WrestleMania III is often regarded as one of WWE’s most historic events, with Hulk Hogan’s bodyslam on Andre The Giant standing out as an unforgettable moment. On Busted Open Radio, Bully Ray noted a striking parallel between that legendary bout and the main event on WWE Raw featuring Sami Zayn and World Heavyweight Champion Gunther.
“Sami Zayn kicked out at one…Who do we remember doing that first?” Bully Ray asked. “Wasn’t it Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania III?”
Bully elaborated on the significance of the kickout, referring to Hogan’s iconic moment as the birth of what he called “The Adrenaline Spot”—where Hogan suddenly came to life, turning the tide of the match. Similarly, Sami Zayn’s quick kickout after two powerful moves from Gunther evoked that same feeling of a sudden burst of energy.
However, Bully praised how Zayn’s moment didn’t fully mimic Hogan’s. Instead of rallying to a triumphant comeback, Sami’s spark was quickly extinguished by Gunther’s devastating Rear Naked Choke, showing the dominance of the World Heavyweight Champion.
“What it does to the fans is just as important as what it does to the wrestler,” Bully explained. “The audience feels a surge of hope the second Sami kicks out, only for Gunther to snatch that hope away just as fast.”
Bully Ray also lauded Gunther’s unique approach to match finishes, noting that his timing often defies traditional wrestling psychology. Drawing comparisons to 1980s All Japan Pro Wrestling, Bully said Gunther’s matches often end in unexpected moments, creating a sense of “shock and awe.” This unpredictability, Bully believes, makes Gunther’s in-ring style compelling and distinct.