LA Memorial Sports Arena, bringing the likes of The Undertaker and Sgt. Slaughter to sunny California. This one wasn't quite the main event, but hey, every WrestleMania needs a good undercard, right?
Fast forward a few years, and California stepped up its WrestleMania game. WrestleMania XII (1996) rolled into Anaheim, with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin kicking off his legendary rivalry with Bret "The Hitman" Hart. WrestleMania 31 (2015) at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara was a full-fledged California dream, with the main event featuring a Triple Threat championship match that would leave you saying "BAH GAWD!" (wrestling speak for extreme surprise).
And just this year, WrestleMania 39 (2023) rocked SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Roman Reigns defended his titles against the returning Cody Rhodes, proving that California still packs a punch when it comes to WrestleMania.
So, How Many WrestleManias Has California Had?
Let's add it all up! With WrestleMania II's one California ring and the two full-fledged WrestleManias, the Golden State has been home to a total of 3 WrestleManias. That's not a bad showing, considering the East Coast has a head start with the first few WrestleManias.
But hey, California's got sunshine, beaches, and now we know, a pretty good track record of hosting epic wrestling events. Who knows? Maybe WrestleMania will become a permanent resident on the West Coast someday. Until then, we'll just have to keep those "California Dreamin'" vibes alive, with a little bit of bodyslam on the side.
