WrestleMania

WrestleMania is the annual flagship event produced by WWE, the largest and most prominent event in professional wrestling, first held in 1985 at Madison Square Garden. It is considered WWE’s premier showcase, often featuring the company’s top stars in high-stakes matches and attracting a global audience.

The event grew from a promotional concept created by Vince McMahon to elevate WWE programming and expand its reach. It helped popularize the era of “sports entertainment” by combining athletic competition with extended storylines and theatrical presentation. Notable early moments include WrestleMania I’s tag-team main event featuring Hulk Hogan and Mr. T against Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff, and WrestleMania III’s Hogan versus André the Giant, which drew widespread attention for its marketing and scale. The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania was ended by Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 30, marking a defining moment in the event’s history. Over time, WrestleMania became a global spectacle, expanding in scope and production values.

The event is typically held annually in March or April at large venues and, in recent years, has been staged over two nights with multiple matches on each night. It has been broadcast via traditional pay-per-view and, since the advent of streaming, through services such as WWE Network and Peacock, with international distribution across many countries.

WrestleMania features high-profile world championship bouts, memorable “Mania moments,” celebrity appearances, and cross-promotions. It serves as a barometer for WWE storylines and star power and remains a major revenue driver and cultural touchstone within professional wrestling.