The day was April 4, 1993. I was in church all day anticipating what would be the first WrestleMania that my parents would order for me. The main event, my favorite wrestler, Bret The Hitman Hart taking on his biggest challenge to date, a 500 pound Japanese Sumo wrestler. At that time, I did not know that he was actually Samoan. I knew that this would be a challenge for my favorite wrestler. All I heard was Bobby "the Brain" Heenan stating, "How is he going be able to execute the sharpshooter?" The question that was on mind all day, would Bret Hart be able to retain his World Wrestling Federation title against the mighty Yokozuna?
As the night went on, I knew that the Hitman's title was in jeopardy. It was later revealed that he had been attack by Narcissist Lex Luger the night before. Luger, who had a metal plate in his arm hit Hart with a running forearm. WrestleMania IX was live at Ceaser's Palace in Las Vegas Nevada and it was the first outside. As time drew closer to the main event, the sun began to set, and many said, it was beginning to set on Bret Hart's title reign.
So it is time for the main event. As the 500 pound Royal Rumble winner approaches the ring, there are two Japanese ladies that await him in the ring with a dozen of roses each. As apart of his in ring entrance, they bow to him and hand him the roses and he takes them and toss them into the audience.
As the hitman approaches the ring, he is confident as always. Remember, he is Stu Hart's child. Growing up in the dungeon is no easy task. As he enters the ring, and removes the strap from his waist, he gives it his traditional kiss. Before the hitman goes into battle, he removes his sunshades and gives them to a lucky child sitting in the front row.
Now it is time for the match. A weeks prior, during the official contract signing, Yokozuna made a statement by delivering a Bonzai drop onto the champ. From that day, everyone knew that it was just a matter of time. As the match began, Yokozuna's awareness would be tested by Hart's speed and agility. But it was power maneuvers that he would use to slow down the champ. Even though he was billed from Japan, this match met a lot for the Samoan family, as this was the time for one of their own to win the biggest prize in professional wrestling.
The hitman was able to withstand the punishment to a man that he was giving up nearly 300 pounds to. As the clouds began to settle over Ceasers Palace, it had to be a matter of time before Yokozuna could turn things back in his favor. Hart, who was never known as a dirty wrestler had to do whatever it took take down this giant. As he had Yokozuna in the corner, he began to pummel on the head nearly ten times. As the ref count reached closer to ten, it was Yokozuna beginning to pull him from the corner, but he had a struggle. Hart held onto the turnbuckle padding until it was ripped off which left nothing but exposed steel.
With the steel off, that could only mean trouble for one of these great superstars. As Yokozuna attempted to ram Hart's face into the corner, it was countered and the massive Samoan was left on the ground face first. This gave the Hart the opportunity to attempt the unthinkable. Hart went to the feet of Yokozuna and lifted his legs up with every bit of energy he had and executed the sharpshooter.
So many things ran through my mind at the time. Could Bret Hart walk out of Las Vegas with his WWF Championship, all we need is a tap out. Even a 500 pounder could not withstand the pain of his hamstring being stretched. There was one problem. The man who perhaps would receive the second biggest pay day if Hart loses the title was standing at ringside. Mr Fuji, reaches in his bucket as he had done on many occasions before and tossed a grain of salt into the eyes of Bret Hart. As Hart released the hold, this allowed Yokozuna to change the perception of Samoan wrestlers forever. He would cover him and become the new World Wrestling Federation Champion!
On this night, Yokozuna's celebration was cut short after Hulk Hogan arrived to the aid of Bret Hart was challenged by Mr Fuji. Hogan would win the title, but Yokozuna would regain the title in June at King of the Ring.
As a five year old, it is only common to root for the good guy and boo the bad guy. When Yokozuna would become a face nearly two years later, he became one of my favorites.
While he was billed as a Japanese wrestler, Yokozuna opened the door for Samoan wrestlers to be in the main event. Yokozuna left us too soon, but his legacy lives on in his family. On Saturday October 1,
The Wrestling Wrealm and
Tha Best Damn Show had the honor of attending a memorial show at
WXWC4 provided to us The Headshrinkers, Fatu (Rikishi) and Samu.
