One of the best rivalries in professional wrestling history was between Hulk Hogan and Paul Orndorff and two of their best matches were on Saturday Night’s Main Event, but This Day in Wrestling History is known for another reason.
This Saturday Night’s Main Event where Orndorff challenged Hogan for the world title was recorded on September 13 but didn’t air until October 4.
The three week period was the longest time different between a taping and airing in the company until the show’s 21st episode spent a month on the shelf in 1989.
While gaps like this can happen, it also speaks to the WWE’s ability to keep the timelines and storylines straight as they continued one of the greatest rivalries.
Brother turned enemy
At the time, Hogan had gone through powerhouse heels like Big John Studd and King Long Bundy and the company was looking for his next feud that would help to energize the rebranding of Superstars and Challenge from Championship and All-Star Wrestling respectively.
To do this, they settled on an old storyline where Hogan’s best friend and partner, Orndorff, would feel slighted by the champion and stuck in Hogan’s shadow so he’d grow resentful and lash out to prove he was equal or better than Hogan.
The build up was tremendous, but because their feud didn’t appear on a pay-per-view it’s often overlooked despite the tremendous results as it made both men and the company a lot of money.
Both were at their best in interviews, segments, and in the ring throughout and this match follow their fight in Canada at The Big Event where they headlined.
Coming close
This was another great match with plenty of twists in it as Hogan seemed to have it won and was about to hit Orndorff with a piledriver when Adrian Adonis interfered and attacked Hogan to give him the win by DQ.
Roddy Piper came out with his crutch to help Hogan and the feud was slated to continue on.
There are so many rivalries that are defined by a singe match, but it’s hard to pick out any one match as they’re all potential this day in wrestling history moments.
It’s one of my all time favorite feuds that’s stuck with me all of these years. What’s your favorite feud? Let us know in the comments below.
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