WrestleMania VII took place on 24 March 1991 from the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena in Los Angeles, California.

Current Champions

  • WWF Champion: Sgt. Slaughter
  • Intercontinental Champion: Mr. Perfect
  • Tag Team Champions: Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart)

“Hulk Hogan defends the pride of America” is the tagline on the Netflix version of WrestleMania VII and that’s probably the most accurate description of this event, which begins with the American flag all over the screen and a short voiceover from Vince McMahon.

Inside the arena, Willie Nelson sings ‘America The Beautiful’. He’s wearing a pair of Hart Foundation shades over his bandana, which just reflect the lights, and a toy WWF title belt around his waist.

Gorilla Monsoon is on commentary as the USA chants start in the background. Gorilla brings out his co-commentator for the opening bout… ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan dressed as Uncle Sam. Duggan gives his thoughts on Savage versus Warrior and Hogan versus Slaughter.

Backstage, the Rockers are set to face Haku and Barbarian. They tell Sean Mooney that the Rockers are tag team specialists. Marty Jannetty actually does use those words. Shawn Michaels is miles more charismatic. I’d say that’s the moment that the future was decided for the two men.

Haku & The Barbarian w/Bobby Heenan vs. The Rockers

The Rockers are wearing the attire that fans would recognise most, I’d wager, the black with yellow trim. Haku and Barbarian don’t get an entrance. Duggan is already cutting Gorilla Monsoon off and calling for a tag to get a fresh man in when Michaels is on top. Michaels does well against Haku, who was Tag Team Champion a year ago with Andre The Giant. Double superkicks to Haku and then Barbarian. Heenan’s team would later be known as the Faces of Fear, they take over on Marty Jannetty. Michaels was in legally once at the outset, then he’s been stationed on the apron. Jannetty with a horrible sell as he was sent into a neutral turnbuckle. Barbarian misses a top rope headbutt and Jannetty brings in Michaels. Haku gets the tag at the same time but he was nowhere near the tag rope. Michaels ‘pulling out all the stops’ as per Monsoon. Swinging neckbreaker as Haku lowered his head. Barbarian breaks up a pinfall but cops a double dropkick. Michaels with a crossbody on Haku after Jannetty hit a splash and it’s over, a win for the Rockers. Duggan is out of there to be replaced be Heenan. Good opening match, Rockers whipped the crowd up into a frenzy and it had an energetic pace. [***]

‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund is with Regis, Marla Maples and Alex Trebeck. I can not say enough how much I don’t care about any of these people.

Dino Bravo w/Jimmy Hart vs. Texas Tornado

The ‘World’s Strongest Man’ is the heavy underdog against Kerry Von Erich. Bravo gets the jump on Tornado and clotheslines him out to the floor. Kerry hasn’t got his entrance jacket off yet. Tornado hits an atomic drop and locks the Iron Claw onto Bravo’s head. The Canadian Strongman powers out. Bravo drops an elbow across Tornado’s chest and covers for two. Von Erich locks on the Claw once more. Discus Punch by Texas Tornado and he gets the three. A good idea to keep it short as Bravo was limited. [**1/2]

Sean Mooney is with the Warlord and Slick. Warlord is taking on the British Bulldog. Slick is as entertaining as Warlord is not. He throws it over to the Bulldog with Gene Okerlund. The British Bulldog wants to break the Warlord’s Full Nelson and then he gets advice from Winston the bulldog. Genuinely didn’t think I’d be writing about Davey-Boy Smith talking to an actual bulldog like Al Snow spoke to Head.

The Warlord w/Slick vs. British Bulldog w/Winston

Like Haku and Barbarian earlier, Warlord doesn’t get a televised entrance. ‘The Fink’ clarifies that Winston is a mascot. Thanks, Howard. I would expect this match to be much like the last with Warlord using his strength early before Bulldog gets on his bike. We get an ‘irresistible force versus immovable object’ like from Monsoon. Warlord drops back on a crucifix attempt. Bearhug, my favourite. To his credit, Bulldog stays active. Warlord is your classic 80’s slow plodding powerhouse. Reverse chinlock applied but again Bulldog is always moving, always getting the fans involved. Warlord locks on the Full Nelson but Bulldog breaks the hold. Powerslam by Davey-Boy and he earns the three count. More acceptable stuff with Bulldog celebrating alongside Winston. [**1/2]

Backstage are the Nasty Boys, Jimmy Hart and ‘Mean’ Gene. They’re challenging for the Tag Team Championships against the Hart Foundation. It’s the usual mess from Knobbs and Saggs. They Nasty’s blow their nose on Gene’s handkerchief. Sean Mooney is with the Hart Foundation, who leave most of the talking to Jim ‘The Anvil’ Neidhart.

Nasty Boys w/Jimmy Hart vs. Hart Foundation (c) – WWF Tag Team Championship

Big reaction for the Harts, who defeated Demolition for the gold. Jimmy Hart has a quick wardrobe change and is now sporting a motorcycle helmet. Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart is the one that doesn’t really fit in here, the other three are notable brawlers. Having said, that Bret is no slouch and holds his own against both Saggs and Knobbs. ‘The Anvil’ in and he powers Knobbs out through the ropes. Saggs clotheslines Bret outside and he lands hard at ringside. Jimmy Hart gets chased away by Neidhart. The Nasty’s focus on Bret, which is the correct decision. For a moment, they had cornered Neidhart. ‘Hitman’ creates separation and crawls over to Neidhart but Saggs comes in, strikes Jim and draws him in, then the referee blocks ‘The Anvil’ coming in. Finally, Bret tags Neidhart but the referee doesn’t see it. Knobbs strikes Saggs by accident with Jimmy Hart’s megaphone. Tag to Neidhart. Double clothesline on both Nasty Boys. Once again Saggs and Knobbs collide. Hart Attack on Knobbs. Saggs breaks up the pinfall attempt with the megaphone behind the ref’s back and we have new Tag Team Champions. The ‘Mouth of the South’ is delighted. [***1/2]

Jake Roberts versus Rick Martel get a video package ahead of their match. Martel sprayed ‘arrogance’ into Jake’s eyes and he was blind for a time, including hitting a DDT on Brother Love, which we can all get behind.

Rick ‘The Model’ Martel vs. Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts

Martel doesn’t get an entrance. This is a blindfold match with both men wearing hoods. The crowd are behind Jake and help him by cheering when he points. Jake gets hold of Martel but ‘The Model’ scarpers. They look like they’re about to throw hands, Martel charges and rebounds off the ropes. They’re going for comedy with Martel, he manages to slam Jake but then misses an elbow drop. ‘The Model’ grabs the referee. It is getting tedious. Jake finally gets his hands on Martel but he again escapes. On the outside, Martel swings a chair and strikes the ringpost. They find each other with Martel turning Jake over into a Boston Crab but Roberts powers out. DDT to Martel. He finds him and gets an arm across to cover. Jake puts Damien on top of ‘The Model’. This one wasn’t the best use of Jake. Had they just had a regular match, it would have been much better. [*1/2]

Nasty Boys, Jimmy Hart, Dino Bravo, Earthquake, the Mountie and Marla Maples are celebrating the Tag Title success.

‘Superfly’ Jimmy Snuka vs. The Undertaker w/Paul Bearer

So, since the Rumble, Undertaker has switched managers from Brother Love – who never fit with the Deadman – to Paul Bearer. Incredibly good move. Snuka is a good opponent at this stage for Undertaker, his toughest competition to date and a big name for his WrestleMania debut. The presentation of the Undertaker is that he’s slow moving, yet quick as soon as he comes in contact with his opponent. Snuka hardly gets any offence in. Some of the signature spots are there like the flying clothesline and sitting up but it’s not all there. Snuka gets caught coming over the top rope. Tombstone Piledriver and that’s as close to a squash as I’ve ever seen. Dominant win for the Undertaker. [**1/2]

A video package for Savage versus Warrior includes that uncomfortable scene from the Rumble where Sensational Sherri was on her knees, then the interference in Warrior’s match with Slaughter. As Howard Finkel begins the introductions for this career-ending match, Heenan spots Miss Elizabeth in the crowd. I had expected this match to be on just before the main event, so it feels out of place here.

Randy ‘Macho King’ Savage w/Sensational Queen Sherri vs. Ultimate Warrior

Ultimate Warrior walks to the ring, he doesn’t run, which is a first. He has himself on one of his kneepads, Savage on the other. On the back of Warrior’s tights, he has an image of the WWF title and that this match means more. Savage weathers the early storm, then attacks Warrior from behind, only for Warrior to turn things back in his favour. Huge atomic drop by Warrior and Savage is in trouble early. Sensational Sherri comes in the ring, Warrior chucks the ‘Macho King’ into her. Warrior catches Savage in mid-air as he was looking for a crossbody, places him down on the mat and then slaps him. Crowd is eating up Ultimate Warrior’s actions. Savage tosses a chair in the ring and then blasts Warrior from behind. Warrior hits the top of the ringpost and tumbles to the outside. Sherri nails Warrior with a punch, only after the cameraman gets a good shot of her bending over. Savage is intense as he sends Warrior into the post and Sherri strikes him her shoe. Neckbreaker attempt by Savage is reversed into a backslide for two. Warrior misses with his running splash. Small package and Sherri distracts the referee. Savage with a high knee that sends Ultimate Warrior into the official. Sherri leaps off the top turnbuckle with her shoe in hand and nails Savage as Warrior moves. Warrior goes after Sherri. Savage rolls him up and the referee slowly counts to two. Savage with five elbows off the top but Warrior gets a shoulder up. Warrior begins shaking the ropes and mounting his comeback. Press slam. Running splash. Savage kicks out. Monsoon calls Warrior ‘Warlord’. Warrior is looking to the heavens for guidance. Sherri is trying to revive the ‘Macho King’. Savage strikes Warrior as he stands on the apron. Savage dives from the top turnbuckle and hits the metal barricade as Warrior moves. Warrior tosses Savage inside but a flying shoulder block sends Savage back outside. Warrior retrieves Savage and hits a second shoulder block. Savage is sent out under the bottom rope again and Warrior brings him back in. That’s repeated again. Warrior puts a foot on Savage to pin him. I had to go back to check that I didn’t miss a splash or anything. Warrior puts his entrance jacket back on to celebrate. Meanwhile, Sherri is furious. Sherri knocks the referee aside and then kicks Savage. Miss Elizabeth hops the barricade and runs into the ring, dragging Sherri off Randy Savage. They embrace and Savage’s theme plays. Savage hoists her up on his shoulder. A true moment in history says Gorilla and he’s not wrong. [***]

Three big matches to come including Boss Man versus Mr. Perfect for the Intercontinental Championship, Virgil takes on Ted DiBiase and the Hulkster goes up against Sgt. Slaughter.

Regis interviews Undertaker and Paul Bearer. They begin measuring him. Alex Trebeck is with Demolition, Crush and Smash, who are managed by Master Fuji. Back to Regis, who is with Tenryu and Kitao. Regis begins trying to communicate in the only Japanese he knows, which includes words like ‘Toyota’ and ‘Isuzu’. Borderline is all I’ll say. Alex Trebeck has now replaced Demolition with Jake Roberts and Damien. Alex doesn’t like snakes, although apparently Damien is a fan of Trebeck.

Demolition w/Mr. Fuji vs. Tenryu & Kitao

Gorilla Monsoon calls them Ax and Smash as they make their entrance, forgetting that Crush has replaced Ax. This seems simple booking, Demolition take on a top tag team from Mr. Fuji’s homeland and prove themselves. I am interested that Crush had experience with Fuji before he joined up with him in 1993. I’m assuming the Road Warriors were still part of the WWF by this point, surely a blowoff match would have been decent business? Fuji uses the cane to hammer the back of Kitao. Tenryu is wearing the same gear he would later wear as Fuji’s mercenary in 1994. Smash has Tenryu in a backbreaker position for about a week as Crush first attacks Kitao, tosses him out, then climbs up to the top rope and by that point Kitao is back up to shove him down to the floor. Communication issues between Tenryu and Smash. Eventually Smash is taken up for a powerbomb and pinned. Huh? [*1/2]

‘Mean’ Gene is backstage with the Big Boss Man. He’s fired up, the Boss Man that is. I’ve just realised I haven’t mentioned that the WrestleMania logo is red, white and blue. Boss Man’s momma’s feelings have been hurt by Bobby Heenan’s insults. Off we go to Sean Mooney with Heenan and Intercontinental Champion Mr. Perfect. Heenan has perfect camera transitions.

Big Boss Man vs. Mr. Perfect (c) w/Bobby Heenan – WWF Intercontinental Championship

Lord Alfred Hayes (or, his Lordship) has joined Monsoon to replace ‘The Brain’. That is not an upgrade. This seems another simple booking choice, Boss Man runs through the Heenan Family and wins the title on the grandest stage of them all. Heenan sends his men after the Boss Man, who is weakened by each defence and Perfect finally regains the belt. Then you’ve got the big third encounter. That would make sense. Perfect spits his gum at Boss Man, who spits back. Perfect slaps Boss Man, then powders. Boss Man out to get his hands on Perfect, who does a beautiful sell at ringside with a 360-degree flip. That sets the tone with Perfect selling for the heavy hitter. Nice sequence as Boss Man has Perfect cornered, he runs in, does the Boss Man slide and run around the ringpost to come back in but Perfect ducks the clothesline, big boot by Boss Man and then connects with the clothesline. Nicely done. Boss Man takes off his belt and whips Perfect with it. Referee doesn’t disqualify him. Perfect then uses the belt to turn things around. Perfect with some of his perfect offence, the neck snap, chops and a dropkick. Perfect-Plex is blocked and countered into an inside cradle for a two count. Another neck snap but this time from the front. Boss Man is over. Nasty bump as Boss Man goes after Heenan and Perfect shoves him into the steel steps. Heenan puts the boots to Boss Man until Andre The Giant walks down to ringside! Perfect is busy taking off a turnbuckle pad, the referee catches him but Heenan pulls the evidence out of the ring. Andre has the Intercontinental Championship belt in hand. Perfect tries to get the belt off Andre and he levels Perfect with it. Referee counts both men down. Boss Man is up and covers Perfect, nearfall. Haku and the Barbarian hit the ring to attack Boss Man. Disqualification. Andre nails Perfect. Boss Man takes it to both Barbarian and Haku, then so does Andre. Boss Man wins it by DQ and Andre walks to the back, Boss Man stops him and raises his hand. [**1/2]

Earthquake w/Jimmy Hart vs. Greg ‘The Hammer’ Valentine

Another wardrobe change for the ‘Mouth of the South’ as Lord Alfred Hayes departs. ‘Mean’ Gene Okerlund speaks to Donald Trump, Chuck Norris, Henry Winkler, Lou Ferrigno. That’s the future President shaking hands with Lou Ferrigno and Chuck Norris. Only at WrestleMania, folks. Match is underway and of course Valentine used to be managed by Jimmy Hart. Bobby Heenan is back on commentary with Gorilla. Valentine puts up more of a fight than he probably should given that Earthquake was a top contender against Hogan a year ago. Distraction by Hart and Earthquake drops an elbow on top of ‘The Hammer’. We have the tremors and then the Earthquake Splash. This one is in the books. [**]

Legion of Doom are still employed, they say they should be champions but Power and Glory interfered, so they have a match scheduled this evening.

Power & Glory w/Slick vs. Legion of Doom

No televised entrance for Power and Glory but the Roadwarriors get a big pop as always. Power and Glory jump LOD with Hercules using his chain on the back of Animal. That allows Paul Roma and Herc to double team Hawk, the Power and Glory are now in long tights. Double clothesline by Hawk. Paul Roma comes off the top with a crossbody, powerslam by Animal. Roma is up for the Doomsday Device. Hercules doesn’t make the save and we have a three count already in just 59 seconds. It feels that like that match length and the Earthquake one, which was over three minutes, should have been switched. In fact, Bulldog versus Warlord got over eight. [*]

A video package now looks at Ted DiBiase taking on his former bodyguard Virgil, which begins with all the degrading things the ‘Million Dollar Man’ made him do. Then we have the Royal Rumble, where Virgil refused to put the Million Dollar Championship around DiBiase’s waist. Roddy Piper helped Virgil get a big win over Haku on Superstars, then DiBiase was counted out arguing with Virgil for his first loss on television.

Ted DiBiase vs. Virgil w/Roddy Piper

The ‘Million Dollar Man’ makes his entrance, then out comes Rowdy Roddy Piper. Hot Rod is on a crutch following a motorcycle accident. DiBiase mimes playing a violin for Piper. Virgil doesn’t have entrance music, couldn’t he have come out with Piper? Lots of juking and jiving by Virgil, he looks like a WWF-version of Apollo Creed. Some wild swings by DiBiase and Virgil jabs away. Frustration for the ‘Million Dollar Man’. Virgil dominating the early going. DiBiase gains control by doing what he does best, wrestling. He takes Virgil down and then works him over with chops, followed by a back elbow. DiBiase takes it to Virgil right in front of Piper and he shoves Hot Rod down. Piper pulls the rope down using his crutch and DiBiase falls to ringside. DiBiase is detained by Piper and gets counted out. Virgil wins, DiBiase slaps on the Million Dollar Dream and Piper makes the save. Sensational Sherri runs down to ringside and grabs Piper’s crutch. Sherri loses her wig in the process. Looks like DiBiase has a new valet as he slams the crutch into Piper’s knee. Virgil runs DiBiase off and then encourages Piper to get back to his feet. Virgil helps Roddy out in an emotional moment that rivals Savage/Elizabeth from earlier. Underwhelming considering it was a hot angle and it went less time than the Bulldog match. [**]

Now it’s time to build up for Hulk Hogan’s title showdown with Sgt. Slaughter. General Adnan and Slaughter burnt a Hogan shirt on a stick. Adnan speaks what I assume is Arabic. Slaughter is referring to Hogan as the ‘Ultimate Slime’, which a variation on the ‘Ultimate Puke’ he called Warrior. Slaughter has struck Hogan with a chair, he’s whipped Jim Duggan with his riding crop and Slaughter is prepared to lose the battle to win the war. Clever.

The Mountie w/Jimmy Hart vs. Tito Santana

What a transformation in Jacques Rougeau since last year’s WrestleMania. Santana hits his Flying Forearm very early, Mountie seeks refuse with Jimmy Hart but Santana comes out to shove them into each other. Back inside, atomic drop to Mountie and Jimmy Hart hands him the cattle prod. He sticks it in the guts of Santana, then covers to earn the three. Mountie picks up a win moments before the main event. [*]

Hulk Hogan gives an interview to Gene Okerlund and the Hulkster is truly bent out of shape. Hogan took on Adnan and took a beating from Slaughter. Hogan rips off his shirt and quotes the national anthem.

Hulk Hogan vs. Sgt. Slaughter (c) w/General Adnan – WWF Championship

We have almost 30 minutes of the show to go as we get the entrances of Regis Filbin, Alex Trebeck and Marla Maples. They are our ‘guest celebrities’ – timekeeper, ring announcer and commentator. Trebeck is the least charismatic ring announcer I’ve heard. Slaughter makes his way to ringside for the biggest and most lucrative match of his distinguished career. Hogan has a new shirt to rip off. Slaughter isn’t wearing those boots with the curled up toes. Hogan powers through Slaughter and the WWF Champion has to regroup at ringside. Slaughter slams a steel chair onto Hogan’s back but it had a jacket on it, making it as safe as it could be. Lots of stalling by Slaughter. Things slow down as Slaughter takes over on offence. Regis has just worked out that Heenan is pulling for Slaughter. Hogan back in control with a clothesline and atomic drop. It’s been 80% Hogan but Adnan grabs his leg and Slaughter slams him off the top rope. Now he uses a proper steel chair on Hulk’s back. I now understand why Savage versus Warrior went on so early, this is a lot slower and methodical. Slaughter slaps on the Boston Crab just beside the ropes. As a technical match, awful. As a spectacle and a celebration of Americana, it ticks all the boxes. Stomp from the top rope by Slaughter and Adnan is distracting the referee when the Sarge makes the pin. Slaughter uses another chair on Hogan and pins but Hogan kicks out at two. Hogan is busted wide open. Camel Clutch applied. Hogan has blood coming down his face in an image similar to Austin’s later in the decade. Hogan up to his feet with Slaughter on his back but he runs into the turnbuckle. Slaughter has the Iraqi flag and lays it over Hogan before covering. Hogan kicks out and rips up the flag. Adrenaline flowing for Hogan. Leg drop and we have a new WWF Champion. Hogan puts the gold around his waist and celebrates with Old Glory. [**]

The Verdict: Recommendation for this one relies greatly on your tolerance for American patriotism. There’s a few matches worth seeing early in the card like the Rockers match, Hart Foundation in what would be their last outing as a duo, Savage versus Warrior, Boss Man versus Perfect but that’s about it. As a heat magnet and foil for Hogan, Slaughter was awesome but the match isn’t great by any stretch of the imagination.