WrestleMania VI took place on 1 April 1990 from the SkyDome in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Current Champions

  • WWF Champion: Hulk Hogan
  • Intercontinental Champion: The Ultimate Warrior
  • Tag Team Champions: The Colossal Connection (André the Giant and Haku)

For the second pay-per-view in succession, Vince McMahon introduces the video package, which features the two most powerful forces in the galaxy – Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior. It’s the Ultimate Challenge, Title versus Title.

Gorilla Monsoon is on commentary to replace Tony Schiavone alongside Jesse ‘The Body’ Ventura. After the Canadian national anthem sung by Robert Goulet, we’re underway.

Koko B. Ware w/Frankie vs. Rick ‘The Model’ Martel

The entrance carts are in use in Toronto with a guy driving from the back and the WWF cameramen struggling to reach up over the cart’s ropes. Martel makes a fast start in the first international edition of WrestleMania. Martel sidesteps Koko, chucks him over the top rope and he lands right beside Frankie’s perch. Ventura does such a great job selling Martel’s ‘Arrogance’ before Koko makes his comeback. ‘The Birdman’ hits a series of flying headbutts. Boston Crab for ‘The Model’ and Koko submits. Fairly dominant victory for Rick Martel but strange choice as the opener, a little deflating. [**]

Mean Gene Okerlund is backstage with the Colossal Connection, which Gene refers to as the Colostomy Connection. Haku and Andre The Giant don’t say much, they’re clever enough to leave it to Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan. Sean Mooney is with their opponents Demolition, they make Demolition Derby puns about their names Ax and Smash. One of those gentlemen became Repo Man, you know.

The Colossal Connection (c) w/Bobby Heenan vs. Demolition – WWF Tag Team Championship

No entrance shown for Andre and Haku, we cut back to them already inside the squared circle. Big ovation for the arrival of the former Tag Team Champions complete with their cool music. The Connection get things going by attacking Demolition from behind and it settles down into Haku against Smash. The Harts have already challenged the winner. Demolition take over on Haku before Andre breaks that up. Ax becomes the Demolition-in-peril. As you would expect, Haku is doing all the work with Andre waiting on the ring apron. ‘The Brain’ slaps Ax as he casually walks alongside the ring apron. Lots of Smash coming in and distracting the referee, the Colossal Connection take advantage with Andre choking from his position on the outside. Shoulderbreaker by Haku. Smash gets the tag. Double team on Haku and a double clothesline to Andre. In comes the Giant, he holds his man but Haku’s kick only strikes Andre and he gets caught in the ropes. Haku gets hung up on the top rope before Demolition land the Demolition Decapitation and regain the tag titles. Andre was heavily protected and after the bout, a frustrated Heenan gives Andre a spray. ‘The Brain’ slaps Andre and as a result gets paintbrushed by the Giant. Haku tries to kick Andre but gets caught and takes some chops. Andre boots both Haku and Heenan out of the cart, he then takes the applause, this would be his last match for the company. [**]

Okerlund is backstage with Jimmy Hart and the Earthquake. The Canadian, without the flag on his gear, will take on Hercules. He starts talking about earthquakes and aftershocks, everybody is getting points for living their gimmicks tonight.

Hercules vs. Earthquake w/Jimmy Hart

Both ‘The Mighty’ Hercules and Earthquake get entrance themes, although Earthquake’s is mostly just tremors. Apparently Earthquake has sent 28 men to the hospital. It’s a hoss-fest, plain and simple but I do appreciate Herc having to grab the ropes when Earthquake stomps on the mat. Test of strength makes good sense amongst two wrestlers who rely on power. Hercules attempts his backbreaker, not a good idea. Earthquake puts him away and adds a second ‘Aftershock’. Earthquake remains undefeated in the World Wrestling Federation. [*]

Rona Barrett, a guest interviewer who it seems was more of a news correspondent or gossip columnist from back in the day, sits down with Miss Elizabeth. She talks about taking a backseat role in an advisory capacity these days but is hoping to be more active in future. Over to Sean Mooney with Brutus ‘The Barber’ Beefcake, who is looking at Mr. Perfect’s record. “Cutting remarks from Brutus ‘The Barber’ Beefcake”. Good line, Sean.

Mr. Perfect w/The Genius vs. Brutus ‘The Barber’ Beefcake

I appreciate this match as a result of Beefcake’s actions at the Royal Rumble when he cut Genius’ hair. So far we’ve had heel, face then heel winners so if the pattern stays true this should be a victory for Brutus… but surely not? Perfect is so athletic as shown when Beefcake knocks him over the top rope with a right hand and he sells beautifully for a knee lift, then an atomic drop. It’ s a far cry from the last couple of matches with some huge slower guys. Genius, who is wearing a similar colour to Brutus, jumps up on the apron and leaves the metal scroll for Perfect to turn the tide. Neck snap and a beauty. Referee Joey Marella almost gets a three count out of that. Perfect is exactly that, working the crowd and whereas some heels are methodical on offence, he’s generating heat and a popular sympathetic face like Beefcake is ideal foil. The finish comes out of nowhere, a slingshot over the turnbuckle to the corner post sees Beefcake pick up the three count. I’d consider that an upset. The Genius tries to steal Brutus’ clippers but gets caught. Perfect is still selling as he crawls back onto the cart. Genius takes the sleeper and another haircut. [***]

Steve Allen is with the Bolsheviks rehearsing the Russian National Anthem in a comedy segment where he keeps getting the lyrics wrong. Weirdly, quite enjoyed it. It’s a staple of WrestleMania to have celebrities interact with superstars.

The Hart Foundation vs. The Bolsheviks

This match goes about twenty seconds after Nikolai Volkoff attempts to sing the Soviet Union anthem so I’ll pad this paragraph a little by saying that the Roddy Piper versus Bad News Brown match has been edited off the WWE Network version of WrestleMania VI, in which Piper had half his body painted black. Bret pinned Boris Zhukov following a Hart Attack. He didn’t even have the chance to take off his ring jacket. [1/2*]

Advert airs for WrestleMania VII in Los Angeles. That sort of annual promotion a year in advance is the norm these days.

The Barbarian w/Bobby Heenan vs. Tito Santana

‘The Brain’ is back following embarrassment earlier with the Colossal Connection. Okerlund gets a word with Santana and Mean Gene makes a good point about both being former tag team competitors now in the singles ranks. I believe that the Powers of Pain were once managed by Santana when they first arrived in the WWF and in the build up this event, Mr. Fuji sold the Powers of Pain contracts to Heenan (Barbarian) and Slick (Warlord). Much like Martel and Perfect, Tito brings the energy. Crossbody gets a two count on Barbarian. Devastating big boot turns things around for the Barbarian. It takes two Tito dropkicks to knock Barbarian down. ‘The Brain’ puts Barbarian’s foot on the bottom rope after a flying forearm lands. Strange spot where Santana has a waistlock, Barbarian propels himself towards the ropes and ducks like Santana is about to either get struck by Heenan or hit the top cable but Tito lowers his head. Barbarian wins with a top rope clothesline. Tito worked hard to put Barbarian over. [**1/2]

Up next is mixed tag team action and there’s plenty of build up to this one. What I do like is Sensational Sherri getting tossed around the ring by Sapphire but keeping her handbag tucked under her arm in the process. That’s talent. Dusty Rhodes and ‘Sweet’ Sapphire are interviewed, they reference a missing crown jewel.

‘Macho King’ Randy Savage & Sensational Queen Sherri vs. Dusty Rhodes & Sapphire

First ever mixed tag team match in WWF history. Savage has a throne in the cart to make his entrance and its such a fitting stage for one of the all-time greats. Rhodes introduces the crown jewel herself, Miss Elizabeth. It’s a little uncomfortable to listen to Ventura body shame Sapphire. Just as Ventura and Gorilla get through explaining that the men wrestle the men and the women wrestle the women, Sherri leaps on Dusty’s back. Savage is a bumping demon for Rhodes much like Perfect earlier in the night. Lots of heat for Savage as he throws Sapphire down on the outside. I’m interested in how much Sapphire wrestled prior to this match. Sherri distracts the referee for Randy to use his sceptre. Savage tags Sherri, who splashes Rhodes from the top rope and covers, the referee counts. What happened to mixed tag rules? Rhodes sends Savage into Sherri. Elizabeth throws Sherri back inside to Sapphire. Sherri gets pushed by Elizabeth over Sapphire and she’s pinned. Elizabeth joins the Polka Dot Crew in dancing to Rhodes’ theme. Match was underwhelming in truth, Dream versus Savage was the money. [**1/2]

Bobby Heenan is with Mean Gene and he buries Andre The Giant as a former Heenan Family member. ‘The Brain’ noticeably blanks at one point, a rarity for him. He will be bringing in new personnel to the Heenan Family. We throw it over to Rona Barrett with Jesse Ventura and Gorilla Monsoon who seems to accuse Ventura of some sex-tape scandal. He quickly hands over to Sean Mooney with Savage and Sensational Sherri. Randy Savage says “Suffering builds character” and his rivalry with Rhodes isn’t over. Sherri continues screaming in the background while Savage is awesome. Back now with Mean Gene, Demolition celebrate winning the WWF Tag Team Championships. After a quick pit stop with Jesse and Gorilla, Monsoon sends it back to ringside but Mean Gene now has Hogan with him. Jesus, it’s hard to keep up. That’s eleven characters in the last three minutes and countless referenced. I believe at this point there was a short intermission. Hogan has plenty to say to Warrior ahead of the Ultimate Challenge and of course, Warrior retorts with Sean Mooney.

The Orient Express w/Mr. Fuji vs. The Rockers

Mr. Fuji’s Orient Express consists of Saito and Tanaka. The cart taking the wrestlers to ringside really hurt the Rockers, whose entrance normally gets everybody fired up. Double team moves in the early going, especially for the Rockers as they get to showcase their aerial ability. Jannetty gets low-bridged and Fuji whacks him with his cane. Marty Jannetty has a habit of no-selling. First Sato hits a wicked elbow that he shakes off and lands a powerslam. Then after taking a trip into the ringpost, he comes back to land on his feet off a back body drop attempt and tags in Michaels. Nice swinging neckbreaker from Shawn but he takes a kick to the lower back from Tanaka as he hits the ropes. Impressive stuff from the Orient Express, who are Fuji’s latest attempt to dominate the tag team ranks. Tanaka lands on his feet behind Michaels, who turns around and waffles him with a clothesline. Gorilla comments that the Rockers looked lethargic early on in the match, which is odd. Fuji draws Jannetty to the outside and Sato throws salt in Marty’s eyes. Shawn walks right past him and Jannetty falls into the first row at ringside. Rockers are counted out. [***]

Steve Allen is with Rhythm & Blues. He’s a funny guy, I’d like to see more of him.

Dino Bravo w/Jimmy Hart & Earthquake vs. ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan

It was a DQ win for Duggan at the Rumble, now he’s up against what must be Jimmy Hart’s weakest client. Duggan’s attempt at a USA chant falls flat on its face. I’m going to guess that this match is designed to set up Earthquake versus ‘Hacksaw’ in the near future. Duggan sends Bravo out to the floor. ‘Hacksaw’ looks for a 10 punch, then stops at four or five to argue with the referee for having the temerity to count. Earthquake takes a free shot on Duggan. Elbow drop by Bravo and a two count. Neither men really build any form of lasting momentum. Ready for the football tackle, Duggan gets involved with Earthquake. Jimmy Hart tosses the 2×4 to Bravo but Duggan uses it first behind the back of the referee. Duggan gets the three. Earthquake attacks Duggan and lays him out with two elbow drops, then drops down on top of ‘Hacksaw’ thrice. [*]

A video package is dedicated to Jake Roberts’ rivalry with Ted DiBiase. Two of the very best characters in the WWF.

Ted DiBiase w/Virgil (c) vs. Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts – Million Dollar Championship

After DiBiase makes his entrance, Roberts cuts another superb promo with Mean Gene all about DiBiase’s actions coming home to roost. They trade blows with Jake looking for a DDT early and DiBiase powders. Both men miss elbow drops and again DiBiase heads for the outside after a DDT attempt. Jake works DiBiase’s arm before confronting Virgil at ringside. DiBiase with a beautiful counter to a knee lift, sending Roberts up in the air and he lands on the turnbuckle. Piledriver by the ‘Million Dollar Man’ and he poses over Jake, allowing Roberts to surprise him with a roll-up as DiBiase makes a nonchalant cover. There’s a Mexican wave in the crowd. In this match? Where were they during Dino Bravo or Hercules’ match? Million Dollar Dream but Jake gets to the ropes. ‘The Snake’ makes his comeback, landing clotheslines. Big pop for the signal for the patented DDT. Virgil interferes, dragging Jake out of the ring and takes a slam on the ringside mats for good measure. Million Dollar Dream on the outside and they hit the ringpost. Virgil rolls DiBiase back in under the bottom rope. Countout win for the ‘Million Dollar Man’. Jake is back in to take it to both Virgil and DiBiase. Virgil runs off with the belt, leaving DiBiase to take a DDT. Roberts hands out the money Virgil left behind to the fans including Mary Tyler-Moore. Virgil saves DiBiase before Jake can put Damien on top of him. A good match but this should just scratch the surface of what the two men can do. [***]

Slick and Akeem are in the back with Sean Mooney. The former Twin Towers partners will collide, they split since the Rumble due to Boss Man not following the orders of ‘Million Dollar Man’ Ted DiBiase. I do like storylines intertwining. Big Boss Man is with Mean Gene and he says he’s proud to be an American… in Toronto.

Akeem w/Slick vs. Big Boss Man

A battle of top notch entrance themes, if nothing else. ‘Million Dollar Man’ is still out there at ringside, which does explain several distance shots. DiBiase clotheslines down the Boss Man and puts the boots to him. Body slam at ringside and DiBiase rams Boss Man into the post. Akeem goes to work with axe handles as the match begins. Splash in the corner by ‘The African Dream’. Akeem shakily steps up onto the second rope and takes an inverted atomic drop. Boss Man is en~fuego. Boss Man Slam and it’s in the books. Big right hand on Slick. [*]

Sean Mooney is out in the crowd getting them fired up for Rhythm and Blues’ new song. It’s really just an excuse for Mooney to get some time with Mary Tyler-Moore. She refers to what she’s seen as ‘athletics and theatre’, which is a pretty eloquent way of describing sports entertainment. Mooney suggests Greg Valentine (now sporting black hair) resembles Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison. ‘The Fink’ now introduces Rhythm and Blues as driven to the ring in a bright pink Cadillac driven by Diamond Dallas Page. Valentine is clearly no guitar player and can’t sing a lick. Why were they not called Rhythm and Bruise? Honky sings ‘Hunka Hunka Honky Love’ before the Bushwhackers make an appearance as vendors and smash the guitars. Honky’s as entertaining as anybody and Bushwhackers are popular.

Howard Finkel announces an all-time attendance record for any event held in the SkyDome with 67,678 fans on hand.

Rick Rude w/Bobby Heenan vs. ‘Superfly’ Jimmy Snuka

As Rude makes his entrance we have Dirty Dave on camera 3 searching for attractive women in the audience. Steve Allen joins Ventura and Monsoon on commentary. Strangely, Snuka looks pale compared to ‘Ravishing’ Rick. A good match at a decent pace set up early as control goes back-and-forth. Momentary distraction by Heenan as ‘Superfly’ looks for a second rope headbutt and Rick gets the win with his Rude Awakening neckbreaker. Short but plenty of action, no rest holds, just constant action. Chances are this had time trimmed for the upcoming title showdown. [**]

The video package for the Ultimate Challenge shows the journey both men have been on since the Royal Rumble with Ultimate Warrior accidentally clobbering Hogan with a clothesline, then both men have saved the other from an assault by Earthquake and Dino Bravo, leading the other to question their motives. It’s simple and effective booking.

Ultimate Warrior (c) vs. Hulk Hogan (c) – WWF & Intercontinental Championship

And the answer to the question whether either man would come to the ring in the cart is no. Warrior races down as he always does, while Hogan milks the reaction. Face versus Face, Champion against Champion, Title for Title. When you’re over, you’re over and both of these are OVER. Just handing over the titles and a staredown gets a pop. Earl Hebner is the referee. Test of strength to begin and there’s just a constant rumble amongst the audience. Hulk goes down to his knees before fighting his way back up. Now Warrior is down on his knees. Irresistible force meets immovable object on shoulderblocks before Hogan lands a slam, then Warrior does the same. Clothesline sends Hulk out to the floor and he’s selling his knee. Heel tactics by Warrior as he kicks at the knee. That’s a little off. Warrior shoves Hebner aside and tosses Hogan back in to go after the knee. Hogan forgets the leg and unloads on Warrior. Classic 10 punch by Hogan, yeah selling is out the window as Monsoon tries to cover on commentary. Reverse chinlock to wear down the Intercontinental Champion and a back suplex. Double clothesline. Warrior shakes the ropes and is impervious to Hogan’s shots. Hogan is slow to feed Warrior for his clotheslines, Warrior has to back a few times into the ropes to delay his momentum. Long bearhug by Warrior slows things right down and the escape sees the referee take a hit. Ultimate Warrior with double axe handles off the top as Warrior has a surge of energy. Hogan sidesteps the flying shoulder tackle. He covers but Hebner isn’t there to count. Back suplex by Warrior as Hogan lambasts his luck. Both men have counted their own three counts. Hogan kicks out when Hebner does revive for a very slow count. Gorilla Press and a splash on Hogan’s back. Cover and Hulk kicks out at two. It’s Hulk Up time. Big boot and Hogan misses the leg drop as Ultimate Warrior moves. Warrior with another splash. Cover and that’s three. Warrior is the WWF and Intercontinental Champion! Hogan picks up the WWF Championship and hands it over to Warrior, then raises his hand. They embrace. Even as Warrior celebrates the announcers are talking about Hogan. [***1/2]

The Verdict: The quality in-ring workers stand out a mile. Mr. Perfect, Randy Savage, Ted DiBiase, Jake Roberts, Rick Rude – all had good showings. I always thought that the Ultimate Challenge wasn’t so much about the match but the result, I was wrong. It’s an actual good match, occasional heel tactics and no-selling aside. 13 matches, 14 if you include Piper versus Bad News Brown, it’s a marathon with three out of the last four matches on the card delivering.