These matches and magical moments in wrestling at Madison Square Garden illustrate just what it felt like to bear witness to history. As someone who has attended countless live wrestling shows worldwide since 1974, it takes a lot to impress this middle-aged old school jaded fan.
1. Jimmy Snuka Jumps Off The Steel Cage on Don Muraco
And then there was Jimmy Snuka.
His leap off the top rope at the time was as great a move as ever had been seen. Like Don Muraco, he could do it "all" as well. They were made for each other.
2. Bruno Sammartino vs. Superstar Billy Graham, February 1976
But nobody there will ever forget witnessing this moment in wrestling at Madison Square Garden. The Bruno vs. Superstar Graham, an epic battle for the ages.
We were dazzled. Hypnotized. Enraptured. Move after move was electric. They were oh so ahead of their time. When it ended in under eight minutes with Tiger Mask’s hand raised in victory, we knew we had not only witnessed history but a "changing of the guard."
4. Roddy Piper Attacks Cyndi Lauper and Lou Albano, 1984
Piper grabbed the plaque from Lou and suddenly, viciously, clocked him over the head with it, shattering it into pieces. Lou floundered dramatically like a fish out of water as he had done so many times in his brilliant villainous past.