By V ( v@hempseed.com )
1st July, '99

Welcome to a very special edition of The People's Column. This is my 150th column since I started writing on the net and also the 25th People's Column. I'd like to thank my readers for their kudos, complaints and suggestions which have made this column a success. All I can say now is 300 or bust!

Today I'd like to recount some of the most unforgettable moments of prowrestling for me. Here goes nothing-

>>Santana's super closeline (1987)- This relatively short match was dominated by the monstrous Volkoff. However, Santana came out of nowhere to closeline Volkoff and win the match.

>> The Rockers at the Royal Rumble (1990)- In what I consider the greatest tag-team match ever, Jannetty and Michaels defeated the Express at the Royal Rumble.

>> The Undertaker buries Hulkamania(1991)- "Hulkamania is dead", Bobby Heenan said as the Hulkster was routed by the Undertaker. I thought Hogan's days as a wrestling demi-God were over. Four days later, I was proved wrong.

>> Ric Flair winning the WWF title (1992)- Way back in 1992, Ric Flair claimed that he was the 'real Heavyweight Champion of the World'. At that time, Randy "Macho Man" Savage was the WWF champion. So in August Flair (who had already won and lost the WWF title) met Savage for the WWF title. It was a one-sided affair all the time. Mr. Perfect and Bobby Heenan worked from outside the ring and ensured that Savage never had the upper hand. Flair kept working on Savage's leg. After almost 40 minutes of struggling, Savage finally gave up.

>> The decline and fall of Backlund (1994)- Back in mid-94, Bob Backlund had a 'respectable' gimmick as the former champion trying for that one last hurrah by winning the WWF belt one more time. Bret Hart was the champion and the flagbearer of the WWF. In a classic match, Hart somehow managed to beat Backlund in 45 minutes. After the match, Backlund snapped and assumed the new "Mr." Bob Backlund gimmick.

>> Bret's third title (1995)- In November '95, Diesel was to defend the WWF title against Bret Hart. I gave Bret no chance because I thought the WWF would want Diesel in the WrestleMania main event. Another memorable match lasting over 40 minutes saw Bret Hart victorious. Diesel jacknifing Bret through the announcers' table was the high point.

>> Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels (1996)- Need I say anything about this great match?

>> The Giant massacres Lex Luger (1997)- Lex Luger challenged the all-conquering Giant on Nitro. In the main event event, Luger was decimated.

>> Austin arrives- This was the Royal Rumble where the Austin legend began. Steve Austin knocked out 6 men nonchalently before the Hitman made his in. Ultimately, Austin won the Rumble.

That's it for this very special edition of TPE. Send your comments to v@hempseed.com .