The amazing history of Showdown at Shea: photos
In 1972, WWE presented the largest event in the organization's history. It was at New York City's Shea Stadium, and WWE followed it up with shows in both 1976 and 1980 that were the precursors to modern-day WrestleManias. Check out these rare photos of the legendary Showdowns at Shea.
New York City's Shea Stadium hosted the New York Mets for 44 years and three WWE events, one each in 1972, 1976 and 1980.
In the main event of the first Showdown at Shea, Pedro Morales defended the WWE Championship against former champ Bruno Sammartino.
The unprecedented dream match was battled between the two top fan-favorites in WWE.
The back-and-forth matchup extended past the hour-long mark.
At 11 p.m., the match was ruled a draw due to an imposed curfew by the New York State Athletic Commission.
In 1976's event, Chief Jay Strongbow & Billy White Wolf successfully defended the WWE World Tag Team Championships against The Executioners.
Sammartino defeated the man who broke his neck, Stan Hansen, at 1976's event to retain the WWE Championship.
The 1976 event featured two boxer/wrestler matchups. The bout between Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki took place in Tokyo and was shown to the Shea crowd via closed circuit television.
The battle between Chuck Wepner, known as "The Bayonne Bleeder," and Andre the Giant has taken on near mythical status.
