Professional wrestling, like any high-level art form, has a unique ability to evoke a wide range of emotions in its audience. Over the past decade, the wrestling world has witnessed some incredibly emotional matches, from Atlantis vs. Ultimo Guerrero in CMLL to Cody Rhodes vs. Dustin Rhodes in AEW, and Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens vs. The Usos in WWE. These bouts have moved fans to laughter, anger, and tears. Recently, former WWE star Hornswoggle shared his own deeply emotional experience, recalling the WWE Championship match from WrestleMania 35 between Kofi Kingston and Daniel Bryan.
A Heartfelt WrestleMania Moment
During his appearance on “Insight with Chris Van Vliet,” Hornswoggle revealed that watching Kofi Kingston’s victory over Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania 35 brought him to tears. “I was watching with my son, and it literally welled me up,” he said. “Because it was one of the most awesome builds. He was a guy that… it wasn’t like he shouldn’t have made it to that level, but you never thought he would. He should’ve, for sure should’ve. And [he] always gets a great reaction, always did everything they asked, everything they asked.”
The Power of the Build-Up
Hornswoggle highlighted the powerful build-up to Kingston’s WrestleMania moment, emphasizing how it resonated deeply with fans. He recalled a particularly impactful promo featuring The New Day and Vince McMahon, describing it as heartfelt and genuine. “That promo, it just popped up on my timeline the other day, the New Day promo with redacted [Vince McMahon]. And they’re like, laying it all out there. It was heartfelt,” Hornswoggle noted.
An Unforgettable Victory
Kofi Kingston’s victory at WrestleMania 35 was more than just a win; it was a historic and emotionally charged moment that captured the hearts of wrestling fans worldwide. “Man, that night when he won, it’s the most… I truly feel it’s the most heartfelt moment of any WrestleMania ever. Any WrestleMania of all time. That’s where fans can really take it in and go ‘This is special. This means something,'” Hornswoggle reflected.
Beyond Wins and Losses
Hornswoggle’s admiration for Kingston’s victory underscores the profound impact that certain wrestling moments can have. He pointed out that while wins and losses at WrestleMania often generate excitement, Kingston’s triumph represented something much deeper. “Wins and losses at WrestleMania can be cool and they can get a reaction. That meant something for the very first time I think. I don’t know if it’ll ever be topped, for such a heartfelt, wholesome moment. I don’t know what else happened on that show.”
Legacy of KofiMania
Kofi Kingston’s victory at WrestleMania 35, often referred to as “KofiMania,” remains a seminal moment in WWE history. It was a culmination of years of hard work, resilience, and undeniable talent. Kingston’s journey to the WWE Championship was a testament to his perseverance and the unwavering support of the fans. For Hornswoggle, and many others, this match epitomizes the emotional depth and narrative power that professional wrestling can achieve.