The Final Four Spots In The Elite Eight Are On The Line In The Greatest Wrestler of All Time Tournament
Yesterday Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Ric Flair and Bret "Hitman" Hart punched their tickets to the Elite Eight in our tournament to crown the Greatest Wrestler of All Time. Today we have the final four Elite Eight spots up for grabs and we have a hell of a crew going at it. We have the Sammartino Region where the number one seed, Bruno Sammartino, was knocked off by the nine seed Jake Roberts. We've also got the likes of the Macho Man, Stone Cold and the Heart Break Kid going at it in this round. So, let's get to it and get our brackets set.
Austin Region: Sweet Sixteen Round
(1) Steve Austin v. (5) Mr. Perfect
Stone Cold Steve Austin's flame burned as bright as any star in the wrestling universe for a decade plus. His career was unfortunately shortened due to a severe neck injury, but that does little to dampen his impact on the sport. Austin helped spearhead the WWE into one of its most profitable and popular time periods. During the late 90's everyone knew who Stone Cold was, with his distinctive goatee, bald head and black trunks. Mr. Perfect can't claim to have had the same impact on the sport in terms of pop culture, but damn was he something else in the ring. Curt Hennig was as good a wrestler as has ever been, and further most great technicians will credit him as being one of their very favorites. Additionally the gimmick of "Mr. Perfect" could not have been played better by anyone else.
(3) Shawn Michaels v. (2) Andre The Giant
Mr. Wrestlemania. The Show Stopper. The Main Event. The Heart Break Kid was all of those things and more. His career before his four year retirement was incredible enough, but the main event matches he put on after his return are on another level. He had all time matches with Chris Jericho, Ric Flair, Triple H and of course his two Wrestlemania matches with the Undertaker. Michaels might be the most talented athlete to ever enter a wrestling ring. Andre The Giant, on the other hand, did not possess such athleticism, because he did not have to. Andre was a force of nature. He was a one of a kind attraction and entertained the world over. Also, don't forget his acting chops.
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Sammartino Region: Sweet Sixteen Round
(9) Jake Roberts v. (4) Rey Mysterio
Jake "The Snake" Roberts was the first lower seed to upset a one seed here when he eliminated Bruno Sammartino. Roberts was a legendary character for those who grew up with WWF in the early 90's because he was a terrifying character. He always showed up with that damn snake and he could talk in that low, dangerous sounding rasp. Roberts was a solid worker and even better in ring personality. Rey Mysterio has formed a legend for himself by being able to work effectively with men much bigger than himself. It's easy to throw yourself around and sell for a bigger guy, it's not always easy to look like you're mounting an effective comeback.
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(3) Randy Savage v. (2) Dusty Rhodes
The Macho Man and the American Dream. These are both iconic characters, possibly best known for the unique promo styles, who captivated audiences all while not usually occupying the top spot on the card. Rhodes was usually behind Flair and Savage behind Hogan, although they frequently stole the show. These guys were fan favorites and incredible characters. Flair and Hogan are not who and what they are without these two foils.