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What is the oldest WWE PPV?

Published in WWE PPV History 2 mins read

The oldest WWE pay-per-view (PPV) event is WrestleMania.

WrestleMania made its debut in 1985, marking it as the very first pay-per-view event broadcast by the American professional wrestling promotion WWE (then known as the WWF).

The Genesis of WWE Pay-Per-Views

WWE began broadcasting its signature pay-per-view events in the 1980s, laying the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of professional wrestling entertainment. Among these early events, four distinct shows rose to prominence, collectively known as the "Big Four":

  • WrestleMania: As the inaugural PPV, WrestleMania quickly established itself as the company's flagship event, often referred to as the "Super Bowl of sports entertainment." Its annual staging typically occurs in late March or early April.
  • Royal Rumble: An innovative event introduced in 1988, known for its unique multi-competitor battle royal match.
  • SummerSlam: Debuting in 1988, SummerSlam became WWE's second-biggest event of the year, held annually in August.
  • Survivor Series: Launched in 1987, this event is traditionally held in November and is famous for its elimination tag team matches.

While all four of these events were established in the 1980s and continue to be major annual attractions, WrestleMania's inaugural broadcast in 1985 solidifies its status as the pioneering WWE pay-per-view. It set the precedent for future large-scale wrestling events and cemented the PPV model as a crucial part of WWE's business.

For more information on the history of these events, you can explore the list of WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming supercards.