The Untold Truth Of WrestleMania I

The WWE calls WrestleMania "the Showcase of the Immortals" for good reason. Obviously, it's a great way to put butts in seats. More importantly, though, this spectacle of spectacles has embedded indelible memories in the brains of wrestling fans.

At WrestleMania III, the "Irresistible Force" Hulk Hogan slammed the "Immovable Object" Andre the Giant in an incredibly moving match, and Macho Man Randy Savage crafted a masterpiece of mat psychology and in-ring action with Ricky "the Dragon" Steamboat. At WrestleMania XXVI, Shawn Michaels concluded one of the best wrestling storylines ever, and capped off his all-time great career, in an epic match against the Undertaker. Also, Bleacher Report has described the career-defining submission match between between "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Bret "the Hitman" Hart as "the Biggest Match in WWE History."

Such moments not only stand the test of time, but stand as a testament to the dedication of performers who break their bodies to make audiences smile, and to all the thought and preparation that takes place behind the scenes. Of course, none of these scenes would have played out without the overwhelming success of WrestleMania I, the showcase where immortality began.

Held on March 31, 1985, WrestleMania I marked a watershed moment for professional wrestling: the first supershow that didn't include rival promotions, per Bleacher Report. This would be Vince McMahon's baby, and he had every intention of putting the "show" in "showmanship." Hulk Hogan teamed up with his Rocky III castmate Mr T., the Rockettes kicked their dancing into high gear with Liberace, and Muhammad Ali was a hit with the crowd, serving as a special guest referee despite suffering from the effects of Parkinson's disease.

However, one star shined especially bright that night, and her name was Cyndi Lauper. The musician was integral to the genesis of WrestleMania. As Lauper recalled in a memoir, via Bleacher Report, she became acquainted with wrestling Hall of Famer Captain Lou Albano, and he appeared in the video for "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." She and Albano had a fun storyline feud, in which she allied with the wildly popular Wendi Richter. With Lauper in her corner, Richter defeated the seemingly unbeatable Fabulous Moolah at a 1984 Madison Square Garden event called Brawl to End It All, but that was only the beginning. Thanks to Lauper's appearance, MTV broadcast the event live, paving the way for WrestleMania I. Once more, Lauper accompanied Richter, who was the victor in a title match, but it was McMahon and generations of fans who got the spoils.