When Was WWE in Minnesota?By Coder| September 28, 2023 Wrestling Blogs Minnesota has a rich history when it comes to hosting World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) events. From thrilling matches to memorable moments, the Land of 10,000 Lakes has been a favorite destination for both performers and fans alike. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most significant WWE events that have taken place in Minnesota. The Birth of WWE in Minnesota In the early years, WWE was known as the American Wrestling Association (AWA). Founded by Verne Gagne in 1960, the AWA became a powerhouse promotion and helped shape the future of professional wrestling. Many legendary wrestlers, such as Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, got their start in the AWA. WrestleRock ’86 One of the most iconic WWE events held in Minnesota was WrestleRock ’86. Taking place on April 20, 1986, at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, this event featured a star-studded lineup and drew an impressive crowd of over 23,000 fans. Matches: WrestleRock ’86 showcased several exciting matches that left fans on the edge of their seats. The main event saw Jerry “The King” Lawler defeat Curt Hennig for the AWA World Heavyweight Championship. Memorable Moments: One of the most memorable moments from WrestleRock ’86 was when Hulk Hogan made a surprise appearance to confront Nick Bockwinkel and his manager Bobby Heenan. Survivor Series 1991 Another notable WWE event held in Minnesota was Survivor Series 1991. This pay-per-view took place on November 27, 1991, at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit but featured a crucial match that had strong Minnesota connections. The Undertaker vs. Hulk Hogan: The main event of Survivor Series 1991 saw The Undertaker, who was managed by Paul Bearer, challenge Hulk Hogan for the WWE Championship. This match marked the beginning of The Undertaker’s legendary career and established him as a dominant force in WWE. Legacy: Survivor Series 1991 will always be remembered as the event that launched The Undertaker’s remarkable journey, leading to his iconic undefeated streak at WrestleMania. Modern-Day WWE in Minnesota While the AWA may be a thing of the past, WWE continues to hold events in Minnesota to this day. Prominent arenas like the Target Center in Minneapolis and the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul have hosted numerous WWE shows, including Monday Night Raw and SmackDown Live. NXT TakeOver: WarGames On November 18, 2017, NXT TakeOver: WarGames took place at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. However, this event holds significance for Minnesota wrestling fans due to its featured match. The WarGames Match: NXT TakeOver: WarGames introduced a new generation of fans to the iconic WarGames match concept. This brutal match featured teams led by former Minnesota wrestlers William Regal and Dusty Rhodes’ sons, Cody Rhodes and Goldust. Thrilling Moments: The WarGames match delivered on its promise of high-stakes drama and intense action. It showcased innovative spots and unforgettable moments that left fans in awe. Royal Rumble 2018 The Royal Rumble is one of WWE’s most beloved annual events, and in 2018, it made its way to Minnesota. Held on January 28, 2018, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, the men’s Royal Rumble match featured a surprise entrant from Minnesota. Shinsuke Nakamura’s Victory: Shinsuke Nakamura, hailing from Kyoto, Japan, won the men’s Royal Rumble match by eliminating Roman Reigns. This victory earned him a guaranteed title shot at WrestleMania 34. Fan Excitement: Nakamura’s win generated tremendous excitement among WWE fans. His victory signaled a potential game-changing moment for his career and added an extra layer of anticipation to WrestleMania season. In Conclusion Minnesota has been a crucial part of WWE’s history. From the early days of the AWA to recent events like NXT TakeOver: WarGames and the Royal Rumble, the state has provided countless memorable moments for wrestling fans. Whether it’s witnessing legendary battles or being part of groundbreaking moments, Minnesota continues to be an essential destination for WWE events. The Land of 10,000 Lakes has truly left an indelible mark on professional wrestling history.