When Was WWE at Madison Square Garden?

When Was WWE at Madison Square Garden?

Madison Square Garden, located in the heart of New York City, has been a historic venue for countless memorable events. One such event is the world of professional wrestling, specifically WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). Known for its electrifying atmosphere and larger-than-life personalities, WWE has had a long-standing relationship with Madison Square Garden.

Early Days at Madison Square Garden

In the early years of WWE, Madison Square Garden served as the primary venue for some of the most iconic matches and moments in wrestling history. It was here that legends like Bruno Sammartino, “Superstar” Billy Graham, and Bob Backlund captured championships and solidified their legacies.

Notable Moments:

• Bruno Sammartino’s Historic Reign: From May 17, 1963, to January 18, 1971, Sammartino held the WWWF (now WWE) World Heavyweight Championship for a record-setting 2,803 days. Many of his successful title defenses took place at Madison Square Garden.
• Hulk Hogan’s Debut: On January 23, 1984, Hulk Hogan made his debut at Madison Square Garden.

  This marked the beginning of Hulkamania and the rise of professional wrestling’s biggest superstar.

• The Undertaker’s Streak: One of WWE’s most legendary streaks occurred at WrestleMania XX at Madison Square Garden on March 14, 2004. The Undertaker defeated Kane to extend his undefeated streak to an astonishing 12-0.

The Attitude Era

The late ’90s and early 2000s saw WWE’s Attitude Era, which brought a surge of popularity to the company. During this time, Madison Square Garden continued to host some of the most unforgettable matches and storylines.

Memorable Matches:

• Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock: On April 1, 2001, Madison Square Garden witnessed an epic match between Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock at WrestleMania X-Seven. This match is often regarded as one of the greatest in WWE history.
• Mick Foley’s Championship Win: On January 4, 1999, Mick Foley (known as Mankind) captured his first WWE Championship at Madison Square Garden in a memorable match against The Rock.

Modern Era

Even in the modern era of WWE, Madison Square Garden continues to be a significant venue for major events. Whether it’s a pay-per-view extravaganza or a live episode of Monday Night Raw, the energy inside MSG is always palpable.

Recent Events:

• Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker: SummerSlam 2015 featured an intense rematch between Brock Lesnar and The Undertaker at Madison Square Garden.

  This match marked another chapter in their ongoing rivalry.

• Seth Rollins’ Surprise Return: On July 7, 2019, Seth Rollins made a surprise return from injury during an episode of Monday Night Raw at Madison Square Garden. The crowd erupted with excitement as Rollins made his triumphant comeback.

In Conclusion

Madison Square Garden has undeniably played a crucial role in WWE’s history. It has witnessed the rise of legends, the birth of iconic moments, and the creation of unforgettable memories. From Bruno Sammartino to Seth Rollins, this legendary venue continues to be a special place for both wrestlers and fans alike.