“Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff
Orndorff played a key role in the popularity of Saturday Night’s Main Event during the mid-1980s. During Hulk Hogan’s dominant first reign as WWE Champion, Mr. Wonderful provided one of Hogan’s greatest rivals during the world championship run.
Their rivalry was first ignited by Orndorff turning on then partner Hogan, establishing him as a serious title contender. This led to a title match at SNME VII in October 1986, which Hogan won. But it would be the rematch that would define the acclaimed rivalry. Squaring off in a steel cage for the title once more, both Hogan and Orndorff escaped, hitting the floor simultaneously. The two referees named different winners, and the match was eventually declared a draw. Hogan won decisively after the match was restarted.
