Retro

In this Mid-South Wrestling 5/22/82 review, The Grappler teams with One Man Gang, Ted DiBiase goes one-on-one with The Turk, and much more.

Let’s jump in.

• Show: Mid-South Wrestling
• Date: May 22, 1982

COMMENTARY: Boyd Pearce runs through the matches, and Bill Watts is still trying to get his voice back after going wild during the Ted DiBiase and Ernie Ladd vs. The Assassin and Bob Roop match. Watts isn’t buying that Assassin was the person who pinned DiBiase after the shenanigans, and he thinks it was The Grappler. Watts then throws it to the spotlight with Paul Ellering, who is gonna do some push-ups.

VIDEO: Sure enough, Ellering is in the ring with a bunch of kids, and they’re doing push-ups. There is some cheesy 1980s music to really highlight the effectiveness of Precious Paul’s motivation tactics. Ellering decides to show off by doing push-ups with two women on his back. These women were ready to risk it all for this man. Watts notes they’re gonna do this every week until Ellering returns, which is a really good idea.

Rick Ferrara vs. Dick Murdock

Boyd tells a story about Murdock finding an armadillo with horns in it, and that became the Texas armadillo. You aren’t gonna find gold like this anywhere in the world. Watts reveals that Murdock is headed for tour of Japan in July. Murdock calls for the brainbuster, and he hits it on Ferrara for the win.

The Assassin vs. Buddy Landell

Watts is onto Assassin’s shenanigans with his mask in recent weeks. Assassin loads the boot, and Watts is on it. Assassin drives his boot into Landell’s arm and forces him to tap.

Bob Roop vs. Coco Samoa

More storytelling from Watts about Roop rigging Paul Orndorff’s car, which is still the greatest episode of Mid-South Wrestling that I’ve seen to this point in the rewatch series. Roop hits the legdrop for the victory.

Ernie Ladd vs. Kim Duc

Duc takes the fight to Ladd in the early going, but Ladd’s power is the story. He hits a big boot and leg drop for the easy win.

VIDEO: Highlights from the finish to last week’s episode, which featured The Grappler outsmarting the referee.

One Man Gang and The Grappler vs. Mike Sharp and Jesse Barr

Sharp tries to bodyslam Gang, but he can’t do it. Barr gets the hot tag and gets some momentum going. However, Gang drops the elbow on him for the victory.

Billy Starr vs. Mr. Olympia

Watts announces that The Junkyard Dog will be back next week. Olympia showcases some technical prowess, and Starr taunts him. Olympia locks in the submission on the knee for a bit, and he eventually hits a few dropkicks before locking in the sleeper for the win.

Ted DiBiase vs. The Turk

Once again, give Watts credit for putting over the roster and the impressive talents. DiBiase throws Turk into the corner, but Turk kicks out at two. DiBiase hits the powerslam for the victory.

BLAKE’S TAKE ON MID-SOUTH WRESTLING 5/22/82

• Overall Rating: 4.0/10
• Thoughts: Not much to this particular show. It was mostly matches with little storyline advancement. Watts was excellent as usual, but that was the highlight.

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In this WWF Wrestling Tough Guys review, it’s a look at a classic WWF Coliseum Home Video release from 1990 that features Dino Bravo vs. Tito Santana, Hercules vs. Akeem, and more.

Let’s jump in!

VIDEO: Sean Mooney and Lord Alfred Hayes welcome us, and Mooney is showing off his muscles while wearing a Hulk Hogan shirt.

Hacksaw Jim Duggan vs. Boris Zhukov (w/Nikolai Volkoff)

A Superstars match here with Mooney and Alfred on commentary. They get the crowd worked up before they lay a finger on each other, which is another missing art in professional wrestling. Hacksaw with several hard rights to send Zhukov to the outside, and Hacksaw invites Volkoff in. If you want some, come get some! Hacksaw goes for a headbutt, but it appears Zhukov’s head is made of steel because he bounces right off of it. Zhukov bites Hacksaw’s head, and then he throws Hacksaw face-first into the steel steps. Zhukov with the bearhug, but Hacksaw backs him into the corner before hitting a clothesline. Hacksaw with the three-point stance and clothesline, but Volkoff distracts the refreee. Volkoff slips the 2×4 to Zhukov, but then the refreee gets distracted by Volkoff. That allows Duggan to hit Zhukov with the 2×4 for the win.

• Blake’s Take: Short and tough. Hacksaw was a good choice for this tape since he’s a tough guy. HOOOOOO. 1/2*

Haku (w/Bobby Heenan) vs. ‘Rugged’ Ronnie Garvin

This match is from Wrestling Challenge, with Mooney and Alfred still on commentary. A nice handshake from Haku and Heenan to start the match, and I appreciate their appreciation for each other. Garvin knees Haku right in the ass, to which Alfred proclaims that it’s a “blatant violation of the rules.” Garvin with five punches in the corner, but Haku turns it into a reverse atomic drop. Garvin goes for a pin but only gets two. And now they are CHOPPING. Heenan distracts the referee, which allows Haku to choke Garvin. Haku sends Garvin to the outside, and then he shoves his back into the apron as the referee counts them both out.

• Blake’s Take: It was hard-hitting, but the countout seemed unnecessary. *

The Powers of Pain (w/Mr. Fuji) vs. The Bushwhackers

Gorilla and Alfred are in Toronto for this clash. This tape is leaving a lot to be desired thus far, so maybe Barbarian and Warlord can save it. Barbarian has had enough of Luke and Butch dancing to their music, so he goes after Butch. The action picks up after Butch gets his head rubbed by Butch. Gorilla lists off the top teams in the WWF tag team division, and it was certainly stacked at this point. Butch with an assist from Luke to send Barbarian to the outside. Luke and Warlord are in, and Warlord goes to the bearhug. Butch is back, as Warlord hits him with a big clothesline. Gorilla says Fuji is a FOUNTAIN OF MISINFORMATION in yet another Gorilla classic.

Fuji clobbers Butch with the cane to further his argument. Barbarian slams Butch into the steel ring post, but the crowd rallies him to his feet. Barbarian jumps off the top with an elbow to Butch, and then he delivers a big boot to the face. Double team effort from Barbarian and Warlord, and Warlord hits a drop elbow to keep on the onslaught going. Barbarian with a headbutt into the “short rib area,” and Alfred is trying to figure out why the hell they aren’t going for the pin. Barbarian goes for a flying elbow, but Butch moves out of the way and makes the tag to Luke. Double battering ram to Barbarian, and they do the same to Warlord.

The referee gets Butch out of the ring, and Fuji sneaks in to hit Luke with the cane….but Butch turns the referee around so he can see it for the DQ. Finally, a babyface that understands what to do! Butch hauls off on Barbarian and Warlord with the cane after the match.

• Blake’s Take: A step up from the previous two matches. The Bushwhackers were never my favorite team, but I found them to be pretty enjoyable in this one. **

Akeem (w/Slick) vs. Hercules

We’re in Portland for a Superstars match featuring Tony Schiavone and Alfred on commentary. Speaking of favorites, I was a fan of both of these dudes. Hercules with a clothesline and a hard right, and that sends Akeem falling through the ropes to the outside. Hercules kicks Slick as he tries to motivate Akeem, so Akeem holds him back. LET THE SLICKSTER LOOSE. Hercules goes for the bodyslam, but Akeem says I don’t think so. Slick grabs a rope from his sleeve, and he starts choking Hercules while Akeem distracts the referee.

Akeem squashes Hercules in the corner, and then he chokes him on the ropes. Once again, Slick chokes Hercules for even more shenanigans. Akeem goes for a splash in the corner, but Hercules moves and proceeds to bounce Akeem’s head on the turnbuckle. Hercules with a couple of clotheslines, but Slick pulls down the top rope for the DQ. After the match, Akeem goes for a splash, but Hercules moves of the way and then bodyslams Akeem for a big pop from the crowd.

• Blake’s Take: I was more entertained than most would be. *1/2

Dino Bravo vs. Tito Santana

Gorilla and Mooney are back for a Hamilton, Ontario show at Copps Coliseum. A reminder that the best Dino Bravo match I’ve ever seen was on the WWF World Tour tape. He went one-on-one with Bret Hart, and it was good stuff. Bravo hits the road before the match begins, but he decides to come back. Cross body from Santana, and he sends Bravo out of the ring. Santana with a double wrist lock, and Gorilla notes that Bravo has put on 80 pounds since he was a champ in Canada. Maybe he was working out like Hercules and Paul Roma on the WWF Hottest Matches tape!

Bravo gets Santana to the corner, but Santana reverses and goes for a monkey flip. However, Bravo reverses and drops an elbow for a near fall. Bravo with the reverse double chinklock, but Santana goes for the backslide and gets a two count. Bravo locks in the bearhug, and Santana may be out of it. He’s not! Santana regains the momentum and hits a backdrop. Santana calls for the forearm, but Bravo hits a side suplex for the win.

• Blake’s Take: The best thing on this tape. That isn’t exactly a high bar to clear, but it’s notable nonetheless. Am I becoming a Dino Bravo fan?! **1/2

IN THE STUDIO: Mooney has a neck brace and a patch over his eye. Someone body slammed him and then catapulted him over the top rope. The man also got a piledriver. Mooney has decided he’ll let the tough guys be tough. Alfred finds all of this comical.

BLAKE’S TAKE ON WWF WRESTLING TOUGH GUYS

This tape is less than an hour long, so at least there’s that. Not much to it with zero recommended matches, even if the main event was solid. And yes, Dino Bravo has some of the highest-rated matches on these Coliseum Home Video reviews we’ve been doing. That’s something.

For more of my show reviews, visit the Reviews section!

In this WWF Hottest Matches review, it’s a look at a classic WWF Coliseum Home Video release from 1990 that features Ted DiBiase vs. Shawn Michaels, Rick Martel vs. Tito Santana, and more.

Let’s jump in!

IN THE STUDIO: Sean Mooney teases that this is the greatest tape yet. We’ll decide that, Mooney! All the heat puns are pretty tremendous in this opening monologue.

‘The Model’ Rick Martel vs. Tito Santana

Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan are on commentary, so this is already a classic. Heenan says he put on a little Arrogance before his flight, and the flight attendants were all over him. They push the history between the former Strike Force duo, including some arguing over who carried the load for the team. Martel controls the early going, but Tito hits back-to-back dropkicks to reverse the momentum. Tito goes to work on Martel’s knee, and Gorilla approves of the strategy. Tito pulls out the toe hold, but Martel grabs the hair. Martel tries the leap frog but comes down on the injured hamstring, and Tito uses that to his advantage by ramming Martel’s leg around the steel ring post.

Tito attempts the Figure Four, but Martel rakes him in the eyes. Martel chokes Tito, and then it’s a sling shot into the bottom rope. Bodyslam from Martel, and he goes up top but Tito racks him. Tito bounces Martel’s head off the turnbuckle eight times, and then he dives out of the way of a flying cross body for two. Martel kicks Tito in the face, but Tito gets a small package for a near fall. Tito with a back body drop, and he hits the flying forearm…but Martel falls out of the ring. Martel grabs Arrogance, and he sprays Tito in the eyes with the referee down to score the win.

• Blake’s Take: I really enjoyed this. It was a nice sprint between two great workers, and you’ve got the best commentary duo ever narrating it move by move. *** (Recommended)

VIDEO: It’s a look at the history of the WWF Tag Team titles. Lord Alfred Hayes lists the essential attributes of the tag team champions on top of a replay of the WrestleMania IV match between Demolition and Strike Force. Ax uses the cane to hammer Martel, and that allows Smash to cover Martel to win the titles. We fast forward to Andre the Giant and Haku defeating Demolition on the December 30 edition of Superstars to win the belts. Another fast forward to WrestleMania VI, where Demolition won the rematch in Andre’s swan song in the WWF. It’s still one of the loudest pops you’ll hear on any WWF show. And now we head to SummerSlam 1990, with The Hart Foundation winning the titles thanks to an assist from the Legion of Doom. Another incredible crowd reaction there.

The Orient Express (w/Mr. Fuji) vs. The Rockers

This is the official Coliseum Home Video tag team match of the month. You could do much worse! Mooney and Alfred are on commentary. Quick start from Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty, with Jannetty working over Tanaka. However, Tanaka pulls the hair and we get the ‘ol switcheroo with Tanaka and Sato. As if referee Danny Davis is gonna do anything about it! He doesn’t care about the rules. Yet another switcheroo, and Davis is dumbfounded. Leapfrog from Jannetty, and he tags in Michaels who comes off the top on Sato. Michaels with a spinning neckbreaker for two. Jannetty with the MONKEY FLIP to Sato, but more underhanded tactics allow Sato to get back on track.

Sato with some chops in the corner, and double kicks to the midsection brings in Tanaka. He superkicks Jannetty to the outside, where Fuji hammers him in the back with the cane. Sato with a kick to Jannetty’s head, and it’s more teamwork from the heels. Jannetty tries to make the tag, but he can’t get there. Davis has his back turned again, which allows Tanaka and Sato another opportunity to kick Jannetty’s ass. Double clothesline….and here we go. Who will make the tag?! It’s Jannetty, and Michaels runs wild. Michaels with a big clothesline to Tanaka for two, and now all four men are in the ring. DOUBLE NOGGIN KNOCKER! They all take the fight to the outside, and Jannetty and Michaels slide in before the 10 count for the victory.

• Blake’s Take: Quality tag team work here. I was a fan of both teams, and even though it was a house show match, they brought good fun and entertainment. **1/2

IN THE STUDIO: Mooney has smoke around him because, you know, it’s the WWF’s hottest matches! Arthur Lacter from Brooklyn wants to see Dusty Rhodes vs. Greg Valentine. The issue is that Arthur’s postcard was burned to a crisp. Hottest matches and all. But have no fear, Arthur, we’re still getting the match!

‘The American Dream’ Dusty Rhodes vs. Greg ‘The Hammer’ Valentine (w/Jimmy Hart)

Mooney and Alfred are on commentary for this Wrestling Challenge match. Valentine works on the arm, but the BIONIC ELBOW from Dusty drops Valentine. More elbows and chops from Dusty, and Alfred thinks Valentine is a little too tense. Lighten up, Greg! Apparently, he does, as that motivational speech from Alfred leads to Valentine turning the momentum. Valentine goes to the chinlock, and then he hits a headbutt to the balls that no doubt affected the future Cody Rhodes. They haul off on each other, and Dusty hits a dropkick before delivering 10 punches in the corner.

Dusty goes for the Figure Four, but Valentine pokes him in the eyes. Valentine with a knee to the back of the leg, and that’s a move that would hurt. Valentine goes for the Figure Four, but Dusty rolls him up for two. Back to the chinlock for a bit, and Dusty gets out to hit some punches. Dusty throws Valentine into the corner, but Valentine hits a knee to the face. Valentine distracts the referee, and Hart goes up top with the megaphone, but Ronnie Garvin isn’t having that shit. He pulls Hart off the top, and Dusty rolls up Valentine for the win.

• Blake’s Take: If you’re looking for classics in every match, you won’t get it on these Coliseum Home Video tapes. I’m just entertained by the nostalgia and logical babyface vs. heel work, and that’s the formula they worked with yet another hot crowd. **

IN THE STUDIO: Mooney is sweating like a stuck pig! You can write to WWF Fan Favorites to request your own match. Postcards only, no paper. Because it’s the HOTTEST MATCHES!

WWF PROFILE: Alfred narrates a feature on Jake Roberts before throwing it to the next match.

Akeem (w/Slick) vs. Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts

We get the Mooney and Alfred commentary crew again for this one on Superstars. Jake goes for the quick DDT, but Akeem maneuvers out of it. Slick’s green suit is an all-time classic. Jake gets Akeem to the mat to focus on the arm. The action spills to the outside, and Akeem hits Jake from behind after he tries to go after the Slickster. Akeem squashes Jake on the ropes, and then Slick grabs Jake while the referee – a young Mike Chioda – has his back turned.

Akeem with a few knees to the midsection, but he can’t connect on a splash in the corner. That allows Jake to swing the momentum, as Akeem goes for the splash but Jake moves. Slick grabs Jake’s leg, and Jake goes after him. Slick jumps into the ring, and Jake throws Slick into Akeem. Chioda calls for the DQ for some reason. A manager can’t run into his own client? Jake hits the DDT on Slick, and Jake pulls out his snake but Akeem pulls Slick to safety.

• Blake’s Take: I need Chioda to go into the WWF rule book and show me where it says a manager touching his client is a DQ. Blasphemy! *1/2

VIDEO: Jake shows off all his snakes and sends a warning to Ted DiBiase and Virgil.

‘Million Dollar Man’ Ted DiBiase (w/Virgil) vs. Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts

And now it’s Gorilla and Mooney on commentary. A 2-on-1 start, but Jake sends Virgil reeling before going for the DDT on DiBiase. However, DiBiase comes out the back door to retreat. Gorilla and Mooney push Roberts’ neck injury history, with DiBiase trying to end his career. DiBiase nearly finds himself face to face with Damian, so he gets the hell out of there. Virgil hops on the apron to try to distract Jake, but Jake isn’t having it. Again, Jake goes for the DDT, but DiBiase successfully gets out of there. Gorilla says three of the best words in the English language as Jake grabs DiBiase and Virgil: DOUBLE NOGGIN KNOCKER.

DiBiase goes after Jake’s neck, and Gorilla gives us a lesson on the vertebrae. Jake grinds the neck some more, while Gorilla says “look at Virgil, that piece of garbage.” Just the best. Jake turns the tide with an inverted atomic drop, and he slams DiBiase’s face right into the mat. Virgil is back on the apron, but Jake knocks him silly. Jake hits the short-arm clothesline and calls for the DDT, but Virgil attacks him from behind for the DQ. After the match, Virgil puts a headlock on Jake as DiBiase slaps Jake with hundred-dollar bills. DiBiase flaunts his money, but Jake wallops Virgil and does the same to DiBiase, who runs to the back. Jake hits the DDT on Virgil.

• Blake’s Take: Another match with incredible selling and babyface vs. heel work. The crowd was into it, even if it would be considered “slow” in the modern era. If the formula ain’t broke, don’t fix it. **1/2

IN THE STUDIO: This next match is presented by the WWF Magazine. Those were the days.

Haku (w/Bobby Heenan) vs. Brutus ‘The Barber’ Beefcake

A Wrestling Challenge match here with Mooney and Alfred on commentary. Beefcake’s ring attire fit the character, but it was still absurd. Haku hauls off, but Beefcake hits some punches and a kick to the midsection. Beefcake with an inverted atomic drop on Haku on the outside, and Haku wants a TIMEOUT. This is wrestling, Mr. Tonga! And since it is wrestling, Haku bites Beefcake right in front of referee Danny Davis. Brutal shoulder breaker from Haku to Beefcake, and it’s on to the chinlock. Heenan with some underhanded tactics, and Haku does the same with a rake to Beefcake’s eyes.

Alfred suggests Heenan may be reaching into his pocket for a cigarette, to which Mooney notes that you can’t do that ringside. Beefcake reverses the momentum, but when he goes for a back body drop, Beefcake stumbles and Haku just falls to the mat. That’s the biggest botch I’ve seen on these Coliseum Home Video tapes thus far. Beefcake locks in the sleeper, but her comes Heenan for the DQ. Beefcake puts the sleeper on Heenan, but Haku hammers him from behind. Beefcake grabs the clippers, so Haku and Heenan retreat.

• Blake’s Take: My least favorite of the HOTTEST MATCHES thus far. *

IN THE STUDIO: Mooney is DRENCHED in sweat. Get this man some AC.

MANAGER PROFILE: Sensational Sherri is the focus this month. She’ll do anything for Randy Savage. She was so awesome in this role.

IN THE STUDIO: Mooney is still frying, and he teases the next match as a potential match of the year candidate.

Ted DiBiase (w/Virgil) vs. Shawn Michaels (w/Marty Jannetty)

Maybe Mooney was onto something! Let’s find out in this Wrestling Challenge affair in San Antonio. DiBiase gets the better of the exchange early on, but Michaels shows off his athleticism with a flurry of dropkicks and arm drags. Quite a sequence there. DiBiase tries to regain the upper hand, but Michaels reverses into a hip toss to go back to the side headlock. Another dropkick from Michaels, and Gorilla and Alfred are impressed. DiBiase picks it up with some hard right hands, and then he sends Michael into a 360 spin after a huge clothesline. DiBiase gets pissed that he can’t finish of Michaels, and that allows Michaels a roll-up for a near fall.

DiBiase throws Michaels to the outside, and Jannetty keeps Virgil in check. Of course, as he does that, DiBiase throws Michaels off the steel railing. DiBiase with a suplex, but Michaels kicks out at two. DiBiase goes for the piledriver, but Michaels reverses into a backdrop. Double clothesline, and DiBiase is up first as he hits a bodyslam but misses on a back elbow drop off the top. Michaels with a series of offense, including another HIGH dropkick. Michaels hits a neckbreaker, and he hits a flying cross body off the top….but DiBiase kicks out at two! Michaels runs off the ropes, but Virgil grabs his leg. That sends Jannetty chasing after him, but DiBiase hits him with a clothesline and throws him back to the outside.

Jannetty is back on the apron to complain, and Virgil comes in to help DiBiase. However, Jannetty breaks through to go after them and there’s the DQ. Michaels and Jannetty send DiBiase and Virgil reeling after the match. In a funny twist, it’s announced that the match is a double countout, which Gorilla questions since both men were in the ring. But Mike McGuirk corrects herself.

• Blake’s Take: This was excellent until the non-finish, but you kind of know what to expect with these matches at this point. Michaels and DiBiase had fantastic chemistry, and it would have been great to have more one-on-one matches between these two. **** (Highly Recommended)

IN THE STUDIO: Mooney is FRIED as he throws it to the superstar workout.

VIDEO: The Power and Glory duo of Hercules and Paul Roma are ready to LIFT SOME WEIGHTS. The best part is them calling each other Power and Glory instead of their actual names, while wearing Zubaz pants. Some impressive dumbbell flyes from Herc. What an underrated duo. It’s time for the biceps workout! Roma says people should never expect to achieve the physique of Herc. They are STILL LIFTING WEIGHTS. And of course, both men are sweaty as the camera zooms in on their muscles. There is also lots of grunting. Am I watching Coliseum Home Video or Vivid? Starting to wonder, folks. This segment started and I figured they would do a few lifts, but this is one of the longest segments in the history of television.

IN THE STUDIO: Mooney has removed his jacket, and the man is DRIPPING sweat. What a transition from Power and Glory to that.

IN THE RING: Brother Love introduces ‘Macho King’ Randy Savage and Sensational Sherri.

‘Macho King’ Randy Savage and Sensational Sherri (w/Brother Love) vs. ‘The American Dream’ Dusty Rhodes and Sapphire (w/ Elizabeth)

Gorilla and Heenan are back on commentary for this Wrestling Challenge Match. Savage says “ooooohhhh yeah” on the mic, so Dusty grabs the mic and says he’s gonna whoop that “red-faced pumpkin’s ass.” Brother Love is HEATED. Brother says he’ll knock the polka dots right off of Dusty in a great exchange. I just realized this is a mixed tag team match because Sapphire and Sherri are beating the hell out of each other. Dusty and Savage are in, and that leads to Brother Love kicking Dusty on the outside. Savage with a flying axe handle, and Sherri taunts everyone. Savage with the sleeper, but Dusty fights out. Savage goes back up for the axe handle, but Dusty hits him in the midsection. Dusty goes for the pin, and Brother Love puts Savage’s foot on the ropes.

Dusty goes after Brother Love, but Sherri grabs him from behind. Brother Love accidentally hits a running knee into Sherri, which prompts Savage to argue with Brother Love. Dusty puts on the sleeper, and Sherri jumps in to go after Sapphire. Brother Love jumps off the top onto Dusty with the referee distracted with the women. Savage makes the tag, and so does Dusty. Sapphire picks up Sherri for the airplane spin and a slam, but Savage breaks up the pin. Brother Love throws a purse into the ring, and the referee has to act like he doesn’t see it as he dances around the thing. Hilarious. Sherri grabs the purse, but Elizabeth hits her with it. Sapphire then pins Sherri for the win. Gorilla calls Brother Love a “fat piece of garbage” to add insult to injury.

• Blake’s Take: The characters were awesome, but the match was not. *1/2

IN THE STUDIO: Mooney’s show notes are on fire now, so that’ll do it for the hottest matches. He starts spinning around in his chair with a fire extinguisher. Tremendous stuff.

BLAKE’S TAKE ON WWF HOTTEST MATCHES

Honestly, there are a few nice matches on this collection. That makes it recommended viewing, even if there’s a lot of fluff elsewhere. Still, it’s a formula that worked for the era, and many current wrestlers would LOVE to get a crowd reaction like the one you had in 95 percent of these matches.

For more of my show reviews, visit the Reviews section!

In this WWF World Tour 1990 review, it’s a look at a classic WWF Home Video release that features Randy Savage vs. Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart vs. Dino Bravo, and more.

Let’s jump in!

IN THE STUDIO: Mooney pushes the world theme for this particular tape. The first stop on the tour is the WWF profile on ‘Superfly’ Jimmy Snuka.

VIDEO: Snuka says his mind is clean, but something else might not be clean given how jacked this dude is at this point in his career.

Boris Zhukov (w/Jimmy Hart) vs. ‘Superfly’ Jimmy Snuka

This match is taped at the Nassau Coliseum, and Tony Schiavone and Lord Alfred Hayes are on commentary. Zhukov with a PEARL HARBOR JOB to start the match, which sends Snuka to the outside. They do the criss cross, and I’m still amazed how that was ever a thing in professional wrestling. Zhukov sends Snuka down and gets a two count. Zhukov with another near fall, and he locks in the sleeper. Snuka fights out with some chops, but Zhukov goes back on offense with a hit to the face.

Zhukov with an aggressive sleeper as he applies some pressure, but Snuka is out again after some right hands. Zhukov with a shoulder block to knock Snuka to the mat, but Snuka gets up with a leap frog and chop before delivering a bodyslam. Snuka dropkicks Hart to send him to the floor, and then Snuka goes up top and hits the splash for the win.

• Blake’s Take: Not a lot to this one. The crowd was into Snuka, but this was slow and methodical. *1/2

Honky Tonk Man (w/Jimmy Hart) vs. ‘Superfly’ Jimmy Snuka

Schiavone is joined by Hillbilly Jim for this match at Madison Square Garden. Snuka doesn’t even take his jacket off before he sends Honky to his back. Big headbutt to Honky, and then Snuka hits the atomic drop. Snuka off the top with a chop, but Honky reverses the momentum. Hart grabs Snuka’s legs, and Snuka gives chase. Honky tries to sneak up, but Snuka has him scouted. Hart hits a cheap shot to Snuka’s midsection while Honky distracts the referee. Snuka goes for a splash, but Honky gets the knees up. Honky goes to the chinlock, and then he works over Snuka some more before Hart chokes Snuka on the ropes.

Honky knocks Snuka to the outside, and then he delivers multiple forearms to the chest on the apron before tossing his head off the ring post. Honky suplexes Snuka back into the ring, and he hits a piledriver. Honky calls for the finish, but Snuka counters and the crowd is going wild. Hart jumps on the apron to try to slow down the momentum, but Snuka throws Honky into Hart to knock him to the outside. Snuka heads up top, and he hits the diving headbutt for the victory.

• Blake’s Take: This was….slow. It’s the classic babyface vs. heel formula from this era, and I’d be lying if I said the crowd didn’t lose their minds at Snuka’s comeback. However, it was a lot of work to get there. *1/2

IN THE STUDIO: Carl Murphy picks Bret Hart vs. Dino Bravo as his fan-requested match. The fan-requested match on the previous Coliseum Home Video tape we looked at also requested a Dino Bravo match.

Dino Bravo (w/Jimmy Hart) vs. Bret Hart

This match took place in London. Schiavone and Alfred are the commentary team. Bravo boasts his strength in the early going, but Bret gets the crowd on their feet with a flurry of offense to send Bravo to the outside. Bravo yells at the fans, and he turns around into a hard right from Bret. Bravo wants to get the hell out and starts walking to the back, but Hart convinces him to return. Bret goes the technical route and works on Bravo’s arm for a bit. Bravo finally goes on the attack with some knees to Bret’s back, and we’ll probably get some world-class selling from it.

Bravo delivers some vicious forearms to Bret, and then sends him flying to the outside to the steel barricade. There’s no mat out there. It’s just a hard floor. Yikes. Bravo hits a clothesline to Bret for two, and he goes to the chinlock. They exchange pin attempts, and Bret’s counter nearly blows the roof off the London Arena. Bravo with the Irish whip into the corner, but he only gets a two after Bret puts his foot on the rope. Bravo locks in the bearhug, and he goes for a clothesline in the corner but Bret gets the boot to the face. Bret goes up top for a flying elbow, but Bravo moves out of the way. Great sequence there.

Bravo heads up top – in a rare move for him – and tries for a flying chop, but Bret knocks him in the midsection. Bret with a back body drop to Bravo, and he hits him with a leg drop for a two count. Bret then uses a small package for another two. Bret with a backbreaker, but Bravo kicks out again. Bret flies over the top for a cross body onto Bravo on the outside. Bret jumps and rolls up Bravo, but Bravo reverses with a handful of tights and rolls up Bret for the win.

• Blake’s Take: Easily the best Dino Bravo match I’ve ever seen. Lots of people can probably say the same in a match with Bret. ***1/2 (Recommended)

VIDEO: Hulk Hogan is in Brussels for the No Holds Barred premiere. Alfred narrates the events of Hogan’s trip, including autographs for the fans. Alfred is in Paris, and he gives us a history lesson of the city. I mean, the name of the tape is World Tour.

MANAGER PROFILE: Jimmy Hart is the choice. He’s holding Honky’s gold record, and he teases a match with Honky and Greg Valentine vs. The Bushwhackers. I am not amused. Hart also pushes Earthquake’s goal of destroying Hogan.

The Fabulous Rougeaus (w/Jimmy Hart) vs. The Rockers

This is a pleasant surprise since I thought we were getting Honky/Valentine vs. The Bushwhackers! Gorilla Monsoon and Alfred are on commentary in this EXCLUSIVE Coliseum Home Video match in Paris. Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty run into the ring and send Jacques Rougeau and Raymond Rougeau reeling while their music is still playing. It’s all Rockers from the jump, as Jacques scurries to the corner to give Raymond a hug. Meanwhile, Earl Hebner has a cast on his arm, and Gorilla jokes that he got caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

It’s all about working the crowd here, with Michaels and Jannetty taking turns going to work on Raymond. But it’s Jacques who turns the tide by grabbing Michaels’ hair when he tries to run the ropes. The Rougeaus exchange tags and cut the ring in half for a while, and then they hug again. You’ve gotta love these guys. They’re all-American boys! Michaels nearly gets to Jannetty, but Jacques and Raymond once again use a double team with Hebner occupied with a frustrated Jannetty. Gorilla and Alfred are hilarious in amusing themselves on commentary. Two real gems.

Michaels finally makes the hot tag to Jannetty, and he punches Hart for good measure. Jannetty goes for a pin, but of course Hebner is focused on something else. Hart pulls Jannetty’s leg, which allows Jacques to hit a piledriver on Jannetty. However, once again Hebner is nowhere to be found. Michaels hits Jacques with a piledriver, and Jannetty pins him for the win.

• Blake’s Take: The crowd was red hot, and they did the most basic tag team stuff to get them engaged. It’s all about the little things. A pretty fun match between two of my favorite tag teams. *** (Recommended)

‘Million Dollar Man’ Ted DiBiase vs. (c) The Ultimate Warrior – WWF Title

Vince McMahon and Jesse Ventura are on hand from the Egg Dome in Tokyo. Jesse notes that the Warrior looks “puffed up” as usual. DiBiase hits Warrior from behind to start the match, but Warrior gives him a back body drop and bodyslam. Warrior clotheslines DiBiase over the top. Vince suggests the commission in Tokyo barred Virgil from being ringside for the match. I appreciate the added detail there. DiBiase fights back with a series of punches, but we’ve got a CRISS CROSS that doesn’t exactly rival the one Warrior had with Hogan in the 1990 Royal Rumble.

DiBiase sidesteps a shoulder block attempt, and he grabs Warrior’s head before throwing him face-first into the mat. DiBiase with a clothesline, and he goes for the cover but Warrior kicks out at one. Hard chops from DiBiase in the corner, and he hits a big suplex for two. DiBiase with a textbook piledriver, but Warrior kicks out again. Some more hard chops from DiBiase, but Warrior is running wild. Warrior does his thing and hits the splash for the victory.

• Blake’s Take: These were two of my favorites from this era in the WWF, so I enjoyed it for what it was. **

Honky Tonk Man (w/Jimmy Hart) vs. Hacksaw Jim Duggan

Schiavone and Alfred are back for another match in London. Honky threatens to sing before the match, but the production truck cuts his music before playing Hacksaw’s royal theme as the king of the WWF. Hacksaw gets a “U-S-A” chant going, which is pretty impressive considering the location. Hart grabs a mic and says if the crowd doesn’t shut up, Honky won’t sing for them. They seem fine with that possibility. Hacksaw drops Honky with a clothesline. Hacksaw with a reverse atomic drop and some punches in the corner. Honky gains the advantage, and there’s Hart to pull Hacksaw on the bottom rope.

Honky locks in the headlock, but Hacksaw battles out until Honky knees him in the breadbasket. Honky distracts the referee, and that allows Hart to hammer Hacksaw again. It’s all Honky until Hacksaw moves out of the way of a spear. Hacksaw gets into the three-point stance and hits the shoulder tackle for the win. After the match, Honky grabs the megaphone, and he and Hart stomp on Hacksaw. But here comes the 2×4. HOOOOOO, TOUGH GUY!

• Blake’s Take: A great atmosphere, but another pretty basic match. And sometimes, that’s all you need. **

‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage (w/Sensational Sherri) vs. (c) Hulk Hogan (w/Elizabeth – WWF Title

We’re back in Paris with Gorilla and Alfred for this Coliseum Home Video EXCLUSIVE. A whole lot of stalling to start the match, and it’s enough to get the crowd cooking. They want action! Hogan goes after Savage, but he retreats into the aisle. Back into the ring, and Savage hits the road again. Savage throws a chair into the ring, but Hogan sends it out. Gorilla mentions the difference in size between the two men, which makes it all the more impressive they had one of the best feuds in WWF history. Savage grabs a mic and says he’s gonna beat Hogan one, two, three. Savage says he’s gonna be the new champ, and he’s gonna dedicate the victory to the most beautiful woman in the world….Sherri.

Savage goes up top, and that allows Sherri to sneak behind Hogan and hit him in the beck. The referee just stares at this development and begs for Sherri to get out. Gorilla correctly notes it should be a DQ, but Alfred says it’s a title match of the highest caliber. Hogan knocks Savage to the outside, and then threatens to punch Sherri. Instead, he Irish whips Sherri into Savage on the apron. Hogan grabs Sherri by the hair and throws her head into the apron. Well then. Alfred is speechless, but mentions he doesn’t condone that action. Hogan picks up Savage, and Sherri is back on the apron. Hogan mocks her and once again acts like he’s going to punch her. The 80s! Wait, the 90s!

Savage hits Hogan from behind, and Sherri rakes the back. At least it wasn’t directly in front of the referee’s face. Savage with the double axe handle off the top for two. Savage tries again and again, but Hogan keeps kicking out. Savage goes to the sleeper for a good bit, but Hogan eventually gets out and grabs Sherri by the hair after she grabs his leg. Savage racks his throat on the top rope, and he goes up top again for another double axe handle. Savage goes for the pin, but Hogan catapults him into the air. Hogan hulks up, and Elizabeth gets on the apron. Sherri tries to grab her, but Elizabeth knocks her off. Elizabeth slaps the taste out of Savage’s mouth, and Hogan hits the big boot and leg drop for the victory as Elizabeth holds back Sherri.

Hogan with the DOUBLE NOGGIN KNOCKER to Savage and Sherri after the match.

• Blake’s Take: You want to talk about a basic but effective formula. These two didn’t do much from a wrestling standpoint, but they had the crowd in the palm of their hand with all the extra shenanigans. Yes, that also included Hogan going one-on-one with Sherri for half the match. It worked for these fans, and that’s why they bought the tickets. **1/2

BLAKE’S TAKE ON WWF WORLD TOUR ’90

On a tape featuring Savage vs. Hogan, a Dino Bravo match was the highlight. Go figure. But it’s still the star power and atmosphere that stand out in these matches. The world tour theme gave this one a boost due to the variety of crowds.

For more of my show reviews, visit the Reviews section!

In this WWF WrestleFest ’90 review, it’s a look at a classic WWF Home Video release that features Mr. Perfect vs. Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage vs. Roddy Piper, and more.

Let’s jump in!

IN THE STUDIO: Sean Mooney runs down the card for this video. The WWF Hasbro action figures sitting on the desk are a nice touch of nostalgia. They were fantastic!

‘Macho King’ Randy Savage (w/Sensational Sherri) vs. Rowdy Roddy Piper

Mooney and Lord Alfred Hayes are on commentary. Sherri checks under Piper’s skirt, so she smacks her on the ass. It was a different era! Piper gains control and Sherri tries to distract him, but Piper isn’t having it. Savage is done with this and heads for the back, but Piper gives chase and brings the action back to the ring. Sherri slaps Piper, and it’s Savage who takes advantage with an elbow drop to the outside. Then Savage hits a double ax handle off the top for a two count. Savage sends Piper back outside, and Sherri clocks the man while Savage distracts the referee. A big knee to the face gives Savage the momentum, and he tries to choke out Piper.

The tide turns with Piper sending Savage into the corner, and the Macho King is stuck. Piper goes at him until Sherri sets Savage free. Airplane spin from Piper! Those things make me dizzy, and the same can be said for Piper who stumbles onto Savage for a near fall. Savage goes for the airplane spin, and this one is way faster. These dudes are SPINNING. Savage is all out of sorts, so he goes up top and proceeds to fall to the outside. What a great spot. The crowd eats it up with a spoon. Piper goes after Savage until Sherri yet again gets involved by jumping on Piper’s back for the DQ.

After the match, Piper puts the sleeper on Savage, but Sherri hits him in the back. So, Piper puts the sleeper on Sherri. Savage hits Piper with a knee to the back, but Piper throws Savage into Sherri. Piper then takes a strap and hammers Savage with it.

• Blake’s Take: This was a Superstars match between two top stars, so you weren’t getting a clean finish. Not much to it other than the airplane spins. **

IN THE STUDIO: Chase Tomlinson of Houston sends fan mail, and he wants to see The Ultimate Warrior vs. Dino Bravo. Mooney says ask and you shall receive.

VIDEO: Jimmy Hart says Chase asked for it, so Warrior is gonna get his ass beat. Warrior then says Chase is the only person who can command the viewing on Coliseum Video of his destruction. This would make me want to buy a tape, so bravo to the marketing team on this idea. I, too, could be the next Chase!

Dino Bravo (w/Earthquake and Jimmy Hart) vs. (c) The Ultimate Warrior – Intercontinental Title

Warrior hits the ring running, and he powerslams Bravo. Warrior off the top with an ax handle, and he tries to go up again but Earthquake grabs his foot. Bravo tries to use his strength to knock down Warrior, but that shit ain’t happening. Hip toss and bodyslam from Warrior, and Earthquake grabs Warrior’s foot again. Bravo clotheslines Warrior over the top, but Warrior retreats under the ring. Hart disappears under the ring, and he comes out without any pants. It was a pants party under the ring! Warrior pulls out Bravo and slams his face on the apron. Warrior hits a suplex and goes for the splash, but Bravo brings up the knees. It’s a test of strength that Warrior gets the better of, but Bravo throws him into the corner and hits a back suplex.

Bravo tries to lock in the bearhug but can’t get a good grip. Eventually he does, but Alfred is calling out Bravo for a ridiculous strategy. Warrior eventually breaks out, but Bravo rakes the eyes and hits an atomic drop. Bravo misses an elbow drop, but Warrior slams him and then favors the back. Bravo hits a knee to the back to send Warrior to the outside, where Earthquake bodyslams him with the referee distracted. Bravo with a sideslam for two, and it’s time for Warrior to hulk up. Warrior runs wild and hits the flying shoulder tackle and splash, but Earthquake breaks it up for another DQ.

Earthquake demolishes Warrior and goes up top for a squash, but HERE COMES HULK HOGAN to save the day. Hogan knocks off Earthquake, and that’s that.

• Blake’s Take: We’re 2-for-2 on DQs to start this tape. Less than ideal! But it’s expected, and Hogan making the save for the Warrior was what this was all about. **

IN THE STUDIO: We zoom in on the Hogan action figure, which was a beauty. Mooney tells people to send postcards if they want to request a match. Be specific and tell them you want a clean finish, folks!

MANAGER’S PROFILE: Mr. Fuji teaches his teams to do devious things. That bastard! He also has them do 5,000 squats, which seems excessive. We get the great highlight of Fuji running the 5k race and his teams doing dirty deeds.

VIDEO: Brutus ‘The Barber’ Beefcake has an announcement, and Rick Martel is the main guest at his barber shop. Martel says he’s so much better than Beefcake, and Coliseum Video fans get to see what he’s talking about. Arrogance will reign supreme!

’The Model’ Rick Martel vs. Brutus ‘The Barber’ Beefcake

Gorilla Monsoon takes over on commentary. It sounds like Hillbilly Jim joining him. This is a Madison Square Garden match for those curious. Martel shows off his abs, and Beefcake does the same. The bell rang a half hour ago, fellas! Gorilla calls them out for it. Beefcake shakes his ass, and Martel has had enough. Nice to see Vladimir the superfan in the front row (read my documentary review here). Martel asks for a handshake, and Beefcake accepts by kicking him in the midsection. Beefcake with 10 punches in the corner, as Hillbilly notes he’s getting “plucked like a chicken.”

Back to the corner, but Martel hits an inverted atomic drop. Martel goes on offense for a bit as Gorilla and Hillbilly pontificate a variety of things, including whether referee Danny Davis can be trusted due to his past history. Gorilla and Hillbilly are absolute gems. Martel applies the sleeper for what feels like a century, and Beefcake eventually fights out until Martel hits a knee to the breadbasket. Hillbilly notes that Martel “didn’t come in on a load of turnips.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. Beefcake with a small package for a near fall, and Martel goes back to work. Vladimir approves!

Martel heads up top, but Beefcake shakes the ropes Warrior-style to rack him. Beefcake clotheslines Martel to the outside, and Hillbilly has questions for Davis since he’s holding back Beefcake. Devious Danny strikes again! Sunset flip from Beefcake, but Martel reverses and holds the ropes for leverage for the victory. Gorilla lets us know it’s a miscarriage of justice! Beefcake puts the sleeper on Martel after the match, and Davis stands there and does ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Beefcake grabs the clippers, but Bobby Heenan throws water on Martel as he retreats.

• Blake’s Take: I enjoyed this. It wasn’t a classic and went longer than it probably needed to, but the combination of Gorilla/Hillbilly and quality heel work from Martel made this entertaining. **1/2

WRESTLEFEST PROFILE: The Hart Foundation say Coliseum Video requested an in-depth profile on them. Jim Neidhart rants about not getting the titles and Bret Hart has to calm the man down. Bret tells them to look at this match against the Powers of Pain.

The Powers of Pain (w/Mr. Fuji) vs. The Hart Foundation

Tony Schiavone and Lord Alfred Hayes are your commentary team. This was a Wrestling Challenge match based on the posters in the rafters. Two of my favorite teams from this era here. Neidhart and Barbarian start things off, and neither man will budge. We’ve got a HOSS FIGHT. Warlord grabs Neidhart, but Neidhart moves out of the way as Barbarian hits a clothesline on his partner. Bret is in, and a little double team action from the Hart Foundation. Alfred is thrilled with the aggression from them in the early going, and he notes the importance of the match with a potential opportunity against The Colossal Connection on the line.

Warlord reverses momentum with a slam to Bret, and Barbarian comes in with a headbutt to Bret’s back. Neidhart gets pissed, so the referee gets occupied with him while Barbarian and Warlord double team Neidhart in the corner. They work over Bret for a bit, but he eventually makes the tag to Neidhart. He hauls off on Barbarian and Warlord, and Barbarian accidentally drops an elbow on Warlord. Fuji trips Neidhart, which allows Warlord to jump off the apron onto Neidhart. Fuji swings the cane, but Neidhart moves and he hits Warlord. The referee counts out both teams because of course he does. Bret hammers Barbarian and Warlord with the cane after the match.

• Blake’s Take: That’s the third straight non-finish to start WrestleFest ’90. Classic! This was probably my least favorite of the trio. *1/2

VIDEO: Neidhart laughs about their match with Dino Bravo and Honky Tonk Man. We’re getting TWO Bravo matches on this tape? Like Jesse Spano in Saved By The Bell, I’m so excited, I’m so excited, I’m so….scared.

The Hart Foundation vs. Dino Bravo and Honky Tonk Man (w/Jimmy Hart)

Mooney and Alfred are back on commentary. Alfred got himself a tan! Bret and Bravo kick things off. Bret with a small package, and he hits a flurry of offense on Bravo. Honky comes in, and Bret tags in Neidhart. Wishbone to Honky’s tonk! Neidhart uses the bearhug, but a reverse atomic drop from Bravo swings the momentum. A double team from the heels with the referee distracted is up next. It’s a contractual obligation in every match. Both Honky and Bravo take turns going at Neidhart, and the teamwork – with the referee distracted again, of course – is somewhat impressive.

Honky misses a jumping punch, and that allows Neidhart to get the hot tag to Bret. He runs wild and eventually hits the vintage elbow drop off the second rope. The heels attempt more shenanigans, but that doesn’t work. Jimmy throws the megaphone in the ring, and Bret has the pin on Brabo but the referee doesn’t count. Neidhart grabs the megaphone and hits Honky and Bravo, so there’s your highly anticipated DQ finish!

• Blake’s Take: It was better than the previous match, but make it four in a row without a clean winner. It is what it is in this era in the WWF. **

VIDEO: Bret and Neidhart are back and talking about The Rockers. Now we’re getting somewhere! Surely we’ll get a straight-up winner this match….

The Hart Foundation vs. The Rockers

Mooney and Alfred are once again the commentary duo. Bret and Marty Jannetty start the match. Good teamwork from Jannetty and Shawn Michaels, and then we get the one-on-one showdown with Bret and Michaels. Reverse atomic drop from Bret to Michaels, and Neidhart is in with a big bodyslam. Bret throws Michaels’ face right into Neidhart’s boot, and then it’s bearhug time. Michaels with a desperation bodyslam to Bret, but Bret regains control and tags in Neidhart, who hits a huge dropkick for two. Neidhart with a backdrop for another near fall.

Bret catapults Neidhart into the ring, but Michaels dives out of the way. He can’t make the tag, and Bret is back in with a big boot to the face. Bret goes for the elbow drop off the top, but Michaels moves and finally makes the hot tag to Jannetty. A powerslam to Bret gets a near fall, and then it’s a knee to the face for another two. Double superkicks to Bret, but Neidhart breaks up the pin. Michaels with a snap suplex to Bret…but he kicks out at two and a half! Excellent reversal as Bret hits a clothesline on Michaels, and Mooney says you could call this one match a WrestleFest. Agreed.

Bret tags in Neidhart, and he pounces on Michaels. But Michaels throws Neidhart into the ropes, and it knocks Bret off the apron onto the steel barricade. Neidhart checks on Bret, and here come THE FABULOUS ROUGEAUS! They’re All-American boys! The bell doesn’t ring, but we know it’s a DQ. After the match, both babyface teams chase Raymond Rougeau and Jacques Rougeau to the back.

• Blake’s Take: Easily the best match on the tape. Not even the non-finish could make impact that. Great stuff from two legendary teams. ****

VIDEO: Alfred tells us about how the WWF moves the rings and equipment to each town. We even go under the hood with a look at the engines on the tractor-trailer trucks. Alfred’s promo is magical. The man is THRILLED about the efficiency of the ring crew.

IN THE STUDIO: Mooney throws it to the featured match of Mr. Perfect vs. Hulk Hogan for the WWF title at MSG.

Mr. Perfect (w/The Genius) vs. (c) Hulk Hogan – WWF Title

And we’re back to Gorilla and Hillbilly. Perfect wants none of Hogan in the early going, but that doesn’t matter as Hogan hits multiple bodyslams to send Perfect retreating. DOUBLE NOGGIN KNOCKER to Perfect and Genius! Hogan slams Genius and throws him in the ring, which makes no sense. What also makes no sense is Genius kicking Hogan and the referee staring right out it without a DQ. Is this a Handicap Match? Hogan throws Perfect into Genius in the corner. Hogan then hits an atomic drop on Genius to send him reeling. Hogan rams Genius into the steel post, and HULKAMANIA IS RUNNING WILD. Hogan clotheslines Perfect to the outside and we’ve got another DOUBLE NOGGIN KNOCKER. Perfect just taking an absolute drubbing in this match.

However, Perfect delivers a kick to the face to shift the momentum. Perfect goes on the offensive and sends Hogan to the outside, Genius teases hitting Hogan with the scroll. Hillbilly is tired of the interference in the WWF, but he could simply be talking about WrestleFest ’90 and it would be an accurate statement. Vladimir is having fun as Perfect goes up top, and when Hogan tries to pick him up, Perfect uses the thumb to the eye. Perfect applies the sleeper for a good while, but Hogan eventually gets up and he gets rammed into the corner for his efforts. Perfect goes back up, and Hogan shakes the ropes to rack him. Hogan follows him up top, and he picks Perfect up by the hair and racks him a few more times. Double ouch!

Atomic drop from Hogan, and he kicks Perfect’s leg out from his leg. Hogan goes for an elbow drop, but Perfect manages to sneak out of the way. Perfect then hits the Perfect Plex but seemingly can’t lock the hands, so Hogan kicks out. Hogan with the big boot to Perfect, but it knocks him out of the ring. They brawl, and Perfect grabs chair but misses and hits the steel post. Perfect has a pair of something in his tights, and it’s not balls! It’s brass knuckles. Hogan grabs the knucks and hits Perfect with it, and the referee calls for the DQ. PERFECT WINS! NEW WWF CHAMPION! Just kidding, folks.

After the match, Hogan picks up Genius, but Perfect makes the save.

• Blake’s Take: They protected Perfect at MSG, which showed you where he stood at this point in his WWF career. I’m still of the opinion he should have won the 1990 Royal Rumble. Good match with a tremendous crowd. ***1/2

IN THE STUDIO: Mooney throws it to the next match, and we’ve got Hasbro figures to set it up. Beautiful.

IN THE RING: Howard Finkel reveals Big Boss Man as the special guest referee for the tag match.

‘Million Dollar Man’ Ted DiBiase and Akeem (w/Virgil and Slick) vs. Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts and The Ultimate Warrior – Special Guest Referee: Big Boss Man

It’s another Mooney and Alfred pairing on commentary in what was a Superstars match. We start with DiBiase and Jake, and there’s plenty of history between those two. Jake quickly goes for the DDT, but DiBiase retreats. Jake works over DiBiase’s arm, he makes the tag to Warrior, and the place comes UNGLUED. To say that Warrior was on the rise would be an understatement. Akeem controls things for the heels by taking the fight to Jake. DiBiase does the same as he hits a piledriver, but Jake gets a foot on the rope. A reverse atomic drop and clothesline allows Jake to signal for the DDT, but DiBiase slows him down momentarily before Jake makes the hot tag to Warrior. My goodness, the crowd is losing it. Warrior hits the splash on DiBiase for the win. CLEAN FINISH! Bossman hits Virgil with the nightstick, and Jake hits the DDT on Virgil before letting loose Damian.

• Blake’s Take: You wanna talk about superstars. Warrior was on another level. This was short, but it was pretty sweet. **1/2

BLAKE’S TAKE ON WWF WRESTLEFEST ’90

A fine bit of nostalgia on this tape. The Hart Foundation vs. The Rockers, and the Hogan vs. Perfect matches were a lot of fun, despite anyone actually winning. But that was the story of all but one of these matches. The star power is what really stands out, as there are so many quality matchups in this particular lineup. Recommended for 80s to early 90s wrestling fans.

For more of my show reviews, visit the Reviews section!

In this ECW Hardcore TV 3/6/99 review, Taz has something to say to Sabu, The Dudley Boyz have a state of the union, and much more.

Let’s jump in.

• Show: ECW Hardcore TV
• Date: March 6, 1999
• Location: The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA

VIDEO: We get footage of Sid powerbombing everyone in sight. He’s gonna be Living Dangerously on March 21.

VIDEO: Taz is in no man’s land in Red Hook. There’s no beach or pretty girls in thongs, there’s just a bunch of “homeless dirtbags on the corner ready to jack your ass.” What a quote.

BACKSTAGE: Joey Styles takes a shot at WCW Uncensored and the concept they stole from ECW. He also calls out Turner for naming The Sandman as “Hak.” And then it’s a discussion on the fake barbed wire that WCW is gonna use instead of the real barbed wire they use in ECW. That sends us to highlights from the Terry Funk vs. Sabu match at Born To Be Wired in 1997 that had real barbed wire. Funk racking Sabu was just brutal, and so was Sabu shredding his arm and taping it up himself. Sabu wrapping barbed wire around him and diving onto Funk, who was also wrapped in barbed wire, was a wild sequence where they were tied together until Sabu scores the pin.

BACKSTAGE: Styles is back to take aim at Eric Bischoff for copying ECW’s extreme matches. Another great line: “Hollywood Hogan won’t let his back touch the canvas, much less barbed wire.” ECW certainly had a chip on its shoulder, and Styles was great pushing the narrative.

VIDEO: The Dudley Boys, Mr. Mustafa, and Joel Gertner deliver a state of the union. Gertner tells stories of the hood so that he can taunt New Jack and says he never learned lessons from the streets. They’re gonna teach him a lesson, and it’s one his mother would’ve taught him if she wasn’t “whoring herself out.” That lesson is that cash rules everything around you. Buh Buh Ray Dudley calls Jack an idiot and threatens him. Mustafa holds up his cash, and they all laugh.

BACKSTAGE: Styles is pissed about the double cross.

VIDEO: New Jack says Mustafa has to deal with him at Living Dangerously. Jack is bleeding, and he’s gonna kick Mustafa’s ass all over the building. He then says it won’t be a wrestling match, it’ll be a homicide. Well, that escalated quickly.

VIDEO: Taz is back on the streets of Brooklyn. He wants to know why Sabu is pissed at him.

VIDEO: Highlights from House Party 1999, where Shane Douglas hit the Pittsburgh Plunge on Chris Candido before his match with Taz, which led to Douglas issuing a challenge to Taz for a rematch from Guilty as Charged. Taz hit the Tazmission on Douglas through a table for the win. We then get the video of Douglas teasing retirement and the formation of the Impact Players with Justin Credible and Lance Storm, who attacked Douglas and Francine before Tommy Dreamer made the save. Then it’s Storm introducing Dawn Marie has his new manager while mocking Beulah McGillicutty.

BACKSTAGE: Styles hypes the card for Living Dangerously, with Taz vs. Sabu, Rob Van Dam vs. Jerry Lynch, Tajiri vs. Super Crazy, Douglas and Dreamer vs. Impact Players, Sid in action, and more.

VIDEO: Taz is at the Red Hook Park, and he’s gonna choke out Sabu in New Jersey.

BLAKE’S TAKE ON ECW HARDCORE TV 3/6/99

Thoughts: No new material on this episode, but it was a fun show with Taz vs. Sabu as the highlight of the company in this era.

For more of my show reviews, visit the Reviews section!

In this WCW Uncensored 1996 review, Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage team up in the infamous Doomsday Cage Match.

Let’s jump in.

• Show: WCW Uncensored 1996
• Date: March 24, 1996
• Location: Tupelo Coliseum in Tupelo, MS

Konnan vs. Eddy Guerrero – US Title

This was about what you’d expect from these two dudes. Well-paced match with a lot to like. The finish was odd due to the announcer explanation, but overall, this was great stuff. I’ve never been a big Konnan fan, but he was fine here. Guerrero was superb as always.

The Belfast Bruiser vs. Lord Steven Regal

Considering how brutal the Nitros were leading into this pay-per-view, it’s shocking that we’re now two-for-two on this show. This was the opposite of the opener in that it was a stiff brawl from start to finish. Regal got his nose busted open along the way to add to it. They fought to the Doomsday cage before the Blue Bloods interfered to cause the DQ. The match itself was fun, the ending was not. Still worth the watch.

Colonel Rob Parker vs. Madusa

This started the downfall of this pay-per-view as a whole. Nothing against either individual, but this wasn’t the first two matches. However, this was far from the worst thing on the show and that’s saying something. This match went less than four minutes and there isn’t much of a reason to say anything else about it.

Diamond Dallas Page vs. The Booty Man – Retirement Match

If you’re friends with Hulk Hogan, you can do what you want in WCW in this era. Booty Man is simply not good in the ring, and the only thing that saved this match was Kimberly getting involved. Of course, the match itself was lackluster thanks to the Booty Man. And of course, he won the match to send Page into “retirement.” Booty also got to kiss Kimberly afterward. 

The Giant vs. Loch Ness

What could go wrong here? This was a complete squash. Giant was surprisingly athletic at this stage in his career. That showed when he took a bump over the ringpost in the corner and onto the floor. Shortly after, the Giant won with the leg drop. Less than three minutes, and that’s all it needed to be.

The Road Warriors vs. Sting and Booker T – Chicago Street Fight

Friendly reminder that WCW had a Chicago Street Fight in Tupelo. When you think of a street fight, you think of a rather compact, intense competition that involves a lot of brawling. This match didn’t have much of either. And it went 30 minutes. 30 minutes! This was arguably one of the worst 30-minute matches I’ve ever seen, and you’re talking to someone who has always liked all four men. The combination and stipulation made no sense, but this was pre-nWo in 1996, so that’s no surprise. Sting and Booker won, and it was no fun.

Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage vs. Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, The Taskmaster, Meng, The Barbarian, Lex Luger, Z Gangsta, and Ultimate Solution – Doomsday Cage Match

Going to be honest with you: I remember nothing about this match from when I watched it as a child. So this is essentially a brand new viewing for me. And I can confirm that in all of my years of watching wrestling, this is in the top five of worst matches ever. How anyone watching this show could support this is beyond me. It’s as if every single show during this time period was booked with only one objective in mind, and that was seeing how Hogan could overcome as many people on the roster as possible.

No one had a damn clue about the rules of this match, and when asked during the match, even Schiavone had no idea and sat there speechless. Even Hogan and Savage had no clue since they went to exit at the end and momentarily forgot to pin someone. So Hogan sent Savage back in there to pin Flair who was, you know, the WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION at the time.

Every guy not named Hogan and Savage was destroyed in this match, including the red-hot Luger (although he didn’t look as bad as others). Zeus and Solution weren’t exactly dominant heels, but ultimately, it didn’t matter since we knew Hogan was squashing them all anyway. I have no idea how anyone could watch this match in real time in 1996 and not hate Hogan with a passion. This was brutal on every level imaginable, and it’s one of the worst ideas in the history of planet Earth.

BLAKE’S TAKE ON WCW UNCENSORED 1996

Overall Rating: 2.5/10

Thoughts: Not sure there’s ever been a main event that bad. Ever. It was a stupid idea that was created solely to try to get people to stop booing Hogan. And it only made people hate him even more. Even the kids in the crowd couldn’t support this ridiculousness. After the first two matches, this quickly became a total shitshow. Luckily, WCW would pivot soon and give the fans a different Hogan.

For more of my show reviews, visit the Reviews section!

In this Saturday Night’s Main Event 11/26/88 review, Randy Savage defends the WWF title against Andre the Giant, The Fabulous Rougeaus move to the United States, and much more.

Let’s jump in.

• Show: Saturday Night’s Main Event
• Date: November 26, 1988
• Location: Arco Arena in Sacramento, CA

Super Ninja (w/Mr. Fuji) vs. (c) The Ultimate Warrior – Intercontinental Title

This match would of course lead to the famous eight-year IC title reign by Super Ninja. Just kidding. Ninja chops away on Warrior and that shit doesn’t work. Warrior throws him outside and then goes outside and throws him back in. Sort of defeats the purpose of throwing him outside in the first place.

Warrior presses him and hits the splash for the win at 2:11. So much for Ninja being a serious threat. The match served its purpose. That’s all you could ask for here.

• Rating: 1/2

VIDEO: We get the events of Ted DiBiase turning on Hercules and trying to make him his slave. Then Jesse Ventura interviews DiBiase and name drops Donald Trump at one point.

Virgil (w/Ted DiBiase) vs. Hercules

If Herc loses, he becomes DiBiase’s slave. Double team on Herc early and then the chase is on as Herc wants DiBiase.

A little back and forth but this is mostly Herc squashing Virgil. He finishes him with the pin at 3:20. Afterwards, Herc throws Virgil over the top towards DiBiase. Squash.

• Rating: SQUASH

BACKSTAGE: Andre hates snakes and Gene Okerlund calls him out on it. We get the video of the snake incident with Jake Roberts at the previous SNME in October.

Andre the Giant (w/Bobby Heenan) vs. (c) Randy Savage (w/Elizabeth) – WWF Heavyweight Title

Big match. Andre gets in control early on and doesn’t let up for a bit. He uses the strap to choke out Macho. Attempted comeback by Savage, but trying to pick him up probably wasn’t the best idea he ever had.

Squash action until Savage starts fighting. Jesse points out that he’s using hit and run tactics. Very true. And here comes Jake Roberts with Damian in hand. He causes a ruckus and Andre is scared as usual. The ref makes Jake leave ringside and Heenan starts searching under the ring for Damian. Andre plays being possessed by knowing where the snake is, and that allows Savage to take control.

Heenan pretty much destroying the ringside area trying to find Damian. He finally finds him and Jake comes back to retrieve the bag. Heenan gets in the ring to escape Jake’s wrath and the ref calls for the DQ finish at 8:51. Andre gets tied in the ropes and Savage invites Jake and Damian in for a little fun. Andre manages to get out before the snake can get to him.

• Rating: **1/2

Boris Zhukov vs. Hacksaw Jim Duggan – Flag Match

This should be a total shitshow. It was. Hacksaw hits the charge to win at 2:27.

• Rating: DUD

VIDEO: We get the recap of Brother Love and Big Boss Man attacking Hulk Hogan. Awesome.

IN THE RING: Brother Love Show with Slick. He then brings out Hogan. Hopefully this doesn’t turn into the Bubba the Love Sponge Show. Love keeps asking Hogan questions and interrupting before he can respond. Hogan finally rips away the mic and then starts doing the same thing back to Love. This has already gone five minutes too long, and I can’t possibly watch the next five minutes of it.

The Fabulous Rougeaus (w/Jimmy Hart) vs. The Young Stallions

HUGE BREAKING NEWS BEFORE THE MATCH: THE ROUGEAUS HAVE OFFICIALLY MOVED TO THE UNITED STATES! Vince tries to hype up this being a good match, but we all know what’s coming.

Nothing more than a showcase for the Rougeaus. Short and sweet, as underhanded shenanigans get Jacques and Raymond the victory at 3:05.

• Rating: SQUASH

SHOW SUMMARY

It’s Saturday Night’s Main Event. There’s no reason to expect classics at this point. Nothing more than showcases for some of the stars and a little storyline advancement here and there.

For more of my show reviews, visit the Reviews section!

In this WWE Payback 2016 review, Roman Reigns defends the WWE title against AJ Styles, Kevin Owens goes one-on-one with Sami Zayn, and much more.

Let’s begin.

• Show: WWE Payback 2016
• Date: May 1, 2016
• Location: Chicago, IL

Pre-Show: Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler

So, as if jobbing Ziggler out to everyone in sight wasn’t enough, we’re gonna do it on the pre-show. I guess less people see it, so perhaps that’s better for Ziggler. This is also your friendly reminder that Mauro Ranallo and Corey Graves should be the RAW announce team.

Corbin controls the match early and then Ziggler finds momentum to nail the Famouser. The match goes outside and Corbin picks Ziggler up and sends him flying into the ringpost. This was a cool spot. Back in the ring and Corbin doing nothing but gloating as he steps on Ziggler’s head. I know where this is leading.

And sure enough, I was right. Ziggler immediately hits the rollup and wins the match. So they went with the “rookie gets too confident” storyline to give Corbin his first loss since joining the main roster. Hey, at least Ziggler wins. Rejoice!

• Rating: *1/2

Pre-Show: Ryback vs. (c) Kalisto – WWE United States Title

Well Ryback just mocked CM Punk’s clobberin’ time move during his entrance. Bet you can’t guess who told him to do that. We could reach nWo levels of garbage in the ring after that decision.

Fans immediately start chanting “you can’t wrestle.” RYBACK ALSO HAS “PRE-SHOW STOPPER” WRITTEN ON HIS BELT. Seriously, give Ryback the World title right now. This guy is ALL IN.

A couple of high-flying moves from Kalisto early and naturally we go to a commercial break since this is on the WWE Network. Incredible counter from Kalisto to DDT Ryback on the apron and now THE BIG GUY is selling the shoulder. A few near falls from Kalisto and he’s making Ryback look silly at this point. Another near fall and I’m still stunned the crowd isn’t destroying Ryback with chants after the Punk bit. Pick it up, Chicago.

Another awesome sequence of near falls from both men, and holy hell this match has been decent. Then Ryback goes up top and MILITARY PRESSES KALISTO OFF THE TOP ROPE. Then Ryback goes back up top and misses and Kalisto hits the finisher for the win.

This match was legitimately awesome. A ton of fun and great heel work by Ryback. He sold the shoulder like a champ. I was joking earlier, but he legit needs another big push. Now watch them release him.

• Rating: ****

IN THE RING: The New Day come out and they are glorious as usual. Xavier Woods hits on Beyonce and Big E makes a joke about things going down in the Twitter DM’s.

VIDEO: Excellent video package that promotes all the new talents in the WWE, with the Shane vs. The Authority as the main storyline. And then the graphic says “the first pay-per-view of a new era.” Wow. Like Ryback earlier, the WWE is ALL IN.

Enzo and Cass vs. The Vaudevillains – No. 1 Contender for Tag Titles

Great reaction as usual for Enzo and Cass. And since Vince McMahon apparently hates the Vaudevillains gimmick now, they can’t possibly win here. Even though I did predict they would win a few days ago.

Match controlled by the good dudes early. Enzo gets thrown to the outside, but in an extremely ugly spot gets caught on the bottom rope and slams his head on the mat. He’s legit hurt here. We immediately get a stretcher and medical personnel. This is not good.

The match is called off. The announcers are a mess. Cass is a total mess also. What an unfortunate way to start this show. That looked absolutely terrible. He really nailed his head hard on the mat in a whiplash-type of sequence. Hopefully this is just a precaution and he’s fine. Man.

• Rating: NR

Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn

Michael Cole updates everyone and says that Enzo was just sent to a hospital. Damn it. Well, a lot of people are still a little shellshocked, but if there’s two men that can get you back into the WWE reality, it’s these two.

Great spot with Zayn flying over the top early to take down Owens on the outside. Owens takes control and Cole says that Enzo is moving his extremities and is talking. Awesome news. Owens has the stairs pulled out and we get back in the ring before anyone can use them.

More solid back and forth, but like a lot of people, I think the crowd is still reeling from the Enzo injury. You can’t blame them. Zayn hits the thunderbomb and a close near fall. The “this is awesome” chants are here, so the crowd is back. Owens gets a near fall and hits the Eddie Guerrero frog splash for a two-count. Now we have Eddie chants. Love it.

These two are FIGHTING now. Both with strong moves and the other comes back with a vengeance. This is what we thought it would be. Two guys that hate each other going all out. Painful spot as Zayn flips Owens over onto the apron. He hit that thing flush, which can’t feel good. Zayn flies through the second rope and hits the DDT. Goodness.

Superkick and powerbomb from Owens to Zayn to get the victory. That came from outta nowhere. Overall a good match as expected, but admittedly, it may have felt like a bigger deal had it not come after the events of the last match. This is probably one that I’ll have to rewatch to give it a more focused rating.

• Rating: ***1/2

IN THE RING: After the match, Owens slaps the taste out of Zayn’s mouth and throws him to the outside. Owens then calls for Saxton to get a mic and come into the ring. If he powerbombs Saxton, it might be the greatest moment ever. Owens demands Saxton ask him about beating Zayn. Owens yells and screams and says he finally beat Zayn. He’s a better man than Zayn. He says now he’s focused wants to get back HIS IC title. Saxton tells him the match is next, and he’s gonna do commentary for it.

Cesaro vs. (c) The Miz (w/Maryse) – IC Title

Maryse is tremendous. Owens is already berating Saxton on commentary to the delight of everyone on the planet. Like he’s really giving it to him. It’s beautiful.

Cesaro is dominating the match in the early going. That is, until Maryse gets involved and allows Miz to take over. Not too much happening afterward, as Owens on commentary continues to be the highlight. Cesaro gets a near fall that brings back a little momentum. Cesaro with a pretty suplex off the top rope for another near fall. Owens told Saxton to go call his mom or something. Owens is on another level.

Cesaro hits the big uppercut and Miz manages to sneak the foot on the rope Ric Flair style. Miz takes advantage of the hurt shoulder and hits the Skull Crushing Finale but Cesaro kicks out! ZAYN IS BACK. He jumps the table and he and Owens brawl all over the place.

In the ring, Cesaro makes Miz tap out. But the ref is occupied with Owens and Zayn on the apron. Of course, he doesn’t see it, and Miz rolls up Cesaro to retain. Another fine match.

• Rating: ***

OUTSIDE THE RING: Cesaro is angry and attacks Miz after the match. Then Owens attacks Cesaro. Then Zayn attacks Owens, but Owens powerbombs him to stand tall. Maryse saves Miz from a beating from Owens.

Chris Jericho vs. Dean Ambrose

We get a rundown of all the different language announcers. FUNAKI IS HERE. SMACKDOWN NO.1 ANNOUNCER. Cole says Enzo is undergoing testing at a local hospital.

Thanks to a spotty WWE Network feed, I missed most of this match. I’ll update later.

BACKSTAGE: AJ Styles with Ranallo. He plays down the involvement from Gallows and Anderson tonight. They also show Sasha Banks backstage talking to Shane McMahon.

Natalya (w/Bret Hart) vs. (c) Charlotte (w/Ric Flair) – Women’s Title

Once again, after watching Clash of the Champions I earlier, I wish Flair was about 30 years younger here. The crowd goes apeshit when Bret makes his way out.

Charlotte in control and Flair is clapping like a proud father. As he should. Vicious chops from Charlotte and Nattie returns the favor. Continued action and Charlotte gets sent to the outside. Flair checks on her as she’s selling the knee. Nattie goes for a baseball slide but Charlotte counters, and then Nattie counters that with a semi hurricanrana.

Back in the ring, Charlotte delivers a vicious kick to the face. Nattie eventually goes for the Sharpshooter but no bueno. Nattie kicks out of Natural Selection. Charlotte then hits a moonsault and Nattie kicks out yet again. Not much crowd reaction for this, which furthers the point that Sasha is who everyone wants at this moment.

Charlotte then goes with the Sharpshooter and referee Charles Robinson calls for the bell even though Nattie never taps. CHICAGO SCREWJOB. Bret gets in the ring and decks Flair, then Bret and Nattie go double Sharpshooter on Flair and Charlotte.

The match was solid, but once again, WWE goes to the well with the Montreal Screwjob finish. At least they used Lil Naitch as the referee, I suppose. The finish really hurt the match. It’s gotten repetitive at this point.

• Rating: *1/2

IN THE RING: Vince McMahon is here and the crowd is chanting CM Punk louder than ever. Vince is smirking and loves it. They do not let up and interrupt him. So Vince says screw it and says he wants to know how long they can go with it. Vince brings up the greatness of the Attitude Era, and the crowd pops at that. He asks the crowd if Shane or Stephanie should be running RAW. I’ll let you guess what they think.

Crowd boos the hell out of Stephanie and Vince goes OFF and calls Chicago a bunch of animals. They’re still booing. Just get Shane out here already. Finally, Shane’s music hits, and please save everyone, Lil Vinnie Mac.

Shane runs through all the internet headlines of people talking about how much better RAW has been with him in charge. Shane is good as usual in this role, and he asks Vince to listen to the people’s voice. They go bonkers, and Vince says enough of the fans being happy. And he says he doesn’t listen to anyone except him. SO TRUE. He says tonight is about him and what he wants. Here’s what he wants: BLOOD. He wants to see them both disembowel each other. Father of the year. He gives both of them control of RAW. Great, so that means we get way too many segments with those two arguing about everything.

BREAKING NEWS: Michael Cole with an update that Enzo has been diagnosed as having a concussion, and all other tests are negative. Fantastic news.

AJ Styles vs. (c) Roman Reigns – WWE World Heavyweight Title

Update: People still hate Roman Reigns. So either this is WWE’s way of squashing Styles and making him look like a fool in his first title match, or they make him even more of a star. Let’s hope for the latter.

“You can’t wrestle” chants from the crowd. This is inaccurate. Reigns can actually wrestle, but he’s constantly booked like a fool. He’s not the best wrestler in the world, but he’s far from terrible. Slow start, and the crowd entertains themselves with a Roman sucks chant to the New Day tempo.

Tweets suggest Enzo has been discharged from the hospital now, so that’s more great news. As for this match, it feels like it’s struggling to find a flow. Luckily, Styles gets the crowd back into it with a kick to the head of Reigns. And then Styles gets the Calf Crusher and Reigns makes it to the ropes. AND THEN STYLES DOES A FLYING FOREARM OFF THE TOP ROPE ONTO REIGNS THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE TABLE. That was good stuff.

And then Reigns gets counted out. Are you kidding me? Chicago may riot. BUT SHANE O MAC SAYS NO RIOTS TONIGHT, YOUNG MEN. He restarts the match with no countouts.

Styles takes control and then Reigns almost lands a pinfall. Now the referee calls for a DQ and awards Styles the match after an inadvertent low blow from Reigns. As you would expect, Stephanie comes out to one-up Shane and says now there’s no DQ. Vince Russo would be impressed with this overbooking.

Now these two are fighting into the crowd. Something big is obviously gonna happen after the restarts. Reigns hits the Superman Punch and Styles kicks out. Reigns looks like he’s gonna snap. YES PLEASE. He hits another Superman Punch and sets up for the spear. But we have visitors! Anderson and Gallows arrive and beat up Reigns. The champ is down and out in the middle of the ring. Styles is up and hits the Phenomenal Forearm. Reigns gets the foot on the rope at two and three quarters.

The Usos make their way into the mix. They beat up Anderson and Gallows, and Reigns throws Styles onto all four men on the outside. Reigns then flies over the top and hammers everyone. Styles with the forearm again to Reigns on the outside. He rolls Reigns in and gets a near fall after a splash. A few more back-and-forth moments, and Reigns hits the spear for the victory.

Whew. Well, the overbooking was stupid at first, but ultimately it led to Styles looking like a big star. It also surprisingly makes Reigns look better for surviving that kind of performance from Styles.

• Rating: ***3/4

BACKSTAGE: Vince, Shane, and Stephanie speak about the title match. He congratulates them on their involvement. They announce an Extreme Rules rematch between these two. Well then.

OVERALL

You had nothing truly awful on this show aside from the unfortunate Enzo injury and Vince/Shane/Stephanie segment. All the matches told a story, and even if the Montreal Screwjob rehashing was dumb, it will at least lead to something interesting from Charlotte and Nattie.

Owens and Zayn had a great match as expected, and we also had solid outings from Cesaro/Miz and Jericho/Ambrose. Even the pre-show match between Kalisto and Ryback was wildly entertaining.

The main event told a story. A lot of people expected a certain someone to debut, but it’s clear they are gonna milk that one. Although it ruined the overall flow, the interruptions by Shane and Stephanie in the main event made sense in furthering their power struggle. And then Styles and Reigns put on a few awesome sequences after that.

It’s clear that the company is pushing the “New Era” moniker. This was a solid start.

For more of my show reviews, visit the Reviews section!

In this WWF SummerSlam 1998 review, Stone Cold Steve Austin defends the WWF title against The Undertaker, Triple H faces off with The Rock in a Ladder Match for the Intercontinental title, and much more.

Let’s jump in.

• Show: WWF SummerSlam 1998
• Date: August 30, 1998
• Location: Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY

VIDEO: We see highlights of the rivalry between Steve Austin and The Undertaker. Vince McMahon tells Taker that with Kane, he will become the WWF champ.

IN THE RING: Val Venis says he’s in the Big Apple, and that he came, he saw, and he came again. Big Valbowski does it again!

Val Venis vs. (c) D’Lo Brown – European Title

Tony Chimel announces that D’Lo now resides in Helsinki, Finland. I can appreciate his commitment to the title. Edge is in the crowd, and he’ll be in action a bit later. D’Lo controls the action, but Venis moves out of the way after a splash attempt off the top. An awesome counter from D’Lo as he catches Venis off the top into a powerbomb. D’Lo tries his hand at a top rope move, but Venis counters into a bodyslam for a near fall. Venis goes for the Money Shot, but D’Lo gets his knees up. Huge D’Lo chant from the MSG crowd. D’Lo goes for a powerbomb and he just drops Venis on his head. JR thinks it was from the perspiration. D’Lo finally hits the powerbomb, but Venis kicks out at two. D’Lo up top for the Frog Splash, but Venis moves out of the way. The chest protector is off! Venis grabs it and goes up and top, and referee Jimmy Korderas accidentally racks him! That’s some bias right there. Venis throws Korderas down, and D’Lo takes the chest protector back. Korderas then calls for the bell for the DQ. Well that was fun until the finish. Val slams Korderas, and then hits the Money Shot.

BACKSTAGE: Michael Cole tells us that Austin destroyed a hearse on Sunday Night Heat. They thought Taker and Kane were in it, but they weren’t. Mankind is pissed because he was the one in there, and he has a sledgehammer in his hand.

IN THE RING: Insane Clown Posse perform The Oddities’ entrance. Kurrgan, Golga, Giant Silva, and Luna Vachon are dancing their asses off. You’ve got to love them.

The Oddities vs. Kaientai – 4-on-3 Handicap Match

The fact that John Tenta was so into this Golga role was just tremendous. He’s the best. Mr. Yamaguchi-san tries some shenanigans, but the Oddities aren’t having it. JR says “well, we never advertised this to be a classic.” JR always keeps it real. Silva throws Taka Michinoku onto everyone on the outside. Kaentai hits four frog splashes off the top onto Golga, and their confidence is up….until Golga clotheslines all of them. Luna bodyslams Yamaguchi, and the Oddities hit a chokeslam before Golga pins all four Kaentai members. Fun was had by all.

BACKSTAGE: Don Hendrix is with Shawn Michaels. Call the WWF superstar line, only $1.69 per minute!

Jeff Jarrett vs. X-Pac – Hair Match

Jarrett and Southern Justice cut poor Howard Finkel’s hair on Heat. That was clearly a noteworthy show. Fink joins X-Pac, and he’s wearing a DX shirt. Fink tells Jarrett to “suck it” before the match, so it’s on. Jarrett on offense in the early going, but X-Pac hits a tornado DDT off the top to turn the tide. X-Pac misses a flying cross body, and Fink is getting a little nervous. Jarrett locks on the Figure Four, but X-Pac eventually gets to the ropes. X-Pac counters the Figure Four and hits a suplex to send both men down. Bronco buster in the corner from X-Pac, and a sit-out powerbomb gets two. Fink gets on the apron and Jarrett knocks him silly. Southern Justice is back, and Dennis Knight goes to hit X-Pac with the guitar but he blocks it. X-Pac then hits Jarrett with the guitar with the referee’s back turned to notch the victory.

IN THE RING: Road Dogg and Billy Gunn bring chairs to hold back Southern Justice. Droz and The Headbangers come in to hold Jarrett while X-Pac shaves his hair. Method Mod is in the crowd enjoying the festivities.

IN THE THEATRE: Hendrix is standing beside the Lion’s Den ahead of the match between Owen Hart and Ken Shamrock.

BACKSTAGE: Michael Cole asks The Rock about him ambushing Triple H with the title on Sunday Night Heat. Everything happened on that show! Rock is guaran-damn-teeing that he’s gonna retain the championship.

IN THE RING: Marc Mero and Jacqueline make their entrance, and Sable does the same. She introduces her partner, and it’s Edge!

Marc Mero and Jacqueline vs. Edge and Sable – Mixed Tag Team Match

The rules are that this is your typical mixed tag where the men fight the men, and the women fight the women. Let’s see if it stays that way given the rivalry between Mero and Sable. That doesn’t take long, as she goes to hit the Sable Bomb on Mero, but Jacqueline pulls her off of him. Edge flies over the top onto Mero, and then throws him into the steel steps. Jacqueline jumps onto Edge’s back, so he does what anyone would do and proceeds to put him over his leg and spank her. Attitude era does it again! A couple of dramatic near falls, and Edge proceeds to rack Mero on the top. Sable hits a hurricanrana on Mero off the top, and Jacqueline accidentally headbutts Mero right in the balls. Edge picks up Sable and slams her onto Mero for the win. This was pretty entertaining.

VIDEO: Home Shopping Network is gonna have a content drop right after SummerSlam!

BACKSTAGE: Taker says he will stand alone in his match against Austin, and he wants to know if he’s ready for him.

BACKSTAGE: Mankind doesn’t know if he will defend the WWF Tag Team titles since Kane isn’t in the building. Mankind says maybe he should forfeit, but he doesn’t want to disappoint the people and suggests Michael Cole be his partner. Bad idea, Mick! Vince McMahon brings up Mankind’s memories of MSG and tries to convince him to compete by himself. Vince grabs a few weapons and hands it to Mankind.

VIDEO: Highlights of the ongoing rivalry between Owen and Shamrock. That included the Dungeon Match, which I enjoyed more than most. Reminder that Dan Severn turned on Shamrock, so he’s furious about it.

Owen Hart vs. Ken Shamrock – Lion’s Den Match

The setup and atmosphere is something. It’s a UFC octagon in the MSG theatre. Severn was Owen’s trainer for the match, so that only adds to Shamrock’s frustration. Shamrock uses Owen’s shirt to try to choke him out, which is not something you’ll see in a UFC fight. Shamrock also jumps off the side of the cage like Spider-Man in a rather unique offensive maneuver. He does it again, and Owen finally catches him on a third try. Owen goes for the Sharpshooter and locks it in, and Shamrock starts climbing the cage to break it up. Owen goes for the choke, but Shamrock walks up the cage and reverses it into the Ankle Lock. Severn is pissed and hits the road, and Owen taps to give Shamrock the victory.

BACKSTAGE: Austin doesn’t trust anybody, and he’s not afraid to cheap shot Taker to keep the title.

The New Age Outlaws vs. (c) Mankind – No Holds Barred Match for the WWF Tag Team Titles

Dogg and Gunn bring out a dumpster full of weapons, so business has just picked up. My guess is Mankind is going to take a beating here, which is not easy to watch a few decades later given what we know about head injuries. Dogg and Gunn deliver a few unprotected shots with some baking sheets, and eventually they throw his head into the side of the dumpster. However, Mankind throws Gunn through a table in the corner, but the numbers game catches up to him. They powerbomb him onto two chairs…and Mankind kicks out at two. Then it’s a spike piledriver on Mankind onto a chair for the win.

IN THE RING: Gunn says they are gonna put Mankind in the garbage where he belongs, and that’s what they do. Simple enough. Dogg and Gunn celebrate, but Kane stands up in the dumpster. Kane smashes Mankind with a sledgehammer and pushes the dumpster to the back. JR is pissed!

VIDEO: Highlights of the rivalry between Rock and Triple H, including the infamous segment where DX mocked the Nation of Domination, Rock and company humiliating Chyna, and more.

IN THE RING: Triple H gets the live entrance treatment, as Chris Warren sings the DX theme.

Triple H vs (c) The Rock – Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Title

I rewatched this match a few years ago for my Top 10 Rock Matches column, so I’ll just use that for reference:

“I wasn’t sure how this one would hold up watching it for the first time in a while. But even with all the insane ladder matches since, I still thoroughly enjoyed it as a monumental stepping stone for both Rock and Triple H. Rock was only 26 at this point, which is pretty wild to think about.

“As far as ladder matches go, this one didn’t have the high spots we’re used to in this era of wrestling, but the psychology and selling from both men were great. Every big move felt important. Rock using the ladder and a chair to decimate Triple H’s injured knee (due to Rock attacking him with the belt on Sunday Night Heat) made complete sense, and there were several innovative spots for a 1998 ladder match.

“Also, the MSG crowd went NUTS when Rock hit the People’s Elbow on Triple H on the ladder. The Rocky chants afterward told you all you needed to know about this dude’s potential as a mega star.

“Of course, the real highlights of this match were Triple H’s purple tights (still one of my most prized action figures) and the old school yellow ladders!”

Yeah, I still agree with all of that. A very enjoyable match that embraced the old school psychology needed to tell a good story.

COMMENTARY: JR and Jerry Lawler are once again questioning whether Kane will play a role in the main event.

The Undertaker vs. (c) Steve Austin – WWF Title

The reaction to Austin’s entrance says it all about how much the people were into him at this point. The crowd came unglued when that glass shattered. Their heads collide early in the match after an Irish whip, and that didn’t exactly look pretty. Austin focuses on Taker’s leg to which JR equates to someone chopping down a tree. JR was so good in this era, and I hope people realize just how important he was to the success of it. Kane arrives to stir shit up, but Taker demands that he go to the back. Surprisingly, Kane listens to his brother, but Austin isn’t too sure about it.

Taker picks up Austin from the apron and chokeslams him into the middle of the ring in what was an impressive sequence. They brawl into the crowd in front of a sign that says “Vince Fears Talent” and another that says “Goldberg Is Da Man.” Kevin Dunn was working overtime on getting away from those camera shots! Taker clears off the Spanish announce table, and that was never good for those dudes. Taker goes up top and hits a leg drop onto Austin on the table. WOW. I did not remember that. The table doesn’t break, which wasn’t a good development for Austin’s back.

Taker hits a chokeslam on Austin, but Austin reverses the Tombstone attempt. Taker regains momentum and goes old school, but Austin hits a low blow and then the Stunner for the win.

IN THE RING: Taker grabs the title and hands it to Austin. Taker gives a nod to Austin and leaves the ring, and Kane comes out to stand by Taker in the aisle as Austin celebrates.

Blake’s SummerSlam 1998 Review

• Recommended Matches: Triple H vs. The Rock
• Show Rating: 7.5/10
• Thoughts: An enjoyable Attitude Era show that featured an excellent ladder match and plenty of entertainment elsewhere. 

For more of my show reviews, visit the Pro Wrestling Reviews section!

In this Mid-South Wrestling 5/15/82 review, One Man Gang faces off with Mr. Olympia, Ted DiBiase aims for revenge, and much more.

Let’s jump in.

• Show: Mid-South Wrestling
• Date: May 15, 1982

RINGSIDE: Boyd Pearce and Bill Watts hype the big matches on the card. Watts weighs in on Ted DiBiase being fined for interfering in the action as a guest commentator. He also reveals that The Junkyard Dog and Mr. Olympia won the Tag Team titles at a recent event.

The Grappler vs. Coco Samoa

Watts does his usual fine work putting over the characteristics of each man. Coco isn’t like Afa and Sika, and Grappler is always up to something with that foot. It’s the little things. Coco with a valiant effort as you would expect, but he misses a splash in the corner and Grappler throws him into the turnbuckle. Grappler takes advantage and picks up the pin for the win.

RINGSIDE: Watts gives the history of Paul Ellering’s knee injury, including when he hurt it again back in January. Then it’s highlights of Ellering motivating kids to do sit-ups in the ring. He does his sit-ups with weights after that. To further illustrate his abs of steel, Jesse Barr and Buddy Landel jump off the top rope onto his midsection. Watts tells us he’ll be doing push-ups next week. The man is an adonis.

One Man Gang (w/Skandor Akbar) vs. Mr. Olympia

Two of my favorites here. It can’t be understated how huge Gang is, and Watts puts that over in the early going. Olympia fights back, but Gang counters with a knee to the midsection. Olympia hits two body checks and then a dropkick to send Gang to the mat. Gang tries for a splash, but Olympia moves and goes up top to hit a dropkick that sends Gang over the top to the outside. Akbar protests to the referee that Olympia can’t come off the top rope, which leads to Olympia hitting him with a dropkick. However, Gang comes from behind and hits an elbow drop on Olympia to score the win.

Kim Duc (w/Skandor Akbar) vs. Dick Murdoch

Watts notes this is a bounty match and that Akbar brought in Duc – just like he did with Hacksaw Duggan – to try to destroy Murdoch. Duc works on the arm, and when Murdoch tries to punch him, Doc brings it back to the mat. Watts tells the story of Murdoch beating up someone in a restaurant who talked bad towards him. Afterward, he sat down and ate the guy’s steak dinner. Incredible. Murdoch eventually gains control, but Akbar hits the ring and tries to hit Murdoch with his trenching tool. The latter ducks, and Akbar hits Duc instead. Murdoch grabs the tool back and uses it on Duc for the win. It’s great when the referees let the babyfaces do what they want after the heels try to screw them.

Billy Starr vs. Iron Mike Sharpe

Sharpe stands out as an absolute brute. Watts once again brings up DiBiase losing his cool and leaving the commentary desk a week ago. Big back body from Sharpe, and then he uses the bearhug on Starr until he fights out of it. However, Sharpe goes to the reverse backbreaker and that’ll do it for the victory.

COMMENTARY: Boyd and Watts show the footage of DiBiase having enough of the nonsense and going after One Man Gang and The Assassin. Back to the desk, Watts talked to DiBiase and he said something has to stop Skandor Akbar and his crew.

The Assassin and Bob Roop vs. Ted DiBiase and Ernie Ladd

What a lineup of talent this is. DiBiase goes for the Figure Four on Assassin but he manages to tag in Roop. DiBiase locks on the Figure Four on Roop, and once again, Watts is terrific on commentary pointing out that Roop is the one who designed the counter to the move. But this time around, DiBiase has a counter for the counter. Chaos ensues with all four men in the ring, and Assassin loads up the mask. Ladd gives the big boot to Assassin, but that knocks him into the referee. DiBiase throws Assassin into the steel post to knock him silly, and here comes Gang. Ladd hits the shoulder block to send Roop out, but another Assassin comes in with a loaded boot and he kicks DiBiase in the face for the win.

The Turk vs. Buddy Landell

Turk is back, and Watts is still pissed off at the shenanigans of the previous match. He also talks up Gang and how even Andre the Giant couldn’t slam the man. A back and forth match between Turk and Landell, but it’s a time limit draw.

BLAKE’S TAKE ON MID-SOUTH WRESTLING 5/15/82

Overall Rating: 5.5/10

Thoughts: Another fine installment of Mid-South Wrestling, with the atmosphere during the DiBiase/Ladd vs. Assassin/Roop match being the highlight. And it can’t be understated how excellent Watts is on commentary and what it does to get people invested in the storylines.

For more of my show reviews, visit the Reviews section!

Here’s my WCW Fall Brawl 1995 review, which features an interesting War Games main event.

• Event: WCW Fall Brawl 1995
• Date: September 17, 1995
• Location: Asheville, NC

– Tony Schiavone and Bobby Heenan hype the action, including The Giant destroying Hulk Hogan’s motorcycle before the show.

Flyin’ Brian vs. Johnny B. Badd – No. 1 Contender for WCW US Title

Michael Buffer in prime form from the start. The winner of this one gets a shot at Sting in two weeks on WCW Saturday Night. Feeling out process early on, with Tony and Heenan focusing on War Games. Lots of technical counters and reversals, and the crowd doesn’t particularly seem pleased. Just as the action picks up, Badd goes back to the headlock. Badd gets busted open near his eye at some point, the aggressiveness builds from there. Tony plays up both of these men being able to go the 20 minutes, so that’s a hint of what direction they’re heading in. Pillman uses some heel tendencies to get the crowd going, and the action ramps up from there.

Pillman in control, then Badd in control. Great spot with Badd coming off the top but Pillman hitting him with a dropkick. Several near falls after that, and that trend continues to the one-minute mark. Badd thinks he got the pin, but Pillman’s in the ropes. Buffer counts it all the way down for the draw. But since Nick Patrick does what he wants, he says the match must continue with sudden death overtime.

These two keep working their asses off, and there’s a great spot with Badd throwing Pillman into the guardrail before flipping onto him. Pillman with a flying cross body of his own onto Badd on the outside. Man, these dudes are putting on a wrestling showcase. They work to a double cross body, and it’s Badd who uses his momentum to get the pin for the win. This match took up nearly the first 40 minutes of the pay-per-view, and it was worth it. (Highly Recommended)

– Mean Gene Okerlund with Ric Flair. He talks about the bond with him and Arn Anderson and how they’re now on the opposite side. Gene wants to know if Flair hates Arn. Flair says the problem is he loves him, but there’s only one king of the hill. WOOO!

Cobra vs. Sgt. Craig Pittman

Pittman sneaks in by rappelling from the rafters and attacking Cobra from behind. Not gonna lie, I don’t recall much of anything about Cobra. I know it’s Jeff Farmer (fake Sting), but this Cobra character didn’t do much. This is essentially a squash match, with Pittman making quick work to force Cobra to submit. Maybe that’s why the Cobra character didn’t work!

– Recap of Paul Orndorff losing his shit in the locker room and questioning himself. PSYCHIC GARY SPIVEY gives him a long motivational speech and Orndorff is back. He even kisses the mirror. What did I just watch? I’m not sure, but Orndorff is a national treasure.

Diamond Dallas Page (w/Diamond Doll and Maxx Muscle) vs. (c) The Renegade (w/Jimmy Hart) – WCW Television Title

This was certainly an interesting period in the careers of both men. Of course, I’m specifically talking about Page’s gear. Heenan makes a joke about Gary Spivey having better hair than Kimberly, and I’m not sure I agree. I know Renegade’s history is what it is, but this is not a terrible match. Maybe it’s Page’s selling, or maybe they just had chemistry. Either way, the crowd was into it, especially when Renegade dove onto Muscle on the outside. That allowed Page to hit the Diamond Cutter on Renegade to win the title.

Harlem Heat (w/Sister Sherri) vs. (c) Bunkhouse Buck and Dirty Dick Slater (w/Col. Rob Parker)

Tony hints that Mike Tenay has the SCOOP of a top wrestling start defecting to another promotion. Just call the hotline, folks! An interesting mix of styles here, as when you think about it, they’re somewhat similar. Buck and Slater are brawlers, and Booker T and Stevie Ray are ass-kickers. I always enjoyed the Sherri pairing with Harlem Heat. Then again, she was great in pretty much every role throughout her career. There is indeed some ass-kicking in this match, but there’s a lot more methodical holds from Buck and Slater. Meanwhile, Sherri crawls on her knees into ring No. 1 and Parker approaches her and they start kissing. The Nasty Boys run in and use Slater’s boot on him, and Booker gets the pin to win the titles. There wasn’t much to this one.

– Buck is pissed at Parker and Gene wants answers. Parker says he’ll get them another tag title match. Gene thinks he’s in love and calls him disgusting. Gene was truly the best. Parker says he has to have Sherri, and he’ll get the titles back for Buck and Slater.

– Promo for Halloween Havoc, including the suggestion to watch for it on videocassette. Does anyone still have the Halloween Havoc 1995 VHS?

– Gene with Arn Anderson. Gene keeps stirring the pot with a video package of Arn and Flair’s bond and the backstory that led to their match. Awesome job from the production team to sell the feud. Arn says all a man can do is stand up to his word. No surprise, but a tremendous promo from Arn.

Arn Anderson vs. Ric Flair

Give WCW credit. If you were gonna do a match like this, it had to be in North Carolina. Quite a crew ringside, with Pillman, Parker, Big Bubba Rogers, and the American Males all watching. Technical masterclass between these two friends turned foes. They focused on working the crowd and taking them for a ride. Just when you thought Arn may finish Flair off, Flair locks in the Figure Four. But then Arn reverses it to force Flair to get the break. That leads to Flair becoming the dirtiest player in the game with a shot to Arn’s knee. Great selling from Arn on the knee, and that’s when Pillman hops on the apron and kicks Flair in the back of the head, allowing Arn to hit the DDT for the win. (Recommended)

– We get a ridiculous video package with Kevin Sullivan hyping the War Games match. This is 1995 pro wrestling right here. 

– Tony and Heenan show us the video of The Giant destroying Hogan’s motorcycle before the show. 

– Another video package with the events leading to the War Games match, including Luger joining the team.

– Mean Gene with Hogan, Savage, Sting, and Luger. They all talk and they’re ready.

The Dungeon of Doom vs. Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Sting, and Lex Luger – War Games Match

Buffer informs us that a special stipulation has been added: If Hogan’s team wins, it’ll be Hogan vs. Sullivan one-on-one after the match. Joy. Sting and Shark start things off. John Tenta really is one of the most underrated wrestlers ever. He could do some pretty incredible work for his size. Zodiac in next, then it’s Savage. Next up is Kamala, then Luger. The usual brawling all over the place, with both teams getting the upper hand at various points. Meng makes his way into the mix, and he does what Meng does. He kicks ass. Hogan comes in and immediately turns to his heel tactics by throwing powder in the heels’ eyes. His team keeps the momentum going from there, and Hogan forces Zodiac to submit to earn the victory. This was probably the worst War Games match in history.

– After the match, Sullivan tries to hit the road, but they force him to get in the ring with Hogan. Of course, Hogan squashes him, and then Giant comes out and seemingly breaks Hogan’s neck. All of Hogan’s teammates return to make the save. Buffer says over the microphone that paramedics are needed at ringside to attend to Hogan.

Blake’s Take On WCW Fall Brawl 1995

• Best Match: Flyin’ Brian vs. Johnny B. Badd
• Show MVP: Johnny B. Badd
• Overall Rating: 4.0/10
• Thoughts: The main event was brutal, and so was much of the rest of the card. However, the opener and Flair vs. Arn were both excellent. This show at least had that going for it.

For more of my show reviews, visit the Pro Wrestling Reviews section!

In this WrestleMania III review, Hulk Hogan squares off with Andre the Giant in the main event, Randy Savage and Ricky Steamboat put on a classic, and much more.

Let’s jump in.

• Show: WWF WrestleMania III
• Date: March 29, 1987
• Location: Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, MI

IN THE RING: Vince McMahon welcomes us to the Silverdome as the crowd of 18.4 billion people goes wild. Aretha Franklin then does the best rendition of America The Beautiful in WrestleMania history.

RINGSIDE: Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse Ventura are with Bob Uecker and Mary Hart. They kick off the festivities.

The Can-Am Connection vs. Don Muraco and Cowboy Bob Orton

The crowd is loving Rick Martel and Tom Zenk as they control the action early. Always love when the babyfaces get off to a great start in the first match because it’s a good way to gauge where the crowd is at right off the bat. Huge pop for the hot tag to Martel, and the babyfaces are on a roll. The double team action continues, and the crossbody does the job to give the Connection the win. An exciting way to start the show.

VIDEO: We see the events leading to Billy Jack Haynes vs. Hercules.

BACKSTAGE: Mean Gene Okerlund with Hercules and Bobby Heenan. Herc is here to kick Billy Jack’s ass.

Billy Jack Haynes vs. The Mighty Hercules (w/Bobby Heenan)

The entrance carts make their official debut, and those were just the best. This is being pushed as the battle of the Full Nelson. Haynes goes for it early, but Herc manages to reverse. Most of the match is Herc wearing down Haynes’ back, and there’s really not a whole lot more to it. You would think that would lead to a big babyface comeback for the win or the heel eventually being too strong to overcome. Instead, after Haynes battles out of the Full Nelson, he gets a series of offense going before locking in his own Full Nelson. Then Hercules breaks it by going through the middle rope, and Haynes continues to hold on the Full Nelson which causes both men to get counted out. All about power in this match, but the finish wasn’t my favorite.

Things pick up after the match, as Herc takes the chain and busts Haynes wide open. You clearly see Haynes blading, and he’s bleeding profusely by the time Herc and Heenan leave the ring.

BACKSTAGE: Gene with King Kong Bundy, Little Tokyo, and Lord Littlebrook. Quite a fall for Bundy from the WrestleMania II main event to this match.

BACKSTAGE: And now Gene is with Hillbilly Jim, Haiti Kid, and Little Beaver. Jim is gonna look out for his partners.

King Kong Bundy, Little Tokyo, and Lord Littlebrook vs. Hillbilly Jim, Haiti Kid, and Little Beaver

Uecker joining commentary for this match makes it even better. The big spot they work to is Bundy teasing squashing Kid and Beaver, but Jim gets the tag and takes Bundy down. They go for the pile pin and that doesn’t work. Eventually, Bundy has had enough and he slams Beaver and drops an elbow as the ref calls for the DQ. This was what it was.

BACKSTAGE: Mary is with Randy Savage and Elizabeth. Mary wants to talk to Elizabeth, and Savage doesn’t like that at all.

VIDEO: We recap the events leading to “King” Harley Race vs. The Junkyard Dog.

BACKSTAGE: Gene with Harley, Heenan, and Fabulous Moolah. Lots of royalty talk. Uecker wants a date with Moolah, so that’s a development. We transition to Gene with JYD, who says he’s gonna be wearing the crown.

“King” Harley Race (w/Bobby Heenan and Fabulous Moolah) vs. The Junkyard Dog – Loser Must Kneel And Bow Match

Quite a stipulation there. It’s all JYD at the start, with Harley bumping for him all over the place. I’ll never not love the JYD headbutts. The crowd seems to agree. Then, out of nowhere, a Heenan distraction allows Harley to hit a simple belly-to-belly suplex and he pins JYD for the win. Well, that was an abrupt finish. Of course, JYD won’t bow and he destroys Harley after the match.

BACKSTAGE: Vince with Hulk Hogan. He calls out the critics in the gym who think it’s his last ride, then rips his shirt off. ALL IN THE VITAMINS, BROTHER. He says the Hulkamaniacs don’t take any shortcuts, and Andre has to beat all of them to beat him.

BACKSTAGE: Gene with The Dream Team of Greg Valentine and Brutus Beefcake, plus Johnny Valiant and Dino Bravo. They yell about some stuff.

The Rougeau Brothers vs. The Dream Team (w/Johnny Valiant and Dino Bravo)

Two fun teams, though the Rougeaus don’t yet have their legendary theme music. Heenan makes his way to the commentary booth, and this has to be the best trio in commentary history. He runs down Haynes’ antics, then proceeds to say he “doesn’t deal with widgets.” The Brain was one of a kind. The finish sees a hell of a double team move from the Rougeaus, which allows Bravo to sneak in while the referee is distracted and nail a Rougeau. That leads to Valentine getting the pin for the victory and after the match, Beefcake questions the interference. So his partners just leave him in the ring. Thus begins one of many character transformations for Beefcake.

VIDEO: Hype for the Roddy Piper vs. Adrian Adonis match.

BACKSTAGE: Gene with Adonis and Hart. They’re gonna clip Piper’s hair.

Adrian Adonis (w/Jimmy Hart) vs. Roddy Piper – Loser Gets His Head Shaved Match

Gorilla and Jesse remind us that Piper is leaving wrestling after the match, and I’d like to boldly predict that he’ll be back. Piper brings Hart in for the DOUBLE NOGGIN KNOCKER with Adonis. Gorilla’s call of that move never gets old. Then Piper wants more and throws Hart from the top onto Adonis. But Hart regroups and scoops Piper’s leg as Adonis goes on the attack. More shenanigans from the heels to keep the upper hand and Adonis locks in the sleeper. Adonis thinks he has the match won, but here comes Beefcake to hand Piper the clippers. Piper locks in the sleeper and that’ll do it for the win. So there’s your official turn for Beefcake, and he shaves some of Adonis’ hair. Entertaining work from all parties in this one. (Recommended)

IN THE RING: Fink introduces Jesse as Gorilla pushes that he simply wanted to be announced to the crowd.

BACKSTAGE: Hart rants to Gene about his hatred for the British Bulldogs.

The Hart Foundation and Danny Davis (w/Jimmy Hart) vs. The British Bulldogs and Tito Santana

Matilda unleashes some frustration on Jimmy Hart before the bell rings, and Jimmy has been bumping like a wild man on this show. Even Uecker finds it obvious. Gorilla puts over Bret as the next big thing, so as usual, Gorilla was spot-on with his analysis. Mary Hart wants Dynamite to make a tag and can’t figure out why he’s not doing so. He’s getting his ass kicked, Mary! That’s why. Davis with the cocky spot of coming in for a few quick shots on defenseless Dynamite before tagging back out. He tries to do it again but hot tag to Tito, and he runs wild. Bulldog hits a Tombstone on Davis like it’s a transitional move, which is pretty funny to think about given what that move would signify once The Undertaker made his mark. We’ve got a BROUHAHA as the action breaks down, and somehow it’s Davis that scurries over and pins Bulldog for the win. Good action here as you would expect from these six.

BACKSTAGE: Gene with Andre and Heenan. Andre’s stoic stare in this segment is legendary. Heenan explains why Andre is gonna beat Hogan. This is a short but awesome way to build the importance of the main event.

Butch Reed (w/Slick) vs. Koko B. Ware

What a pop for Koko. Birds are over, brother. Jesse wants Jack Tunney to look into Koko’s taped hand, and once again, Jesse is the greatest. Reed controls most of the action until Koko fights back with a few near falls. But another near fall attempt on a cross body leads to Reed reversing it, and he grabs a handful of tights to score the win. After the match, the heels try to continue the onslaught, but Tito runs out and makes the save.

VIDEO: A recap of the events leading to Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat. OHHH YEAH!

BACKSTAGE: Savage taunts Steamboat and says he’s gonna embarrass him and put him out of wrestling. Then it’s Gene with Steamboat, who says it’s gonna be a clash of titans.

Ricky Steamboat (w/George “The Animal” Steele) vs. (c) Randy Savage (w/Elizabeth) – WWF Intercontinental Title

Strap in because HERE WE GO. It’s been several years since I’ve rewatched this match, and it’s always a fun one to revisit. What quickly stands out every time I watch it is that every move feels important. The psychology is just tremendous, and they work a back-and-forth style that sends the crowd on an emotional roller coaster. Just when you think Savage has all the momentum, Steamboat mounts a comeback with a cross body into a near fall. Another thing that many people remember from this match is all the pinfall attempts which, again, only add to the drama and suspense. I love Savage trying to get Steamboat counted out by sending him into the front row. Yet another small detail that works wonders for the story.

Savage hits a pair of double axe handles, but Steamboat kicks out again. And he keeps kicking out after every big move. The babyface that gets knocked down time and time again and keeps getting up is foolproof storytelling. It just works. The fans are biting on every pin, and they think Steamboat has it won but Savage sneaks the foot on the ropes at the last second. Another awesome series of pin attempts, and my goodness is this terrific. The crowd is trying everything they can to will Steamboat to victory.

Ref bump allows Savage to take control, and he hits the flying elbow but there’s no referee to count it. This also sends the crowd into a frenzy. Savage grabs the ring bell as Steele tries to take it away from him, and Steele manages to finally do it to send Savage flying. And that’s when Savage tries a body slam, but it’s Steamboat who reverses it into a small package to win the title.

It simply does not get much better than this in pro wrestling. The build to it made it seem like the most important match to date in both men’s careers, and they sold it to perfection. All the near fall attempts pushed the idea that both men were desperate (in a good way) to win the title and finally vanquish their rival.

I think that sometimes there is a tendency to believe that a match can only be perfect if it’s long. Savage vs. Steamboat was only 14 minutes and 35 seconds, but they managed to bring out so many emotions that fans were an emotional mess by the time it was over. Another tidbit that I loved: The post-match visual of watching a broken Savage riding on the cart with his head down. THAT is how you tell the story without saying a word.

I don’t rate matches based on what I think they should be to someone else. I rate matches based on what they are to me. And to me, this is still one of the best pieces of business I’ve even seen in wrestling. It’s a masterpiece. (Legendary)

BACKSTAGE: Gene with Jake Roberts and Alice Cooper. They look back at Honky Tonky Man beating Jake with a guitar. Then it’s Gene with Honky and Jimmy Hart, and they’re as obnoxious as ever.

Jake “The Snake” Roberts (w/Alice Cooper) vs. The Honky Tonk Man (/Jimmy Hart)

Give the crowd credit. They just saw a classic, and they’re still as hot as they were when this show started. Two great WWF characters in this match, and that’s why this is such a memorable show. It’s not that all the matches are classic, but they all feature a blistering crowd and clearly-defined babyface and heel character that play well off of each other. That’s what you had throughout this match. Eventually, Jimmy gets involved, and that’s where Honky takes advantage and uses the ropes for leverage to notch the pin for the win. The real payoff comes after the match, where Jake holds Jimmy, and he and Alice throw the snake on him.

IN THE RING: Fink invites Gene into the ring, and he gets a HUGE pop and fans start chanting his name. Give me this crowd forever. Gene announces the indoor attendance record of 93,173. Little did Gene know how much this announcement would be debated by people around the world for decades to come.

The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff (w/Slick) vs. The Killer Bees 

The greatest part about this is Slick comes out wearing his torn shirt after getting it ripped by Tito. That’s true dedication to the character! There is trash all over the ring before the match starts due to Volkoff singing the Russian national anthem. Here comes Hacksaw Jim Duggan to save America and my goodness does the man get a pop. This was pretty much your typical letdown match before a much-anticipated main event. These four worked hard and put together a solid tag team match. Sheik locks in the Camel Clutch, so Hacksaw figures he’ll just come in and hit him with a 2×4 to cost the Bees the match. Jesse loves giving Hacksaw shit after he does stuff like that. It’s hilarious.

BACKSTAGE: Gene with Andre and Heenan. Andre is gonna take the title from Hogan.

VIDEO: We recap the events leading to Hogan vs. Andre, including the brotherly love between Hogan and Andre before Andre turns to the dark side. Hogan’s dramatic “YESSSSS” when Piper asks him about facing Andre at WrestleMania is never not funny.

BACKSTAGE: Gene with Hogan. He’s as hulked up as ever.

IN THE RING: Fink introduces Uecker as the special ring announcer, and he brings in Mary Hart as the special timekeeper.

Andre the Giant (w/Bobby Heenan) vs. (c) Hulk Hogan – WWF Title

It’s a small thing, but I love Hogan walking down the aisle like he would for any other entrance. HULKAMANIA doesn’t need a cart, brother! The Irresistible Force meets The Immovable Object. Let’s get it on. This is one of those defining matches in wrestling history, and I still think it’s the biggest match WWE has ever done. Hogan immediately going for the bodyslam and his back giving out was a nice touch, since that allows Andre to work on the back for the entire match. Listen, by no means is this a technical masterpiece. But anyone rating it like it should be is doing it wrong. This is all about star power and story, which is perfectly acceptable when it’s a match involving two of the biggest attractions in the history of the sport.

There’s no doubt that Andre was extremely limited in what he could do physically, but I thought he still managed to pull off the most important spots in the match. Would a long bearhug work by today’s standards? No. But does it work for Andre, whose primary goal was to crush Hogan and destroy his back? Sure it does. Every time Hogan tries to thwart Andre, it’s Andre who uses his size and power to stop Hogan’s offense. And then comes the climax, where Hogan finally knocks Andre to his feet and the crowd fucking loves it. From there, Hogan slams Andre and hits the big boot to earn the victory.

It’s a match that’s built around a few big moments, but what I always enjoy about it is it didn’t try to be something it shouldn’t be. Throw out any debate for the star ratings on this one because they don’t matter. Just an incredible spectacle that went way beyond a wrestling match, and it led to the biggest primetime audience in wrestling history for the rematch in 1988. (Legendary)

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BLAKE’S TAKE ON WRESTLEMANIA III

Recommended Matches: Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat (*****), Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant (***** spectacle), Adrian Adonis vs. Roddy Piper (***)

Overall Rating: 9.0/10

Thoughts: The thing about a great wrestling show is that it’s all about fan expectations. As a fan, I don’t expect every match on the card to be a 5-star classic. It’s all about the ebb and flow, in addition to the nostalgia, the characters, and the storylines. This show gave me everything I wanted as a fan. You had a wrestling classic, a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, and a host of memorable characters. For my money, WrestleMania III is one of the best WrestleManias of all time.

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For more of my show reviews, visit the Pro Wrestling Reviews section!

In this WWF Royal Rumble 1994 review, 30 competitors square off in the Rumble match, Yokozuna defends the WWF title against The Undertaker in a Casket Match, and much more.

Let’s jump in.

• Show: WWF Royal Rumble 1994
• Date: January 22, 1994
• Location: Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, RI

RINGSIDE: Vince McMahon is EXCITED and hypes all the big matches. Then it’s Ted DiBiase making his way out to join Vince on commentary. I just went from watching DiBiase lose the North American title in Mid-South to fast-forwarding 12 years to see him on commentary with Vince.

Tatanka vs. Bam Bam Bigelow (w/Luna Vachon)

Vince explains that Ludvig Borga suffered a recent injury and couldn’t face Tatanka, which was actually legit. I enjoyed both Tatanka and Bam Bam during this era, but I enjoyed the Bam Bam and Luna pairing even more. DiBiase reveals both men will be in the Rumble right after Tatanka gets squashed in the corner by Bam Bam. Not the best timing, Ted!

This was a nice showcase for Bam Bam’s strength and Tatanka’s resiliency (with the ICO PRO banners hanging in the background). The crowd bites on a near fall when Tatanka counters into a bodyslam, and they are really behind Tatanka in this one. I love DiBiase pointing out he’d never dance around like Tatanka so he could preserve his energy for the Rumble match.

Bam Bam was so talented, and his versatility was on full display playing the heel role. But it was Tatanka coming off the top with the flying cross body to score the pin. (***, Recommended)

VIDEO: Highlights of the events leading to Bret Hart and Owen Hart against The Quebecers. Bret and Owen were both so awesome playing up the tension between them.

BACKSTAGE: Todd Pettengill with Bret and Owen. They really push their togetherness, and Owen is so over the top with his facial expressions that you know what he has in store. Love it.

Bret Hart and Owen Hart vs. (c) The Quebecers (w/Johnny Polo)

Polo is, of course, the future Raven. They tell the story of Bret and Owen being on the same page in the early going, and their technical skill is always a thing of beauty. These two were just so, so good in the ring. One example is Bret using a variety of pin attempts on Jacques Rougeau, which sends the crowd into a frenzy.

The heels work over Bret to set up the desire for the hot tag to Owen. Eventually, Owen gets the tag, and he locks in the Sharpshooter on Jacques. But it’s Pierre who hits him from behind. Another hot tag spot to Bret, and he manhandles both Jacques and Pierre.

Then comes a big sequence with Polo pulling down the rope as Bret attempts offense. From there, the heels do damage on Bret’s knee, and the onslaught continues with Jacques using a chair and cane on it. I like the small tidbit of Owen throwing Bret back into the ring to get destroyed some more which, on the surface, seems innocent enough.

Bret somehow reverses the momentum and locks in the Sharpshooter, with DiBiase noting that it’s a selfish move given how injured he is. Another small story tidbit there. However, Bret can’t keep the hold on and once again sells the knee injury, and referee Tim White calls for the bell to signal Bret can’t continue.

After the match, DiBiase does a great job pushing Bret’s selfishness, and Owen is pissed at Bret. And then it happens. Just when Bret gets to his feet, Owen kicks his leg out from under him. Owen walks down the aisle and calls Bret selfish, while officials tend to Bret in the ring. Raymond Rougeau comes down with a microphone and pushes Bret likely being unable to compete in the Rumble match as he does a stretcher job.

Though a different setting and storyline, there were shades of a format similar to the Mega Powers exploding in terms of the story detail involved. The finish was a little anticlimactic, but I loved everything about this with Bret, Owen, The Quebecers, Vince, and DiBiase all excelling in their roles. (Highly Recommended)

BACKSTAGE: Pettengill with Owen. Why Owen, why? He goes off on Bret, who is watching as he gets rolled down the aisle on the stretcher. AWESOME presentation there. Owen doesn’t care if Bret is in the Rumble, and he’s gonna win the WWF title himself.

RINGSIDE: DiBiase is applauding Owen and Vince is pissed. DiBiase explains what it takes to be at the top of the WWF. Seriously, bravo to everyone involved in the last 30 minutes of this show.

IRS vs. (c) Razor Ramon – Intercontinental Title

Jim Ross and Gorilla Monsoon are on commentary for this match. I’d say that’s a legendary duo, though both are used to being the main play-by-play guy. One of the real highlights of this match is Razor’s gear, as it resembles an aqua color. It looks great. Razor tries to make it a brawl early on, but IRS takes control and slows things down by using the ground game.

A ref bump allows IRS to grab his briefcase, but it’s Razor who uses it. The ref is still down, so no count. Then Razor goes for the Razor’s Edge, but here comes Shawn Michaels. He uses the bogus IC title to clock Razor from behind. Everyone is down, and IRS crawls his way to Razor to get the pin to win the title….or so we think.

One of the Hebners comes out to inform Joey Marella about the bogus belt shot. Rather than restart the match, Razor just hits the Razor’s Edge and Marella counts the three to allow Razor to retain. The crowd was hot, but I didn’t find the match all that engaging.

VIDEO: Paul Bearer is in a creepy warehouse, where The Undertaker is carving a casket for Yokozuna. We also see highlights of Yokozuna being terrified at Taker’s antics. Excellent vignette to push Yokozuna’s fear entering the match.

The Undertaker (w/Paul Bearer) vs. (c) Yokozuna (w/Mr. Fuji and Jim Cornette) – Casket Match for the WWF Title

This is an infamous match in WWF history, specifically due to it having one of the most unique finishes ever. I can remember watching this back in the day and being mesmerized by the wild finish, but I can’t say I remember much about the actual match that led to it. Turns out it’s pretty much a brawl with a lot of weapons involved, whether it be chairs, powder, or other wrestling-related items. But as I always note, you can’t deny the spectacle of these kinds of matches when the crowd is as invested as this one is in this match.

Crush preventing Taker from closing the casket on Yokozuna starts a flurry of heel interference. The Great Kabuki, Tenryu, and Bam Bam all join in as Fuji steals the urn. But Bearer gets in back and nails both Fuji and Cornette with it. They tell the story of the power of the turn bringing Taker back, and he fights off all the heels. Adam Bomb and Jeff Jarrett join the mix, and so do Samu and Fatu. That’s a 9-on-1 advantage for those keeping count. Make it 10-on-1 as Diesel enters. They try to close the casket, but Taker fights out until Yokozuna steals the urn and hits Bearer with it.

Then things get strange. Green smoke flies out of the urn as the beatdown continues until they successfully lock Taker in the casket. And then things get really strange. The green smoke is back, and Taker’s music hits. We see him on the video screen from inside the casket. He refuses to rest in peace, and we get 90s video effects until Taker levitates from the casket. Bearer places the urn on the casket as Vince pushes the supernatural of Taker.

This has to be seen to be believed, as there is no possible way to describe it accurately. I did love the psychology of Fuji and Cornette enlisting the help of all the heels since it was legal to do so given the match stipulation. That was clever. For old-school wrestling fans, it’s undoubtedly one of the worst matches in history. For people who enjoy a nice acid trip, it may be one of the best matches in history. You decide! (Noteworthy)

VIDEO: Randy Savage, Jeff Jarrett, Tatanka, Diesel, Doink, Dink, Shawn Michaels, and Lex Luger hype the Rumble match.

The 1994 Royal Rumble Match

Scott Steiner is No. 1 and Samu is No. 2. And it’s Rick Steiner at No. 3 to push the randomness of the draw. Samu gets his head hung in the ropes, which doesn’t look pleasant. Scott nonchalantly throws him out as Kwang enters at No. 4. Owen Hart is in at No. 5 as Rick continues to play up being blinded by Kwang’s mist. That allows Owen to eliminate Rick in an easy fashion.

Bart Gunn is No. 6. Vince alerts us something is going on backstage with the cameras headed in that direction. Here comes Diesel at No. 7. He dumps out at Bart and Scott, then tosses Owen and Kwang. There goes Owen’s shot. Perhaps he’ll get another! Bob Backlund runs in at No. 8, and he had quite a run in the 1993 Rumble match. Not so much in this one as Diesel tosses him too.

Billy Gunn enters the mix at No. 9, and if you thought he was gonna eliminate Diesel, you’re wrong. Diesel sends him packing right away. We see backstage footage of Tenryu and Kabuki beating down Luger, so now he’s questionable to enter. I like his chances though. Virgil is No. 10, and DiBiase’s reaction is great. Vince reveals Virgil is the alternate for Kamala.

Virgil tries to eliminate Diesel, and that was a mistake as Diesel tosses him. Randy Savage is No. 11, so business has picked up. Jeff Jarrett runs out at No. 12, and he gets some shine on Savage before Savage eliminates him. Crush joins at No. 13 to continue his feud with Savage. Diesel and Crush double team Savage, and Savage is tossed as Doink arrives at No. 14.

Doink watches Diesel and Crush beat each other up until the latter two turn their attention to him. Bam Bam Bigelow is No. 15, and Vince notes “the ring is starting to fill up with some beef.” Lots of beef! Bam Bam gorilla press slams Doink out of there, and here comes Mabel at No. 16. BEEF EVERYWHERE. He immediately goes after Diesel, and it’s wild to think these two would be main eventing a pay-per-view about a year and a half later.

Sparky Plugg is No. 17 to replace the 1-2-3 Kid. Vince pontificates Sparky could win this thing, and I’m not sure I agree. Shawn Michaels seems like a better choice at No. 18, and Diesel teases going at him before they shake hands. But then everyone gangs up on Diesel as Michaels sneaks up to lend a push, which eliminates Diesel. He gets a good ovation from the crowd and even some Diesel chants, so they bought the dominant performance.

Mo is No. 19, and for some reason, Michaels tries to bodyslam Mabel. Greg Valentine in at No. 20 as Vince notes his 50-minute performance in the 1991 Rumble match. Tatanka joins the mix at No. 21, and Michaels goes wild selling for him. And it’s The Great Kabuki coming out at No. 22 as the ring is filling up. But then everyone gangs up on Mabel to eliminate him.

Lex Luger does indeed make it in at No. 23. Boy does he sprint out there, so apparently that Tenryu and Kabuki attack was nothing. Luger quickly eliminates Kabuki to get his revenge. Speaking of Tenryu, he’s in at No. 24. The horn hits for No. 25 and no one comes out, so Vince assumes that means Bret can’t make it.

Rick Martel enters the mix at No. 26, and he’s another who had a long run in the 1991 Rumble. And it’s Bret Hart limping out at No. 27 to a huge pop from the crowd. Fatu doesn’t quite get the same pop at No. 28, but he adds to a loaded ring at this point. Luger and company eliminate Crush as Marty Jannetty runs in at No. 29, and he and Michaels square off to a big ovation.

Adam Bomb rounds out the group at No. 30 and Vince immediately declares him the winner. Vince’s commentary was hilarious at times. Michaels eliminates Plugg, and Vince reveals Bastion Booger got sick and didn’t enter at No. 25. So there’s your mystery entrant.

Still 11 men left, and it stays that way for a while until Martel eliminates Valentine, then Tatanka eliminates Martel. Bomb is out after Luger ducks, and Mo is also sent packing. Luger eliminates Bam Bam, while Michaels eliminates Jannetty. Luger and Bret join forces to eliminate Tenryu, and the final four is Luger, Bret, Michaels, and Fatu.

Luger runs wild, then Luger and Bret simultaneously eliminate Michaels and Fatu at the same time. And in a memorable finish, it’s both men tumbling over the top to create confusion as to the actual winner. Luger’s music initially plays to declare him the winner, but it stops and Bret’s music hits to declare him the winner. There’s zero doubt that the fans were way more excited about Bret winning.

Jack Tunney strolls down as we see multiple replays of the finish, which smartly never show a camera angle of their feet hitting the floor. Finkel then milks the announcement of the winner before declaring that Luger and Bret are co-winners.

Your mileage will vary on the finish, but aside from things getting bogged down with the lackluster stretch late, I enjoyed this Rumble and think it’s one of the more underrated ones in history. I can remember rooting for Luger at the time (though more fans were clearly behind Bret) and convincing myself Bret’s feet hit first. In actuality, it was the opposite, but credit to both men for pulling off a difficult task. I thought it was creative, and while you could have easily restarted the match to crown a winner, the cliffhanger made it work.

Elsewhere, you had a dominant run to establish Diesel as a top star, a few more storylines being advanced, and much more. Owen being randomly eliminated seemed odd given the role he played in the heel turn on Bret, but it’s almost forgettable by the end of the match (which may be a good thing). As always, a fan’s enjoyment is subjective, and I found this very entertaining. (Highly Recommended)

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BLAKE’S TAKE ON WWF ROYAL RUMBLE 1994

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

Thoughts: I know a lot of people will hate on this show for Taker/Yokozuna and the co-winner Rumble finish, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The opener was solid, the Bret/Owen stuff was fantastic across the board, and the Rumble match had a lot of fun spots. And yes, even the ridiculous Casket Match has value in a “what the hell did I just watch” kind of way. Some good 1994 nostalgia.

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For more of my show reviews, visit the Pro Wrestling Reviews section!

In this WCW Nitro 9/18/95 review, Ric Flair goes one-on-one with Brian Pillman, Randy Savage and Lex Luger have choice words, and much more.

Let’s get to it.

• Event: WCW Monday Nitro
• Date: September 18, 1995
• Location: Freedom Hall in Johnson City, TN

ON THE STAGE: Eric Bischoff, Bobby Heenan, Steve McMichael, and PEPE hype the action. We then hear sirens and Bischoff says there’s an emergency in the back.

BACKSTAGE: Gene Okerlund is standing outside of an ambulance, and The Taskmaster and The Giant hop out. Giant says he’s the true immortal and not Hulk Hogan. Gene says Giant’s father would be disappointed in him. Yes, this was when they were pushing that Andre the Giant was his actual father. Giant says his father would be helping him destroy Hogan.

ON THE RAMP: Earl Robert Eaton goes to make his entrance, but he’s jumped by Harlem Heat. They walk down with Sherri, who is carrying the Tag Team titles that Booker T and Stevie Ray won at Fall Brawl. Booker says they’re gonna turn up the heat on Nitro and defend the titles right now.

The American Males vs. (c) Harlem Heat- WCW Tag Team Titles

Gotta appreciate an impromptu title match. I also like the consistency of Harlem Heat’s approach. They’re just dudes who want to beat the shit out of everyone. If you wanted to know why Booker was seen as a future top star of the company, his incredible offense in this match made it very clear. His athleticism and star potential was on another level.

Colonel Robert Parker makes his way out and grabs Sherri off the apron, which of course leads to them making out on their way to the back. Meanwhile, Bagwell takes advantage and counters Booker and pins him to win the titles. Keep in mind that commentary was noting throughout the match that they weren’t sure if this title defense was official since Nick Bockwinkel wasn’t in attendance.

Blake’s Take: Since I’m watching this many years later, I didn’t remember the title switch here which made it entertaining. I figured something was up with commentary starting the match questioning whether it was an official defense, so I’m sure Harlem Heat will get their belts back soon enough.

VIDEO: Call the WCW Hotline at 1-900-909-9900! And kids, get your parents’ permission!

IN THE RING: Gene welcomes Ric Flair. Gene brings up Flair’s match later on with Brian Pillman. Flair addresses his issues with Arn Anderson and says he broke the code by bringing an outsider into it. Flair is gonna chop Pillman back to Cincinnati and then kick Anderson’s ass. Woooooo!

COMMENTARY: It’s gonna be Sting vs. Lord Steven Regal, Cobra vs. Craig Pittman, a special interview with Dusty Rhodes, and an update on Hulk Hogan’s status on WCW Saturday Night.

Paul Orndorff vs. Johnny B. Badd

Orndorff’s entrance music is TREMENDOUS. I mean, it’s terrible, but it’s great for his Mr. Wonderful character. Orndorff with a dropkick to start the match and he goes after Badd in the corner, then gets in referee Nick Patrick’s face. Bischoff plays up Badd’s grueling 30-minute match against Pillman at Fall Brawl and how it could slow him down in this one. Badd comes off the top rope, but Orndorff gets the knees up. Back from commercial and Badd is in control after throwing Orndorff to the outside. Badd with a couple of aerial moves for a near fall. Orndorff goes for the piledriver, but Badd counters in a flurry of offense. However, Badd goes for another counter and Orndorff sits on him and hooks the legs for the victory.

Blake’s Take: They worked hard and the story was Badd perhaps being fatigued, and it’s Orndorff stealing the win with the flash pinfall. 

ON THE BEACH: Randy Savage is doing BENCH PRESSES on the beach in front of a bunch of Baywatch lifeguards. As if that wasn’t normal enough, here comes Taskmaster to throw the bar on Savage before attacking him. Flair, dressed in his ring gear, runs off Taskmaster. Wild stuff.

IN THE RING: Gene welcomes Savage. He says thanks but no thanks to Flair saving him. Savage is gonna destroy Taskmaster, and he adds that no one is stronger than Hogan. He then says Hogan is a horrible judge of character because he picked Lex Luger for the team. Gene pushes that what Luger did was unintentional, but Savage isn’t buying it. Savage predicts that Lex Luger, Sting, and Jimmy Hart are gonna join the Dungeon of Doom at some point. That brings out Luger, who thinks Savage is jealous because he also wants to be the WCW World Heavyweight Champion. Savage tells Luger that he hit him with a cheap shot. Savage wants to throw down right now and slaps Luger in the face as we go to commercial. Speaking of which, I’m watching the original broadcast from 1995, and every commercial break features the movie trailer for SHOWGIRLS, which of course had Elizabeth Berkley (aka Jessie Spano from Saved By The Bell) in the starring role.

ON THE STAGE: Bischoff says security cleared the ring to stop Savage and Luger from going at it.

VIDEO: We look back at Giant driving a monster truck and running over Hogan’s motorcycle on the Fall Brawl pre-show. Then it’s the replay of Giant breaking into the cage and twisting Hogan’s head like a bottle top.

COMMENTARY: Coming up next on TNT, it’s American Kickboxer II!

Brian Pillman vs. Ric Flair

These two go right after each other, and Flair throws Pillman to the outside and delivers a flying axe handle. They go back and forth, and it’s Pillman with a huge dropkick on Flair as he jumps off the top. Of course, Pillman tries to use the ropes for leverage, and Bischoff is pissed at his change in attitude. It’s CHOP TIME as they exchange some brutal ones outside, then Flair throws Pillman on the guardrail.

Flair beats down Pillman in the ring, and he goes back up top. That doesn’t work as Pillman throws him off. Pillman misses his own top rope move, and Flair goes for a pin but Pillman counters into a near fall. Flair goes to the Figure Four and Pillman has no choice to tap to give Flair the win.

Blake’s Take: These two can obviously go in the ring, but this was pretty short and straightforward with Flair handling his business.

IN THE RING: Flair looks into the camera and tells Arn he’s waiting for him. Flair then says he’s gonna kick Arn’s ass next week.

ON THE STAGE: Mongo hypes the feud between Savage and Luger, and Heenan thinks Arn is gonna kick Flair’s ass. Bischoff also says Bockwinkel might do something about the tag title situation. Heenan then points at his headset and says something is going on in the back. That’s your cliffhanger.

Blake’s Nitro Awards

• Best Match: Brian Pillman vs. Ric Flair
• Best Angle: Savage and Luger
• Nitro MVP: Ric Flair
• Overall Nitro Rating: 5.0/10
• Thoughts: Not the most noteworthy edition of Nitro, but it forwarded several big feuds with Flair vs. Arn, Savage vs. Luger, and of course, Giant’s monster truck vs. Hogan’s monster truck.

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For more of my show reviews, visit the Pro Wrestling Reviews section!

The WCW Nitro 9/11/95 review features the go-home show for the big War Games Match at Fall Brawl, with Hulk Hogan leading the way.

Will there be shenanigans? I think there will be shenanigans.

Let’s get to the WCW Nitro 9/11/95 review.

• Event: WCW Monday Nitro
• Date: September 11, 1995
• Location: Knight Center in Miami, FL

– Eric Bischoff, Bobby Heenan, and Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael welcome us and recap Lex Luger’s big debut on the first episode of Nitro. Bischoff tells us Vader won’t be in War Games, so Hogan needs a replacement for his team.

Sabu vs. Alex Wright

This is undoubtedly one of the most random matchups in WCW history. I don’t think Sabu and Alex Wright are used in the same sentence a lot. They pushed Sabu’s crazy style on the debut Nitro, and he followed through on it, folks. Lots of wild offense from Sabu, and he got the win after a top rope maneuver. However, it turns out that actually wasn’t true? After the match, Sabu basically uses himself as a missile and comes off the top to drive Wright through a table. Somehow, this allows Nick Patrick to reverse his decision, and he awards the match to Wright. I’m not sure that’s legal.

• Blake’s Rating: ** (-***** for Patrick’s decision)

– Mean Gene Okerlund welcomes Ric Flair to the ring. Flair runs down Arn Anderson, and HERE COMES LEX LUGER. Flair loses his shit over Luger’s physique and says “tonight, the package takes control.” How many women did Flair say that to in the 80s?! What a line. Luger says Flair never changes, and then leaves. Not sure what the point of Luger coming out was.

VK Wallstreet vs. Sting

MAN CALLED STING. MAN CALLED STING. The theme never gets old. Wallstreet’s singlet sure is something. Lots of back and forth in this one, which you would expect from these two stars. Of course, when you debut a new character like Wallstreet, I figure you probably want him to win. That wasn’t gonna happen against Sting, as he hit the flying cross body for the win.

• Blake’s Rating: **1/2

– The Disco Inferno is debuting on WCW Saturday Night. Can’t miss that spectacle!

Scott Norton vs. Randy Savage

Great work having Norton destroy Savage before the bell rings. Norton takes no shit from anyone, and that’s the way to prove it. Bischoff doing a good job putting over Norton on commentary, so give him credit for that. They play up Savage potentially having a broken back, and that’s not ideal. Bischoff says as such considering Savage is on Hogan’s War Games’ team. Norton countering every attempted comeback by Savage, including hitting a brutal hanging DDT. Savage finally gains control, but the Dungeon of Doom hit the ring. That leads to Avalanche falling on Norton’s knees, allowing Savage to hit the elbow drop for the victory. One match after a guy loses a match for putting his opponent through a table after the match, another wins while his opponent gets held down by someone not in the match. RULES! After the match, Norton gets physical with Avalanche.

• Blake’s Rating: **1/2

Lex Luger vs. Hulk Hogan – WCW World Title

To this point, every debuting character they pushed on the Nitro debut has lost. Let’s see if Luger can change that. Hogan with a DROP TOEHOLD TAKEDOWN early in the match. Technical masterclass, brother. Both no-sell each other’s offense early, so we’re off to an interesting start. Luger eventually puts on the Torture Rack and for some reason thinks he’s won the match. Hogan hulks up and hits the boot and leg drop, but the Dungeon of Doom is back again to force the DQ.

• Blake’s Rating: **

– Hogan, Sting, and Savage clear the ring, then we get a shoving match with Hogan and Luger. Bet you can’t guess where this is heading!  Hogan suggests Luger is with the Dungeon of Doom. Sting is the voice of reason and wants Luger on the team. Savage and Hogan don’t want him. Savage now pushes Sting and Jimmy Hart as turncoats. Hogan finally agrees and asks Luger to join them. 

Blake’s Nitro Awards

• Best Match: VK Wallstreet vs. Sting
• Best Angle: Hogan needs a War Games partner
• Nitro MVP: Sting
• Overall Nitro Rating: 6.0
• Thoughts: They pushed Hogan needing a replacement partner from Vader at the very beginning, and that led to a show-long angle with an obvious conclusion. Still, it worked fine to promote a War Games match. The Dungeon of Doom interference in the Sting and Savage matches had a reason behind it. Also, Norton looked fantastic in his debut.

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For more of my show reviews, visit the Pro Wrestling Reviews section!

The 1995 Monday Night RAW season premiere has arrived with the RAW 9/11/95 review! And Vince McMahon’s commentary will make sure you know all about it.

Here’s the review.

• Event: WWE RAW
• Date: September 11, 1995
• Location: Canton Civic Center in Canton, OH

– Vince McMahon narrates the highlight package from SummerSlam, including Shawn Michaels winning the Ladder Match against Razor Ramon. Tonight, it’s Shawn vs. Sid, and Razor vs. The British Bulldog. IS THE DOG’S BARK BIGGER THAN HIS BITE? Vince’s promos were so great. He pushed this as the new fall season of RAW and even made a Cal Ripken streak reference.

– Not gonna lie, this “I Like It Rough” RAW intro video is the one I remember least. It sure was something.

– We see the recap of Razor slapping the taste out of Dean Douglas’ mouth. 

Razor Ramon vs. The British Bulldog (w/Jim Cornette)

Before the match, Jerry Lawler claimed Cornette was gonna bring a POOPER SCOOPER for Razor. Naturally, Vince calls Lawler out of on it when said pooper scooper is not ringside. Then, of course, Lawler calls a woman in the crowd the pooper scooper.  Vince nearly gets orgasmic when Bulldog hits a vertical suplex on Razor, then does it again after a press slam that sends things to commercial.

Bulldog with all the momentum early and the Vinceisms kick in with him thinking every pin attempt is a three count. You’ve gotta love it. Tim White takes the ref bump, with Razor hitting the Razor’s Edge. Dean Douglas attacks Razor, 1-2-3 Kid tries to make the save, but Douglas kicks his ass too. Bulldog hits the Running Powerslam, but Kid back up and he accidentally flies onto Razor, leading to the DQ.

• Blake’s Rating: **

– Bulldog destroys Kid and Razor after the match, then Cornette gets in on the action. 

– Back from break, and Lawler lets us know that “McMahon has gone up in the ring with those two losers, so now we’ve got three losers in the ring.” Absolutely hilarious. There’s dissension between Kid and Razor, with Vince serving as the shit-stirrer. Kid wants a match with Razor next week, and Razor accepts.

– The GOAT Todd Pettingill hypes Owen Hart and Yokozuna vs. Men on a Mission for next week.

Smoking Gunns vs. Rad Radford and The Brooklyn Brawler

Radford and Brawler. What a duo. Vince’s “what a maneuver” line will never get old. Something I’ve often wondered is how does anyone wrestle in jeans? I mean, Brawler’s jeans were more rugged, but Billy and Bart are out there wearing slim fits. The jean fit did not matter in this one, as Billy and Bart hit their finisher for the easy win.

• Blake’s Rating: SQUASH

– Goldust is dressed in all gold to absolutely no one’s surprise. He wants a piece of The Undertaker. 

Dr. Issac Yankem vs. Scott Taylor

It’s gotta be, it’s gotta be, it’s gotta be…..ISSAC YANKEM! It’s also gotta be Scotty 2 Hotty. I doubt anyone expected these two to be popular figures in the Attitude Era, but wrestling is strange like that. As Vince noted, Yankem is drilling his way to the top in the WWF, and he added another quick victory by destroying Taylor.

• Blake’s Rating: SQUASH

– Pettingill is inside the Events Center. We get hype for the big Shawn Michaels and Diesel vs. Owen Hart and Yokozuna match at the next In Your House. We’re also getting Razor Ramon vs. Dean Douglas, Bret Hart vs. Jean Pierre Lafitte, Bam Bam Bigelow vs. The British Bulldog, and Savio Vega vs. Waylon Mercy. What an interesting card.

Sycho Sid (w/Ted DiBiase) vs. (c) Shawn Michaels – WWF Intercontinental Title

Vince is all about some Shawn Michaels at this point. THE MODERN-DAY EVEL KNIEVEL, FOLKS.  Seriously, Vince’s commentary is so over the top that it’s hilarious. DiBiase with some shenanigans on the outside after Sid sends Michaels to the floor. Something that really stands out when you go back and watch Michaels in this era is his athleticism. The man could move. Sid controlled most of the match, but Michaels took advantage late and hit the Sweet Chin Music to retain the title.

• Blake’s Rating: **1/2

– After the match, Michaels teases a strip show in the ring and Vince is ALL FOR IT. How will we counter Nitro? By showing Michaels’ bare ass, pal!

– Doc Hendrix with Michaels and Diesel backstage. Doc asks about the triple title match at In Your House. Michaels says they’re gonna make history.

– Teaser highlights for next week, including Owen and Yokozuna vs. Men on a Mission, and Razor Ramon vs. 1-2-3 Kid.

Blake’s RAW Awards

• Best Match: Sycho Sid vs. Shawn Michaels
• Best Angle: Build to Razor/1-2-3 Kid
• RAW MVP: Shawn Michaels
• Overall RAW Rating: 5.5/10
• Thoughts: There were a couple of squash matches and a solid main event on this season premiere edition of RAW, but not much else. Well, there was Vince screaming like a wild man about Michaels nearly going full nude. You can’t forget that. Michaels was certainly the star of show, and they promoted him as such.

For more of my show reviews, visit the Pro Wrestling Reviews section!

In this WWF Monday Night RAW 2/1/93 review, there’s the return of a popular star and Mr. Perfect being perfect.

Let’s dive right in.

• Date: February 1, 1993
• Location: Manhattan Center in New York, NY

Damian Demento vs. Tatanka

The UNCUT, UNCOOKED, and UNCENSORED theme is back from Vince McMahon, Randy Savage, and Rob Bartlett. Thank goodness. Tatanka with some slams early, and he sends Demento reeling to the outside. Back inside and it’s chop city on Demento. The big man turns the tide and gets a few two counts.

Chinlock time on Tatanka and the fans are chanting “we want Flair.” I’m sure Vince loved that. Tatanka eventually gets control and scores the win at 4:10.

VIDEO: We get a Headlock on Hunger video with Bret Hart carrying a $100,000 check and giving it to the American Red Cross.

IN THIS VERY RING: Vince welcomes back Brutus Beefcake, who is appearing for the first time since the parasailing accident in 1990. He announces that he’s returning to the ring and VINCE LOVES IT. But Vince is also concerned due to the face reconstruction. Beefcake discusses his mother and father passing away and his wife divorcing him. He also talks about Hulk Hogan being the only one there for him. Beefcake is desperate and will take on anyone.

High Energy vs. Iron Mike Sharpe and Von Krus

Von Krus is the future Big Vito. Owen and Koko’s pants really were tremendous. This is all High Energy as they make quick work of the jobbers at 1:31.

VIDEO: We get another look at Doink attacking Crush. Vince says Crush will be back in a few weeks.

Doink vs. Typhoon

Doink the evil clown was superior to Doink the good clown in my opinion. THE MANHATTAN CENTER IS CHEERING THE HEELS AND BOOING THE FACES. Great Doink chant going early on. Doink with some mat work and a camel clutch on Typhoon. The big man gets to his feet and lifts Doink into the corner.

Big bear bug from Typhoon but Doink gets things back on the mat. Slaps from Doink but Typhoon powerslams him. Typhoon misses a move in the corner and Doink comes off the top and uses the tights for the win at 3:10.

RINGSIDE: Vince and Todd Pettengill hype the WWF Mania show on Saturdays.

IN THE RING: We get the 10-bell salute for Andre the Giant along with photos from his career.

Yokozuna (w/Mr. Fuji) vs. Bobby DeVito

Bobby DeVito beating the No. 1 contender for the WWF title would certainly do wonders for his career. Let’s see how things work out for him. Yoko super kicks DeVito while Vince tries to get a phone connection to Hacksaw Jim Duggan. Hacksaw thinks he can knock Yoko off his feet and then mispronounces his name. Meanwhile, Banzai Drop to DeVito for the pin at 2:02.

RINGSIDE: Vince welcomes Ted DiBiase and IRS. They make fun of Beefcake and challenge him. DiBiase flips a coin and says he’ll be the one to take on Beefcake. Jimmy Hart comes out and he’s concerned with one member of the tag team getting hurt in a singles match. DiBiase calms him down and says no one is getting hurt but Beefcake. Jimmy is still upset as they leave.

‘The Narcissist’ Lex Luger vs. Jason Knight

Before the match starts, we get the classic video of Mr. Perfect throwing and catching his own pass. THAT IS PERFECT. Luger destroys the jobber and Savage announces that Beefcake has accepted DiBiase’s challenge. And then Vince announces that QUANTUM LEAP IS UP NEXT. I prefer Silk Stalkings. Total destruction here from Luger and he pinks Knight with his pinkie at 2:38.

RINGSIDE: Vince announces that the dog show will pre-empt next week’s show. But we’ve got a battle royal and Beefcake vs. DiBiase in two weeks.

SHOW SUMMARY

Beefcake’s return was the biggest development, and the rest was lots of SQUASHING JOBBERS. The characters were solid during this time period.

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In this WWF Wrestling Challenge 11/1/86 review, Randy Savage defends the Intercontinental title against Billy Jack Haynes, The British Bulldogs and The Dream Team exchange verbal jabs, and much more.

Let’s jump in.

• Show: WWF Wrestling Challenge
• Date: November 1, 1986

RINGSIDE: Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan are back again, with Gorilla not letting Heenan get a word in.

Billy Jack Haynes vs. (c) Randy Savage (w/Elizabeth) – Intercontinental Title

A title match on Wrestling Challenge! That’s a first for this show. Danny Davis is the referee for this one, so shenanigans are always possible. At one point, Billy Jack falls out of the ring after some offense from Savage, then it’s Savage off the top with the flying axe handle. Quite a sequence there.

This was is back and forth, and the crowd is into Billy Jack getting the upper hand on the champ. They pop when Billy Jack locks in the Full Nelson, but Savage, like any smart heel, hits Davis in the face before his arm can go down. Davis calls for the DQ and gets on the microphone to announce that he’s disqualifying Billy Jack for throwing Savage into him. Davis strikes again. (**, Okay)

VIDEO: Wrestlers’ Rebuttal with Hulk Hogan. He takes aim at Paul Orndorff and Heenan and wants to eliminate them for good.

Terry Gibbs and Iron Mike Sharpe vs. The Islanders

Gibbs and Sharpe are a nice jobber pairing. Inset promo from The Dream Team, and they make fun of The Islanders. I vote for the return of these promos in the modern era of wrestling. This is all Islanders, and Haku and Tama use the double team for the win. (SQUASH)

BACKSTAGE: Ken Resnick with The British Bulldogs. The British Bulldog introduces Matilda, and she has something in store for Jimmy Hart. That payoff will be worth it. The champs run down their competition, and Dynamite Kid says people confuse Matilda with Greg Valentine and Brutus Beefcake. Hilarious.

VIDEO: George “The Animal” Steele is at a FAST FOOD DRIVE-THRU. He just yells “eat” when they ask for his order. The driver decides to order every single item on the menu to satisfy George’s cravings. These 80s vignettes are everything.

Hercules Hernandez, The Iron Sheik, and Nikolai Volkoff (w/Slick) vs. Corporal Kirchner, Leaping Lanny Poffo, and SD Jones

Man does the crowd love them some America. Poffo reads a poem that gets a U-S-A chant going, and that sets the stage for a hot start. This heel trio of Herc, Sheik, and Volkoff is awesome. Slick notes in an inset promo that he’s gonna take Herc to the top to win the WWF title. It took 10 seconds to learn about a character’s motivation. Once again, good pro wrestling isn’t that complicated. Herc racks Kirchner and that’ll do it for the victory. (SQUASH)

BACKSTAGE: Resnick with The Killer Bees. Jim Brunzell says they’ve busted out of their hive. Nice. Brian Blair hypes his second annual amateur wrestling tournament in Florida.

The Hart Foundation (w/Jimmy Hart) vs. Tito Santana and Pedro Morales

I’m convinced Heenan loves making fun of Tito more than any other wrestler. Jimmy Hart trips Tito seconds into the match, and that sets the tone. He also does an inset promo about his megaphone. A fountain of misinformation! Short but enjoyable tag match here with the crowd really getting into Tito and Morales taking control. The action spills outside after Tito earns the hot tag, and both teams get counted out. (**, Okay)

RINGSIDE: The Snake Pit with Jake Roberts, and Roddy Piper is the guest. Piper isn’t a fan of snakes, which includes Jake, so he keeps his distance on the steps. Eventually, he kicks Jake in the ass which sends him flying into Damien.

Barry O and Tiger Chung Lee vs. The Rougeau Brothers

Barry O (aka Barry Orton) is as cocky as ever. Any time I watch a Rougeaus match, I quickly start humming their “All-American Boys” theme song, which is one of the best in wrestling history. Inset promo from Dino Bravo, who discredits the Rougeaus as the pride of Canada. Jacques and Raymond fight back and score the win. (SQUASH)

VIDEO: Jack Tunney is not taking any more shit from Danny Davis, so the WWF is investigating his credentials as a referee.

Moondog Rex vs. Ricky Steamboat

It’s incredible to rewatch Steamboat in this era and realize just how much the crowd was behind him. Sure, Hulk Hogan was clearly the top star, but Steamboat was rising. He showcased his technical skill in this one, and came off the top of Rex’s shoulders for the roll-up pin for the victory. (SQUASH)

BACKSTAGE: Resnick with The Dream Team, who demanded interview time after the Bulldogs’ promo. Valentine and Beefcake are pissed. They’ve won me over during this rewatch series, and Valentine’s promo (with Beefcake just blocking Resnick and staring into the camera) is the best we’ve had on Wrestling Challenge to this point.

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BLAKE’S TAKE ON WWF WRESTLING CHALLENGE 11/1/86

Best Match: The Hart Foundation vs. Tito Santana and Pedro Morales

Overall Rating: 7.0/10

Thoughts: Two decent matches on this edition, plus some solid storyline advancement makes this one of the better editions of Wrestling Challenge thus far. The Dream Team promo was also a pleasant surprise. Pretty entertaining stuff across the board.

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In this WWF Monday Night RAW 1/25/93 review, they’ve already apparently scrapped the UNCUT, UNCOOKED, and UNCENSORED theme.

That’s too bad.

Let’s dive into this one, which features a noteworthy main event.

• Date: January 25, 1993
• Location: Manhattan Center in New York, NY

OUTSIDE THE ARENA: Sean Mooney interviews the Repo Man, who still has Randy Savage’s hat.

RINGSIDE: Vince McMahon, Bobby Heenan, and Rob Bartlett welcome us.

Repo Man vs. Randy Savage

Savage attacks from the beginning, and my goodness does Savage really want that hat back. Savage takes things outside the ring and then brings it back inside. Then things go to the aisle, and this is pretty much Savage SQUASHING JOBBERS at this point.

Back and forth on the outside now and Repo sends Savage’s shoulder into the post. Repo goes on offense for a bit and the crowd is completely silent before a Macho chant starts. Savage turns the tide just in time for the commercial break. Repo back on offense and the crowd is bored. It stays this way for a while, and Barlett and Heenan are debating the hotness of Hillary Clinton. Only in 1993.

Savage in control after catching Repo off the top. Savage goes up top himself and delivers the flying elbow for the victory at 13:30. MACHO HAS HIS HAT BACK. This wasn’t terrible, but it was lacking something.

VIDEO: WrestleMania IX hype. I bet that will be a great show.

Kamala (w/Slick) vs. The Brooklyn Brawler

Brawler goes for a slam right off the bat. I’ll give you one guess as to how that turned out for him. Kamala with the ass smash in the corner and then he dominates the rest of the match for the win at 3:32.

RINGSIDE: Vince interviews Slick, who credits the fans for converting Kamala.

VIDEO: Gene Okerlund back with the Royal Rumble report, which took place the day before this show aired. Gene highlights Yokozuna winning the Rumble, Lex Luger debuting, and Giant Gonzalez attacking The Undertaker.

Ric Flair vs. Mr. Perfect – Loser Leaves WWF Match

Flair and Perfect exchange slaps and shoves to kick things off. Heenan consults with Flair after Perfect goes on the offensive. Flair back inside and technical back and forth before Perfect locks in the hammerlock. Chops from hell from Perfect to Flair. More back and forth and Perfect with round two of the chops.

Flair gets back on offense with the finger poke to the eye. Then he goes outside and grabs a chair but Earl Hebner takes it away. Flair shoves Hebner, but he will have none of that and shoves him back. Another commercial and we come back to Flair whipping Perfect over the post in the corner. PERFECT IS BLEEDING LIKE A STUCK PIG.

Reversals from both and Perfect gets a near fall. And then another. Perfect get Flair to the corner and it’s punch time, but Flair stops that with a knee the groin before getting a two count. Things escalate to Flair locking in the sleeper hold and Perfect is on SPAGHETTI LEGS. Perfect gets the arm up after two drops and then some miscommunication as he locks in the headlock on Flair.

Flair gets out of the headlock by delivering a suplex and both men are down. Flair goes for the Figure Four and locks it in with some help from the ropes. Hebner breaks the hold and Perfect hobbles around while Flair regains control. Flair goes up top but Perfect throws him off as we go to commercial.

Back from the break and Flair pulls out the brass knocks and destroys Perfect with Hebner’s back turned. Flair goes for the pin but Perfect gets the foot on the ropes and then kicks out of the next near fall. Flair with the chops in the corner but PERFECT IS HULKING UP, BROTHER. Perfect on a roll now and gets a two count. Flair goes for the pin with the ropes but no go. Perfect reverses into the Perfect Plex and that’ll do it at 23:00. Heenan goes ballistic. Very good given the participants and Bartlett not saying much.

SHOW SUMMARY

No surprise that the Flair/Perfect match delivered, but everything else was just there. Fast forward to the main event and you’ll be fine.

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