WWE Set to Add More Moments to New Jersey’s WrestleMania Legacy

Photo Source: WWE.com

Piper’s Pit, WrestleMania V

If you thought WrestleMania IV was kind of a snooze fest, well, you may want to skip WrestleMania V. One year after the first trip to Boardwalk Hall, WWE returned to the same venue for another major show. There was no tournament this time around, but the most memorable moment from this show didn’t even involve a match in the first place.

Prior to Miz TV being the greatest talk show segment in professional wrestling, the standard was set by Rowdy Roddy Piper and Piper’s Pit. While taking a break from in-ring action to heal his body, Piper used his exceptional speaking ability to become a major part of WWE’s storylines. Everyone has seen the coconut incident with Jimmy Sunka. But some fans may not remember that it was on Piper’s Pit that Andre the Giant first turned heel, setting up his feud with Hulk Hogan.

In 1987, Piper had left WWE to pursue an acting career. Though he starred in the now-cult classic They Live, eventually Piper would return to the wrestling world. His return was billed for WrestleMania V – where he would host a new Piper’s Pit segment.

Piper’s guest was Morton Downey, Jr. Downey was a talk show host known for his loud mouth and obnoxious attitude. Think Jerry Springer, but with the most common types of guests as host, too. Downey’s signature action was blowing cigarette smoke into the face of his guests. Since he was the guest, Downey spent his time at WrestleMania V blowing smoke into Piper’s face.

Piper repeatedly warned Downey to stop – when he didn’t, Piper took matters into his own hands. A well-timed fire extinguisher blast took care of Downey and the offending cigarette, and another WrestleMania moment took place.