The WrestleManias of DALLAS: From Stone Cold Stunners to Stone Cold Steve Austin Stunners
Ah, Dallas Texas. Home of big hair, bigger steaks, and apparently, hosting WrestleManias! But which grandaddy of them all graced the D-FW metroplex with its spandex-clad glory? Well, buckle up wrestling fans (or curious onlookers), because we're about to take a piledriver through the WrestleManias of Dallas!
WrestleMania X-Seven: The One Where Austin Gave McMahon the Big One
Let's rewind the clock to 2001. Stone Cold Steve Austin, the rattlesnake himself, was embroiled in a classic throwdown with the tyrannical Mr. McMahon, the bossman with the shiniest head in the business. WrestleMania X-Seven, held at the Astrodome (RIP), was the culmination of this epic feud. Remember that iconic image of Austin giving McMahon a Stunner through a glass window? Yeah, that happened here in Dallas. This WrestleMania wasn't just about chair shots and beer baths (although there were plenty of those too), it was a clash of titans, a rebellion, and a moment forever etched in wrestling history.
WrestleMania 25: The Undertaker's Streak...Buried Alive (For Now)
Fast forward to 2009. The Undertaker, wrestling's resident mortician with a winning streak that seemed to defy the very laws of nature, faced off against the monstrous Batista. This WrestleMania, held at the gigantic Cowboys Stadium (now known as AT&T Stadium), was all about the streak. Would The Deadman remain undefeated? Spoiler alert: This was the night the streak almost died (dramatic gasp!). Batista literally buried The Undertaker alive, a sight that had fans both cheering and fearing the end of an era. Thankfully, The Undertaker emerged victorious, but WrestleMania 25 in Dallas served as a chilling reminder that even legends aren't immortal (at least not literally).
WrestleMania 32: The One Where Zack Ryder Finally Got His Gold
Now we jump to 2016. The brand split hadn't happened yet, so this WrestleMania was a big ol' smorgasbord of all things WWE. Held back at AT&T Stadium, WrestleMania 32 wasn't exactly a critical darling, but it had its moments. The most important moment? Zack Ryder, the underdog, the guy who brought us BroskiMania, finally winning the Intercontinental Championship in an epic Ladder Match. You could practically hear the internet explode with joy. It was a feel-good moment that reminded everyone that sometimes, even in the ruthless world of professional wrestling, dreams do come true.
WrestleMania 38: The Most Stupendous (and Two-Night-Long) of Them All
And last, but certainly not least, we have WrestleMania 38, which just happened in 2022! This time, WWE decided two nights were better than one, transforming WrestleMania into a wrestling extravaganza. Stone Cold Steve Austin even made a surprise return, giving everyone a nostalgic hit of the 90s. The biggest shocker? Probably not the return of a legend, but the fact that this WrestleMania actually managed to pull off a two-night format without feeling like a drag. Who knew, right?
So there you have it, folks! The WrestleManias of Dallas have brought us epic feuds, legendary returns, and unforgettable championship victories. Whether you bleed shamrock green or wear a DX t-shirt with pride, there's no denying that Dallas has played a role in creating some of WrestleMania's most iconic moments. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a sudden urge to rewatch Stone Cold give Mr. McMahon the Stunner. Just for fun.
