9 Significant moments that led to WWE becoming the global phenomenon in sports entertainment

#4 Vince McMahon purchases the company from his father

Vince McMahon Jr with his father

If you ever get a chance to watch a shoot interview from the old-timers, they'll universally tell you what an honorable man Vince Sr was. Never stepped on anybody's toes, and always worked with promoters around the country back in the "territory" days.

That all changed when his son - who originally started as an announcer - bought the company in 1982, and one by one, bought out all the other partners in the business. He then proceeded to stomp on all the other promoters, which he considered rivals, leaving them in the dust to forge the conglomerate that was the World Wrestling Federation.

Vince Jr. understood the power of cable television and harnessed it, acquiring the best talent from all around the country to come to the Madison Square Garden. The WWF would go on to becoming the industry leader in its field, and wrestling.

#3 Hulkamania is born

Hulk Hogan!

January 7, 1984, is arguably one of the most important dates in WWE history. It was on this night, at Madison Square Garden, that Hulk Hogan defeated The Iron Sheik to win his first WWF World title. Immediately after the match, Gorilla Monsoon on commentary proclaimed, "Hulkamania is here!"

Hogan would hold the title for just over four years, making him to this day the third longest reigning World champion ever. Hulk Hogan was the star, and champion Vince Jr. needed in his quest to create a national wrestling company.