Retro

It’s the Thanksgiving tradition, as the Survivor Series 1988 review features the WWF embarking on the second installment of the popular tag team-themed pay-per-view.

We’ve got the Mega Powers still going strong and a couple of hot secondary storylines to discuss.

Grab your turkey and get ready for Thanksgiving fun in Blake’s Survivor Series 1988 review.

• Date: November 24, 1988
• Location: Richfield Coliseum in Richfield, OH

ANNOUNCE BOOTH: Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse ‘The Pilgrim’ Ventura welcome us. Hell of an upgrade from Superstar Billy Graham at Summerslam.

Ultimate Warrior, Brutus Beefcake, Sam Houston, Blue Blazer, and Jim Brunzell vs. Honky Tonk Man, Greg Valentine, Ron Bass, Bad News Brown, and Danny Davis – Survivor Series Elimination Match

Good mix of talent for this match. Beefcake gets the crowd rocking by locking on the sleeper and quickly eliminating Davis. Brunzell’s trunks are something awful and thankfully we work our way towards Bad News beating his ass. And he hits the Ghetto Blaster to eliminate Brunzell.

Houston makes his way in and Bad News hits a VICIOUS boot to a running Houston’s face. Valentine is now in the match to beat up Houston. Instead, he accidentally hits Bad News. That won’t work. Bad News is pissed and walks out of the match to eliminate himself. Won’t be the last time we see that from him in a Survivor Series match.

Bass into the match to the delight of no one. Powerslam to Houston and one of Texas’ finest cities has been eliminated. Warrior joins the fray and all hell breaks loose. Blue Blazer in there now and we work our way to him tapping out to the Figure Four from Valentine.

So now it’s Warrior/Beefcake vs. Honky/Bass/Valentine. Never thought I’d say this, but decent back and forth from Beefcake and Honky. Sleeper hold applied to Honky and then both men fall to the outside and get counted out. That leaves Warrior to go up against Bass and Valentine.

Double clothesline from Warrior and he pins Bass, with Jesse correctly pointing out that Valentine was the legal man. So then Warrior hits the double ax handle and pins Valentine for the victory at 17:50.

The wrestling wasn’t great, but I enjoyed this for what it was. Plus you had the debut of Owen Hart as the Blue Blazer.

• Rating: **

Demolition, Brain Busters, Conquistadors, Bolsheviks, Fabulous Rougeaus vs. Powers of Pain, Hart Foundation, Rockers, British Bulldogs, and Young Stallions – Survivor Series Elimination Match

HOLY SHIT. In case you needed a reminder of just how stacked the WWF tag team scene was at the time, here you go. After dealing with Dusty Rhodes’ horrendous booking and bad management in Jim Crockett Promotions, Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard bolted after losing their NWA World Tag Team titles to the Midnight Express in mid-September. So there’s another defection on top of Powers of Pain leaving earlier in the year.

Then there’s the pay-per-view debut of The Rockers, comprised of two dudes named Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty. They were on TV in June (after being brought back after a failed WWF run where they were fired after one match in 1987), but this is the first big spot for them. So there’s your setup.

It’s truly an impressive sight to see all of these guys on the apron. Trivia: Shawn’s first opponent in a WWF PPV ring is Nikolai Volkoff. He and Marty both do some fighting with the Bolsheviks before Ax makes his way in to destroy Marty’s back. Now we’ve got Arn in there to battle Jannetty. I already miss Arn and Tully in JCP. Tully is in and get takes punches from nearly everyone on the face side of the ring. JIM POWERS IS IN THE MATCH. He legit does nothing and tags Dynamite back in the match. Brilliant move.

Powers back in now and Smash throws him around like a rag doll before Bret finally gets tagged in to go up against Jacques. And Raymond gets tagged in, only to see Bret hit the small package to eliminate the Rougeaus. We work our way towards Barbarian and Smash brawling, which the crowd is eating up with a spoon. Spirits go down when one member of the Conquistadors comes in. More tags than a department store at this point.

Biggest heat comes when Warlord and Ax square off and the cheers are equal for both. Eventually we get Zhukov eliminating Powers to send the Young Stallions packing. Funny spot from Tully where he gets tagged in and sneaks his way over to tag Volkoff since he wanted no part of Barbarian. Great heat for this. Marty finds himself in the match and gets rid of the Bolsheviks with a pin. Because you have so many fresh guys waiting, this match is total non-stop action. No, not TNA. It’s much better than that.

Both members of the Conquistadors are surprisingly kicking out of good moves. More great heel work from Tully to give Demolition the advantage over Barbarian. We then get a disputed near fall where Bret hits the suplex on Tully, but it’s ruled that Bret had his shoulders on the mat when the ref counted the three. Hart Foundation are outta there. Then we get full-on mayhem between the Brain Busters and Rockers, which causes the refs to send both teams home. They keep brawling down the aisle. THE CONQUISTADORS ARE STILL IN THIS DAMN MATCH.

Things get pretty slow with only two teams left on both sides. We finally get Smash pinning Dynamite to eliminate the Bulldogs, which would be their last PPV match as a team. How can you not be impressed with the Conquistadors? Hell of a showing. Maybe it’s Edge and Christian under the masks.

Fuji keeps getting up on the apron trying to use the cane, but Smash isn’t obeying orders. That of course leads to Smash running off the ropes and Fuji hanging onto the rope to send Smash outside. JESSE IS ALL OVER IT. Demolition gets counted out and then Ax yells at Fuji. And then Fuji hits Ax with the cane, and Smash helps Ax with the bodyslam on Fuji. Crowd eats this up.

So then we get the big moment where Powers of Pain go over to help Fuji back to his feet, thus completing the much-needed double turn. Barbarian scores the victory at 42:12, but the story here is obviously Fuji aligning with Barbarian and Warlord. So after the match we get Demolition hitting the ring, and the crowd probably isn’t quite sure what to make of this. They are buzzing, but not really cheering anyone.

As with any 40-minute match, there are a couple of slow spots. But overall, this was great stuff and highly entertaining. Must-see for the incredible depth of the tag team division.

• Rating: ****

BACKSTAGE: Sean Mooney with Bad News Brown. This man wants a title shot at Randy Savage and says he smelled a conspiracy from his own team earlier.

IN THE LOCKER ROOM: Gene Oklerund wants to know what the fuck is going on with Fuji and Demolition. So Fuji says he found a new team to demolish Demolition. Good stuff to push the turn.

Jake Roberts, Tito Santana, Scott Casey, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, and Ken Patera vs. Andre the Giant, Rick Rude, Mr. Perfect, Harley Race, and Dino Bravo – Survivor Series Elimination Match

Jesse immediately continues of his hatred of Duggan by wondering how the hell he’s the co-captain of his team. We get Rude and Patera to start things off, which is easily the biggest mismatch in wrestling history. And Bravo is immediately tagged in, which is easily the most equal matchup in wrestling history. Perfect makes his PPV debut by getting some good shots in on Patera.

Casey into this thing and HAVE I MENTIONED I LOVE JOBBERS? He luckily gets outta there quickly, which leads us into a Hacksaw/Perfect battle. Has Patera been eliminated yet? Just checking. Well Casey is back in the match and gets offense in on Perfect. Should have never happened. Hot tag to Patera (if such a thing exists) and thankfully Rude hits the Rude Awakening to eliminate him from this match. And then Bravo hits the sideslam to eliminate Casey.

Time for more Hacksaw/Perfect interaction until Rude gets tagged in. We work to a good sequence from Tito and Bravo, and Tito eliminates Race with the flying forearm. Andre enters for the first time and straight up annihilates Tito. He eventually sits on Tito for the pin.

We’re down to Jake/Hacksaw vs. Andre/Rude/Perfect/Bravo. Andre gets tied in the ropes and Jake gets his chance to go ballistic on him. Rude finally gets tagged to take the upper hand. Perfect now getting his licks in on Jake, as does Andre. Long sequence of Jake getting beat up until Hacksaw gets the hot tag. He gets some offense in until Frenchy gets a cheap jab in. Hacksaw then decides to be an absolute moron and take the 2×4 in the ring to beat up Bravo. What a buffoon. Naturally he gets DQ’d and leaves Jake all by himself against four men.

The next 10 minutes of the match feels like a complete decimation of Jake. Then we change course and Jake hits the DDT on Rude to eliminate him. So there’s Jake finally getting his revenge for the Cheryl fiasco. Andre comes in and gets DQ’d for choking Jake unmercifully in the corner. And Perfect slides in right after and pins a beaten Jake for the win at 30:03.

Somewhat slow at times, but it told the story of Jake fighting against all odds, and also showcased Perfect’s outstanding talents. This was solid.

• Rating: ***

Big Boss Man, Akeem, Ted DiBiase, Red Rooster, and King Haku vs. Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Hillbilly Jim, Hercules, and Koko B. Ware – Survivor Series Elimination Match

And this is your PPV debut for Akeem, which is the real highlight. Then there’s the secondary feud of DiBiase and the freshly turned Hercules. We get a return to WrestleMania IV with Savage and DiBiase starting the match. Herc gets in and chases DiBiase around for a bit before we get the highly anticipated showdown between Rooster and Koko.

It gets to Hogan vs. Rooster and I think we know how this is gonna go. Hogan hits the boot and tags to Savage who hits the Flying Elbow to eliminate the Rooster. A few slow bits of action and Akeem rightfully sends Hillbilly to the showers. Then we get the good guys all taking turns trying to knock down Akeem but to no avail.

Boss Man finally gets into the mix and immediately sideslams Koko to eliminate him. Now we get the crowd into this with Hogan and Boss Man squaring off. Hogan slams him after some back and forth and Boss Man follows it up with a slam of his own. The Towers double team Hogan and now KING HAKU IS IN TO GET HIS REVENGE. As you’ll recall, Hogan made a mockery of the crown at Saturday Night’s Main Event the month before. Haku does some work and DiBiase does as well. Of course, Hogan starts no selling everything DiBiase throws at him before tagging in Herc.

After Virgil trips Herc, DiBiase scores the pin. Seconds later, Savage rolls up DiBiase after he was distracted with Herc going at Virgil on the outside. We get Haku working over Hogan for a while. Boss Man gets in and goes up top for some reason. Hogan moves out of the way and tags Savage to send the roof off the place. Slick move from Slick allows Boss Man to get back in control. But Slick takes it further by pulling Elizabeth into the aisle, and Hogan does not like this one bit. He goes after Slick and clobbers him. Akeem and Boss Man attack Hogan and handcuff him to the ropes. SPECTACULAR STRATEGY.

So, during that process Boss Man gets counted out and does not care for that one damn bit. Therefore, he beats up Hogan with the nightstick. Akeem decides to push the referee and now he’s been DQ’d. So we’re down to Hogan/Savage vs. Haku. That won’t go well for the true king of wrestling. And as expected, Hogan wipes out the managers and Elizabeth gets the handcuff keys and lets Hogan loose while Savage is getting destroyed by Haku.

The diving tag to Hogan and it’s boot and leg drop time to give the good guys the win at 29:10. Hogan picks up Elizabeth after the match and the seeds of jealously have been officially sown as Savage looks concerned about this. Far from a great match, but we know where it’s heading.

• Rating: **

Blake’s Survivor Series 1988 Awards

• Best Match: 20-Man Survivor Series Elimination Match
• Survivor Series 1988 MVP: Hulk Hogan
• Overall Survivor Series 1988 Rating: 6.5/10
• Thoughts: You don’t get anything truly terrible here. The tag team elimination match was awesome, plus you have the Demolition/Powers of Pain double turn. Everything else served its purpose, and although the main event wasn’t anything special, the post-match antics from Hogan started the big push towards the Mega Powers exploding.

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

The Royal Rumble 1989 review features the first-ever Royal Rumble in its truest form. The previous version was a good start, but this was the one that captured all of our hearts and made us wrestling fans forever.

Well, maybe not. But it was pretty damn cool.

Let’s get to Blake’s Royal Rumble 1989 review.

Date: January 15, 1989

Location: The Summit in Houston, TX

The Fabulous Rougeaus and Dino Bravo (w/Jimmy Hart and Frenchy Martin) vs. The Hart Foundation and Hacksaw Jim Duggan – 2 out of 3 Falls Match

We get the hosses in there to start the match. Neidhart and Bravo go round and round, and then Hacksaw gets in to square off with Raymond. No chance in hell that Hacksaw is selling for Raymond, so he kicks his ass. Bret then works in and gets near falls on a small package and sunset flip. Something tells me Bret will be spending a lot of time in the ring during this one given his teammates.

All six man get in the ring and we’ve got a massive brouhaha before the heels retreat. Shenanigans from Raymond and Jacques put Bret in trouble. And then from outta nowhere, Raymond pins Bret to take the first fall. More ass beating for Bret, with Bravo showcasing the juice. Bret finally gets a tiny bit of offense with another sunset flip, but no go.

Boston crab on Bret and then awesome heel work from the Rougeaus as Bret makes the tag but Raymond came in prior to distract the ref. Bret still getting flat out dissected but manages to kick out of multiple pins. Inverted atomic drop finally allows Bret to make the hot tag to Hacksaw and Raymond gets hooooooooooooooed. As does Bravo. As does Jacques. Then we get double catapults over the ropes by the Hart Foundation, and Hacksaw pins Raymond for the second fall.

Now we’ve got Hacksaw getting teamed up on. But Hacksaw will not be held down. Scrum breaks out and the ref gets occupied in the bad guys’ corner. This allows notable good guy Hacksaw to do a good guy move and bash Bravo with the 2×4 to give Bret the pin and the win at 15:42. Solid opening match.

• Rating: ***

BACKSTAGE: Millon Dollar Man draws his number. He’s not happy, so he pulls Slick into the mix and tries to buy Boss Man or Akeem’s number. Honky Tonky Man draws and throws it down. The Bushwhackers draw and they are fucking thrilled. Bad News Brown draws and he laughs and says it’s good news. Jake Roberts draws and says he hopes Andre is there when he gets there. The Rockers draw and they simply say good luck.

Judy Martin vs. (c) Rockin’ Robin – WWF Women’s Title

Sensational Sherri on the mic before the match and she challenges the winner. Sherri now on commentary and makes fun of Robin’s skinny body. Vince McMahon line without a doubt. They go back and forth for a while and crowd is silent. Give them credit for working this match, but goodness this is painful to watch.

Sherri says it all when she says “c’mon somebody win.” Yes please. Robin hits a move off the top to retain at 6:24. It wasn’t the best match ever.

• Rating: 1/2*

BACKSTAGE: Sean Mooney with Slick, as he tries to backtrack about selling his number to DiBiase. Says he hasn’t seen DiBiase in a month. So Mooney goes savage and shows the clip from earlier of Slick talking with DiBiase. Good stuff with him trying to keep it from Boss Man and Akeem.

IN THE RING: Super Posedown time with Rick Rude and The Ultimate Warrior. This would be the beginning of a special feud. Lots of posing, and Warrior’s ab routine is hilarious. The whole thing is hilarious really, but it does its job in starting the hatred between Rude and Warrior. Then all hell breaks loose when Heenan sprays oil in Warrior’s face and Rude nails Warrior with the workout bar from behind. And so it begins.

King Haku (w/Bobby Heenan) vs. Harley Race

The world wants to know who the real King is. Of course, after Race got injured after being crowned, Heenan replaced him with the one and only Haku. I think we all know this will be a brawl.

Back and forth we go and Haku gets some work in to send Race eventually to the outside. Lots of suplexes being thrown around, with Race getting a near fall. We get both men on the outside and Haku back drops Race onto the mat. Haku then bashes Race’s back into the apron, which is followed up by a PILEDRIVER ON THE OUTSIDE from Race. Holy hell.

Reverse neckbreaker from Race gets another two count. Haku starts the chops to take back over. Then he goes up top and misses the flying headbutt. Race then misses a flying headbutt of his own. Crowd doesn’t give a damn, but this isn’t half bad to be honest. Haku then finishes Race off with the thrust kick at 9:01. Crowd sucked, but again, this was fine.

• Rating: **1/2

BACKSTAGE: We get about 20 interviews hyping up the Royal Rumble. As you would expect, Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant appear to the massive favorites heading into the match. They also play up the possibility of Hogan and Savage having to throw each other out. FORESHADOWING.

The 1989 Royal Rumble Match

It’s go time. Ax draws No. 1, and wouldn’t you know it, Smash draws No. 2. This was a hell of a way to start the concept of the match itself. And because these were two badasses, they start beating the shit out of each other. How could you not love Demolition? I’m wearing Demolition face paint as I type this.

Andre the Giant in at No. 3. Naturally, Ax and Smash go right after Andre and send him to the mat. Mr. Perfect is No. 4, and this is quite a perfect start as he starts nailing everyone. Andre then tosses Smash out. Ronnie Garvin is your No. 5 entrant. So much for this massive heel turn on Dusty Rhodes at Great American Bash the previous summer. He helps the others in tying Andre in the ropes. Garvin and Perfect exchange some hellacious chops before Greg Valentine strolls down at No. 6. Everyone still trying to eliminate Andre, but that shit ain’t happening. Andre eliminates Garvin with a hip toss.

Jake Roberts is No. 7 and he and Andre are throwing down. Valentine tries to get involved but Andre has no time to sell a Valentine hammer to the back. Andre keeps choking out Jake with the boot and then steps on him. The newly bald Ron Bass is No. 8. Andre then nonchalantly throws out Jake. Well that was a squash.

Shawn Michaels flies in at No. 9. Perfect then tosses Ax out of the match. Nice run for the Ax. Perfect then sends Michaels over but he hangs onto the ropes, and we get the same spot with Perfect going over but hanging onto the ropes. Bushwhacker Butch is at No. 10, and I can confidently predict that he will not be winning this match.

Meanwhile, Jake is back with Damian in hand. He slings the snake into the ring and Andre eliminates himself to get the hell out of Dodge. Or Houston. Honky Tonk Man is No. 11. Then Tito Santana charges in after Perfect at No. 12. Bad News Brown into the fray at No. 13. Jesse with the line of the night: “This is a normal Saturday night for him.” Outstanding. Honky gets thrown out by someone much to the delight of everyone. Marty Jannetty in at No. 14. Double dropkick from the Rockers sends Bass out.

Randy Savage is here at No. 15, and the man isn’t even taking his sunglasses off while kicking Bad News’ ass. Arn Anderson is No. 16. Valentine gets tossed by Savage. Good interaction between Michaels and Arn. Then we get Savage and Arn teaming up to eliminate Michaels. That was an interesting touch. Tully Blanchard in at No. 17. Perfect and Savage start going at it and I say clear the ring and just let these two go for the next 30 minutes.

Great spot with Marty hanging on but finally getting pushed out by the Brain Busters. Hulk Hogan is No. 18. And since he never at any point in his career gave a damn about putting Perfect over, he tosses him within seconds after Perfect had been the star of the match. Of course.

Hogan continues to run wild and Santana gets tossed somewhere in here. Bad News almost throws out Hogan and Savage does nothing to save him. Bushwhacker Luke is your No. 19 entrant. Butch gets thrown over by Bad News. Hogan now making Arn and Tully look stupid. Koko B. Ware is No. 20. Hogan eliminates Koko within a minute. NO BIRD IS GOING OVER ON ME, BROTHER. Then Hogan tosses Luke.

The Warlord is No. 21, and as he’s coming down the aisle, Hogan eliminates both Arn and Tully with the double clothesline. So right now it’s just Hogan/Savage/Bad News in there. Warlord steps a foot into the ring and he gets tossed by Hogan in two seconds. And naturally, Hogan goes over and tosses both Bad News and Savage to clear the entire ring. SAVAGE IS PISSED. He gets back in and pushes Hogan repeatedly. Elizabeth comes out and gets in the middle of them. They continue to bicker at each other while Jesse pushes that Hogan is an egomaniac. Well, he’s right. Savage offers the handshake at the end and ALL IS WELL AGAIN WITH THE MEGA POWERS. We’ll see about that.

Big Boss Man makes his way in at No. 22. Hogan gets offense early but Boss Man takes over and even spits on Hogan. Akeem is No. 23. Immediately Hogan throws them into each other and slams Akeem. Boss Man picks up Hogan and nearly tosses him, but double noggin knocker to the Towers. AND THEN THE TOWERS ELIMINATE HOGAN! IT’S A MIRACLE. But of course this won’t fly as Hogan pulls out Boss Man and then Akeem goes out to help his best bud.

Brutus Beefcake is No. 24. He’s here to save his own best bud Hulk. Beefcake destroys everyone and then Hogan tries to get back in the match. What a moron. Since he can’t do that, he pulls the ropes down and causes Boss Man to be eliminated. Great heel work by the company’s top babyface. This would begin the trend of Hogan being a sore loser in other Rumbles. Red Rooster on the way at No. 25.

A whole lot of nothing going on now with Beefcake and Rooster working over Akeem. The Barbarian is No. 26. Let this man clean house. Big John Studd is in at No. 27. Hercules comes in at No. 28. The match has really slowed down. Rick Martel is BACK and he’s No. 29. The heat has completely evaporated after the Hogan/Savage and Towers stuff. And Ted DiBiase is No. 30. Clearly the Million Dollar Man stuck a few bills in Slick’s pocket to get this number.

So at this point, you would think that there’s only two possible winners: DiBiase and Akeem. Let’s see how that goes. DiBiase tosses the Rooster. DiBiase and Barbarian then pull a savage move and dump Herc and Beefcake at the same time. We get a Barbarian showcase with the flying headbutt and such, but Martel dropkicks him and sends him over. Your final four are Akeem/Studd/Dibiase/Martel. Then Akeem catches Martel and he’s outta there.

Akeem and DiBiase go to work on Studd. Then we start getting the same formula as Royal Rumble 1988, with the heels making a mistake and Studd sending Akeem over. Studd squashes DiBiase for a bit and finally tosses him for the win at 1:04:53.

Where do we begin? For starters, Studd had been gone for YEARS. Now he comes back and wins a Rumble with an enormous amount of stars in it, and even eliminated two of the hottest heels in the company in DiBiase and Akeem to win it. But hey this was 1989, and Vince McMahon was sending the crowd home happy damnit. However, there was zero reason for Studd to win this match.

Then there’s the fact that the crowd was done after the Hogan/Savage shenanigans. Not to mention that Hogan was once again the biggest hypocrite ever. It was quite enjoyable, but illogical booking hurts it a bit.

• Rating: ***

Blake’s Royal Rumble 1989 Awards

• Best Match: Royal Rumble Match
• Royal Rumble 1989 MVP: Randy Savage
• Overall Royal Rumble 1989 Rating: 6.0/10
• Thoughts: Aside from the women’s title match, everything else is pretty entertaining. Well, minus the final portion of the Rumble. It advanced the Mega Powers tension and made a big star out of Studd. Oh, wait. But in all seriousness, it was a fun show.

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

In this WWF Royal Rumble 2001 review, the 30-man Rumble match features a plethora of top stars, Kurt Angle defends the WWF title against Triple H, and much more.

Let’s jump in!

• Show: Royal Rumble 2001
• Date: January 21, 2001
• Location: New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, LA

– Always loved the video hype packages in this era. The sponsor is 1-800-COLLECT, and during the open, there’s a “Playboy: When Trish When” sign zoomed in on. Of course.

The Dudley Boyz vs. (c) Edge and Christian – WWF Tag Team Titles

The Dudleyz took Conchairto on RAW, and Bubba was sent through a table on SmackDown. Hot tag to Bubba early on but the referee didn’t see the tag. D’Von ducks the Conchairto. Edge goes for a belt shot, but Bubba gets near fall. The Dudleyz go for the 3D, then Edge hits spear on Bubba for another near fall. Edge and Christian try the “Wasssuuppp” spot, but D’Von throws Edge on Christian. And then the Dudleyz hit the 3D to win the titles. JR with the “those damn Dudleyz have done it!” line to add to the fun.

• Rating: ***1/2

– Drew Carey is at the Rumble!

– Vince McMahon says Steve Austin will be in Rumble, while Triple H will get his match against Kurt Angle.

– Triple H is with Stephanie McMahon. He wants her to play nice with Trish Stratus. Meanwhile, I loved the “Game Over” shirt. Steph then takes Carey to see Trish.

– The APA are playing cards. They show each other their Rumble numbers. Crash Holly says he’s gonna eliminate them even though they’re friends.

Chris Jericho vs. (c) Chris Benoit – Ladder Match for IC Title

This is an excellent match. Some of the noteworthy moments include Jericho hitting Benoit in the head with a chair on dive to the floor (which is always difficult to watch given what happened with Benoit). There’s also Benoit suplexing Jericho backwards over the top and onto the floor. Jericho uses the octopus on top of the ladder, but Benoit uses his power to push the ladder over with Jericho on top of it. Eventually, it’s Jericho sending Benoit outside before grabbing the title for the win.

• Rating: ****

– Carey with Trish. He’s selling his accomplishments. So what does Vince do? He puts Carey in the Rumble to impress both his fans and Trish.

– Chyna with Billy Gunn. He pleads for her not to wrestle.

– Jericho joins Michael Cole and celebrates winning the IC title.

– Video package pushes Chyna’s injury at hands of Ivory, with Ivory mocking her.

Chyna vs. (c) Ivory – Women’s Title

In case you forgot, the RTC entrance music was just terrible. Chyna controls the match until she starts playing up the neck injury. That allows Ivory to pin her for the win. Jerry Lawler leaves commentary to go into ring, and Billy also comes out. I get what they were trying to do, but she barely hit Ivory on the injury spot.

• Rating: NR

– Steph goes to makeup. Trish is there, so Steph threatens her.

– Carey is in the locker room, and Kane walks in.

– D’Lo and Mosh are with Tiger Ali Singh. Vince says they’ve been replaced in Rumble by Carey.

– Triple H grunts into a mirror and then headbutts it. An interesting motivational tactic there.

– Hype video for Triple H vs. Angle, and it plays up the Vince and Trish affair.

Triple H vs. (c) Kurt Angle – WWF Title

There’s a “Hey Trish, spank me” sign in the crowd. Those Trish signs were quite popular.  This is a methodical Triple H match. Both are heels, which is always tough to execute. Triple H works on Angle’s knee throughout and uses the Figure Four on him at one point. Trish tries to get involved, which leads to her and Steph exchanging slaps and fighting on the announce table. Vince comes out, picks up Trish over his shoulder, and leaves. However, Steph chases and attacks her. Triple H hits the low blow on Angle and gives us another trademark Earl Hebner two count. Then it’s the Hebner ref bump after Triple H hits him off the apron. And it’s another Hebner bump with his head bouncing off the steps. Triple H hits the Pedigree but there’s no ref. Austin comes out and destroys Triple H, as they play up Triple H costing Austin the title. Austin with the belt shot and Stunner, and Hebner returns for the slowest three count ever as Angle covers for the win.

• Rating: ***3/4

– Kevin Kelly with The Rock, who hypes his opportunity to win the Rumble.

– Hype video for the Rumble match.

The 2001 Royal Rumble Match

Jeff Hardy is No. 1, while Bull Buchanan is No. 2. Matt Hardy comes in at the No. 3 spot, and Bull is eliminated. They play up the every man for himself gimmick with the Hardyz squaring off. Farooq joins the mix at No. 4, but he’s quickly eliminated. Matt tries to send Jeff packing and they rip off their shirts and try to destroy each other. Here comes Drew Carey at No. 5, and there’s huge “Drew” chants from the crowd. This was back before WWE completely obliterated the novelty of celebrity appearances. The Hardyz fight in the corner, then Matt and Jeff eliminate each other. Drew is on his own and is clearly the current favorite to win the Rumble.

Kane makes his way out at No. 6. Carey pleads for the Hardyz to get back in the ring in a hilarious spot. Drew goes for the handshake and offers Kane money. Pure gold. Raven in at No. 7. Raven saves Drew, but then Drew decides to eliminate himself. Al Snow comes out of nowhere and attacks Raven, so apparently, Snow is No. 8. Snow rolls a bowling ball right into Raven’s balls. Strike. Dueling trash can shots to Kane, then it’s Saturn at No. 9. To say that Terri’s outfit is revealing would be an understatement. Steve Blackman in at No. 10, and this is the height of the hardcore era in WWE since this is basically a hardcore match at this point.

Grandmaster Sexay joins the action at No. 11. The fans loved them some Too Cool. Kane hits Sexay with a trash can and eliminates him. Then Kane throws out Blackman and Snow before doing the same to Raven and Saturn. Here comes the Honky Tonk Man at No. 12. Kane hits him with the guitar and shakes his head. You know what’s next. Kane eliminates Honky as The Rock enters at No. 13. WWE is advertising TheRock.com on his overlay. Superstars with their own domain names was pretty cool. The Goodfather is in at No. 14. Rock quickly eliminates Goodfather before Tazz joins at No. 15. Kane eliminates him in about five seconds and the crowd is not happy about it.

Bradshaw in at No. 16, and I’m not sure why they played up APA’s numbers in the earlier segment since it had no impact in the actual match. Albert enters at No. 17. Hardcore Holly is at No. 18. Rock nearly eliminates Kane, and it’s K-Kwik at No. 19. Bradshaw with the powerbomb on K-Kwik, and I’m convinced Bradshaw was trying to destroy people in this era. Val Venis joins at No. 20.

William Regal arrives at No. 21, then it’s Test at No. 22. Test eliminates Regal, and it’s a surprise return with Big Show at No. 23. Show quickly eliminates Test and K-Kwik, then he chokeslams nearly the entire group, including Kane. Rock clotheslines Show and eliminates him, which leads to Show going after the announce table and pulling Rock out of the ring. Crash Holly in at No. 24 as Show chokeslams Rock through the announce table. Meanwhile, everyone tries to gang up to throw Kane out, but it doesn’t work. The Undertaker joins at No. 25, and yes, the Undertaker.com hype is there.

Taker and Kane clear the entire ring, and poor Scotty 2 Hotty has to enter at No. 26. His facial reactions are just awesome. Taker and Kane eliminate Scotty, with Rock still struggling to get up on the outside. Here comes Steve Austin at No. 27, but Triple H attacks him from behind. Rock gets back inside the ring, and Austin is busted open and bleeding everywhere. Billy Gunn in at No. 28, and this is when he was using ‘The One’ gimmick. Austin is bleeding profusely at this point as Haku enters at No. 29. Rikishi is No. 30, and those two would eventually form a tag team that was enjoyable.

Rikishi goes after Austin, who is covered in blood. But Austin eliminates Haku, then Rikishi superkicks Taker to eliminate him. Rock hits a low blow on Rikishi, and that allows Rock to eliminate Rikishi in the corner. The final four are Austin, Rock, Kane, and Billy. Austin eliminates Billy, and folks, the cut on Austin’s head is just insane. Austin and Rock stare each other down from different corners, then meet in the middle. Austin hits the Stunner on Rock, but Rock eventually hits the Rock Bottom on Kane. Rock throws Kane through the middle rope to the outside, which allows Austin and Rock to go at it for a bit. Kane makes his way back in as Austin and Rock fight near ropes. Then Kane eliminates Rock.

Kane with a chokeslam on Austin, but Austin hits a low blow on Kane. However, Kane grabs a chair, and it’s Austin that reverses the momentum to hit a Stunner. Austin with three chair shots to Kane, and he hits a clothesline to eliminate Kane for the victory.

• Rating: ****1/2

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BLAKE’S TAKE ON WWF ROYAL RUMBLE 2001

The Rumble match is one of the best in company history (I still prefer 1992 by a slight margin due to the Ric Flair storyline and Bobby Heenan’s commentary), so that makes this show worth the watch. When you factor in how good the undercard is, it makes it that much better. Combine all of that together, and it’s the best Royal Rumble card that WWE has ever produced.

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

In this Mid-South Wrestling 1/23/82 review, Bob Orton Jr. defends the Mississippi Heavyweight title against Mr. Olympia, Paul Orndorff and Bob Roop square off with Ted DiBiase and Dick Murdoch, and much more.

Let’s jump in!

Show: Mid-South Wrestling

Date: January 23, 1982

Watch: Peacock

RINGSIDE: Boyd Pierce and Bill Watts hype the card, which will be headlined by Bob Orton Jr. defending the Mississippi Heavyweight title against Mr. Olympia. Also, lots more chaos! Boyd notes the dream match mail-ins mentioned how much they want Watts as the guest commentator, so he’s back.

Tom Renesto vs. Brian Blair

Blair has become the trademark opener on these shows. He uses is technician style of offense to work on Renesto’s arm, while Watts is namedropping college wrestling coaches. Blair is just playing the ultimate babyface, and he walks the ropes to hit an elbow to Renesto. After that, it’s the guillotine into the pin for the win.

RINGSIDE: Watts talks about The Iron Sheik not respecting the customs of the US. Then we get a video recap of Sheik destroying Zapata as Skandor Akbar tells Boyd and Watts that Sheik is having a sit-down strike until he gets true competition. Akbar taunts The Junkyard Dog, and they throw it to another video recap of the match between Sheik and JYD, which was won by JYD after Akbar’s interference backfired on him.

IN THE RING: Akbar reveals that Sheik has been recalled to Iran by a spiritual leader, so there will be no rematch. That’s a true heel explanation. Akbar wants everyone to treat Sheik with respect. If not, SHEIKY BABY make you humble!

RINGSIDE: Another replay of Afa and Sika destroying their opponents on last week’s show.

Carlos Zapata vs. Mike George

CARLOS GETS HIS NAME BACK. You’d have to read the previous review to get that reference. Nonetheless, I’m happy for Carlos. Everyone deserves a first name. Except for maybe Sting. Watts hypes up the backstory with George’s allegiance to JYD and how despite the predictions, he hasn’t turned on his partner. Carlos does some nice selling in this one, and George finishes him off for the easy victory.

Mr. Olympia vs. (c) Bob Orton Jr. – Mississippi Heavyweight Title

Gotta love a good title match. They take it to the mat early, with Olympia using the head scissors on Orton. The latter tries overpower Olympia, but it’s right back to the head scissors. Watts announces that next week it’s Orton and Paul Orndorff vs. JYD and George. Should be entertaining. All Olympia thus far, but Orton reverses an Irish Whip by coming off the second rope with a hard clothesline. Orton tries to hit the piledriver again, but the strength of Olympia doesn’t allow it. Olympia locks on the sleeper and folks, we’ve got a new champion! That finish, like the RKO, came outta nowhere.

Paul Orndorff and Bob Roop vs. Ted DiBiase and Dick Murdoch

This was set up from the chaos after the Roop vs. Murdoch match last week. The fans lose their minds when DiBiase and Orndorff tag in, and there are some vocal Orndorff fans in the crowd. DiBiase quickly works to the Figure Four on Orndorff, and yet again, it’s reversed into the Indian Deathlock. However, DiBiase reverses it back, but Roop distracts the ref to break it up. Murdoch isn’t having that as he goes after Roop, but Orndorff hits him from behind and in the process, sends Murdoch into the referee who goes flying outside. Orton runs in and hits the piledriver on DiBiase. But DiBiase counters the spike piledriver attempt, which leads to the referee coming back in as Murdoch pins Orton for the win. Of course, Orton wasn’t legally in the match, and the heels beg the referee to overturn the decision but to no avail.

Ed Wiskowski vs. Terry Daniels

Daniels looks 14 or so. Therefore, I don’t like his chances against the Polish Prince. Daniels does show some aggression going after Wiskowski’s knees as Watts announces DiBiase vs. Roop for next week. Meanwhile, Wiskowski comes off the top and destroys Daniels’ back, then hits the backbreaker for the victory.

Billy Ash vs. Frank Monte

Big fan of Monte’s work thus far since we started the rewatch series. These two counter each other’s mat offense for a bit as Watts lets us know there’s two minutes of TV time remaining. He also tells us about Ash’s father, who makes respectable wrestling boots. Monte goes to the sunset flip for a near fall, and they continue to battle it out as the show goes off the air with the time limit draw.

Blake’s Take on Mid-South Wrestling 1/23/82

• Best Match: Paul Orndorff and Bob Roop vs. Ted DiBiase and Dick Murdoch
• Show MVP: Bob Orton Jr.
• Overall Rating: 6.0/10
• Thoughts: This wasn’t the most noteworthy episode of Mid-South Wrestling, but as always, it’s an easy watch with a lot of action and storylines packed into 45 minutes. Though there no must-see matches, the crowd was great for the Orndorff/Roop vs. DiBiase/Murdoch tag match.

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

In this Mid-South Wrestling 1/16/82 review, it’s a six-man tag team dream match involving Andre the Giant, Dusty Rhodes, and The Junkyard Dog.

Let’s jump in!

• Show: Mid-South Wrestling
• Date: January 16, 1982
• Watch: Peacock

RINGSIDE: Boyd Pierce is back, baby! As noted, he was in Hawaii on vacation in our previous highlight show review. Bill Watts is also back as guest commentator. Boyd hypes a second big dream match chosen by the fans, as Ernie Ladd and the Samoan Warriors will square off with Andre the Giant, Dusty Rhodes, and The Junkyard Dog. Plus, it’s Bob Roop vs. Dick Murdoch. For what it’s worth, the January 7 show is not available on Peacock or the WWE Network, so it jumps ahead to this one. Knowing Watts, we’ll get the backstory of what happened on that episode.

The Monk vs. Brian Blair

The Monk also returns! Ladd calling Monk’s match is still one of the early highlights of these Mid-South reviews. Watts has to board his airplane soon, and Boyd begs him to stay on commentary for as many matches as he wants. Watts leaving in the middle of the show?! Blair works on Mr. Monk for a while as Watts commends Boyd on his outfits, then it’s Blair using the standing guillotine to lean back for the pin and the win.

Ernie Ladd and The Samoan Warriors vs. Andre the Giant, Dusty Rhodes, and The Junkyard Dog

Andre, Dusty, and JYD all on the same team really is quite a spectacle. The fans got it right with those dream match mail-ins. Watts wasn’t boarding that plane before this match, as he’s amazed by Andre’s size. All babyface in the early going, with Andre using the DOUBLE NOGGIN KNOCKER on Afa and Sika. Ladd eventually comes in and we’ve got a HOSS FIGHT with Ladd and Andre. It’s Andre who gets the better of the exchange, but Afa and Sika use the underhanded tactics to neutralize Andre in the corner. Andre fights out and Dusty tags himself in, as Watts notes Dusty signed his exclusive Mid-South contract last week. So, there’s some backstory. JYD and Andre wear down Ladd, and the action breaks down as Afa and Sika slam Andre. Take that, Hulkster! All six men in the ring, and a double backdrop from Dusty and JYD to Ladd leads to Andre doing an elbow drop off the second rope. AERIAL ANDRE. It was a struggle since the ropes could barely hold him, but hey, he made it work. That allowed Andre to get the pin on Ladd for the victory. By no means a technical masterpiece, but it’s entertaining for the star power involved. **1/2

Mr. Olympia vs. Zapata

Carlos Zapata has lost his first name. Blame Vince McMahon! I’m kidding. Mr. Olympia is Jerry Stubbs, who made his Mid-South debut on the lost January 7 episode. Watts tells a hell of an insider backstory who Zapata reminds him of, though he does not explain why he can’t call him Carlos. Poor Carlos. Olympia methodically works on Zapata, and the sleeper hold does the trick to give Olympia the win.

Ed Wiskowski vs. Tommy Wright

Boyd puts over Watts, who has left on his plane, as one of the greatest citizens in the history of civilization. Boyd is a true friend. The Polish Prince takes shit from absolutely no one, including Wright. Wiskowski has the match won but picks up Wright and beats him up some more. Then he does it again. Wiskowski hits the backbreaker and that’ll do it for the squash victory.

Bob Roop vs. Dick Murdoch

And here’s another HOSS FIGHT. Roop challenged Murdoch on last week’s episode, and Boyd recaps Paul Orndorff beating Ted DiBiase for the North American title, but it was reversed due to the belt not changing hands on a DQ. These two want to punch each other in the face with closed fists, so the referee makes it clear that is not acceptable. Long stretch with Roop keeping Murdoch on the mat by working over his arm, then the fists come out as both men haul off on one another. The crowd starts buzzing, as Orndorff grabs Murdoch’s leg to nearly give Roop the win. Orndorff hops on the apron, and Roop rolls up Murdoch for two. Fun spot with Murdoch kicking out and sending Roop into Orndorff. But Orndorff pounces onto Murdoch after that to force the DQ, and DiBiase runs out to make the save. **1/2

RINGSIDE: Ladd is pissed and tells Boyd he and the Samoans got robbed in their match. Ladd vows to get his revenge by going after any of JYD’s friends. Then he reveals he bought the contracts of two of the wrestlers in the next match, so Afa and Sika are being substituted into it.

The Samoan Warriors vs. Franke Monte and Jesse Barr

Monte and Barr don’t seem enthused at the lineup change. As you would expect, Afa and Sika come out on a mission and beat down Barr with Afa hitting a suplex to score the quick win. Ladd don’t mess around!

Mike George vs. Bob Orton Jr.

This will probably be a short match since there’s only four minutes left on the Peacock episode. Sure enough, it is, as they both get in a few moves before George hits a suplex and pins Orton for the victory.

IN THE RING: Here comes Ladd with Afa and Sika, and they start beating down George before JYD and Dusty run in to clear the ring.

RINGSIDE: Boyd calls over Dusty, who runs down Ladd and calls Afa and Sika baboons. Dusty talks about him and JYD biting at their booties as Boyd wraps things up.

Blake’s Take on Mid-South Wrestling 1/16/82

• Best Match: Ernie Ladd and the Samoan Warriors vs. Andre the Giant, Dusty Rhodes, and The Junkyard Dog
• Show MVP: Ernie Ladd
• Overall Rating: 6.5/10
• Thoughts: Another enjoyable episode built around lots of personal rivalries. Simple and effective storytelling is really all you need in pro wrestling, and there’s plenty of that during this period in Mid-South. And that all-star trio of Andre, Dusty, and JYD really was something.

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

In this Mid-South Wrestling 12/30/81 review, it’s all highlights, with a look at the company’s biggest moments from the year.

I know this is a highlight show, but I figured I’d review it since it’s a good refresher on the main Mid-South storylines entering the new year.

Let’s jump in!

• Show: Mid-South Wrestling
• Date: December 30, 1981
• Watch: Peacock

STUDIO: Bill Watts is the host this week as he reveals that Boyd Pierce is on vacation in Hawaii. Good for Boyd! The man deserves it. Watts set up the first highlight package involving The Junkyard Dog’s issues with the Wild Samoans.

VIDEO: The Junkyard Dog and Mike George teamed up in October at the Fairgrounds Coliseum Jackson, Mississippi to take on Afa and Sika. Ernie Ladd is in the corner of Afa and Sika. The action breaks down, with JYD knocking Ladd off the apron. Chaos everywhere with Ladd accidentally hitting Afa with the chair, allowing JYD to earn the pin to crown new champions.

STUDIO: Watts notes that Afa and Sika were suspended for physical contact with an official in the rematch, but they’ve since been reinstated. He then hypes up recent shenanigans from Paul Orndorff, Terry Orndorff, and Bob Orton Jr.

VIDEO: Another match involving JYD and George, with Paul and Terry Orndorff teaming up. Terry had been forced to wear a yellow mask, and shenanigans ensue. Ladd and Bob Orton make their way down to check on Terry on the outside while Paul fights JYD on the inside. Paul makes the tag, and it’s clearly Orton who’s donned the mask in an ol’ switcheroo under the ring. Watts, on commentary, realizes it when Orton hits the piledriver on George to pick up the victory. The referee tries to get to the bottom of it, but Orton and Terry switch again on the outside. Good stuff.

STUDIO: Watts recaps how Orndorff was paired up with Bob Roop in a rematch against JYD and George.

VIDEO: Highlights from that match, and once again, there’s chaos in the finish with all four men in the ring. We’ve got a BROUHAHA. Orton comes back out under the yellow mask and goes for the piledriver, but JYD reverses it and unmasks Orton for the big reveal. It’s a 3-on-2 after that as Orndorff puts the mask on JYD. But here comes BIG TED DIBIASE who runs the heels off.

STUDIO: Watts discusses the year in review for Dusty Rhodes, which involved a feud with The Great Kabuki and Gary Hart.

VIDEO: Hart cuts a promo on Dusty and says he’s finally found the person to take out Dusty. Kabuki is with him, and he sprays the green mist. Boyd does not look happy about it. Another video with Dusty’s response, and he’s PAINTED FOR WAR. No, seriously. His face his painted and he’s wearing a headband that says “war” on it. The presentation is just tremendous. Dusty says he’s the assassin this time as the camera zooms in on his green eye. And then it’s another video with Dusty in a cowboy hat and blue jacket, as he hypes the Bunkhouse Match with Kabuki.

STUDIO: Watts recaps Dusty’s impact on JYD winning the Louisiana Heavyweight title from Kabuki. And then it’s on the noteworthy achievements of DiBiase.

VIDEO: Highlights from the October match between Orndorff and DiBiase at the Fairgrounds Coliseum. Back and forth affair, as Watts notes that they had to condense the highlights to five minutes even though it was a long match. DiBiase locks on the Figure Four, but Roop hits the ring to cause the DQ. Then it’s JYD and George making the save for DiBiase.

STUDIO: Watts notes that Orndorff, Roop, The Iron Sheik, and many more will be vying for DiBiase’s title in 1982. He hypes up Ed Wiskowski as another potential challenger.

VIDEO: It’s DiBiase vs. Wiskowski with Roop on guest commentary. Roop in complete heel mode talking about DiBiase’s illegal moves. Then he essentially calls DiBiase an idiot for turning his back on Wiskowski. Roop is terrific here. Wiskowski goes for a cross body, but DiBiase reverses it into a pin for the win. Another video of the recent match between Wiskowski and Jim Garvin (review), with the one and only Ladd on commentary. Wiskowski notched the victory to further his contendership.

STUDIO: Watts says there wasn’t enough time to put any SHEIKY BABY highlights, though he did mention the rift with Paul Ellering. Sheik need to humble Watts! More discussion of DiBiase’s Figure Four and his tenacity.

VIDEO: Highlights from DiBiase’s recent TV showdown with Orndorff, which included dueling Figure Four leg locks with DiBiase refusing to give up after Orndorff reversed it. Hearing Ladd’s amazement over DiBiase not quitting is even better the second time around.

STUDIO: Watts discusses all the intriguing storylines heading into 1982, including next week’s dream matches. And Boyd will be back from the beaches of Hawaii!

Blake’s Take on Mid-South Wrestling 12/30/81

• Best Match: N/A
• Show MVP: N/A
• Overall Rating: N/A
• Thoughts: Obviously, no rating for this show since it was based around highlight packages. But if you want to jump into the key storylines for the company entering 1982, it’s worth the investment.

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

In this Mid-South Wrestling 12/25/81 review, the Persian Club Challenge returns with The Iron Sheik trying to one-up Paul Ellering.

Let’s jump in!

• Show: Mid-South Wrestling
• Date: December 25, 1981
• Watch: Peacock

RINGSIDE: Boyd Pierce hypes the card and the dream match mail-in contest. Bill Watts is the guest commentator on this edition, and he’s also intrigued by the dream match possibilities with Andre the Giant, Dusty Rhodes, and more.

Jerry Novak and Rick Ferrara vs. Mike George and Carlos Zapata

George had a very good match with Bob Roop on the previous show, so you should watch that one if you haven’t already. Watts explains The Junkyard Dog is dealing with a knee issue, with George allowing Zapata to replace him. This is the attention to detail that’s lacking in a lot of modern wrestling. Novak and Ferrara over George, and after the heels take care of Ferrara on the outside, it’s George who outworks both to earn the win.

RINGSIDE: Watts throws it to a highlight package recapping the recent show-closing angle with Paul Ellering accepting The Iron Sheik’s Persian Club challenge, only for Skandor Akbar to use his stalling tactics as the show went off the air to prevent Sheik from having to double Ellering’s reps.

IN THE RING: Ellering watches as Sheik attempts to double Ellering’s 50 reps. SHEIKY BABY’s arms have to be burning because he does 103 reps. Brute strength! Ellering says he wants to know if BLENDER BRAIN will accept his challenge to do even more reps. And by Blender Brain, he means Akbar. Ellering suggests he’s gonna do 444 reps, which would essentially make him Superman. And he’s off and rolling, but you know what’s next. Sheik attacks him at around 50 reps and beats him down before locking in the Camel Clutch. However, Ellering uses his own brute strength to fight out of the clutch and they go back and forth. Ellering goes for the neck breaker, but BLENDER BRAIN hammers him with the flag. Sheik continues the beatdown until another referee (the first got his ass beat by Sheik) sends Sheik and Akbar out. Watching buff dudes do reps in the ring may not work in this era, but I enjoyed the old school nature of it.

Paul Orndorff vs. Brian Blair

This should be entertaining. Roop is doing some scouting ringside, as Watts notes it’s all about the Figure Four. Orndorff really works on the leg, but Blair counters and starts going at Orndorff’s arm. The mat technique is a thing of beauty. Both men can move around in the ring, so it’s fun seeing them in their prime. Blair gets some momentum going, but Orndorff takes over with a flurry of aggressive offense. BUT HERE COMES BLAIR. That is until an eye rake and powerslam allows Orndorff to go for the Figure Four, but Blair kicks him away. Blair suplexes Orndorff and locks him in the Figure Four, then Orndorff reverses it as Roop cheers him on. Blair holds on for a bit until the referee calls for the bell, with Orndorff continuing to apply the hold. The second referee comes over and tells Boyd and Watts that Blair did not give up, but the referee wanted to ensure his safety. Love the psychology there. This was short but sweet. **3/4

Mike Moyer vs. Ted DiBiase

Watts notes DiBiase went to check on Blair after the match. That Ted, what a guy. And now Watts discusses Afa and Sika potentially coming back to Mid-South after their suspension. Ernie Ladd will love it. DiBiase just works over Moyer for pretty much the entire match, and he goes for the Figure Four to notch the easy victory.

Bob Roop and Bob Orton Jr. vs. Mike Bond and Frank Monte

For those keeping score, Orton is the current Missouri Heavyweight Champion. Love the team of Roop and Orton. Two impressive heels who know how to work. It’s all Bond and Monte in the early going, with Monte showcasing a lot of energy and athleticism. Shenanigans behind the referee’s back leads to Orton making the tag to Roop, but Monte tags Bond and he cleans house. And it’s a CRISS CROSS with Roop getting the tag behind Bond’s back, which confuses Bond. From there, Orton hits the piledriver and that’ll do it.

Ed Wiskowski vs. Tom Renesto Jr.

You would think after a few Mid-South reviews by computer would stop autocorrecting Renesto to Ernesto, but it doesn’t. Watts really putting over Wiskowski, then he talks about the sketchy tag in the previous match. Watts is on top of it, folks. Listening to Watts, it’s easy to see where Jim Ross got a lot of his knowledge from on how to promote wrestlers and matches. Wiskowski hits his finisher to get the victory in a one-sided affair.

The Iron Sheik vs. Don Serrano

Sheik attacks Serrano before the bell, and I think you know what the setup is here. Sheik sends Serrano outside as Ellering hits the ring to whoop some ass. Ellering is just relentless on Sheik until Akbar pulls Sheik out of the ring to hightail it to the back.

RINGSIDE: Boyd hypes the highlight episode next week before Dusty Rhodes and Andre the Giant make their way to Mid-South after that. I’m intrigued!

Blake’s Take on Mid-South Wrestling 12/25/81

• Best Match: Paul Orndorff vs. Brian Blair (**1/2)
• Show MVP: Paul Ellering
• Overall Rating: 6.5/10
• Thoughts: This episode was built around the Sheik/Ellering feud, which has been a nice treat thus far. Meanwhile, Orndorff had another quality match, and the duo of Orton and Roop showcased great heel work. Mid-South is just quality entertainment for old school wrestling fans.

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

In this Mid-South Wrestling 12/19/81 review, “Precious” Paul Ellering makes his in-ring return, Ted DiBiase joins commentary, and much more.

Let’s jump in!

• Show: Mid-South Wrestling
• Date: December 19, 1981
• Watch: Peacock

RINGSIDE: Boyd Pierce is still hyping that dream match mail-in extravaganza! Ted DiBiase is the guest commentator for the week, and Boyd grills his ass on not being able to make Paul Orndorff submit to the Figure Four in their match on the previous show. Just kidding. Boyd is a nice man. DiBiase explains how Orndorff and Bob Roop strategized against the move, then says he would’ve rather had Orndorff break his leg than give up. Boyd loves it.

Tom Renesto Jr. vs. Brian Blair

Renesto is coming off a loss to King Cobra, while Blair earned a win over Mr. Monk. Or was it The Monk? I think Ernie Ladd called him Mr. Monk, so we’re going with that. DiBiase doesn’t quite have the enthusiasm of Ladd, but who can blame the man after nearly getting his leg broken by Orndorff. What a sell job. DiBiase puts over Blair as an up and coming star, with Blair methodically working on Renesto’s arm. Boyd is pushing this dream match mail-in as the action picks up with a CRISS CROSS, which leads to Blair back in control of Renesto’s arm. While Renesto delivers a backdrop for a little momentum, Blair hulks up with an elbow off the top for two. Blair then hits a suplex and trips over Renesto before applying the Figure Four for the win.

”Precious” Paul Ellering vs. Don Serrano

Ellering has been out of action for six months due to a knee injury, so he cuts a promo before the match talking about women, foot-long hot dogs, and The Iron Sheik. Quite a trio! Ellering was pretty hilarious here. DiBiase calls him “a little strange” while hyping his charisma. Ellering is built like a brick house too. Serrano gets some early offense, but it’s quick work for Ellering as he hits the neckbreaker for the victory.

Mike Boyer vs. The Junkyard Dog

I do not like Boyer’s chances in this one. Boyd notes JYD is wearing the Louisiana Heavyweight title after winning it from The Great Kabuki. Fast start from both men with Boyer matching JYD’s offense for a bit. But JYD quickly regains the advantage and hits the Big Thump to earn the win.

Paul Orndorff and Bob Orton Jr. vs. Carlos Zapata and The Monk

MR. MONK is back. One half of the WrestleMania I main event on display, and Orndorff and Orton showcase nice teamwork in the early going. They are just dissecting Zapata, who needs to tag Monk. But the heels keep things on their side of the ring just like great heels should. Orndorff gets a near fall, but Zapata reverses to make the hot tag to Monk. That doesn’t do much, as a double team combo leads to Orndorff locking in the Figure Four to force Monk to submit. Love the teamwork from Orndorff and Orton.

Bob Roop vs. Mike George

And we’ve got ourselves another HOSS FIGHT. DiBiase notes he’s watching Roop closely given their history. George demonstrates his power by breaking the Full Nelson, then he reverses for a roll-up for two. Roop goes up top but George has it scouted, so the former thinks better of it. Roop is pissed and starts using some underhanded tactics to gain control. DiBiase does not like it. George mounts a comeback with the fans fully behind him. He rakes Roop’s eyes on the top rope as the crowd is losing their mind. George hits the Russian Leg Sweep for a near fall, and goes for it again but Roop counters. More counters with Roop sending George outside, then it’s Roop throwing George into the metal ring post. This is good stuff. Roop shoves George into the turnbuckle before hitting the running knee for the victory. Entertaining old school wrestling. *** (Recommended)

Ed Wiskowski vs. Mike Bond

Another HOSS FIGHT? Sign me up. Wiskowski just clubs Bond right off the bat and just destroys him with a variety of moves. Then he quickly hits a big backbreaker to notch the easy win.

IN THE RING: Ellering is accepting the Persian Club Challenge, which involves him trying to do as many reps as Sheiky Baby. It’s basically a test of strength with Ellering doing single-arm tricep extensions. The crowd absolutely loves it. Ellering does 50 reps and Sheik is PISSED. Akbar says Sheik will do his reps after the match and he’ll even up the money.

Frank Monte vs. The Iron Sheik (w/Skandor Akbar)

Boyd calls out Akbar for his stalling shit. You’ve gotta love Boyd. Sheik goes for the bearhug but Monte fights out and tries to get some momentum going. But Sheik grabs him and hits the suplex to earn the victory.

IN THE RING: Ellering is back in, but Akbar stalls again by noting that Sheik had a grueling match. Heel manager work at its finest. The stalling continues as Boyd hypes up the continuation of the saga next week. Love the cliffhanger to get fans invested in the next show. That’s how you do it.

Blake’s Take on Mid-South Wrestling 12/19/81

• Best Match: Bob Roop vs. Mike George (***)
• Show MVP: Paul Ellering
• Overall Rating: 7.5/10
• Thoughts: This was a very enjoyable 45 minutes of old school wrestling. The talent on display was just ridiculous, and that Roop vs. George match was a lot of fun. But the real star was Ellering, as his charisma was undeniable. Quality entertainment for wrestling fans.

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

In this Mid-South Wrestling 12/12/81 review, there’s an intriguing main event on tap with Paul Orndorff squaring off with Ted DiBiase. As a note, this is my first venture into the Mid-South episodes on Peacock, as this was a little before my wrestling fandom started. Should be fun. Let’s jump in!

• Show: Mid-South Wrestling
• Date: December 12, 1981
• Watch: Peacock

RINGSIDE: Ernie Ladd is the guest commentator with Boyd Pierce, which is a great role for The Big Cat.

The Monk vs. Brian Blair

Ladd calling him Mr. Monk is a thing of beauty. Technical work in the ring, but the real focus is Ladd talking about how he can beat Andre the Giant. Again, Ladd is tremendous here, especially in noting how Blair is making Monk’s head turn red with his submission moves. This one is all Blair as he picks up the win in convincing fashion.

Tom Renesto Jr. vs. King Cobra

Doing some research, it appears Cobra was a welder and recently retired after 55 years on the job. Incredible. Have I mentioned I love Ladd’s commentary. He’s terrific. The CRISS CROSS starts the action as Ladd sells the talent in Mid-South like a pro. Cobra in control, and he works on Renesto’s arm for a bit until he misses a dropkick. But Cobra comes back with a big headbutt for the victory.

Ed Wiskowski vs. Jim Garvin

Garvin is jacked, and Wiskowski (the future Colonel DeBeers) is huge. Therefore, we’ve got ourselves a HOSS FIGHT. Even Ladd, a fellow hoss, has to note that Wiskowski makes Garvin look small. Test of strength goes in favor of Wiskowski but the action picks up with Garvin reversing to send the action to the mat. Wiskowski with the big forearm to Garvin’s back, then it’s the knees to the back. Flying forearm from Garvin gets a two, then Ladd loses his mind at Garvin going for an illegal chokehold. Wiskowski throws Garvin out to break it, and Garvin comes back in to counter for a near fall. But it’s all Wiskowski from there as he finishes off Garvin for the win. This was a fun power match. **1/2

RINGSIDE: Boyd sends us to a replay where Paul Orndorff interferes in Junkyard Dog’s match, and it’s pure chaos with JYD getting the better of the heels. However, the referee awards the match to Terry Orndorff via DQ after JYD threw him over the top rope. Ladd thinks JYD deserved it! Of course he did. Ladd is so great.

Jerry Novak and Aaron Holt vs. The Junkyard Dog and Mike George

You know JYD is a star since he gets entrance music in 1981. Ladd wants JYD to lose this match, in case you were curious. Things quickly escalate into a BROUHAHA with all four men in the ring. JYD slams Holt for the easy squash victory.

The Iron Sheik vs. Buddy Ryan

SHEIKY BABY. He’s gonna humble Ryan. Boyd reminds us about the dream match mail-in, sounds like a cool deal. Skandor Akbar instructs Sheik not to win the match right away, but rather, keep the ass-kicking going for a while. Great stuff. Sheik eventually hits a brutal suplex to earn the win.

Diamond Lil and Rick Ferrara vs. Barbie Doll and Tony Charles

So, this is a big man and little woman mixed tag team match, Ladd says he’d buy a ticket to watch the “little gals” wrestler since they can scratch an eye out. In all honesty, I did not know this was a thing since I haven’t watched a lot of this era. But it is indeed a thing. Lil gets the better of the woman exchange before Ferrara and Charles go back and forth. Boyd hypes that dream match mail-in yet again. Lil and Barbie back in, and they fight to a CRISS CROSS before Barbie grabs Lil’s legs for the roll-up pin for the victory.

Paul Orndorff vs. Ted DiBiase

Here’s the goods. Ladd compares this to the Cadillac and the Lincoln squaring off. It makes sense. Great action early with Orndorff using a small package for two. “These guys are really moving,” according to Ladd, and he’s right. This is all action. Leg sweep from DiBiase allow him to work on Orndorff’s arm. But Orndorff fights out with elbows, and several counters later, DiBiase smacks his head on the turnbuckle. However, here comes DiBiase, and he regains the momentum and locks in the Figure Four on Orndorff, who refuses to give up. Then Orndorff turns it, but DiBiase won’t give up either. Ladd is TERRIFIC putting over the shock factor of DiBiase not giving up. Orndorff has him locked in the move for over a minute, and it’s a time limit draw as Ornodrff still has DiBiase’s leg as the show goes off the air. Awesome work from both men in what was a masterclass in selling. *** (Recommended)

Blake’s Take on Mid-South Wrestling 12/12/81

• Best Match: Paul Orndorff vs. Ted DiBiase (***)
• Show MVP: Ernie Ladd
• Overall Rating: 6.5/10
• Thoughts: Again, this is my first journey into reviewing Mid-South shows, but it was a fun start. I could listen to Ladd read a phone book, so there’s quality entertainment value with him calling the matches. Meanwhile, the main event was excellent, which probably isn’t a surprise with Orndorff and DiBiase going at it.

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

In this WWF The War To Settle The Score review, Roddy Piper challenges Hulk Hogan for the WWF title at Madison Square Garden.

I’m only reviewing the MTV broadcast of this show, as WWE Network pulled the two-hour edition from its catalog. Yes, it’s only one match and a lot of hype, but it’s better than nothing.

Let’s jump in.

• Show: The War To Settle The Score
• Date: February 18, 1985
• Location: Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY

BACKSTAGE: Alan Hunter and Mean Gene Okerlund hype the ongoing feud between Hulk Hogan and Roddy Piper.

VIDEO: We also get footage of Captain Lou Albano getting into it with Cyndi Lauper, which led to her being in Wendi Richter’s corner when she won the Women’s title. Gene points out Lauper was the first manager in history to win a title in her first match. There’s also a clip of a doctor explaining that Albano has “organic brain damage,” so they’re sending currents to his brain. Wild stuff. Speaking of which, another clip of Dick Clark awarding Lauper a special achievement award at MSG, and Piper comes in and bashes the reformed Albano with the award. That leads to Hogan making the save. Afterward, Lauper, Richter, and their entourage aren’t happy.

INTERVIEW: Bobby Heenan is perfectly fine with what Piper did to Albano. So is Paul Orndorff, who thinks Lauper shouldn’t be in wrestling. Meanwhile, it’s David Schultz’s opinion that Lauper should be at home cooking meals or waiting on a man. This was indeed 1985, folks. Piper tells MTV that he’ll knock out the interviewer (it’s a woman) if she slaps him. 1985!

INTERVIEW: Jimmy Snuka weighs in on Piper’s shenanigans, and Bruno Sammartino thinks he’s a schlub. Ted Nugent and Dee Snider also want Piper to get his ass kicked. It’s Hogan’s turn, and Eye of the Tiger plays as he takes aim at Piper.

VIDEO: Footage of Piper wanting Hogan to sign a contract for the match, and Hogan agrees. Then it’s the Piper’s Pit segment from February 5, where Hogan makes it official.

VIDEO: Piper hates rock and roll and he thinks MTV stinks. He rants on the quality of it, and Snider, Kenny Loggins, and Peter Wolf are pissed. As for Heenan, he says MTV stands for Music To Vomit By. Adrian Adonis and Dick Murdoch are also against MTV, and so is Freddie Blassie. Next up is Tina Turner, Junkyard Dog, and Tony Atlas. What a roster of people who have thoughts on this match. More video on the build to the match, including critics pontificating on the connection between wrestling and rock and roll.

VIDEO: Gene profiles Piper and Hogan with footage of their most notable highlights.

VIDEO: Mr. Fuji shares his prediction for the match, and he chooses Piper thanks to inside knowledge from Jimmy the Greek. Hillbilly Jim picks Hogan, Brutus Beefcake picks Piper, Snider picks Hogan, Big John Studd picks Piper, Little Richard picks Hogan, Blassie picks Piper, Blackjack Mulligan picks Hogan, Nikolai Volkoff picks Piper, Peter Wolf picks Hogan, and Greg Kihn picks absolutely no one.

Roddy Piper vs. Hulk Hogan – WWF Title

Gene and Gorilla Monsoon are your commentators. Piper, in a tremendous heel move, brings out a guitar. Howard Finkel brings in Bob Costas for the introductions. Before he can do that, Piper destroys the guitar to the dismay of the crowd. The fans are throwing trash at him, and the man is loving it. Hogan comes out to Eye of the Tiger, and he has Lauper, David Wolff, Albano, and more with him. Hogan and Mr. T embrace ringside, then we’re off from there.

What I appreciate about this match is that it starts as a fight. They want to rip each other’s heads off, which they should at this point in the feud. Wrestling moves are secondary. That’s the way it should be in a heated rivalry. The crowd is buzzing as Piper locks in the sleeper on Hogan. Piper stays on offense with heel tactics, but Cowboy Boy Orton gets involved and allows Hogan to reverse the momentum. Orndorff makes his way down, and it’s ref bump time. Orndorff heads up top and hits the flying knee to Hogan. Lauper jumps on the apron as Piper and Orndorff try to corner her. HERE COMES MR. T. He makes the save for Lauper, then gets in the ring. Piper hits him from behind and Orndorff joins the attack. Hogan hulks up, and it’s a standoff between the four. A host of security and officials enter the ring to control the BROUHAHA, and eventually, Fink announces that Hogan wins by DQ.

Wrestling fans hate these kinds of finishes in the modern era, but this was necessary to keep Piper strong and set up the main event for the first WrestleMania. Just an awesome atmosphere with a ridiculous amount of heat, and fans were 100 percent going to pay for WrestleMania to see the babyfaces get their revenge.

BACKSTAGE: Gene with Hunter, and you can tell Gene is pissed about something. Hogan goes off on Piper and says their feud calls for GUERRILLA WARFARE. That’s gonna be something. Wolff talks about the connection between Hogan and rock and roll, and Lauper isn’t happy about Piper and company going after her and Hogan. Mr. T is angry at the whole situation, so Hogan tells him how much he loves him. Albano loses his mind as Gene basically tells him to get the hell out of there. Gene welcomes in Andy Warhol, and he’s speechless and doesn’t have much to say. Joe Piscopo compares the match to a Bruce Springsteen concert, and he’ll be back for WrestleMania. Billy Squier is next. He hates Piper smashing guitars. DANNY DEVITO has arrived. He talks up Albano’s natural acting ability. Piper comes in to intimidate DeVito, then he points out Hogan never pinned him. https://youtu.be/tEKw6tRnnhE

BLAKE’S TAKE ON WWF THE WAR TO SETTLE THE SCORE

• Overall Rating: 8.0/10

• Thoughts: Obviously, I’m not reviewing the entire show since it’s not available, so the score is based solely on the Hogan/Piper match and the segments around it. In hindsight, it was a good way to build interest for the biggest event in the company’s history at that point. The non-finish might irk some people, but I’m a fan of the old-school booking philosophy of making people pay for the payoff. Also, Gene’s interview work was fantastic, especially with the variety of guests.

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

It’s the official debut of a new pay-per-view concept in this Halloween Havoc 1989 review, and it’s one that has provided some entertaining moments throughout history.

Of course, it also gave us one of the weirdest matches ever, even if the craziness fit the main event feud here.

Let’s jump right into Blake’s Halloween Havoc 1989 review.

• Date: October 28, 1989
• Location: Philadelphia Civic Center in Philadelphia, PA

BACKSTAGE: Gordon Solie welcomes us and previews the guys he’ll be talking to throughout the evening.

BACKSTAGE: Chris Cruise is new on the scene and he runs down his guests for the evening.

Mike Rotunda vs. The Z-Man

The main camera angle for WCW shows during this time period always made things look dark but damn does this show feel extra dark. I’ll go glass half-full and say that the company did it to further the Halloween theme. Yeah, right. Zenk’s debut at Clash VIII was underwhelming to say the least, so let’s see if things get better. Zenk in control early, and the crowd makes sure everyone knows how much Syracuse sucks.

Rotunda can’t find any offense and retreats to the outside so that he can better hear the “Syracuse sucks” chants. He finally gets back in and is able to regain an advantage with a thumb to Zenk’s eye. Rotunda then heaves Zenk through the ropes to the outside. Zenk on the apron, and he flips over Rotunda to get a two count. JR then informs us that Zenk was excellent in the PUNT, PASS, AND KICK COMPETITION as a youngster. More technical work from both men as Zenk locks in the modified arm bar.

Rotunda now goes to the head scissors for a bit and uses the ropes for leverage. GET YOUR EYES UP YOUNG NICK PATRICK. He finally sees it and Rotunda breaks the hold. Zenk goes to the side head lock and some boring chants are audible. Irish whip and Rotunda counters and throws Zenk through the ropes with brute force. Rotunda slams Zenk’s face on the ring apron and the Philly crowd is BOOING THE GOOD GUY AND CHEERING THE BAD GUY. Zenk spends some time regrouping before Rotunda suplexes him back in the ring for a near fall.

Abdominal stretch from Rotunda and he once again uses the ropes for leverage. JR says “good officiating from Nick Patrick” after it takes him 35 minutes to see Rotunda holding the ropes, so I’d politely disagree with good ‘ol JR there. Now Rotunda goes with the reverse chin lock. Zenk gets out and Rotunda misses a dropkick. Zenk slings Rotunda into the corner, which leads to Rotunda jumping on the ropes and hitting the flying cross body. However, the momentum allows Zenk to roll him over and score the pin at 13:23. That match happened, and it was not good. The crowd was vocal but there were just too many rest holds.

• Rating: *1/2

BACKSTAGE: Cruise with Bruno Sammartino. Bruno talks about refereeing the Thunderdome match.

The Midnight Express and Dr. Death Steve Williams (w/Jim Cornette) vs. The Samoan Swat Team and Samoan Savage (w/Sir Oliver Humperdink)

Samoan Savage is the former Tonga Kid and Tama in the WWF. And Humperdink’s official name is THE BIG KAHUNA, so there’s that. Both teams go face to face on the outside as the crowd is wanting a full-on brawl. Lane and Savage start in the ring, and Lane sends him outside quickly. Eaton decks Savage and all six men face to face again. More back and forth inside and for the third time, we’ve get all six men teasing a massive brouhaha.

Samu chops Eaton silly but misses a splash to the corner, which allows Williams to come in and clean house on everyone. Huge shoulder block from Williams to send the Samoans retreating. They come back in and Williams is shoulder blocking the shit out of Fatu.

Lane eventually gets in and gets beat on for a few minutes until Williams gets the tag. He takes some chops from Samu before delivering a hard clothesline in the corner. Eaton in now and these dudes are partaking in some stiff shots on each other. No surprise given the participants.

These two teams just keep going back and forth. Savage counters Eaton’s offense and racks him in the corner. He then sends Eaton flying outside and the Samoans rack Eaton again on the steel rail. The Samoans celebrate for a bit until order is restored but that leads to Eaton getting hip tossed onto the non-padded floor in the aisle way. The thud was extremely loud. Back in the ring where the Samoans dissect Eaton. We get a camera shot to THE BIG KAHUNA and let me tell you that those are eyes that only a mother could love.

Samoans pretty much destroy Eaton for quite a while until he gets the knees up on a Savage splash. Eaton makes the hot tag to Williams, who delivers the clothesline before slamming all three men and throwing Savage onto Samu and Fatu. Lane back in and he hits a rough looking neck breaker that didn’t exactly go according to plan. Another miscommunication after that, which leads to JR covering it by saying “boy, this is really getting unorthodox.”

Craziness ensues after that as Cornette nails Humperdink with the tennis racket. That leads to Lane getting distracting, and Savage dropkicks him into Cornette and then covers Lane for the victory at 18:23. This had a ton of heat, but felt eight minutes too long.

• Rating: **1/2

BACKSTAGE: Solie with Terry Funk and Gary Hart. Funk quotes Winston Churchill and says they’re gonna start a new dance called the “10,000 Watt Boogie.” Funk is a national treasure.

The Cuban Assassin vs. Tommy Rich

This does not feel like a pay-per-view match, but maybe I’m wrong. The crowd immediately starts chanting “Tommy Rich sucks” which is always a good sign when trying to to get a guy over as a babyface. And now the crowd is booing a few minutes into the match.

More rest holds from Rich and this is absolutely terrible. The crowd hates this with a passion. Rich finally hits the Lou Thesz Press and wins it at 8:29 to a loud chorus of boos. You can go ahead and put this in the running for one of the worst PPV matches of the year.

• Rating: DUD

BACKSTAGE: Solie with Michael Hayes and Jimmy Garvin. They yell for a little while and hype their title match.

The Dynamic Dudes (w/Jim Cornette) vs. (c) The Fabulous Freebirds

JR spends a few minutes pushing the importance of education and telling us all about Shane and Johnny’s college experiences. That should help them in this professional wrestling title match. The Philly crowd is loving the Freebirds approximately 874 percent more than they did Tommy Rich.

Shane with a nice neck breaker early, and we work to Garvin and Johnny in the ring. Johnny’s run as the RAW GM was great and all, but if he had the mullet, it would’ve been a run that topped Hulk Hogan in terms of popularity. Chants all over the place for the Freebirds as the two teams go back and forth. The Dudes hit a few double team moves and send the Freebirds retreating to the outside.

Massive chants now for the Freebirds, and I assume somewhere in an alternate commentary, Michael Cole is talking about this being a bizarro crowd that cheers the bad guys and boos the good guys. Dudes clear the ring again as the Freebirds talk strategy. Garvin takes control and the knee lift sends Johnny all the way to the railing. Hayes then cheap shots Johnny right after that. Garvin then destroys Johnny with a few knees. Holy shit they are destroying this guy.

Johnny finally gets back in and he fights off some punches from Hayes before running into the double team. Crowd goes wild thinking that Hayes is about to hit the DDT but Johnny reverses and makes what was supposed to be a hot tag to Shane. Zero reaction to the tag and the crowd is booing the Dudes out of the building. Dudes go for the double team but Hayes manages to reverse it and pushes Garvin on top for the pin to retain at 11:28. Enormous pop for the champs. This totally exceeded expectations and was very fun thanks to the crowd.

• Rating: ***1/4

BACKSTAGE: Cruise with the Steiners. Rick rambles along incoherently.

The Steiner Brothers vs. Doom (w/Woman)

This is officially a HOSS FIGHT. Rick and Scott both hit belly-to-belly duplexes right off the bat. Then we get clotheslines over the top to Reed and Simmons. Back inside and Scott goes to work before Rick tags in and clotheslines the hell out of both bad guys to send them reeling again to floor. Miscommunication from Rick and Reed on an Irish whip spot and eventually Reed takes control before tagging in Simmons.

Simmons goes for a suplex but Rick blocks it, which leads to Scott tagging in and hitting a clothesline off the ropes. Simmons hits a Stone Cold Stunner-esque move on Rick and then hits a clothesline of his own. Scott comes back in and hits a face-first suplex on Reed for a near fall. Simmons back in the mix but Scott delivers a brutal belly-to-back suplex for a two count. Woman is not happy.

Cheap shot from Reed on the apron gives Doom control as they double team Scott. Shenanigans from Simmons on the outside and both Doom members throw Scott’s face off the railing. More double teaming from Doom inside for a couple of two counts on Scott. Doom continues to whip Scott’s ass for several minutes before Scott flips over from the apron and gets a two count. Finally the hot tag to Rick but referee Nick Patrick is a buffoon and didn’t see it. Doom hits another double team for a two count. Scott being put over pretty well here.

Scott hits a kick and now we get the official tag as Rick goes wild. All four men brawling on the inside as Scott and Simmons work to the floor. Patrick goes outside with those two and Woman hops on the apron. Naturally, Rick taunts her and may or may not have did some gyrations with his crotch. Rick gets occupied with Simmons, which allows Woman to put something in Reed’s mask. Rick turns around into a loaded headbutt and Reed pins for the win at 15:26. This had its moments but overall didn’t pack much of a punch.

• Rating: **

BACKSTAGE: Solie with Lex Luger. He hypes the upcoming match with Brian Pillman.

Brian Pillman vs. (c) Lex Luger – NWA United States Title

Both of these dudes were certainly rising fast at this point in time. Luger gets a bit of offense in early and then Pillman goes apeshit and spears Lugers halfway to New Zealand. Pillman then unless a vicious chop before chasing after Luger on the outside. Luger slides in to regain control. Cross body off the top from Pillman gets a two. More back and forth as Pillman goes back to the arm drag.

Luger hits a few shoulder blocks before Pillman hits a hip toss and a dropkick to go back to the arm drag. Crucifix pin from Pillman for another near fall and it’s arm drag time yet again. Luger is great here as he’s yelling at fans while stuck in the hold. He gets out and slings Pillman to the corner but catches a knee to the face. Pillman up top for a splash but Luger gets out of the way. Huge press from Luger off the Irish whip and then he throws Pillman neck-first off the ropes.

Clothesline from Luger as he keeps taunting the fans. Pillman catches him with chops before Luger hits a massive clothesline. And then for good measure, he hits a clothesline to the back of Pillman’s head. Luger choking Pillman out with the boot, and then he nails the standing vertical suplex before giving the throat slash. LEX “UNDERTAKER” LUGER, FOLKS. Pillman tries to fight back but Luger throws him through the middle ropes to the outside.

Sunset flip from Pillman gets a two count. Luger then misses a clothesline and goes flying over the top. Pillman gets Luger in the corner for punches but Luger picks him up for a wacky looking atomic drop. Luger sits Pillman on the top turnbuckle and goes for the superplex but Pillman pushes him off. Pillman gets a sunset flip for a near fall and then goes over and nails the flying clothesline off the ropes, but Luger gets the foot on the ropes at two. Pillman up top for the dropkick, and Luger gets out of the way at the last second. Hot shot from Luger and he pins to retain at 16:48. Excellent closing sequence, and it was hard to dislike a Luger match at this stage of his career.

• Rating: ***1/2

BACKSTAGE: Cruise with the Road Warriors and Paul Ellering. They hype the match with the Skyscrapers.

The Skyscrapers (w/Teddy Long) vs. The Road Warriors (w/Paul Ellering)

Hoss clothesline from Animal on Spivey, with the latter trying to go over the top rope but being unable to. So instead, and he falls down and goes under the bottom rope. Hawk comes in and a few shoulder blocks do nothing to Spivey, so he proceeds to basically fly and shoulder block him to the outside on the third try. Sid makes his way into the fold and a sloppy clothesline sends both men resetting. Double team from the Road Warriors sends Sid to the mat but he comes right back. More miscommunication on an Irish whip spot and Animal hits a flying shoulder block of his own to send Sid reeling.

Test of strength between Hawk and Sid leads to Hawk overtaking the big man and clotheslining him in the corner. Spivey into the fold and Animal clotheslines him before tagging in Hawk. Helicopter slam from Sid to Hawk and Spivey comes in to hit the side slam for a two count. Spivey knocks Hawk out of the ring and Sid nearly decapitates him on the guard rail. Spivey with a vertical suplex for another near fall. Double team from the Skyscrapers as they dominate the action.

Hawk eventually hits a suplex to try to get out of there but Sid prevents the tag. Hawk makes the hot tag but for the second time this evening, Patrick didn’t see it. This match is pretty much the exact same as the Steiners/Doom match earlier. Animal gets the official hot tag and he goes to work before all four men brawl inside. Long gets in and tosses the metal key to Spivey to hauls off and forces the DQ at 11:39. Hawk destroys everyone with the key afterward and that’s that. Nothing of note in this one. Typical power team match.

• Rating: *1/2

BACKSTAGE: Cruise with Ric Flair, Sting, and Ole Anderson. Apparently Ole isn’t throwing in the towel. There’s a lot of yelling and screaming because THUNDERDOME is next.

The Great Muta and Terry Funk (w/Gary Hart) vs. Sting and Ric Flair – Thunderdome Match w/special referee Bruno Sammartino

In true WCW fashion, part of the cage catches on fire as it lowers to the ground. So, to further himself as a true badass, Muta sprays out the fire with his mist. Simply incredible. Reminder that the only way to win the match is to have the other team’s manager throw in the towel. Flair and Funk get us going. IT’S CHOP TIME. Sting comes in and he rams Funk into the cage. Double team from Sting and Flair leads to an insane chop from Flair. Muta comes into cause chaos and he’s next for the chops.

Funk and Muta get pissed at Bruno, and Sting doesn’t like that. He presses Muta and then suplexes him. Flair back in and he hits the atomic drop on Muta. We get to Sting trying to put Muta through the cage, and naturally Funk climbs like a madman. Flair goes at him as Muta and Sting go back inside. Muta works his offense as JR reminds us that there are no pins. IT’S ALL UP TO THE DESIGNATED TERMINATORS. All hell breaks loose as Funk chokes Sting on the floor. Flair and Funk then go at it again. Muta suplexes Sting inside and Funk comes in to drop the knee. They go back and forth in attacking Sting before Flair tosses Muta outside.

Sting regains control and he and Flair go for the double team. Sting goes for the Scorpion Death Lock but Funk breaks it up. Bruno tries to regain control but realizes that Funk is a maniac and that it won’t work. Flair and Funk both on the cage and Flair sends his face into the steel. Muta starts climbing the cage and Sting follows. Muta gets “shocked” and Flair is climbing the cage again. Now Flair and Funk are near the top of the cage and Flair is sending in vicious chops. Flair grabs the swinging rope as we see Sting press slams Muta. Meanwhile Funk is hanging upside down from the cage. Muta slips under the ring as Funk keeps climbing.

Muta back out as he slams Flair into the cage before the two exchange chops. Sting now using the swinging rope to attack Funk who is still hanging off the cage. Flair locks in the Figure Four on Muta as we see Tarzan flying in the background. Actually that was just Sting. Muta catches Flair from behind and Sting’s swinging efforts go south as Funk grabs him. Now Muta locks in the submission on Flair. JR then realizes that Sting is tied on the cage, which leads to Ole helping. Funk goes in the ring and hits the spike piledriver on Flair. Sting is still going nuts as Ole can’t do anything to untie the rope. Finally Sting gets out and he flies from the top of the cage onto Funk in the ring. That was certainly a move well ahead of its time.

Muta climbing the cage as Sting is swinging on the rope again. Flair working on Funk’s knee inside. All four men make their way back into the ring and Muta gets racked on the post. Flair locks in the Figure Four on Funk as Sting goes up top and hits the splash on Funk. And there’s another splash from Sting. Muta is pissed so he comes back inside and nails Bruno, who isn’t taking that shit and cold-cocks Muta to send him outside. Hart gets in and Ole knocks the shit out of him, which sends Hart’s towel flying at Bruno to give Flair and Sting the victory at 21:55. JR and Caudle play up the controversy angle since Ole’s punch caused the towel to fly.

I didn’t like this as much as I thought I would. You would’ve expected the blowoff match between these four to be better but it had a lot to do with the THUNDERDOME gimmick. It was fine for what it was but it isn’t all that memorable in the grand scheme of things.

• Rating: ***

SHOW SUMMARY

This was a mixed bag with Luger/Pillman and the crowd’s insane love for the Freebirds being the highlights. The main event felt disappointing, but again, that had more to do with the match type than the actual performers.

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

In this WWF Fully Loaded 1999 review, Steve Austin and The Undertaker square off in a First Blood Match, Triple H takes on The Rock in a Strap Match, and much more.

Let’s jump in.

• Show: WWF Fully Loaded 1999
• Date: July 25, 1999
• Location: Marine Midland Arena in Buffalo, NY

VIDEO: Vince McMahon still hates Steve Austin, and a video package hypes Steve Austin vs. The Undertaker in a First Blood Match in what’s being hyped as “the end of an era.”

VIDEO: Replay from Jim Ross interviewing Austin on Sunday Night Heat, which saw Taker attack Austin and bust him open. Meanwhile, Vince and Shane smile in the background. We also see the EMTs try to patch up Austin before Michael Cole accuses Vince of setting up the attack on Austin. Vince guarantees Austin will lose and never be WWF Champion again. We’ll see about that, Vinnie Mac.

VIDEO: Highlights from Edge defeating Jeff Jarrett for the Intercontinental title on a Toronto house show the night before.

Jeff Jarrett (w/Debra) vs. (c) Edge – Intercontinental Title

Debra’s wardrobe was on another level at this point. Jarrett says no one is gonna see her puppies, which naturally starts a “we want puppies” chant. Jarrett tries to leave with the title until he realizes that makes little sense considering he’ll get counted out. He turns up the aggression by throwing Edge into the steel steps.

Jarrett is in control for the majority of the match, and the fans mostly care about Debra’s puppies. Edge picks up the speed with his offense, but then the lights go out for a good while as Gangrel’s music hits. Lights come back on and Gangrel is down and out with Edge standing over him. Spear from Edge, but Debra goes to expose the puppies. Jarrett knocks Edge into Debra, and that’s enough for Gangrel to attack Edge while the referee’s back is turned. Jarrett then pins Edge to win the title.

• Winner: Jeff Jarrett

BACKSTAGE: Austin gets patched up, then sprints to the ring and hits the Stunner on Jarrett. Austin says he’s gonna hunt down Taker and make him bleed.

BACKSTAGE: Cole with Michael Hayes and the Hardy Boyz. Hayes says he’s gonna lead by example in their match.

The Acolytes vs. The Hardy Boyz and Michael Hayes – Handicap Match for the WWF Tag Team Titles

Nothing like a 3-on-2 match for the tag titles. The Hardyz showcase impressive offense throughout this match, while Farooq and Bradshaw’s approach is obviously much different and all about power. And we can’t forget about Hayes, who tries to throw it back to his Freebird days. JR pokes fun at his stamina and notes he looks like he just had a night out on the town. He probably did.

The action eventually breaks down, and there’s a big spot with Bradshaw hitting a suplex on Matt off the top. Jeff clobbers Bradshaw with Hayes’ cane for a near fall. Another fun sequence with Bradshaw hitting a flying Jeff with a huge clothesline. Farooq and Bradshaw hit the double powerbomb on Hayes to win the titles.

• Winners: The Acolytes

BACKSTAGE: Austin is searching for Taker. Then it’s Kevin Kelly with D’Lo Brown, who wants to regain the European title.

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

This is the stretch when Mideon stole the title from Shane’s bag to become champion. So D’Lo’s motivation is to bring the title back to someone who actually earned it. This match garners a “boring” chant from the crowd, which is never ideal. It’s D’Lo hitting the Lo Down to score the victory to win the title. Make it three title changes in three matches.

• Winner: D’Lo Brown

BACKSTAGE: Cole with Al Snow. He’s losing it about the Big Bossman.

Big Bossman vs. (c) Al Snow – Hardcore Title

Snow keeps asking Bossman to destroy him. Bossman beats up Head instead. Like most hardcore matches in this era, they brawl backstage with a variety of weapons on display. That includes hot coffee. At one point, Snow suplexes Bossman through a table. In a pretty hilarious sequence, Bossman finds a fourth down marker and holds it in front of him as he punts Snow.

They eventually fight their way outside, and that’s where hubcaps and cones get introduced. A car comes speeding down the road and it nearly runs them over. I don’t think that was a work. Bossman breaks a bottle on Snow’s head, then handcuffs him to a gate. Bossman beats down Snow with the nightstick and “pins” him to win the title. There’s another title change.

• Winner: Big Bossman

VIDEO: Replay of the events leading to Big Show vs. Kane. Their King of the Ring 1999 match was the worst match on one of the worst WWF PPVs I’ve seen, so there’s nowhere to go but up.

BACKSTAGE: Kelly with Hardcore Holly, who claims he’ll be impartial as the special guest referee.

Big Show vs. Kane – Special Guest Referee: Hardcore Holly

To say that this match starts with a brutal spot would be an understatement. Show picks up Kane to press slam to the outside, and Kane’s arm hits the top rope before taking a huge bump. That looked ugly. Show in complete control of this one until he gets too cocky. Kane takes advantage, but it’s Holly who chop blocks Kane to allow Show to hit the chokeslam for the quick count victory.

• Winner: Big Show

IN THE RING: After the match, X-Pac hits the ring to make the save for Kane. But Taker comes out, and he and Show beat down Kane and X-Pac. Doesn’t seem like a smart move for Taker considering Austin is searching for him. Sure enough, Austin attacks Taker as he comes back through the curtain. And now Taker is busted open to even the score.

VIDEO: Replay of the events leading to Ken Shamrock vs. Steve Blackman in an Iron Circle Match.

Steve Blackman vs. Ken Shamrock – Iron Circle Match

In case you forgot, this is basically a parking lot fight with both men surrounded by fellow superstars sitting on cars. They throw each other around on the cars for a while, and it’s so dark you can barely see anything for several parts of the match. Shamrock wraps a chain around his fist and starts destroying Blackman, then he chokes him out for the win. This was an experiment.

• Winner: Ken Shamrock

BACKSTAGE: Terry Taylor with Taker. He’s pissed and throws Taylor into the wall.

Mr. Ass and Chyna vs. Road Dogg and X-Pac – Winner Gets Rights Of DX Name

They play up X-Pac not being 100 percent after the attack by Taker and Show. Billy Gunn basically wrestling in a thong at this point in his career, and that just doesn’t sound appealing as a wrestler. Jerry Lawler points out Gunn and Chyna are pretty much wearing the same outfit. Mr. Ass was Mr. Ass for a reason, I suppose.

The crowd is into this match, which is not surprising given the popularity of these four. It’s mostly Gunn and Chyna working over X-Pac, with Dogg waiting on the hot tag. Eventually, he gets it and runs wild on Gunn and Chyna. To really prove this was a different era, Chyna takes a series of punches and the Bronco Buster during this sequence. Dogg then hits the pump handle slam on Gunn to earn the victory.

• Winners: Road Dogg and X-Pac

BACKSTAGE: Cole with The Rock. He’s gonna kick Triple H’s candy ass.

Triple H vs. The Rock – No. 1 Contender Strap Match

The winner earns a WWF title match at SummerSlam. Rock’s charisma is ridiculous, as his mannerisms are one of a kind. He even grabs a fan’s camera and takes a photo of him kicking Triple H. It’s wild to believe these two were so good and hadn’t even reached 30 yet.

There are obvious challenges with a Strap Match, but these two made it work. They brawl into the crowd and throw each other into a variety of objects. Rock hits a suplex on Triple H on the concrete ramp for a near fall, then Triple H reverses the favor by throwing Rock into the steel rail for a two count.

They make their way back to the ring, and Chyna decides to join the festivities. Her distraction is enough to force referee Mike Chioda to miss a Rock Bottom for a pin attempt. Then it’s Triple H hitting a low blow go regain the advantage. Triple H tries to hang Rock by the strap because it was the Attitude Era, folks.

Rock fights back with some nice usage of the strap. The battle in the aisle way some more, and Rock goes back to the strap after Triple H grabs a chair. Rock hits a DDT for a near fall, then Chyna jumps on the apron as Billy hits Rock with a club. However, he kicks out at two and a half. People’s Elbow connects, but Billy breaks up the count. He gets a Rock Bottom for his efforts, but it’s Triple H who hits the Pedigree for the win.

• Winner: Triple H

VIDEO: Hype for the Austin vs. Taker match, and the build featured a lot of blood.

The Undertaker vs. Steve Austin – First Blood End Of An Era Match for the WWF Title

Vince joins commentary for the match. They brawl in the aisle to start because it’s the Attitude Era and that’s just what you did. The crowd loved it. More fighting around the ring, and Taker throws the steel steps at Austin’s head but misses. Now the action spills into the crowd, another Attitude Era special. Eventually, they get in the ring and go back and forth in a methodical fashion. Then it’s back to the crowd.

Taker tries to go after Austin with a chair, but it doesn’t work. Austin rams Taker’s face into the steps. He also uses a fan (the object, not an actual human being). Earl Hebner takes a bump, and Taker somehow gets caught in the ropes. Austin grabs a chair, but here comes Shane, who takes a hellacious unprotected shot to the head. Brutal.

Taker with a low blow to Austin. However, Austin regains the advantage and hits the Stunner. Vince tries to go at Austin with a crutch, but Austin clocks him. Taker wallops Austin with a chair, then shoves Hebner into the corner. Here comes X-Pac, who kicks the chair in Taker’s face. Austin hits Taker with a TV camera, and Shane is back in to take a beating. Taker is busted wide open, which gives Austin the win. Austin hits the Stunner on Vince after the match. Well, I guess that’s the last of Vince on WWE television, huh?

Triple H attacks Austin after the match, but Rock is out to make the save. A lot of star power in the ring. Taker hits Austin with a chair, and there’s chaos everywhere. Austin and Taker are both bleeding profusely. They keep fighting, and Vince is unhappy in the ring. Austin goes back in and offers a handshake, then stuns him.

• Winner: Steve Austin

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BLAKE’S TAKE ON WWF FULLY LOADED 1999

Certainly an improvement on the brutal King of the Ring pay-per-view in June. There isn’t anything spectacular on this show, but it gets the job done in terms of developing key storylines. The main event was a product of the era, and it worked thanks to the Austin vs. McMahon rivalry.

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

In this WWF King of the Ring 1999 review, Steve Austin squares off with Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon for control of the company, the 1999 King of the Ring is crowned, and much more.

Let’s jump in.

• Show: WWF King of the Ring 1999
• Date: June 27, 1999
• Location: Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, NC

VIDEO: Highlights of the events leading to Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon. These Attitude Era hype videos were on another level.

RINGSIDE: Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler recap Steve Blackman beating down Ken Shamrock with a kendo stick on Sunday Night Heat after Shamrock went after Shane.

BACKSTAGE: Michael Cole is outside of Vince’s locker room and says Shane may not be able to compete. I love opening the pay-per-view with a nice storyline hook.

Hardcore Holly vs. X-Pac – King of the Ring Quarterfinal

X-Pac’s theme is the one that was on the WWF Aggression album, and I was a big fan of it. Holly is pushing his new unruly attitude, and it was certainly better than Sparky Plugg. I only mention this because I’m doing the full 1994 rewatch series at the moment. Holly snaps and grabs a chair, then hits X-Pac with a BRUTAL unprotected shot to the head for the DQ. Road Dogg comes out after to make the save. More about the angle than the match.

BACKSTAGE: Terry Taylor calls Holly out on his stupidity for getting disqualified. He calls himself “The Big Shot” and taunts Big Show.

Big Show vs. Kane – King of the Ring Quarterfinal

JR notes that Show weighs 172 more pounds than Kane, which is absolutely wild. However, this still classifies as a HOSS FIGHT given the size on display. JR also compares Show to Andre the Giant, and there was a memorable WWF Magazine in this era with both men on the cover.

Far from a technical masterpiece with these two as it’s all about power moves and two Attitude Era staples: Ref bump and outside interference. Holly comes down to interfere, but Kane chokeslams him. Things really slow down with Kane choking Show out, and this legitimately goes on for a few minutes, much to the displeasure of the crowd.

It’s deja vu as Kane hits Show in the head with a chair, and Kane pins him for the victory. Yeah, this wasn’t my favorite match.

BACKSTAGE: Cole with Vince, who won’t forgive Shamrock for injuring Shane. But Shane pleads that he can fight.

BACKSTAGE: Shamrock throws around the EMTs and heads to the ring for his match.

Mr. Ass vs. Ken Shamrock – King of the Ring Quarterfinal

I can appreciate the Shamrock injury storyline given the tournament stipulation. They play that up with Billy Gunn taking the fight to Shamrock, with Shamrock able to muster just enough to thwart Gunn at a few points in the match. The valiant effort for Shamrock comes up short as Gunn reverses a hurricanrana into a powerbomb, and Teddy Long decides to stop the match since Shamrock is spitting up blood again.

Shamrock gets pissed and throws Long out of the ring. Another short match with a lackluster finish.

BACKSTAGE: Kevin Kelly with Chyna and Triple H. She takes a shot at Road Dogg, while Triple H notes he does what he wants and takes orders from no one.

Road Dogg vs. Chyna (w/Triple H) – King of the Ring Quarterfinal

The “My Time” theme for Triple H is one of the most underrated in wrestling history. Loved that song. Obviously, Chyna makes history here as the first woman to enter the KOTR, and the story is Dogg underestimating her in the early going.

Chyna beats him down for a bit until Dogg regains the advantage. But a distraction from Triple H leads to him shoving Dogg into the steel steps. Chyna back on offense for a good stretch of the match, then it’s more involvement from Triple H via – you guessed it – a ref bump.

But the Triple H chain job to Dogg doesn’t work, and out comes Shawn Michaels to prevent more Triple H interference. Then it’s the memorable spot where Chyna low blows Dogg, but he’s wearing a cup. This was pretty clever and gets a huge pop from the crowd. Dogg hits the pump handle slam for the win.

This was easily the best quarterfinal match, but that’s not saying much. It was longer than it needed to be, though Chyna worked hard and played well off of Dogg. That’s the best thing I can say about it.

BACKSTAGE: Cole with The Rock. He mocks The Undertaker.

Edge and Christian (w/Gangrel) vs. The Hardy Boyz (w/Michael Hayes) – No. 1 Contender’s Match

These two actually had a match on Sunday Night Heat, but interference (shocker!) from The Acolytes led to Michaels deciding to run it back. There’s certainly a difference in this match than the previous four on this show, as it’s the high-octane tempo you’d come to expect from these four throughout their careers.

The chemistry was already incredible even this early in their WWF careers. Hayes gets involved because someone contractually has to interfere in every match, but he gets speared by Edge for his efforts. A terrific sequence late in the match with Edge coming off the top to spear Edge, though Gangrel accidentally sprays the blood into Edge’s face to allow Jeff to score the victory.

Short match, but it had plenty of action.

BACKSTAGE: Cole with Taker, who questions what happens when you rip the balls off of a bull. That’s one I’ve never thought about, to be honest.

IN THE RING: Vince reveals the handicap match with Shane will not take place due to Shane’s injury. Michaels puts a halt to that thinking he means the match off, but Vince clarifies he’ll have a suitable replacement for Shane.

Mr. Ass vs. Kane – King of the Ring Semifinal

An interesting semifinal and we get a trademark Attitude Era brawl around in the ring and in the aisle way. That transitions into another sequence where the ground game takes over, and the fans don’t have much to say about it. Gunn’s selling is always fun, so I’ll give him that.

Big Show comes down to interfere (remember, contractual obligation), and he takes the chair away from Gunn after….a ref bump. Then Show hits Kane with the chair, and Gunn scores the pin for the win. This did nothing for either man, which seems counterproductive given the push for Gunn.

BACKSTAGE: Kelly with X-Pac. He has mixed emotions about fighting his friend Road Dogg. And then Dogg says the same.

X-Pac vs. Road Dogg – King of the Ring Semifinal

This is the most appealing KOTR match thus far, but gotta be honest: This tournament has been less than thrilling. Well, while this looked great on paper, it’s a very short match with X-Pac hitting the X-Factor out of nowhere to earn the victory and advance to the final against Gunn.

VIDEO: Hype for Rock vs. Taker, which included Corporate Ministry dissension between Taker and Triple H to allow Rock to earn the title shot.

The Rock vs. (c) The Undertaker (w/Paul Bearer) – WWF Title

I’m curious how far the Gorilla position was from the actual entrance, as it takes both these guys nearly a minute to come out after their music hits. The fans are fully behind Rock by this point, and his star power is simply undeniable.

The match starts with a ref bump because of course it does. The reason for it is to allow Rock to hit a Rock Bottom, only for a second ref to get pummeled by Bearer before he can count the three. If the match starts with shenanigans, you can bet there are more to come.

Attitude Era brawl down the aisle and into the crowd – another popular trope during this period. Something I thought about watching this is despite the stardom of these two, I never really loved any of their feuds or singles matches.

This continued that theme, even if it wasn’t terrible. It had some solid back and forth and featured a few good near falls to pop the crowd. There’s a second ref bump late in the match, and Rock steals the cloth with ether away from Taker to use it on him. What do you know, Triple H interferes and hits the Pedigree on Rock, and Taker hits the Tombstone to retain the title.

I know the Attitude Era was unique in the moment, but some of these matches/shows do not hold up well a few decades later. This has been one of those shows, and I doubt the main event will change that.

BACKSTAGE: Triple H and Michaels are going at each other, and Vince is pissed because Michaels throws Triple H out of the building. The reason being that Vince had Triple H pegged at his partner. So Vince calls someone else. If you want a funny tidbit, the camera unintentionally catches Rock in the background after Vince gets off the phone.

X-Pac vs. Mr. Ass – King of the Ring Final

Before the match, Gunn cuts a promo explaining his strategy to go after X-Pac’s injured neck. Hey, I’ll take anything logical at this point in the tournament. Gunn does indeed go for X-Pac’s neck throughout the match, and while X-Pac gets a burst of momentum, it’s Gunn hitting the Fameasser off the second rope to win the tournament.

The WWF was clearly behind Gunn here, but this wasn’t exactly a star-making performance considering how all three of his matches played out. He won the first due to ref stoppage, the second due to interference, and the third due to a weakened opponent. I like the idea of pushing someone new. This just wasn’t the best formula for it.

VIDEO: Hype for the main event, including the abduction of Stephanie McMahon, Vince being revealed as the higher power, and Linda McMahon naming Austin the CEO of the company. What a convoluted storyline that lacked logic.

IN THE RING: Vince comes out and introduces Steve Blackman as his partner. And then the infamous GTV catches Shane hanging out in the locker room with the Mean Street Posse, and Shane is perfectly fine. Shane tries to leave the arena but Michaels forces him to the ring. This was creative and enjoyable.

Vince and Shane McMahon vs. Steve Austin – Handicap Ladder Match for 100 Percent Control of the WWF

That’s certainly a stipulation right there. Nonsensical storylines aside, there’s no doubting that the people wanted to see Austin beat the hell out of Vince and Shane. That’s really all you need to sell the match, and that gave the crowd a reason to be invested from start to finish.

I did appreciate the intricate ladder entrapment that they used as part of the set for this show. Apparently, Austin did not since he destroyed all the ladders by pulling them onto Vince and Shane. Speaking of Shane, he bumped like a madman, which would continue throughout his career.

Just when Vince thinks he has it won, Austin hits a low blow and takes control of the match. Then it’s Austin hitting a Stunner to both Vince and Shane, but when he goes for the briefcase, it moves. Then the briefcase lowers and that allows Shane to grab it for the win.

Another screwy finish to cap off a show filled with them, and the crowd was completely deflated at Austin losing to these two.

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BLAKE’S TAKE ON WWF KING OF THE RING 1999

Recommended Matches: None

Overall Rating: 2.5/10

Thoughts: A show with zero recommended matches isn’t exactly a masterpiece. The only two matches that I found somewhat entertaining were Edge/Christian vs. The Hardyz, and the main event despite the finish. But even then, there’s really no reason to go back and watch either match. The King of the Ring tournament, one of the selling points of the show, was largely forgettable. Unfortunately for Gunn, so was his win.

This is one of those shows that meet the criteria of what people are talking about when they say some of the Attitude Era stuff doesn’t hold up well. It’s just one overbooked finish after another, and the matches are nothing special. There are way better WWF pay-per-views to spend your time on because this is one of the worst in the company’s history.

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

In this WWE Raw 6/17/02 review, Vince McMahon teases the return of Steve Austin, two superstars advance to the King of the Ring semifinals, and much more.

Let’s jump in!

• Show: WWE Raw
• Date: June 17, 2002

– We get a recap of Shawn Michaels superkicking Booker T and talking about no more disrespecting the nWo.

Rob Van Dam vs. X-Pac – KOTR Qualifier

Seems like a fun matchup on paper. RVD was so over with fans. Shiny black mats on the outside. RVD incredibly skilled with his moves. X-Pac with an impressive somersault plancha. Great back and forth, and Booker hits X-Pac with Book End after ref checks on RVD on the outside. RVD hits the frog splash for the win.

– Video from WWE Confidential on Austin walking out. JR basically calling Austin a coward for leaving. That was something.

– X-Pac is angry and nWo calms him down. Nash has a plan.

– Vince says Austin is gone from WWE and hopes he returns. Vince throws Austin under the bus for leaving and thinks he should apologize to everyone. Vince goes through the whole story and sends a message to Austin and thanks him before drinking a beer and sitting it in the middle of the ring.

Jeff Hardy vs. Raven

Taker watching from the stage. Their ladder match was awesome. Crazy to think how long Jeff has been wrestling. Jeff with the swanton and quick win as Taker looks on.

– Booker T and Goldust backstage. Goldust dressed up like someone. Booker is pissed at Michaels for what happened with the nWo. Goldust teases King Booker which is funny. Booker hypes his match with Brock Lesnar.

– Coach walks in on Molly Holly doing squats. Trish made fun of Molly’s ass on Raw. Coach saying these things is hilarious and Molly slaps him.

– X-Pac is pissed at Big Show. Michaels and Nash calm him down. Paul Heyman comes in with Brock. Heyman tries to keep them out of Brock’s match with Booker. Michaels goes face to face with Brock until Nash steps in.

Christopher Nowinski vs. Spike Dudley

Nowinski’s first match and he’s wearing a button-up and khakis. Regal ringside with Nowinski, who finally strips to his ring gear. Nowinski destroys Spike for a while until Spike rallies. But Regal distraction allows Nowinski to hit his finisher for the win. Bradshaw runs in and makes the save.

– Ric Flair says he had to find the real Flair and let ownership get to his head. He takes a shot at Austin and says he saw Hogan come back to win the title. Flair says he signed a contract to wrestle on Raw to prove he has another run in him. He takes aim at Brock. Austin’s music hits but turns off and here comes Eddie Guerrero. Fans aren’t happy about that. Eddie’s pissed about not getting his match with Austin at KOTR. Eddie blames Flair for Austin leaving and taunts Flair. Chris Benoit comes out and defends Flair while mentioning Four Horsemen. Eddie calls Flair a loser and Flair challenges him at KOTR. Benoit turns on Flair and blames him for Austin breaking his neck. Flair decks Benoit and Eddie but they gain the upper hand with Eddie using figure four.

– Vince backstage and Nowinski walks in. Nowinski tries to impress Vince with his accolades. Vince gets call from Tony Garea saying the man is on his way. Vince thinks he means Austin. Vince lines up security during the commercial.

Trish Stratus and D’Lo Brown vs. Molly and Crash Holly

So the main storyline is that Molly has a fat ass. That’s something. Lawler making lots of jokes which is no surprise. He wants to chant “she’s a fat ass” at Molly. Simply incredible. D’Lo was quite a talent. Action breaks down and D’Lo pins Crash for the win. Molly throws Trish face first off the apron and onto the announce table.

– Lita is at The World in New York. She has a neck brace on and she’s concerned for Matt against Taker.

– Vince wants camera crew documenting Austin. Jackie Gayda walks in and she tells Vince she wants to be a Raw girl. Vince wants her to be in the Divas Undressed competition, and if she agrees, she’ll give him a preview next week. Vince does it again.

The Undertaker vs. Matt Hardy

This is quite a sprint with these two for a few minutes, but as you would expect, the bigger story was Jeff’s involvement. He hits the ring and pulls the ref out, leading to a 2-on-1 advantage for the Hardyz. But out comes Raven, who shoves Jeff off the top and that’s all Taker needs to hit the Last Ride on Matt for the win.

– Raven handcuffs Jeff to the rope, and Taker goes to work as Raven takes it to Matt. Taker and Raven in their 1998 characters would’ve made for an interesting duo or feud.

– Terri questions Taker backstage. He was showing Triple H what he was capable of.
– Vince is still waiting on Austin.

– Heyman tries to butter up Earl Hebner. Earl isn’t having it. Heyman then bumps into Booker, and he says he’s gonna take it to Lesnar.

Brock Lesnar (w/Paul Heyman) vs. Booker T – KOTR Qualifier

The nWo make their way to the ring before the match. That allows Lesnar to jump Booker. HBK and Nash join commentary. They’re pretty great. Goldust joins the crowd and stares down Heyman. Booker rallies on Lesnar, but X-Pac and Show cause the distraction. Lesnar hits the F5 on Booker to score the victory.

– The nWo destroy Booker and Goldust after the match.

– Sgt. Slaughter tells Vince that Tony Garea has arrived, and Vince thinks Austin will arrive soon. Vince heads to the ring and says Austin is in the building. Garea runs out and whispers something in Vince’s ear. The Rock’s music hits and the crowd goes nuts. This was well done to do the switcheroo with Austin and Rock. Vince’s facial expressions are awesome. Rock taunts Vince and tells him to hit the road and throws a beer at the tron. The crowd loves it. Rock gives a passionate speech about the locker room wanting to be here, which is obviously a shot at Austin. Rock is gonna be at KOTR and he says WWE is home while once again mentioning Austin walking out on the company. Vince wasn’t playing around.

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BLAKE’S TAKE ON WWE RAW 6/17/02

This edition of Raw was fine, though it was mostly built around a superstar that didn’t appear. Of course, instead, the fans got the return of The Rock, which made up for the disappointment of not getting Austin. The Flair stuff was good, as was the running theme with Taker and Jeff. Everything else was just sort of there.

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

Let’s face it: Great American Bash 1988 was not great. There were a couple of good tag team matches in the mix, but the screwjob finish for the main event between Ric Flair and Lex Luger was the definition of stupidity. Luckily, the Clash of the Champions III review features a bit more quality, despite another interesting main event finish.

It’s the third-ever Clash of the Champions for Jim Crockett promotions, and it does have some redeeming qualities.

Let’s find out in Blake’s Clash of the Champions III review.

• Date: September 7, 1988
• Location: Albany Civic Center in Albany, GA

ANNOUNCE BOOTH: Tony Schiavone and Flair welcome us. Wooooooooooooooo! We’re already hyping his rematch with Luger. Flair’s rematch, not Tony’s rematch. That wouldn’t put butts in the seats.

Brad Armstrong vs. (c) Mike Rotundo (w/Kevin Sullivan) – NWA TV Title

Good to see Sullivan could make time to attend this match since he was typically spending his time beating up women in Tower of Doom matches. Armstrong nearly gets a pinfall early in the match and the crowd was ready to explode.

Dropkicks and another near fall from Armstrong, which leads to Rotundo retreating. This further proves that Armstrong wasn’t bad at all. His match at Clash of the Champions II against Barry Windham was three stars in my book. And now he keeps the offense going and gets another two count. The crowd is HOT. Armstrong with more offense and counters and Rotundo is worried.

Rotundo finally gets some momentum thanks to Sullivan kicking Armstrong’s ass on the outside. Near fall from the champ but Armstrong kicks out of it.

Now Rotundo going with the cerebral approach to wear down Armstrong. But this man Armstrong will not stay down. Armstrong reminds me of Dolph Ziggler here and I have no idea why. Armstrong gets thrown back to the outside and Sullivan beats him up again. But Armstrong almost gets the three in a hot spot. Now business picks up as Dr. Death Steve Williams is out to even up the score. DAMN THIS CROWD IS ON FIRE. Inside cradle from Armstrong for two and a half! Airplane spin from Rotundo but another two.

Rotundo now trying multiple pins but Armstrong keeps kicking out. After about 10 straight pinfall attempts, we get a TIME LIMIT DRAW at 20:00. JR really plays up the moral victory angle, which was the right thing to do. This made Armstrong look like a future champion. I thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish, with the time limit draw being acceptable here because it told the right story. Fantastic match that may be one of the most underrated in history.

• Rating: ****

VIDEO: We get a recap of the segment where Jimmy Garvin got his leg broken by Kevin Sullivan. And of course Sullivan had to throw Precious as hard as humanly possible to the concrete floor. Sullivan also threw some cinder blocks on Garvin’s leg, which caused the break. The real highlight here is Sting’s shorts. Find this segment just to see Sting’s incredible shorts. Totally worth your time.

The Sheepherders vs. Nikita Koloff and Dr. Death Steve Williams

I smell a brawl. Or maybe that’s just Luke and Butch. Williams is shoulder blocking people left and right and the crowd is fucking insane. Now we’ve got Koloff in the match and his hair is looking phenomenal as always.

Good guys continue to control until Williams spears himself into the post. That changes when Koloff gets a hot tag and he goes crazy. But then the double team tactics of the Sheepherders change the game again. A lot of work on Koloff as he desperately tries to make the tag. Doesn’t happen. Koloff gets to the corner to make the tag but Williams is on the outside dealing with the flag guy. Missed opportunity there, Steve.

Luke then misses the flying headbutt and Koloff makes the big tag. That offense doesn’t last long as the underhanded chop from Butch puts it all even. Then Williams gets the tag to Koloff and he hits the massive clothesline for the win at 17:27. Much better than I expected it to be. Good brawl and well-worked match.

• Rating: ***

Dusty Rhodes vs. Kevin Sullivan (w/Gary Hart)

Have a feeling we’re getting another brawl, which would be better than a technical wrestling match from these two. And sure enough, there’s the brawl. We immediately go to the outside and all hell is breaking loose. Even Hart gets chucked by Dusty. Then we get Dusty elbows and Tommy Young is in between these two men trying to break it up. That doesn’t work.

Sullivan takes some shots to Dusty on the outside and then Hart beats the shit out of Dusty with a shoe. JR says Hart is as innocent as Al Capone or Charles Manson. Great line. Hart then hands Sullivan a spike and of course Young doesn’t see it. SPIKE TO THE THROAT. Dusty is out of this thing. We also get an extra close zoom in on Dusty’s forehead and that thing is flat out disgusting.

Dusty gets his comeback and uses shenanigans for a close call. Hart then pulls Dusty outside and here comes one of the greatest superstars of all time in Al Perez to attack Dusty from behind. Apparently I missed the part where this was no DQ.

Now they are both destroying Dusty with a chain, but in a stupid spot, Dusty flies into the chain and I guess it awkwardly pulled Sullivan and Perez into each other. AND THEN DUSTY PINS GARY HART FOR THE WIN AT 6:59. GARY HART WASN’T IN THE FUCKING MATCH. Dusty Rhodes as a performer was good. Dusty Rhodes as a booker was bad. This was yet another reason why JCP was spiraling.

• Rating: DUD

ANNOUNCE BOOTH: John Ayers is your special referee for the upcoming Flair/Luger match. This was a cringeworthy segment.

Ivan Koloff (w/ Paul Jones and Russian Assassin) vs. Ricky Morton – Russian Chain Match

This is your typical four corners match where you have to touch every corner in succession to win. Morton gets tossed to the outside which makes for an interesting situation with Koloff in the ring.

Pretty much what you’d expect this match to be. Lots of use of the chain, and Morton finding ways to pull him off his game. Koloff almost gets all four and Morton pulls him down just in time. Morton eventually starts his sequence and gets three, then Jones helps Koloff with leverage to pull Morton back. But it’s not enough as Jones seemingly lets go and Morton hits the fourth for the win at 9:52.

After the match, the Assassin throws Morton out and destroys him outside. Then Koloff and Jones argue before Koloff hammers Jones. Assassin attacks Koloff from behind and then we get another Assassin in there to team up on Koloff. This face turn for Koloff had zero heat. The fans chant Nikita but of course he doesn’t show up to save this thing. We also go to commercial mid-beatdown. What a mess this was.

• Rating: *1/2

Sting vs. (c) Barry Windham (w/JJ Dillon) – NWA US Heavyweight Title

Quick offense from Sting to get us started. That leads to the predictable Windham retreat just a few minutes in. Sting keeps the momentum going and Windham has no counter. That is, until Sting misses the elbow drop.

Now we have Windham on the attack as he tosses Sting to the outside. Windham brings Sting back inside with a suplex as Windham yells at John Ayers ringside. Sting desperately goes for the small package but only gets a two. Windham then posts himself and Sting finishes that off by sending him to the outside.

Windham back inside and busted wide open. Hopefully the Georgia Athletic Commission doesn’t stop this match. Maybe they aren’t morons like the Maryland one. Sting with the back rake and now he’s kicking Windham’s ass. However, Windham is back, and we’re going back and forth.

Figure Four time as Windham uses the ropes for leverage. He also gets help from Dillon, who has been surprisingly quiet in this match. Tommy Young forces the break and Sting’s knee is in bad shape. We get to THE CLAW, which is locked on Sting’s boob and not his head. That’s a positive. Sting gets out of it and we work our way to the inevitable ref bump.

Stinger Splash and he locks in the Scorpion Death Lock. Dillon gets in with a chair but Sting cleans his clock. Windham grabs the chair and whacks Sting with it. Young is finally back and he counts, but BIG JOHN AYERS is in the ring to stop the count. He explains that Windham used the chair and Young believes him, thus giving us a DQ finish at 21:14. Crowd goes crazy for this and then Ayers picks up Dillon and gives him a stern talking to in the corner.

Just like every big match during this time period for JCP, the finish overshadows the quality of the match. It was very good.

Rating: ***3/4

Blake’s Clash of the Champions III Awards

• Best Match: Brad Armstrong vs. Mike Rotunda
• Clash of the Champions III MVP: Brad Armstrong
• Overall Clash of the Champions III Rating: 7.0/10
• Thoughts: Aside from the Dusty pinning a guy that wasn’t in the match and the Russian Chain aftermath, this was an entertaining show. The Armstrong/Rotundo opener is a hidden gem, and the main event was great until the finish. But all the head-scratching moves would catch up with JCP, and we’ll find out what that meant from the company’s future when we get to the next show.

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

It’s going to be hard for the NWA to top the first Clash of the Champions. After all, it’s one of the greatest shows in wrestling history. So, don’t go into the Clash of the Champions II review expecting pure greatness.

But hey, these men are going to try, and effort is all we can ask for. This is also a month before the big Great American Bash pay per view.

Let’s jump right into Blake’s Clash of the Champions II review.

• Date: June 8, 1988
• Location: James L. Knight Center in Miami, FL

IN THE PARKING LOT: Jim Ross is on limousine duty. A bunch of random people get out that apparently we’re supposed to know.

OUTSIDE THE RING: Tony Schiavone and Bob Caudle prep us for the night.

Brad Armstrong vs. (c) Barry Windham (w/JJ Dillon) – US Heavyweight Title

So this was when Windham had just made one of the most shocking heel turns in wrestling history and joined the Four Horsemen. The last time we saw him at the first Clash of the Champions, he and Lex Luger had just won the tag titles from Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard in an insanely awesome match. Well, on April 20 in Jacksonville, he turned on Luger and allowed Arn and Tully to win back the straps. The people HATED this guy.

Armstrong forces Windham to retreat early much to the crowd’s delight. Windham had so much heat that he made Armstrong’s offense sound like it was coming from Hulk Hogan. There’s also a little kid in the crowd with a painted face holding up a glitter sign that says “Wimp.” Outstanding. There’s also a lot of blondes in the crowd. It’s Miami in the late 80s, so it’s to be expected.

Badass Barry Windham is much preferred to Rest Hold Barry Windham. This is surprisingly good back and forth, and eventually Windham locks on the Figure Four. Dillon helps him with some leverage as referee Teddy Long isn’t seeing any of this. He’s probably too busy thinking about booking tag team matches on Smackdown. Anyways, Armstrong manages to hold on here and attempt to reverse it. This hold has been locked in for a few minutes at this point. That’s a bit long yes? Finally, Long sees the cheating and forces the break.

Armstrong gets tossed outside and Windham is such a bastard playing to the crowd. It’s beautiful. Back inside and Windham goes up top but misses the flying drop. Armstrong now in control and the people are eating it up with a spoon. Flying cross body off the top and Armstrong almost wins the title. He goes up top and lands another one but Windham reverses and locks in THE CLAW. He gets the pin to retain at 13:35. This was a very good opener with a lot of heat.

• Rating: ***1/4

OUTSIDE THE RING: Rock and Roll Express are back. They say that. That’s it.

ON A BOAT: Ric Flair and Lex Luger are on a damn yacht to sign the contract for their Great American Bash title match. Only in America. Crockett Jr. makes them sign it and they exit peacefully. Dear WWE, if you don’t want a contract signing that ends in a massive brawl, do it on a yacht. Learn from Flair and Luger.

IN THE PARKING LOT: Flair goes from a yacht to a limo. He and Arn and Tully are here to do what they do. After cutting the entrances for our next match, Luger arrives and gets jumped by Flair and company. At least they waited until after the contract signing? Luger is busted wide open.

The Sheepherders vs. (c) The Fantastics – US Tag Team titles

After getting screwed out of the titles in a Dusty Finish at the first Clash (in a **** match), the Fantastics managed to beat the Midnight Express to win them.

Good brawl to begin here, which is what you’d expect from the Sheepherders. Crowd loves them some Fantastics. Also a lot of USA chants going on. Sheepherders try to get sneaky with a double team, but it backfires and now the champs are trying to take back the momentum. But yet again Teddy Long isn’t seeing the shenanigans behind his back, which gives the Sheepherders the advantage once again. Teddy still dreaming of Smackdown I see.

We get a hilarious spot where Fulton and Rogers each try to pin both Sheepherders by themselves. Fun stuff. MORE SHENANIGANS BEHIND TEDDY’S BACK. GET IT TOGETHER, TED. Sheepherders use the belt to attack on the outside, and of course Teddy doesn’t see it. AND NOW WE GET A CHAIR SHOT BEHIND TEDDY’S BACK. Worst referee job ever.

Even more shenanigans, but Rogers manages to reverse and throw Luke into the chair that Butch was holding. Then we get a weird finish where the Fantastics get a roll-up for a pin and Teddy counts the three at 19:29, although Butch may have broke it up beforehand.

This match was entertaining, but just felt all over the place. It had an unusual flow to it.

• Rating: **1/2

OUTSIDE THE RING: Listen guys, Dr. Death Steve Williams was never a great promo guy. Let’s use his strengths, not his weaknesses. Schiavone just sort of gives a blank stare as he speaks about Luger’s condition after getting jumped.

Rick Steiner and Mike Rotundo (w/Kevin Sullivan) vs. Jimmy and Ronnie Garvin (w/Precious)

Williams is on commentary for this match. Clearly they didn’t listen to me. Sullivan is locked in the cage on the outside. Pretty much the entire match is centered around Sullivan begging Precious to let him out of the cage. The action on the inside isn’t all that good.

The big development is that Teddy sees Rotundo cheat and kicks his arms away from the ropes. REFEREE TEDDY IS BACK BABY. Apparently in the midst of Sullivan stealing the key and getting out, the Garvins won the match at 13:11.

Meanwhile, Sullivan is pretty aggressive in picking up Precious and throwing her on the apron. BUT DR. DEATH STEVE WILLIAMS IS TIRED OF TALKING AND NOW WANTS TO KICK SOME ASS. So he beats the hell out of Sullivan and checks on Precious in the ring. Then like any great man, he picks her up. Precious then pushes Jimmy for apparently not saving her. She walks out while a confused Jimmy looks on.

• Rating: *1/2

OUTSIDE THE RING: Schiavone and Caudle hype the upcoming scaffold match between the Road Warriors and the Powers of Pain at the Great American Bash. The best part? This match never actually happened. We’ll get to that at the Bash.

Al Perez (w/Gary Hart) vs. Nikita Koloff

Koloff just doesn’t have the same badass feel with the hair. Meanwhile, Al Perez has that Barry Horowitz hair. There is a girl in the crowd with a sign that says “Nikita isn’t just a hunk, he’s a super hunk.” Miami crowd’s sign game was sizzling on this night.

And here we go again. Koloff gets thrown to the outside and THAT DAMN TEDDY LONG LETS GARY HART TEE OFF ON HIM. This happens once more. FireTeddyLong.com. Get it started.

This match isn’t going much of anywhere. Crowd finally comes to life after a Koloff suplex. Schiavone starts comparing this to Flair/Luger and now I’m lost. But just as the match was finally getting started, out comes Larry Zbyszko to attack Koloff and cause the DQ at 11:51. This match lacked everything.

• Rating: 1/2*

Dusty Rhodes and Sting vs. (c) Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard (w/ JJ Dillon) – NWA World Tag Team Titles

Hot start for the good guys. Sting is full-on star status after the performance at Clash I against Flair. Dusty gets the tag and the crowd would marry these two men if they could.

Now we have Dillon getting the advantage on Dusty while TEDDY LONG HAS HIS DAMN BACK TURNED AGAIN. More back an forth, but Arn and Tully regain control by sending Sting outside. I don’t entirely understand why Sting is the one getting destroyed in this match and not Dusty.

But now we have the hot tag to Dusty and he destroys everyone in seconds, making Sting look like an even bigger loser for getting beat down for 7 or 8 minutes. Sting is so pissed that he THROWS TEDDY LONG HALFWAY TO EGYPT. About time someone did that tonight. Dusty then does the same. Well at least this Teddy incompetency angle led to a good payoff in the main event.

Total brawl breaks out with Windham and Flair coming in, so we get the no contest at 10:29. The match was fine, but another throwaway finish.

• Rating: **

Blake’s Clash of the Champions II Awards

• Best Match: Brad Armstrong vs. Barry Windham
• Show MVP: Brad Armstrong
• Overall Clash of the Champions II Rating: 4.5/10
• Thoughts: Well it obviously wasn’t gonna surpass Clash of the Champions I. This was nothing more than a build to the Bash the next month. Solid opener with Windham and Armstrong, and the Fantastics/Sheepherders was an entertaining mess. Everything else was just storyline advancement. Of course, the biggest highlight of the night was Teddy Long getting his comeuppance at the end of the evening.

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

After the abomination that was its first-ever pay-per-view in Bunkhouse Stampede 1988, the NWA was certainly feeling the heat, but you’ll see from the Clash of the Champions I review that they had quite a response.

Vince McMahon ran the Royal Rumble on free TV and the show quality blew the Bunkhouse Stampede out of the water. So here we are again. The NWA will try a counter of its own and run the inaugural Clash of the Champions on TBS, while McMahon and company roll along with WrestleMania IV.

There was little hope that the NWA could get this right, especially considering that it ran one of the worst shows ever just two months before. However, little did we know how much this show would change the pro wrestling landscape. SUSPENSE!

Let’s look at Blake’s Clash of the Champions I review.

Date: March 27, 1988

Location: Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, NC

Jimmy Garvin (w/Precious) vs. (c) Mike Rotundo (w/Kevin Sullivan) – Amateur Rules Match for the NWA TV Title

Our TV champion at Bunkhouse Stampede was Nikita Koloff, but he immediately lost the title after that to Rotundo. A very unique start to this show given the amateur rules emphasis. It’s worth noting that Teddy Long is the referee here.

Heated action in round one and Rotundo has all the momentum heading into round two. And business picks up as Sullivan grabs Precious onto the apron and Garvin goes after him. That leads to Rotundo scoring a pin. THEN ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE. Sullivan in the ring for the 2-on-1, then Rick Steiner comes in for the 3-on-1. THEN PRECIOUS NAILS RICK WITH A HACKSAW JIM DUGGAN 2×4. SHE ALSO USES A COAT HANGER TO CHOKE SULLIVAN. What a woman.

That abruptly ends the match at 6:10. It was nothing, but the fans were going ballistic.

• Rating: *1/2

ON THE STAGE: Dr. Death Steve Williams is back from his tour of Japan. He praises Dusty Rhodes. He also wants to be NWA champion and says he’s a bullet and no Superman in the NWA is gonna stop him.

The Fantastics vs. (c) Midnight Express (w/Jim Cornette) – NWA US Tag Team Titles

Chaos. We have pure chaos to start the match. People getting hit with chairs and all sorts of stuff. Pretty awesome. Tables get involved and the Fantastics are about as pissed as it gets. Even Cornette throws chairs at them. Pretty shocking how easy it is to get heat between two teams or wrestlers when you act like you hate each other and don’t cut cute promos to try to make people laugh. I’m looking at you, John Cena and Roman Reigns.

After some work on the good guys in the ring, the Midnights take it to the outside and slam Tommy Rogers on a table. Eaton then hits a bulldog on the table to make matters worse. Midnights bring Rogers back in and he’s on spaghetti legs. Finally he fights back to get the hot tag to Bobby Fulton, but as you would guess, the referee had his back turned and didn’t see it. FULTON DOES NOT GIVE A DAMN AND THROWS PEE WEE ANDERSON’S ASS OVER THE TOP ROPE. We have an all out brouhaha now with even Cornette getting clocked.

Fantastics hit the double team move on Eaton and pin him for the win at 10:15 thanks to a replacement ref. I BET YOU CAN’T GUESS WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.

Anderson comes in and says Fantastics have been DQ’d, and Midnight Express retain. DUSTY FINISH NO. 3,762 FOR THOSE KEEPING TRACK AT HOME. Cornette hammers both referees with the racket after the match, and then they destroy Fulton with a whip.

This match had an insane amount of heat and action. Phenomenal match, and had it not had the Dusty finish, it would have gotten an even higher rating. But still fantastic.

• Rating: ****

VIDEO: Eddie Haskell and Jim Cornette do a funny comedy bit.

ON THE STAGE: Gary Hart is here with Al Perez. Apparently everything has to do with Dusty Rhodes on this show. Williams talked about him earlier. We had the Dusty finish. Now we have superstar Al Perez saying he wants a shot at him. It’s almost as if Dusty was booking this show.

BACKSTAGE: Time for the announcement of the top 10 seeds for the Jim Crockett Memorial Cup. Here they are:

• 10. Ivan Koloff and Dick Murdoch

• 9. Sting and Ron Garvin

• 8. The Varsity Club

• 7. The Fantastics

• 6. Barry Windham and Lex Luger

• 5. Powers of Pain

• 4. Midnight Express

• 3. Road Warriors

• 2. Nikita Koloff and Dusty Rhodes

• 1. Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard

Dusty Rhodes and the Road Warriors vs. Ivan Koloff and Powers of Pain – Chicago Street Fight Barbed Wire Match

Yes it’s a street fight with the ropes wrapped in barbed wire. And immediately Barbarian and Koloff get their heads raked into the barbed wire. Animal still has the protective mask on his face after getting a weight thrown on it during the build to this match.

So, thus far we have Koloff bleeding profusely and Dusty also bleeding. The match has been nothing but the good guys in control. And seconds after I type that Animal gets the pin on Barbarian at 3:39.

After the match, Animal’s mask gets ripped off and Dusty saves the day to protect his friend’s eyeball. Your typical garbage brawl.

• Rating: *

ON THE STAGE: Nikita Koloff is back and sporting a nice head of hair. He’s also here to sport his poster that says “Get high on sports, not drugs.” That’s catchy. He says he doesn’t need a belt to be a champion. He’s right. The more I re-watch this guy, the more I love him. Well except for that Bobby Eaton match at the Stampede.

Barry Windham and Lex Luger vs. Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard (w/ JJ Dillon) – NWA World Tag Team Titles

Luger out here putting Tully in the Torture Rack just seconds into the match. That pisses Arn off and he and Tully go to work. Luger makes the quickest hot tag in wrestling history and now Windham is on a roll. Windham locks on the sleeper and somehow manages to keep it on as both men go to the floor. Hot start.

Arn picks up some steam, but quick near falls after a DDT and a spinebuster. The crowd is screaming and yelling uncontrollably right now. Windham gets in some good offense on Tully and both men go down eventually. After getting beat down, Windham struggles to find his corner and the crowd is eating this up. Slingshot from Tully but Windham kicks out at two and a half. This a case where the crowd takes a match up a ridiculous amount. Windham finally stumbles over and gets the hot tag to Luger.

And now we have Luger going to work on Arn until Tully cheap shots him on the apron. Arn hits a low blow while referee Tommy Young is tending to Windham and Tully brawling. That brings up Dillon who holds the chair for Arn to throw Luger into. Of course it backfires. Luger sends Arn into the chair and then pins him to win the titles at 9:35.

Holy hell. What an entertaining match and what an enormous amount of energy and heat from the crowd. It’s still shocking that this only went 9 minutes, as there was so much going on that it felt like it went much longer.  It was just as good as the Midnight Express/Fantastics match earlier in the night, and slightly better thanks to the finish.

• Rating: ****1/4

OUTSIDE THE RING: There must be a winner in the upcoming match between Sting and Ric Flair, so we have five judges outside the ring, two of which are Jason Hervey from The Wonder Years and Eddie Haskell from Leave It to Beaver. Then there’s a former Penthouse star in Patty Mullen and two guys in suits.

Sting vs. (c) Ric Flair (w/JJ Dillon) – NWA World Heavyweight Title

I said at Starrcade that it was more than obvious that Sting was a total star. Everyone knew that. So, thus began his ascent, with this being the biggest match of his life to this point. It was also a huge match for the NWA considering the competition and how well this entire show had gone.

The stipulation is that Dillon must be suspended above the ring in a cage to prevent any interference. Well at least he’s not on a pole like poor Judy Bagwell. Sting off to a good start and Flair tries to slow him down by regrouping on the outside. GORILLA SLAM from the Stinger sends this crowd into a frenzy. These people are jacked up on Mountain Dew or something. More great back and forth action, and then Jim Ross delivers the line of the night when the camera zooms in on judge Patty Mullen at ringside: “I’m sure she’s used to getting some action, but this is real action!” JIM ROSS OFF THE TOP ROPE ON A PENTHOUSE MODEL.

Flair delivers some massive chops to Sting, which angers this young man enough for him to take over the match again. Flair regains control, and NWA officials must’ve injected this crowd with a foreign substance prior to their entrance. They are reacting to every single move. Then again, that’s easy to do when you’re getting a good product. Match goes to the outside and Sting is getting thrown into the rails. Back inside, Flair is not happy and is taking it to the young chap. Flair decides he wants to go back outside and destroy Sting with a chair. Tommy Young chooses not to let that happen and takes it from him, so Flair just goes back to throwing him into the rails. Young ruining all the fun.

Sting makes his comeback and punches Flair over the top. Unfortunately, Stinger then goes flying into the ringpost and Flair gets away. After a hip toss and clothesline, Sting gets his first close fall of the match. And then he locks on the Scorpion Death Lock but Flair finds the ropes instantly. More back and forth drama and then Sting hits a massive flying body off the top to get the near fall. Sting is now a star and there’s nothing anyone can do about it.

And Flair sends Sting back to the outside and Stinger’s knee is in trouble. Like any great wrestler, Flair then turns all his focus to the knee. We’re at the 30-minute mark and this continues to tell a good story. Flair now locks in the Figure Four and Dillon is up there ecstatic in his cage. Young has no idea Flair is using the ropes for leverage but Sting won’t give up. Sting starts stinging up and manages to flip it over. Flair won’t give up and they are both back to their feet.

Flair tries to suplex Sting over the ropes and to the outside, but it gets reversed. A couple of more counters by both men and we’re at 35 minutes. Sting racks the mini Flairs on the post and transitions that right into using Flair’s Figure Four. Sting lets up and then yells at JJ in his cage. Flair is irate now and so he pushes Young, so Young pushes him back and knocks Flair down. Sting then sends Flair over the top of the judges and to the outside.

Only five minutes left in the time limit. Sting hits a big clothesline and Flair gets the foot on the rope at the last second. Flair is busted open now and Sting goes for the splash in the corner but literally flies over post and onto the floor as Flair gets out of the way. Fans are getting anxious as three minutes remaining is announced.

Now we’ve got Flair trying to throw Sting out of the ring as much as possible to make it to the time limit. Sting is back in and both men get two VERY close falls. Flair off the top and his momentum allows Sting to attempt the pin. Another close two count. And here’s Sting going wild with one minute remaining.

Sting hits the splash in the corner and then locks in the Scorpion Death Lock at 30 seconds. The countdown is on, but of course, Flair does not give up as time expires.

It’s now time to go to the judges. Mullen gives the match to Flair and he invites her back to his hotel room (at least that’s what I heard). It winds up being two for Sting, two for Flair, and one with a draw. So much for these judges mattering.

As for the match itself, it’s simply unbelievable. Sting was made to look like a star, and Flair was made to look like an even bigger star than he already was. Unlike the tag matches earlier that managed to pack a story into 10 minutes, this one slowly built and told a story for 45. And did it masterfully. Incredible match from start to finish.

• Rating: ****1/2

Blake’s Clash of the Champions I Awards

• Best Match: Sting vs. Ric Flair
• Show MVP: Ric Flair
• Overall Clash of the Champions I Rating: 9.0/10
• Thoughts: One of the greatest shows in wrestling history. You have three 4-star matches, and everything flowed flawlessly. The two tag matches are two of the best 10-minute tag matches you’ll ever see, and the Flair vs. Sting match would set the course for Sting to become a mega star. And all this came from the same company that put on perhaps one of the worst shows ever just two months prior.

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

The Starrcade 1989 review features the biggest show of the year for WCW, and they’ve decided to experiment with not one but two tournaments at the same event.

If you’re already wondering how they’re gonna pull this off, that should give you a good idea of how things unfold.

Let’s jump into Blake’s Starrcade 1989 review.

• Date: December 13, 1989
• Location: Omni Coliseum in Atlanta, GA

ON THE STAGE: Jim Ross welcomes us and he has Terry Funk and Jim Cornette with him to analyze the tournaments. Cornette explains the point system for the tag team tournament.

ON THE STAGE: All four tag teams are introduced as they stand on the stage. It’s worth noting that the Skyscrapers were scheduled to be in this but Sid punctured a lung after suffering a broken rib in the match at the Clash. So we’re getting the Wild Samoans instead. The Steiners easily get the biggest reaction. The incredible 1989 pyro goes off and Cappetta reminds us again of the scoring system as the teams stand around.

Doom (w/Woman and Nitron) vs. The Steiner Brothers – Iron Team Tournament

Scott and Simmons start things off before a Steiner line brings Rick into the fold. Cornette keeps reminding us of this silly point system, which is usually not a good thing if you’re having to repeat it this much. Big belly to belly suplex from Rick sends the crowd in a frenzy. Steiners continue to control the match for a while until Scott misses a clothesline and flies over the top onto the floor. That allows Nitron to go to work with the ref’s back turned. OFFICIATING WAS NOT WCW’S STRONG SUIT, FOLKS. Powerslam from Simmons gets a near fall and now Doom is on a roll with more underhanded tactics from Nitron on the outside.

Lots of double teams from Doom as Rick gets pissed. Huge spine buster from Simmons on Scott for another near fall. There’s only four minutes left in the time limit at this point, and Doom turns up the heat again. Suplex on Scott on the apron but he reverses it into a pinfall attempt BUT GUESS WHAT? There’s no referee as he’s distracted elsewhere. Scott reverses a piledriver attempt from Reed and hits a belly to belly suplex. Hot tag to Rick and he clotheslines the hell out of Doom.

Double team move from Doom and they send Rick into the ropes where he gets grabbed by Nitron. That sends Rick to the outside where he clotheslines Nitron to the ground. Both teams brawl outside and just as we think we’re getting the double countout, Rick sneaks in the ring before the 10 count to pick up the win at 12:24. This was decent, as the crowd was just so insane for the Steiners at this point in their careers.

• Rating: **

ON THE STAGE: Cappetta introduces us to the four participants in the Iron Man tournament. They are raising a separate curtain for all these guys and it’s taking forever for the curtains to actually come up.

Sting vs. Lex Luger – Iron Man Tournament

Ross and Funk say that Sting and Luger will control the direction of pro wrestling in the 90s, and they weren’t off by all that much. Luger hits the road to get to the back as soon as they get in the ring but Sting chases after him and brings him back in. Great sequence shortly after with Luger missing a clothesline and Sting walloping him with a clothesline of his own while on the apron. Splash from the apron into the ring gives Sting a two count. Sting keeps going wild and Luger retreats again to the outside. Luger grabs the legs and pulls Sting out to gain control for a second before Sting throws Luger’s head off the rail. Huge clothesline on Luger and this match is on pure cocaine right now.

Back inside and Sting immediately hits the cross body off the top for a near fall. Luger tries to counter another move but Sting hits him with another clothesline. Sting goes to work on the arm before Luger gives him the Irish whip into the corner, where Sting jumps off for the cross body and another two count. THIS MATCH IS ROCKET FUEL. Luger with another Irish whip but Sting hits the knee to block the offense. Dropkick and a two from Sting before he goes off the top for the cross body, but Luger catches him and hits the inverted atomic drop.

Luger in control now and he starts kicking Sting’s midsection like crazy. Luger sends Sting outside and throws him off the rail before he gives us the BOOB FLEX. Just incredible. Luger off the top with the double axe handle for a near fall and the time limit is now coming into play. Sting fights back with three minutes left and they exchange punches. Luger with a power slam and he goes for the rack but Sting gets out. Sting starts no-selling everything and goes on offense.

Sting with a suplex but he only gets a two count with a minute left. They fight on the apron and then we get a somewhat botched spot where the timing was clearly off as they clothesline each other back into the ring and Luger uses the ropes to get the pin at 11:31. Well, things started off hot but the finish left a lot to be desired.

• Rating: **1/2

Doom (w/Woman and Nitron) vs. The Road Warriors (w/Paul Ellering) – Iron Team Tournament

This should tell you a lot about the booking of this tournament, as it makes zero sense why Doom would be wrestling their second match before the Samoans have been in once. Ross explains its due to a random match order, which once again does not make sense. This was typical WCW trying to complicate things that really aren’t that complicated. Hawk and Animal in control early, and Doom has pretty much gotten zero offense in to this point in their two matches. Powerslam from Hawk and now Doom starts to get some offense.

Hawk gets in to try to turn the tide but he goes shoulder first into the post and flies to the outside. Slingshot under the bottom rope to Hawk as Cornette points out Bill Apter’s atrocious red sweater at ringside. Near fall on Hawk and Woman helps out a headlock by holding the feet with the ref unaware. Double team from Doom and the crowd is silent. Elbow off the top for two on Hawk and then another near fall after that. Crowd finally back into it with the CHINLOCK OF DOOM in full effect on Hawk. The chinlock may last the entire time limit at this point.

Animal gets the hot tag and eventually all four are in the ring. Ref gets distracted with Simmons and that allows Hawk to come off the top for the clothesline and Animal gets the pin at 8:31. This was not very good.

• Rating: *

The Great Muta (w/Gary Hart) vs. Ric Flair (w/Arn Anderson and Ole Anderson) – Iron Man Tournament

Quick start as Flair goes for the hip toss but Muta reverses. Kicks and fists from Muta before hitting the handspring elbow. The two go back and forth and then Flair goes to work on the leg. Flair locks in the Figure Four and Hart calls for help, which sends out the Dragonmaster and Buzz Sawyer. Arn and Ole go after them and Flair gets distracted.

Muta kicks Flair in the back and hits the backbreaker before going up top. But Flair gets the knees up and uses the inside cradle to earn the pin at 1:55. So, Muta goes from unbeatable to losing via a small package in under two minutes. Considering that this felt like one of the biggest matches on the card, this was a total disappointment.

• Rating: 1/2*

The Steiner Brothers vs. The Road Warriors (w/Paul Ellering) – Iron Team Tournament

The burnout is real for the crowd at this point and we’re only five matches into the show. The crowd also have no idea what to do since these are the two most popular teams in the company. Huge clothesline from Hawk on Rick for a two count. Rick hits a big clotheslines on Animal and Cornette points out that the crowd doesn’t know what to do. Belly to belly from Rick and Hawk comes in to break up the pin. Military press and slam from Hawk on Scott before Rick makes the save. Big boot from Hawk to Scott for another two count.

Belly to belly from Scott to Animal and two count again. Hawk and Animal regain control and the crowd is still quiet. Scott delivers a belly to belly off the top to Hawk and it’s a botch as Hawk nearly loses his head. That was just brutal to watch. Hawk quickly gets a tag and he’s clearly in pain on the outside. Ellering goes over to check on him to make sure he’s fine.

More back and forth, with Rick coming in to break up a pin. That infuriates Hawk who may have a concussion at this point. All four men brawl in the ring and we get Hawk off the top while Animal holds Scott. And wouldn’t you know it, but this leads to Animal going for the bridge pin on Scott and the ref counts the three as Scott throws his arm up. Animal’s arms were apparently down, so we get another shit finish with the Steiners getting the win at 7:27.

Not only is it idiotic to have these two teams face off in this setting, but it’s even more idiotic to have the Steiners essentially be handed a controversial win which forces a segment of the crowd to now boo them. The match was boring and did not make anyone look good.

• Rating: *

The Great Muta (w/Gary Hart) vs. Sting – Iron Man Tournament

Muta in control early as Funk reminds us that a draw does nothing for either man. Sting with a snap suplex for two and then he works on the arm. Sting goes for the Scorpion Deathlock but Muta retreats outside as Hart massages Muta’s belly. That’s a dedicated manager right there. Nice elbow drop from Muta and then he goes for the bridge submission. Sting reverses over and eventually gets a military press slam for a near fall. Another two count and Sting goes back to the chin lock.

Muta drives Sting to the corner and hammers away on him. That leads to Muta going up top for the moonsault but Sting moves, with Muta managing to land on his feet and deliver a big kick. Muta back up top and Sting drop kicks him, which leaves Muta straddled. Sting goes up and hits the superplex to grab the victory at 8:41. Muta loses yet again, but it was a pretty entertaining match.

• Rating: **1/2

ON THE STAGE: Ross, Cornette, and Funk discuss the standings.

The Wild Samoans (w/The Big Kahuna) vs. Doom (w/Woman and Nitron) – Iron Team Tournament

Now we really get a taste of how bad this concept is with fans having to decide how to respond to two heel teams fighting each other. Huge slam from Samoan Savage gets zero reaction from the crowd, and they have pretty much boycotted this match at this point. Cappetta tells us five minutes have gone by, and that’s four minutes and 30 seconds too long for this thing.

Business picks up a little when Reed heaves Savage outside into the railing. Back inside and double team from Doom with ref’s back turned. That leads to a horrible looking body slam, and Fatu gets a mild tag which leads to a four-man brawl. Humperdink pulls some shenanigans and Fatu gets the pin at 8:22. This was atrocious.

• Rating: DUD

Lex Luger vs. Ric Flair – Iron Man Tournament

Luger with some early stalling at he berates the crowd. It’s hilarious how many fans were openly giving the heels the middle finger in this era. They didn’t give a damn. Side headlock from Luger and then he retreats again when Flair starts to make a comeback. That doesn’t work for long as Flair chops the boob muscles out of Luger. Flair then goes for the wrist lock as Luger takes the time to yell at the fans mid-hold. This version of Luger was simply the best. However, what was not the best was his chest as it looks rough after the chops.

Luger eventually gets out of the hold but Flair hits the double-arm suplex for a near fall. Luger throws Flair down by the hair but that leads to another insane chop. Extended arm lock from Flair until Luger gets the eye rack to regain control. Sunset flip from Flair gets a two, then a quick inside cradle gets another two. Flair with another pin attempt and now it’s back to the wrist lock. Luger takes advantage by dropping Flair across the rope. Luger with more offense as he kicks in the corner as Flair is selling like a champ.

Big clothesline from Luger before dropping three straight elbows to the chest for a near fall. There’s lots of talk of the time limit at this point, so it’s safe to assume where this is headed. Luger sends Flair to the outside, and when Flair gets back on the apron, Lugers hits the STONE COLD STUNNER which sends Flair down on the apron. Luger goes for a suplex but Flair counters to send both men to the mat. Flair reverses a Luger move and gets two and a half. They exchange punches and chops, and then we get an awesome sequence where Flair flips in the corner and runs to the opposite turnbuckle to come off the top, but Luger counters with a vicious clothesline. That leads to another two count on Flair.

Another reversal from Flair leads to a near fall on Luger, and the crowd has lost their minds at this point. Punches from Luger in the corner, and we’re down to a minute left in the time limit. Flair goes up top but Luger throws him off. Luger goes for the elbow but misses, and Flair hits the suplex and locks in the Figure Four. Luger hangs on for about 15 seconds which leads to the draw at what was actually 17:15. It had its slow moments, but easily the best thing on the show thus far.

• Rating: ***

The Wild Samoans (w/The Big Kahuna) vs. The Steiner Brothers – Iron Team Tournament

We get what feels like an hour’s worth of taunting from both teams before bell even rings, which isn’t ideal on a bloated show like this one. Rick hits the Steiner line and apparently he yanked out one of Fatu’s braids in the process. Rick puts it in his own hair as Humperdink leads the Samoans down the aisle way. For some reason the referee decides to not even start a count and instead just strolls down the tell them to get back to the ring. Even Ross says it’s bad officiating.

Back inside where Rick hits another huge clothesline to send Fatu reeling. Savage makes a switch with Fatu without the ref noticing, and now we’ve got Rick and Savage on all fours. Scott gets the tag and we get another Steiner line. Cornette is awesome on commentary here, but that’s no surprise. Samoans go for a double team with Rick gets back in but it’s botched and Fatu gets nailed. That leads to Fatu jumping in and pushing Savage. They eventually hug and Scott gets sent outside before getting his Steiners racked on the steel rail.

More double teaming from the Samoans as they are legitimately going to work on Scott’s penis and balls. The penis and balls attack works every time, folks. Scott gets thrown over the top as apparently we’re already 10 minutes into this thing. Bearhug on Scott and more double teaming from the Samoans as Rick is losing it. Back to the bearhug and a power slam gets a two on Scott.

Eventually we get the Frankensteiner from Scott that pretty much gets no sold as Savage gets the tag in. Only a minute left in the time limit as there’s confusion whether Rick tagged in, but he runs wild on the Samoans and since this company can’t get out of its own way, the referee confuses the hell out of everyone by calling for the DQ on Rick at 14:05. One of the dumbest finishes in company history, and that’s saying something.

Rating: *

The Great Muta (w/Gary Hart) vs. Lex Luger – Iron Man Tournament

Luger really sells the leg on the way to the ring after the Figure Four from Flair, and that is a lost art these days. Luger goes up for a leapfrog and immediately the knee gives way. Muta goes right after it with vicious kicks that send Luger outside. Muta continues his attack for a bit until Luger tries to go on offense but the leg gives out again as he goes for a suplex. The referee is repeatedly asking Luger if he wants to stop the match, but Muta has no desire to stop kicking ass.

More begging from Luger for Muta to stop but that doesn’t happen. Handspring elbow from Muta, and he goes at the leg once again. Luger breaks out and hits a few elbows before getting a two count. Muta side sweeps the leg again as Ross and Funk remind us that the crowd is clueless as to what the hell to do since they hate both men. Muta with an INVERTED INDIAN DEATHLOCK before destroying the leg yet again. Now with four minutes to go as Muta hits a vicious karate kick and a dropkick. But Luger gets a burst of energy and hits a clothesline.

The two men exchange punches and we’re at two minutes. Luger slings Muta outside and Hart helps him onto the apron. Muta flips over and Luger tries to hold onto the rope for leverage but the ref kicks his arm away with force before a quick two from Muta. Powerslam from Luger and we’re at a minute. Luger goes for the rack but the leg doesn’t allow it and Muta blows the mist in Luger’s face for the DQ at 14:15. Another terrible finish, but the DQ was obvious considering that anything else would’ve given Luger the tournament victory.

• Rating: **1/2

The Wild Samoans (w/The Big Kahuna) vs. The Road Warriors (w/Paul Ellering)

If the Warriors get a pin or submission, they win the tournament. If the Samoans win in any form or fashion, they win the tournament. But folks, if it’s a draw, the Steiners and Samoans will have a WRESTLE-OFF to decide the winner. Let’s hope someone wins this match so we don’t have to see that again. Piledriver right from the start from Fatu, but Animal no sells that thing and clotheslines him. Hawk in and Savage nearly breaks his neck with an awful belly to belly suplex. No one is selling a damn thing here. You’ve gotta love it.

More back and forth until we get what looks like another botched spot where Fatu goes for a back drop and Animal barrels into him and they both just fall down. Savage goes up top for a big move but Animal moves and gets the hot tag to Hawk. Flying shoulder block and here comes the four-man brawl. Fatu gets racked after going for a top rope move, and then we get another botch-like sequence where Animal goes to miss a clothesline but runs into Savage.

That leads to him stumbling over to catch a clothesline off the top from Hawk for the win at 5:18. The Road Warriors win the tournament, but this match was horrendous. The Steiners come into congratulate them after the match.

• Rating: DUD

Sting vs. Ric Flair – Iron Man Tournament

Ross asks Funk to explain who needs to win here, and I’m as confused as ever. Basically a win for either man gives them the tournament a draw gives Luger the tournament. Hip toss from Sting and Flair retreats to the outside. Flair sits Sting on the turnbuckle and then backs away for some reason. Great back and forth sequence and Sting delivers the military press slam as Flair gets angry and gives Sting a hard shove. But Sting returns the favor and sends Flair reeling. Sting gets a near fall and Flair gets up to chop him silly. More chops from Flair but Sting regains control with back-to-back dropkicks.

Clothesline from Sting gets another two count. Flair tosses Sting outside and then throws him into the steel railing. Funk plays up Flair embracing his bad side here. Flair snaps Sting’s neck off the top rope and then suplexes him back into the ring for a two count. Flair drops the knee to Sting’s head and then gets an abdominal stretch into near fall, with Flair now yelling at the ref to count faster. Another big suplex for a near fall and Flair is getting pissed. Double-arm suplex from Flair gets yet another two count. He slings Sting into the corner but Sting fires back with a huge clothesline to send Flair retreating.

Chops on the outside and Sting ain’t selling that shit. Back on the apron, and Sting flips over for the pin but Flair nails him in the head. Flair goes to suplex Sting outside but Sting reverses and suplexes back in the ring for a two. Sting gets Flair in the corner and hits some punches before a hip toss and clothesline for two. That leads to Sting whipping Flair into the corner and it’s STINGER SPLASH time as Flair hits the mat. Sting goes for the Scorpion Death Lock and locks it in but Flair gets to the ropes. Flair now locks in the Figure Four but Sting gets to the ropes. Two minutes left as Flair goes to work on the leg. More chops from Flair and he keeps going after the leg.

Flair gets the headlock but we get a bridge up with Sting taking him over for a two count. One minute now and Flair delivers more damage to the leg. Flair now just strutting around with 30 seconds left and he goes for the Figure Four but Sting grabs him for the inside cradle to win the tournament at 14:30. Arn Anderson and Ole Anderson hit the ring as Flair holds Sting’s arm up. Arn then does the Four Horsemen signal to signify Sting’s involvement with the group. The only match on the show that came anywhere close to great.

• Rating: ***3/4

ON THE STAGE: Gordon Solie with the Road Warriors, who talk about their win. Gordon cuts off Animal as they just sit there and wait for Sting. The credits then roll as we hear Flair start his interview. So Sting wins the thing, and the show goes off the air just as he’s starting his interview. Makes sense.

SHOW SUMMARY

Aside from the main event, this show was terrible. Having two tournaments in one night was a stupid idea on all levels, and the booking and moronic finishes didn’t help matters at all.

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

A lot of changes going on in the NWA, but luckily, the Chi-Town Rumble 1989 review features a main event that cannot fail.

That’s right: Ric Flair vs. Ricky Steamboat for the NWA World Heavyweight Title.

Let’s jump into one of the most memorable main events ever with Blake’s Chi-Town Rumble 1989 review!

• Date: February 20, 1989
• Location: Chicago, IL

ANNOUNCE BOOTH: Jim Ross and Magnum TA welcome us and run down the card for the evening.

Michael P.S. Hayes vs. Russian Assassin No. 1 (w/Paul Jones)

Not exactly a hot opener here. Hayes starts off with the momentum and makes Assassin look silly. We work to Assassin being on the offensive, and before you know it, Gary Michael Cappetta is saying 10 minutes have already gone by. Wow.

Jones gets involved while the ref’s back is turned, much to the surprise of no one. Hayes rebounds and goes for the bulldog, but Assassin counters. Then Hayes manages to counter a Russian move and hits the suplex. He goes to drop the elbow, but once again that pesky Russian moves. Another counter from Hayes that sends the Assassin into the post.

Hayes then turns around and nails the DDT for the win at 15:48. This was slow at times, but surprisingly I didn’t completely hate it.

• Rating: *1/2

BACKSTAGE: Ricky Steamboat is with little Dragon and his wife. He’s ready to rock and roll tonight. START THE MATCH RIGHT NOW.

Sting vs. Hacksaw Butch Reed (w/Hiro Matsuda)

Sting with the pink tights in this one. Back and forth to start and then Sting gets some hot spots with the arm drag and dropkick. Lots of rest holds now with the arm bar on Reed. Once Reed works his way out of it, he sends Sting flying to the outside.

Now we’ve got Reed slowing the pace. This is dragging. Matsuda gets involved and chokes out Sting while Teddy Long has his back turned for the 9,374th time in the past six matches. Sleeper hold from Reed and Sting fights his way up, but goes right back down. Eventually Sting gets out and goes up top. Reed uses the knees to take Sting down.

It feels like this match should have been over five minutes ago. But it’s still going. And here’s another rest hold spot on Sting. Thankfully, Sting makes his move and hits a barrage of offense. Reed uses the ropes to try and steal the pin, but Long sees it and knocks his hands off the ropes. Sting reverses with a pin of his own for the win at 20:07.

Well, 20 minutes for this match was entirely unnecessary and it dragged quite a bit until the finish.

• Rating: *1/2

BACKSTAGE: Paul E. Dangerously pulls the ol’ switcheroo and says Jack Victory will be teaming with Randy Rose tonight against the Midnight Express. He says that the Midnights knew Dennis Condrey best and that’s who they were preparing for, so he let Dennis take a vacation. Of course, in actuality, he had left the promotion.

The Original Midnight Express and Paul E. Dangerously vs. The Midnight Express and Jim Cornette – Loser Leaves NWA Match

Good guys with the hot start and Cornette drops an elbow on Victory to a massive pop from the crowd. Then we get a spot where Paul E is playing to the crowd and turns around and slaps Rose in the face. Needless to say, he thought it was Lane. Near fall on Rose after that.

Action really picks up when Rose tosses Eaton off the apron directly onto the steel railing. Back inside and Paul E gets tagged in while Eaton is down. He delivers punches and kicks before weaseling out when Eaton gets back up. Eaton tags in Cornette and he says he wants Paul E. So he charges at Paul E but Rose hammers him from behind. Then Rose tags in Paul E and he starts going to work on Cornette’s back.

Cornette gets the upper hand back and that leads to Paul E making the tag. Rose and Victory beat the hell out of Cornette until Eaton changes the game with a bulldog on Victory. Cornette then makes the tag to Lane. A lot of good work from both sides now, and we finally get the big spot where Cornette gets in and goes to town on a hurt Paul E. Cornette hits a clothesline from hell but Rose comes in. Cornette does some flipping and makes the hot tag to Lane who kicks everyone into oblivion.

Rose tries to gain an advantage and goes up top but misses. Midnight then hit the finisher for the victory at 15:54. This was very good. You knew it would be with the workers involved and the awesomeness of the Cornette/Paul E feud.

• Rating: ***

BACKSTAGE: Ric Flair is ready for Steamboat and guarantees victory.

Mike Rotundo vs. (c) Rick Steiner (w/Scott Steiner) – TV Title

Worth noting that this is Scott’s first-ever appearance. I think these Steiner guys might have a future. Rotundo retreats a few times early and stares down Scott on the outside. Steiner in complete control for the first several minutes of the match. JR brings up Rotundo’s impressive run through the NFL PUNT, PASS, AND KICK COMPETITION. That’s the kind of depth that you can’t find anywhere else.

Rotundo finally takes control and uses the ropes for leverage on an abdominal stretch. JR continues his crazy amount of insight into Rotundo’s amateur wrestling career. Back and forth we go again, and the crowd loves them some Rick Steiner. Lateral press from Steiner gets near fall and then he goes up top but Rotundo moves out of the way at the last second.

We go outside the ring and Rotundo rams the shoulder into the post. Rick busted open now. Another perfectly executed punt, pass, and kick reference from JR. Steiner hits a hell of powerslam back inside the ring for another close count. And since a good wrestling match isn’t enough, Kevin Sullivan comes out and grabs a mic and insinuates that he’s taken Steiner’s dog. Woof.

Steiner gets back in and Rotundo hits an immediate suplex. But Steiner takes back over and works in the sleeper hold as Cappetta announces five minutes left in the time limit. They then do the spot when they fall to the mat with Steiner holding on the sleeper, but his shoulders are on the mat so Teddy counts the three for a new champ at 16:21. This was good stuff until the finish.

• Rating: ***

Lex Luger vs. (c) Barry Windham (w/Hiro Matsuda) – US Heavyweight Title

Immediate sleeper hold from Luger but Windham counters with a back suplex. Luger no sells it and then hits the press slam. Windham with the retreat outside, and damn was Windham awesome during this stretch of his career. Absolutely awesome.

Luger slamming Windham all over the place, and hits a big clothesline for a near fall. Luger reaches into the bag of tricks for a top rope move and it goes about as well as you’d expect it to. He misses and rolls all the way to the outside. Windham in control now, but he rams the CLAW hand right into the post. He’s selling it like a champ.

Windham keeps on the offensive but Windham can barely lift the hand. Luger bleeding more than he did at Great American Bash ’88 as well. Windham sits Luger up top to go for the superplex and hits it. He drops the elbow but the pin only gets a two. Then in the same exact spot from the match before, Windham hits the belly to back suplex and his shoulders are on the mat as referee Tommy Young counts the three at 10:43. New champ.

After the match, Windham delivers a piledriver to Luger on the belt and then crushes him over the head with it.

• Rating: ***

The Road Warriors (w/Paul Ellering) vs. (c) Kevin Sullivan and Steve Williams – NWA World Tag Team Titles

We get a hoss showdown between Animal and Williams early. Big powerslam from Animal sends Doc retreating as Hawk makes his way into the match. Doc comes back with a press slam but Hawk clotheslines him right out of his singlet. Animal gets thrown to the outside as Teddy Long continues his run of stupidity by not seeing Sullivan nail Animal with a chair.

Sullivan works over Animal in the ring and that becomes the theme. Doc comes in and does the same as Animal fights to make the tag. HOT TAG time to Hawk and he runs over everyone. He goes for a pin on Sullivan but Doc makes the save. Then we get Hawk and Doc on the outside while Animal and Sullivan fight inside.

Then all four are back in the ring, and Animal gets pinned by Doc at the same time Hawk is pinning Sullivan. Teddy counts the three, and awards the Road Warriors the win and title at 8:27 since Hawk/Sullivan were the legal men. I wasn’t a fan of this at all.

• Rating: *

VIDEO: We see all of the events that led up to the Steamboat/Flair match. Here we go.

Ricky Steamboat vs. (c) Ric Flair (w/Hiro Matsuda) – NWA World Heavyweight Title

Several near falls in the early going from Steamboat, which sends Flair outside to regroup. Vicious chops from both men and then Steamboat lands the back body drop to Flair. More hellacious chops after that and Flair is pissed. Steamboat then goes to work with hammerlocks and headlocks.

Flair gets up and they are beating the holy hell out of each other with chops. Steamboat then delivers a FUCKING CHOP FROM HELL to get a two count. Shoulder block from Flair, but Steamboat right back up to give him more chops and send him to the mat on the outside. Steamboat sucks chants start up as both men now inside.

This is absolutely masterful work at this point. If you’re reading this, chances are, you already know how good this match was. But even in the first several minutes, it’s clear that these are two dudes on a completely different page from everyone else.  More chops from both men and then the pace picks up with Flair catching Steamboat with a back elbow. Steamboat fights back once again with the chops and sends him over the top and to the floor.

Flair with the underhanded move to drag Steamboat to the outside. He throws Steamboat off the rails right in front of Dave Meltzer and then beats him with vicious chops. Meltzer totally losing his shit for every move. Double-arm suplex on the inside from Flair for a near fall. And then we get another exchange of chops before Flair flops over the post and then goes up top for a TERRIFIC spot. He jumps off the top and Steamboat reverses into a pin that gets two and a half. The roof almost came off the building.

Now the crowd is all in on Steamboat and chants his name as Flair locks on the Figure Four. Steamboat hammers the mat in pain (which was back when tapping the mat didn’t result in giving up), as the crowd continues to try and help Steamboat. Flair goes for the ropes and Tommy Young makes him break the hold.

Both men up on their feet and MORE CHOPS. Irish whip from Steamboat and it ends with both men going over the top. Chops from both men on the outside and then Flair throws Steamboat into the post. Suplex from Flair gets another two and a half. Worth noting that JR is on fire here and Magnum TA is pretty good as well. Another suplex from Flair but Steamboat kicks out again. Flair starts showing signs of frustration as he goes over to intimidate Young.

Backbreaker from Flair and he puts his feet on the ropes, but Steamboat kicks out multiple times as Young isn’t seeing any of this. Steamboat then does a quick rollup as Flair taunts the crowd but another near fall. Flair throws Steamboat into the corner and Steamboat jumps up top only to miss a flying cross body. Both reverse moves and then the bridge works to Steamboat delivering the double arm suplex. Flair manages to get a foot on the rope before the three. Another near fall from Steamboat and WE ARE BACK TO SOME DAMN CHOPS.

Irish whip from Flair and Steamboat comes back with a clothesline. Then Steamboat delivers the judo chop and another flying tackle. Steamboat goes up top and hits the judo chop off the top rope. Steamboat back up top again and he hits the cross body but Young gets caught in the middle and goes down. Flair then goes for the rollup as Young is down but no count. Teddy Long comes down as Flair tosses Steamboat over the top. Flair goes over to check on Young, but at the same time, Steamboat goes up top and misses another flying cross body.

Flair then immediately goes over to lock in the Figure Four but Steamboat counters it into a small package for the three count at 23:07. There’s a reason why the series between these two was so highly regarded. This was simply spectacular.

• Rating: *****

BACKSTAGE: Bob Caudle catches up with Steamboat. All the good guys come in with the champagne to congratulate him.

SHOW SUMMARY

When your main event is five stars, it’s hard to look down on a show. But when you consider that the show also had three matches at three stars, it’s certainly a successful one. Outstanding show for the most part, as Steamboat and Luger’s title wins would set the course for what was to come for many months ahead.

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

Well, as we saw from the Clash of the Champions I review, it’s going to be nearly impossible for WrestleMania IV to be the best wrestling show on this particular night.

After Vince McMahon and company ran wild on Jim Crockett with the vastly superior Royal Rumble during the January showdown between the two promotions, it happened once again here, with the Clash being the one shown on free TV this time around.

Let’s jump right into Blake’s WrestleMania IV review.

• Date: March 27, 1988
• Location: Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic, NJ

ANNOUNCE BOOTH: Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse Ventura hype the tournament for the WWF title. Bob Uecker then makes his spectacular return after appearing at WrestleMania III.

The Hart Foundation, Young Stallions, Sika, Danny Davis, Killer Bees, Bad News Brown, Sam Houston, Rougeau Brothers, Ken Patera, Ron Bass, Junkyard Dog, Bolsheviks, Hillbilly Jim, Harley Race, George ‘The Animal’ Steele – 20 Man Battle Royal

The best memory I have from this show is just how long it was, as the VHS rental was two tapes. Little did we know how much longer these shows would get. Sika and Houston get thrown out early and George Steele is on the outside hanging around. He eventually eliminates Neidhart. Given the love to Jim Powers in recent PPVs, I’m still shocked that he didn’t win this match and eliminate all 19 men himself. He’s also juiced and tan, which is the Vince specialty. Davis gets eliminated and THEN JIM POWERS GETS TOSSED. Massive moment in the match.

Final four is JYD, Hart, Brown, and Roma. Brown tosses Roma, and the JYD does his thing on Hart and Brown. The bad guys team up on JYD and eventually send him packing. Strange finish with two bad guys remaining. Of course, then Brown turns on Bret. Gorilla’s “Pearl Harbor job” line makes an appearance, which is one of his greatest and most cruel lines ever.

Shortly after, Brown throws Bret over the top to win the gigantic trophy at 10:40. And then a good guy is made. Bret comes back in and throws Brown out before destroying the trophy. The people could never truly hate Bret. Nothing too thrilling in this battle royal.

• Rating: **1/2

IN THE RING: The Fink welcomes Robin Leach in the ring to read a proclamation for the title tournament. We also get a reminder that we’re at Trump Plaza and Casino. Bet that guy will run for president one day.

Hacksaw Jim Duggan vs. Ted DiBiase (w/Virgil and Andre the Giant) – WWF Title Tournament First Round

Let the tournament begin. Duggan controls early and the crowd simply can’t hate this guy. But let’s be honest here: there’s a better chance of Trump becoming president one day than Duggan winning this match. That joke would have been hilarious in 1988, but now, not so much.

After some shenanigans involving Andre knocking Duggan senseless, DiBiase gets the pin at 4:54. Just think, these two beat the hell out of each other during their Mid-South days. Now this.

• Rating: *1/2

BACKSTAGE: Brutus Beefcake with Gene Okerlund. Beefcake still can’t wrestle. Gene didn’t say that. I did.

Dino Bravo (w/Frenchy Martin) vs. Don Muraco (w/Superstar Billy Graham) – WWF Title Tournament First Round

Wish they would have put a camera on Vince’s face during this entire match. Two dudes that are absolutely jacked to the gills. I’m surprised this wasn’t the tournament final.

They do simple power moves and we get a ref bump.

Bravo goes for a pin and referee Jimmy Korderas taps him on the back. He DQ’s Bravo for pulling him in front of him before the bump. Muraco is your winner at 4:54. Terrible as expected.

• Rating: DUD

BACKSTAGE: Uecker with Honky Tonk Man. They babble.

Greg Valentine vs. Ricky Steamboat – WWF Title Tournament First Round

Steamboat carries his young son down the entrance ramp. HOW CAN YOU NOT ROOT FOR THIS GUY? On paper, there’s little doubt as to who is advancing in this match.

Great back and forth between these two, which you’d expect given how good of workers they are. We also get the zoom in on Trump, who is visible in the front row. My guess is that he was already planning for his presidential bid here and wanted Steamboat as his VP.

Seriously good match here. It’s even both ways, and in the end, a flying crossbody from Steamboat adds just a little bit too much momentum. That gives us the old flip over for Valentine to get the victory at 9:12. Steamboat complains about Valentine holding the tights but to no avail.

Of course, this would be Steamboat’s last match in the WWF before leaving the company, so him losing certainly makes sense. It still robbed everyone of another classic with Savage.

• Rating: ***

Butch Reed (w/Slick) vs. Macho Man Randy Savage (w/Elizabeth) – WWF Title Tournament First Round

The winner gets Valentine, and I think we would all agree that a Reed/Valentine quarterfinal would not be best for business. However, Reed controls early on.

Reed gets a little too cocky and Savage slams him from the top rope. Then he hits the Flying Elbow Drop for the win at 5:07. Nothing to see here.

• Rating: 1/2*

BACKSTAGE: Bobby Heenan and the Islanders with Uecker. Hype, hype, hype.

One Man Gang (w/Slick) vs. Bam Bam Bigelow (w/Oliver Humperdink) – WWF Title Tournament First Round

Bam Bam should be the obvious winner, right? Slick with the interference early to send Bam Bam over the top. He gets back in and the referee calls for the bell at 2:56.

He says Bam Bam never made it back in before the 10-count, although he clearly did, and awards Gang the victory. Who booked this tournament? Matilda the dog?

• Rating: DUD

BACKSTAGE: Hulk Hogan with Gene. Hulkster talks about the controversial count at WrestleMania III and says he’s been scarred for a year. He mentions Trump about 10 times here and says he’s a Hulkamaniac. This promo is incredible and ends with Hulk swimming out of the picture. Your guess is as good as mine.

Rick Rude (w/Bobby Heenan) vs. Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts – WWF Title Tournament First Round Match

You would think this would be the most exciting match of the first round. As we’ll see, it was not. The story is Rude constantly trying to escape the DDT from Jake. We work our way to Rude locking on the chinlock for seemingly an hour. They fight out of it, and then we’re back to the chinlock. Rude still in complete control of the match. Out of the chinlock, and BACK TO THE CHINLOCK. The crowd is bored to tears until Jake hits the side suplex. BUT RUDE STILL HOLDS THE CHINLOCK.

Finally out of the chinlock……who am I kidding? We’re back to the chinlock as the crowd chants “boring.” Seriously, who booked this? Uecker? Jake breaks out of it and the crowd tries its best to get into this match. He stays in control but Rude gets the advantage once again after a back suplex.

Now a double clothesline spot and both are down. Rude then goes for a pin with the feet on the ropes, the bell rings, and it’s ruled a time-limit draw at 15:00. Both are out of the tournament. Surprisingly boring match with zero heat at all. And both being eliminated was even dumber.

• Rating: *1/2

BACKSTAGE: Vanna White with Gene. Here’s your updated tournament bracket:

• Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant

• Ted DiBiase vs. Don Muraco

• Greg Valentine vs. Randy Savage

• One Man Gang with the bye

Hercules (w/Bobby Heenan) vs. The Ultimate Warrior

This match is juiced. And this show already feels long, but we’ve got hours to go. HOURS. Nothing much goes on in this match other than Herc controlling it, and then both men put their shoulders on the mat during the pin, with the referee awarding Warrior the win at 4:29.

Herc wraps the chain around Warrior after the match, but he breaks loose and takes the chain.

• Rating: *

VIDEO: We recap the events leading to the upcoming Hogan/Andre match.

Andre the Giant (w/Ted DiBiase and Virgil) vs. Hulk Hogan – WWF Title Tournament Quarterfinals

Here we go. Surely this will live up to the hype. Surely.

Andre destroys Hogan right from the beginning. Then DiBiase gets involved and we get the double noggin knocker to him and Andre. Gorilla Monsoon was the absolute greatest.

Hogan now has Andre tied up in the ropes. He gets out and now we’ve got nothing but punches everywhere, with one finally sending Andre to the mat. But now the big man has control and tries to crush Hogan like a soda can. Trump is in the audience loving this.

Hogan breaks out of the Andre death grip. DiBiase gets in the ring and now Hogan has a chair. He hammers Andre with it. However, then Andre steals the chair and nails Hogan with it. NOW THE REF CALLS FOR THE BELL. Double DQ at 5:22.

So for clarity: Hogan hits Andre with the chair first. He doesn’t get DQ’d. Then Andre hits Hogan with the chair. But somehow now it’s a double DQ. The most mind-boggling tournament ever.

• Rating: *1/2

Don Muraco (w/Superstar Billy Graham) vs. Ted DiBiase – WWF Title Tournament Quarterfinals

And now the winner of this match gets a bye into the final. Muraco starts off hot, but he has a 0.2% chance of winning this one. It looks like Muraco lifted weights between now and his previous match.

Anyways, Muraco controls most of it until DiBiase finds some steam late. He throws Muraco off the top rope and gets the pin at 5:44 to advance to the final. Good effort by both in yet another short match.

• Rating: **

BACKSTAGE: Demolition and Mr. Fuji with Uecker. Shenanigans ensue.

Greg Valentine (w/Jimmy Hart) vs. Randy Savage (w/Elizabeth) – WWF Title Tournament Quarterfinals

Cool touch here with Savage and Elizabeth both wearing new outfits. Solid back and forth as you would expect. Who would have thought that Greg Valentine would have been the MVP of the show to this point? Worked a quality match with Steamboat, and now with Savage.

Valentine gets some momentum, but Savage rolls him up with the small package to advance at 6:06. Decent match.

• Rating: **

Brutus Beefcake vs. (c) Honky Tonk Man (w/Jimmy Hart) – Intercontinental Title

A match between two wrestlers that I was never really thrilled with. Especially Beefcake. I always wondered why I didn’t think he was any good, but the character just didn’t work for me.

Meanwhile, this match isn’t any good. The crowd is exhausted by now, and we’ve still got an hour to go. Another junk finish with Beefcake winning by DQ at 6:30 after Jimmy Hart hits the referee with the megaphone.

• Rating: 1/2*

BACKSTAGE: Andre with Uecker. He still hates Hogan and says Hulkamania is over.

The Islanders and Bobby Heenan vs. The British Bulldogs and Koko B. Ware

Remember when managers had more than one client? Those were the days. Heenan is wrestling here, which is always a treat. But like many other matches on this card, there’s no heat. This feels like a really long house show, especially considering how poorly booked the tournament has been.

Even when all six men get in the ring for a brouhaha, the crowd does nothing. Then the Islanders splash Heenan on top of Koko and the Brain gets the surprise win at 7:30. Most exhausting card ever. Well, except for Bunkhouse Stampede ’88.

• Rating: *

ON THE STAGE: Jesse Ventura poses for the crowd for a few minutes, as if we needed to extend this show even further. I no longer have any doubt that Uecker and Matilda booked this show.

One Man Gang (w/Slick) vs. Randy Savage – WWF Title Tournament Semifinals

Another new outfit from Savage and Liz. One of the few highlights of the show. Crowd is somewhat into this one, but once again we get a wacky finish with Savage winning by DQ at 4:05.

So our championship match is set: DiBiase vs. Savage. It’s a cool final, but this tournament has been largely underwhelming.

• Rating: 1/2*

Demolition (w/Mr. Fuji) vs. (c) Strike Force – WWF Tag Team Titles

At least an intriguing matchup here. Demolition controls Santana for most of the match, but then Martel gets the hot tag. But it wasn’t hot. The crowd did nothing. Can you blame them at this stage of the show?

Ref is occupied and Fuji tosses in the cane. Ax hammers Martel with it and Smash gets the pin to win the titles at 12:33. First title reign for the men in face paint.

• Rating: *3/4

Ted DiBiase (w/Andre the Giant) vs. Randy Savage – WWF Heavyweight Title

Robin Leach brings the belt out beforehand and lets Trump touch it. Incredible. But this horrendous tournament has finally come to an end, and in all honesty, it’s the best match we could have asked for.

DiBiase in control and Andre is on the outside blocking Trump’s view. DiBiase sent to the outside and Andre now stands in front of DiBiase to protect him from Macho’s jump. He then tells Elizabeth to do something, and she runs to the back. Wonder who is gonna come back with her.

And now we have DiBiase back in control as Elizabeth comes back out with HULK HOGAN. WHO SAW THIS COMING? Only every person in attendance who chanted for Hogan from the very start of the match. Hogan grabs a chair and takes a seat. Andre gets involved and Hogan goes over to knock the daylights out of him. DiBiase goes up top and Macho presses him to the mat. Macho goes up top and misses the elbow. The ref gets occupied by Andre, so Hogan figures he’ll come in and whack DiBiase with a chair. IT’S NOT CHEATING WHEN THE HULKSTER DOES IT, BROTHER.

Macho goes up top and hits the elbow to win the WWF title at 9:33. This was entertaining, but if you’re looking for logic, you won’t find it.

• Rating: **1/2

Blake’s WrestleMania IV Awards

• Best Match: Greg Valentine vs. Ricky Steamboat
• WrestleMania IV MVP: Randy Savage
• Overall WrestleMania IV Rating: 4.0/10
• Thoughts: “It’s not the size that matters, it’s how you use it.” That’s the saying, right? Well when it comes to wrestling pay per views, that also applies. 16 matches in a four-hour show. Problem was, few of the matches were any good. The overall tournament booking was poor and made no sense. However, they obviously got it right with Savage winning. It would set up one of the hottest storylines ever over the next year, so at least this served its purpose.

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