Inaugural Wrestlemania
The first Wrestlemania is held at Madison Square Garden. The event boasts over 19,000 in attendance and over one million viewers on closed circuit television. The event features Nikolai Volkoff and The Iron Sheik vs The U.S. Express, Wendy Richter vs Leilani Kai and is headlined by Hulk Hogan and Mr. T vs Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff.
King of the Ring
The inaugural King of the Ring tournament is held. Tito Santana, The Iron Sheik, Ricky Steamboat, Don Muraco and Paul Orndoff try to capture the crown. Muraco defeated Iron Sheik in the final round to claim the crown. Muraco comments.
It’s always an honor to be the first. The tournament that year was at the Patriots’ old stadium outdoors, so it was a big show and very cool.
King of the Ring 1986
The second King of the Ring tournament is held. Harley Race overcomes Roddy Piper, Don Muraco, Paul Orndoff and Pedro Morales to claim the crown. Race comments.
In the tournament itself, I had to advance four times. Getting by Morales at the end was something special. He had been World Wrestling Federation Champion. He was the guy who I really wanted to face to make the King of the Ring mean something. I think overall, it did real well.
Pro Wrestling Radio interview
Orndorff comments on competing against Santana in the WWE:
Well, I’ve said this many, many times about Tito Santana. Probably the best matches that I have ever had with anybody were with Tito. Tito was an ex-Kansas City, drafted by the Chiefs, Tito had the same attitude that I had in the ring, same attitude. I felt the very same about him and those comments, Tito’s a school teacher now, he’s a coach, Tito’s very intelligent. Back then Tito had a smart head on him you know, Tito knew how to play the game and I just wish I could have played the game like Tito did, and also keep his honor, and Tito did that, and to his people.
Hogan birthday bash
WWE RAW hosts special 61st Birthday celebration for Hogan. Many of Hogan’s oldest friends appear including the nWo, Ric Flair, Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff.