We knew WrestleMania IX would be different when Caesar and Cleopatra showed up at the Royal Rumble with an invitation to join them at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.

The 1993 event was billed as “the world’s largest toga party.” It was the first outdoor WrestleMania. Even the announcers wore togas.

Of course, I had to follow suit when I watched the show at my buddy’s house.

“I knew you were going to wear a toga, Gorman.”

HULK’S STILL HERE

In the ring, WrestleMania IX was a massive dud. Two of the biggest misses involved Hulk Hogan, who was nine years past his first championship win.

Hogan was in the unfamiliar position of challenging for the tag team title along with Brutus Beefcake. The lost to Money Inc. (Ted DiBiase & Irwin R. Shyster) by disqualification.

The Hulkster showed up at the end of the night after Yokozuna defeated Bret Hart to win the World Wrestling Federation championship.

Yoko’s manager, Mr. Fuji, had thrown salt into Bret’s eyes. When Hogan came to the ring, Fuji offered Hogan an immediate title shot.

You can guess what happened next. Fuji’s salt went into Yoko’s eyes, and Hogan scored a quick win to become a five-time WWF champion.

OTHER CALAMITIES

Undertaker improved his WrestleMania record to 3-0, but his win over Giant Gonzales came by disqualification.

Shawn Michaels defended his Intercontinental title against Tatanka, and Shawn retained his title with a countout loss.

Lex Luger beat Mr. Perfect by knocking him out with the steel plate in his forearm.

Razor Ramon ended Bob Backlund’s winning streak, as the fans cheered for “The Bad Guy” instead of longtime hero Backlund.

THE BRIGHT SPOTS

Rick & Scott Steiner beat The Headshrinkers in the best match of the night.

The highlight of WrestleMania IX was Doink the Clown’s win over Crush. A second clown came from under the ring to help him win.

When a second referee told the first ref what had happened, they looked under the ring. The second clown had disappeared.

Bobby “The Brain” Heenan gave the perfect explanation, considering the show was in Las Vegas.

“It’s magic! It’s an illusion!”