The 5 biggest squash matches in pro-wrestling history

#4 The Ultimate Warrior vs. The Honky Tonk Man - World Wrestling Federation (WWF) Summerslam 1988

Ultimate Warrior Vs The Honky Tonk Man#SummerSlam 1988IC Championship. @OfficialHTM pic.twitter.com/qL3z85DovW

— Tweet_Wrestling (@Tweet_Wrestling) August 23, 2015

The World Wrestling Federation in the 1980s was centered around Hulk Hogan. Despite stars like Macho Man Randy Savage and Andre The Giant having their own fanbases, Hogan was treated just head and shoulders above all other superstars in the promotion. Vince McMahon didn't focus on another star until Summerslam in 1988.

Heading into the pay-per-view, The Honky Tonk Man was the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion in World Wrestling Federation history. He was supposed to face Brutus Beefcake for the title, but The Barber was injured and couldn't perform. This led to an open challenge made by the champion.

80s EVENT of the Day: Summerslam 1988 “The Ultimate Warrior Vs Honky Tonk Man”Love the 1980s? OF COURSE you Do! Now Visit THE #1 80s Website Of ALL TIME:https://t.co/Eqikq9f9mD@WWE @WWENetwork @WWEUniverse #WWF #WWF #UltimateWarrior #HonkyTonkMan #SummerSlam #Wrestling pic.twitter.com/tBoR4L29K6

— 80sThen80sNow (@80sThen80sNow) August 18, 2019

Enter The Ultimate Warrior. He answered The Honky Tonk Man's challenge and ran through the champion. Once Warrior's music hit, Honky can be seen mouthing "NO! NOT HIM!" In just 31 seconds, The Ultimate Warrior defeated The Honky Tonk Man in dominant fashion.

This was the perfect end to his legendary reign. He was the chicken heel who used disqualifications and countouts to retain his Intercontinental Championship. It was a fitting way to use a squash match to build wrestling's next superstar. This established The Ultimate Warrior as a key player in the future of the World Wrestling Federation.