NWA Clash Of The Champions 8: Fall Brawl Review – 09.12.1989 (Sting Joins Naitch)

What’s up everyone, it’s Tomás here with a review of NWA/WCW’s eight Clash of the Champions. On this edition, Ric Flair and Sting team up in the main-event to take on The Great Muta and Terry Funk Dick Slater, Lex Luger puts the US title up for grabs against former World Champion Tommy Rich, The Steiners challenge The Freebirds for the tag straps and much more. Check out the point system here.

Before starting, here is the list of champions in the NWA at the time:

  • NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Ric Flair
  • United States Champion: Lex Luger
  • World TV Champion: The Great Muta
  • World Tag Team Champions: The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Jimmy Hayes)

Enjoy the review!

The hosts are Jim Ross & Jim Cornette

Taped from Columbia, SC

The show starts with a Gary Hart interview. He’s backstage with Gordon Solie and promises Terry Funk will be in the main-event. The rumors that Funk is injured were made up by Sting & Flair, and they will have their careers ended tonight. In reality, Funk had a real-life staph infection and had to be written off the main-event, so there ya go.

The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal)(w/ Paul Ellering) vs. The Samoan SWAT Team (Samu & Fatu)(w/ Paul E. Dangerously)

These two teams were in the WarGames at the Bash PPV. The Warriors start hot as Animal beats up everyone that moves and finishes with a powerslam on Fatu. Both tag in their partners as Samu runs away from Hawk, only to get attacked by Animal on the floor before putting him back inside. Hawk drops a fist for two as the Warriors proceed to use quick tags and double-team the heels. Hawk clothesline gets two but he misses a charge and eats the post, followed by Samu dropping him right on the railing on the floor. Back in, a powerslam gets two. Off to Fatu for a bearhug as Haku fights for the tag and struggles to get there, but Samu and Heyman distract the ref at the right time to prevent the ref from seeing the tag once Hawk finally gets there. Animal comes in but the referee obviously forces him to go back to the apron since he missed the tag, allowing the SST to illegally double-team Hawk behind his back. Fatu drops an elbow and goes up for a splash, only to find Hawk’s knees. This time he finally reaches Animal for the hot tag and he is in house-cleaning mode. A shoulder tackle gets a very close nearfall as Fatu saves, drawing Hawk in as well as it’s BREAKING LOOSE IN TULSA! Heyman puts the phone inside the ring for the finish, but unfortunately for the heels it’s Hawk who catches it and uses it behind the ref’s back to take Fatu out. From there the Doomsday Device puts Samu away at 6:46. The Warriors and Ellering destroy the phone post-match to payoff this feud once and for all and to make the fans go nuts.

  • Analysis: This was a brief old-school tag-team wrestling match, but when it’s done by people who know what they’re doing out there, classic tag wrestling never fails to deliver. The post-match angle was great and the whole match was very enjoyable. Short and sweet. ***1/4

The Z-Man vs. The Cuban Assassin

“Z-Man” is Tom Zenk. Z goes to work and catches Cuban with a quick sunset flip for two. Cuban quickly comes back to his feet and slams him only to miss a headbutt, allowing Z-Man to put him away with a sleeper at 3:36.

  • Analysis: Every glorified squash match you’ve ever seen. Only a little bit longer. 1/2*

Meanwhile, the then-governor of South Carolina declares that day officially ‘Ric Flair Day’. WOOO!

Sid Vicious(w/ Teddy Long & Danny Spivey) vs. Ranger Ross

Sid cheapshots Ross before the bell before dropping him on the railing. Ross tries to fight back in the ring but Sid catches him in a nasty DDT. Sid follows it up with a great-looking helicopter slam. That move is really hard to do right, and Sid is quite the big dude to be thrown off of in a spinning slam. That was impressive! The powerbomb is obviously academic at 1:08.

  • Analysis: Pretty much the same as the previous match. Well maybe except the “only longer” part! Plus Sid is over as shit and that helicopter slam earns them an extra 1/4* because I’m in a good mood today. 3/4*

Meanwhile, Missy Hyatt and Robin Green go shopping. Make up your own Missy Hyatt sex jokes as I quietly move on with the review.

NWA World Tag Team Champions: The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin)(c) vs. The Steiner Brothers (Rick & Scott Steiner)(w/ Missy Hyatt & Robin Green)

The Steiners just recently debuted and they’re ridiculously over with the crowd. This is their first tag title shot and it’s quite clear it was just a matter of time before they got to the top of the NWA/WCW tag-team mountain. Fun story: if you watch this show back you will notice Hayes doesn’t have his tag title belt. Why, you ask? A fan stole it on the road. Yes you read that correctly! So if you ever see someone selling an official NWA World Tag Team title belt on the internet, it might very well be true!! Hayes goes after Scott to start but gets surprised with a roll-up for two before Scott cleans house with numerous clotheslines. Off to Garvin for his turn to be thrown around for fun. Scott brings in Rick for the Steinerline as the Freebirds decide it might be a smart idea to bail. Back in as the Freebirds walk into Rick powerslams. Hayes tries to make a comeback only to be clotheslined in the corner and suplexed out of there. The Freebirds are literally just flying around the ring for the Steiners. Rick misses a charge finally cutting off the Steiners for a while with a Garvin DDT. The Freebirds dump Rick for a while, catching him with a clothesline (by Hayes) for two once he gets back inside. Garvin hits the chinlock as Cornette really puts over the story and the psychology of what’s happening in front of the viewers’ eyes. Garvin goes for the DDT yet again but this time Rick explodes out of there with a slingshot suplex to get the fans off their feet, before bringing in Scott for a couple of Frankesteiners as the crowds REALLY lose their collective shit! Scott powerslams Hayes only for Garvin to just barely break the count at the last possible second. He runs the ropes but somehow gets tripped (which the camera totally misses), allowing Hayes to hit the DDT and escape the Steiners at 10:27. After the match the Steiners argue over if it was either Missy Hyatt or Robin Green who cost them the match, but the crowd clearly points at Robin. They make a whole drama over this so the camera missing it must have been on purpose.

  • Analysis: Another match, again the Steiners deliver. Props to the Freebirds too for putting this over as a real struggle and thus putting the Steiners really over. Props to JR & Corny as well for telling the story perfectly, making the match even better. Very good stuff by everyone involved. ***1/2

Flyin’ Brian vs. Norman the Lunatic(w/ Teddy Long)

Norman goes after Pillman to start only to be quickly stopped with Air Pillman that dumps Norman. Pillman immediately follows with a dive, but gets distracted with Long and gets absolutely squashed like a bug with an avalanche. And then he splashes Pillman for good measure. And then adds an avalanche while Pillman is on the post to make sure Pillman really is done. He makes the mistake of going for another one, though, allowing Pillman to move out of the way as Lunatic eats post. Back in Pillman catches him with a missile dropkick and actually slams Lunatic. That pisses off Norman as he misses another avalanche and Pillman gets a bodypress but Norman turns it into a powerslam for two. Norman clotheslines him but Pillman catches him with a crucifix pin at 3:38. Long bullies Norman after the match as they tease a sympathetic face turn.

  • Analysis: Yes, that all happened in three minutes. Three minutes! This was (surprisingly) very good for the short time it was given. I feel like a lot happened and they weren’t even out there for five minutes overall. Nothing you’ll ever go back and watch again, but it’s a nice surprise. **3/4

Dr. Death Steve Williams vs. Mike Rotunda

Williams runs wild to start as he then press slams Rotunda and does five overhead reps. That is always awesome to see. Doc clips Rotunda only to eat a clothesline. Rotunda dumps Doc to stop him and it’s the abdominal stretch back in. Williams gets out of there with a sunset flip for two but Rotunda catches him with a high knee. Elbowdrop gets two and from there Rotunda hits the chinlock. Williams blocks that with a jawbreaker but walks into an elbow for two. Rotunda thumbs Doc in the eye and goes up, but takes too long and gives Doc enough time to slam him off. Mike Rotunda, know your role, you’re not Ric Flair! Rotunda misses a clothesline as well and gets dumped. Back in Rotunda grabs the ropes to prevent Doc from slamming him and ignores the ref’s warning, forcing the ref to kick Rotunda’s hand and get him out of there the hard way, allowing Doc to get the win with a cradle at 7:04.

  • Analysis: Nothing spectacular, but it was an enjoyable solid match between two great pros. **1/2

NWA United States Championship: Lex Luger(c) vs. Wildfire Tommy Rich

Luger is fresh off a heel turn and a spectacular title match with Ricky Steamboat at Bash, the last PPV. Rich immediately takes it to Luger with a headscissors into a backdrop and finally a slam. Rich puts him in a headlock and Luger explodes with a powerful shoulderblock as he’s already showing off. He takes too long though, allowing Rich to catch him with the armbar before coming down with a high crossbody for two. And he goes back to the armbar. Luger escapes but misses a charge in the corner, as Rich proceeds to roll him up for two. Small package gets two more and it’s right back to the armbar. Luger once again but escapes but goes nowhere again after walking into a Rich backdrop, but Rich misses a dropkick and that finally puts Luger in the driver’s seat. Powerslam gets two. Now Luger goes to work on the back, setting up the Torture Rack. Rich tries to fight back with a suplex, but his back is hurt now and that allows Luger to fall on top for two. Good touch. Luger goes after the back some more, hitting a side slam for two. He goes for the finish with the Torture Rack but Rich blocks that and tries to roll through, but he can’t power Luger down to the injured back. Luger points to his head to show how smart he is, and you just know this won’t end well for him. Fortunately for Luger, this is that lucky one time out of ten where it works though, as he proceeds to successfully bring Rich off the top with a superplex for two. Now Luger goes up but totally misses a splash, allowing Rich to get all fired up with a back elbow followed by a flying fistdrop off the top for two as the crowd is super into Tommy Rich. Luger bounces off the ropes but runs right into a picture-perfect Thesz Press by Rich for the win and the title… but luckily for Lex he just barely got the foot on the ropes at the very last second. That nearfall was so well done! Rich thinks he’s won but Luger bails while the ref tells him the foot was on the ropes. Rich follows him and goes for a right hand, but Luger moves out of the way and Rich punches the post instead. If an injured back wasn’t bad enough, now the poor guy has to wrestle with his hand hurt too. Rich is too excited and he catches Luger with a sleeper while he’s still on the apron, but allows Luger to stungun Rich and steal the win to retain the title at 10:36.

  • Analysis: Holy shit I was not expecting this! The psychology over the back was really good throught the whole bout, and Rich played the never-say-die babyface role really well. That false finish after the Thesz Press in particular was the highlight of the match, and Luger was only able to survive with the belt. Hidden Gem City, people. ****

Meanwhile, Gary Hart finally announces that Funk won’t wrestle in the main-event.

Main-event: Ric Flair & Sting vs. The Great Muta & Dick Slater(w/ Gary Hart)

JR tells us the difference between all of Muta’s mists, putting over a yellow mist that had never been seen in the NWA as the REALLY deadly one. In other words, telegraphing that it will be happening in this match! Sting starts with Muta for the rematch from their Bash match. I don’t mind watching that all over again! Sting totally dominates Muta to start, taking him down with a number of armdrags followed by a backdrop. Sting brings in Flair who also takes it to Muta with a number of chops, and Muta has finally had enough so he brings in Slater. Slater thinks chopping Ric Flair would be a good idea, but that only earns him the mother of all chops. And a few more. Slater catches Flair and whips him into the corner, but it’s a Flair Flip right into an elbowdrop to Muta and finally an elbow off the top to Slater. Awesome! Then Muta comes in with a kick and dumps Flair before following with a dive, but Sting follows with a dive of his own and Slater joins them on the floor too as it’s BREAKING LOOSE IN TULSA. Back in Sting is running wild with punches and a press slam to Muta. Flair comes in for a suplex followed by a Flair kneedrop before Muta rakes the eyes to turn things around. Flair tries to fight back with chops to Slater only for Slater to hit Flair with a neckbreaker. The heels proceed to work Flair’s neck, with Slater even sending Flair’s neck right into the barricade. Sting comes in off the hot tag and he runs wild with the press slam followed by the Stinger Splash and the Scorpion Deathlock, but Gary Hart breaks it up by hitting Sting in the back of the head with a roll of coins. Muta covers for two. That wouldn’t have been a bad finish. Muta adds a nasty powerbomb for two. Slater catapults Sting right into the bottom rope and goes for a piledriver, but Sting backdrops out of it and brings in Flair for the hot tag. That means it’s chops for everyone. Sting dumps Muta with a dropkick but falls victim to the DEADLY YELLOW MIST OF INVISIBLE DOOM. And then Terry Funk does a run-in and tries to suffocate Flair with a… uhm… plastic bag for the DQ at 19:16. What a stupid ass finish.

  • Analysis: That finish was just awful. Apart from that, though, the match was quite good and the crowd was feeling. Great match with a finish that got as over as much as wet farts in church do. ***3/4

END OF THE SHOW

Final thoughts: The NWA has been been having quite the badass year. This show delivered yet again. Lex Luger and Tommy Rich absolutely stole the show, but the main-event was really good too (apart from that shit finish) and so was the opener. That Pillman match was a nice surprise as well. Good edition of Clash here. 7/10

Finally, here are the points for this Clash of the Champions:

  • Lex Luger: 6 points (4 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 1 for successfully defending a title)
  • Michael Hayes: 6 points (3.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 1 for successfully defending a title + 0.5 for winning the fall)
  • Jimmy Garvin: 5.5 points (3.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 1 for successfully defending a title)
  • Ric Flair: 5.25 points (3.75 for star rating + 1 for main-eventing + 0.5 for DQ win)
  • Sting: 5.25 points (3.75 for star rating + 1 for main-eventing + 0.5 for DQ win)
  • Animal: 4.75 points (3.25 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 0.5 for winning the fall)
  • The Great Muta: 4.25 points (3.75 for star rating + 1 for main-eventing – 0.5 for DQ loss)
  • Dick Slater: 4.25 points (3.75 for star rating + 1 for main-eventing – 0.5 for DQ loss)
  • Hawk: 4.25 points (3.25 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Flyin’ Brian: 3.75 points (2.75 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Dr. Death Steve Williams: 3.5 points (2.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Tommy Rich: 3 points (4 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Rick Steiner: 2.5 points (3.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Fatu: 2.25 points (3.25 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Scott Steiner: 2 points (3.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 0.5 for losing the fall)
  • Samu: 1.75 points (3.25 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 0.5 for losing the fall)
  • Sid Vicious: 1.75 points (0.75 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Norman the Lunatic: 1.75 points (2.75 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Mike Rotunda: 1.5 points (2.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • The Z-Man: 1.5 points (0.5 for star rating + 1 for submission win)
  • The Cuban Assassin: -0.5 points (0.5 for star rating – 1 for submission loss)
  • Ranger Ross: -0.75 points (0.75 for star rating – 1 for submission loss)

Thank you all for your time. Stay safe and have a great Christmas!

WWF SummerSlam 1989 Review (Hogan vs. Zeus)

Greetings, everyone. It’s Tomás here as usual with the review of the second ever edition of SummerSlam, featuring Warrior vs. Rude in a rematch from WrestleMania, The Hart Foundation taking on The Brain Busters, Hulk Hogan taking on the monster Zeus in a main-event tag affair and much more.

Before starting, here is the list of champions in the WWF heading into this show:

  • WWF Champion: Hulk Hogan
  • Intercontinental Champion: Rick Rude
    Tag Team Champions: The Brain Busters (Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard)
  • Women’s Champion: Rockin’ Robin

Enjoy the review!

Your hosts are Jesse Ventura & Tony Schiavone

The Brain Busters (Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard)(w/ Bobby Heenan) vs. The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart)

This is non-title as the match was signed before the Brain Busters won the tag titles from Demolition in July’s SNME. Bret starts off hot by catching Tully with a number of armdrags and going to work on the arm. Tully tags in Arn and that happens to him as well, as Bret gives him a couple of armdrags and stays on the arm. Bret brings in Anvil who continues to work on Arn’s arm using his power. Tully comes back in but Bret does as well, keeping the babyface team in control with a hammerlock. Really solid wrestling here. Tully turns Bret’s hammerlock into a wristlock and takes him down, but Bret bridges out of that hold and dumps both heels in a great spot that gets the crowd on their feet. The champs finally turn things around with a blind tag to Arn, who catches Bret with a knee to the back while he’s running the ropes. Arn misses a splash, though, and Anvil rams him into the turnbuckle off a bearhug. A Hart Foundation miscommunication puts the Busters back in control as Tully starts working Anvil’s neck. We hit the chinlock. The heels cut the ring in half and proceed to double-team Anvil until Anderson and Anvil collide for a double KO spot. Arn gets up first and goes for the tag to Blanchard, but Bret gets in and knocks Anderson back down. Well, you do what you gotta do. That allows Anvil to get the hot tag to Bret, who enters and just starts running wild on everyone – slam to Arn, slam to Tully, dropkick to Arn and finally the middle rope elbow to Tully. Snap suplex gets two. Anvil and Arn go at it on the floor while the legal men wrestle in the ring before Neidhart slingshots himself into Tully. Anvil powerslams Bret on top of Tully, but Anderson hits Bret with a cheapshot to the back of the head behind the ref’s back, allowing Blanchard to get the win at 16:23.

  • Analysis: Absolutely incredible opener. This was technically terrific and had some spectacular action, despite missing its peak by a while. Also the titles not being on the line hurt it a little bit. Apart from that, tremendous opener. ***1/4

Dusty Rhodes vs. The Honky Tonk Man(w/ Jimmy Hart)

Mucho dancing and taunting to start. Dusty goes for the Bionic Elbow already and Honky is quickly out of there. Mucho stalling follows. Back in, Dusty messes up the Elvis hairstyle. OH NO. That finally gets Honky off his game and allows Rhodes to take over, but Jimmy Hart hits him with the megaphone to turn things around. Honky hits the chinlock and Dusty fights out of it, before eventually running into a knee as Honky goes back to the chinlock. Honky slugs Dusty in the corner, but Dusty fights back and the ref gets bumped. Honky grabs Dusty for a guitar shot from Jimmy, but Dusty moves out of the way and Honky eats the guitar instead. Big elbowdrop follows to give Big Dust the pin at 9:36. In a hilarious bit post-match, Sean Mooney interviews the still knocked-out Honky Tonk Man, who’s doing a tremendous selljob and says “this beautiful audience came here to see me sing. Somebody tell me where’s the stage?” before the humiliated Jimmy Hart just takes poor Honky to the back. Great stuff by Honky while Dusty celebrates with the crowd in the ring.

  • Analysis: This match wasn’t anything special when it comes to the technical department, but it sure as hell was a great watch. These two were two of the most charismatic wrestlers in the entire history of the sport, and they sure gave that “beautiful audience”, as Honky used to say, a damn good time. They were hot the whole time and it was fun. *1/2

Mr. Perfect vs. The Red Rooster

Perfect totally outwrestles Rooster to start and mocks Rooster’s chicken shtick! Rooster starts making a brief comeback before his leg gives out during a slam attempt, putting Perfect back in the driver’s seat. Perfect dumps him with a… ahem.. perfect standing dropkick. Perfect pounds Rooster down before putting him away with the Perfectplex back inside at 3:21.

  • Analysis: Just a glorified squash for Perfect here. His stuff looked good as usual and he showed some awesome charisma mocking Rooster’s stupid chicken gimmick. Terry Taylor looked legitimately hurt out there. *

Meanwhile, the infamous backstage interview featuring Mean Gene, Rick Rude & Bobby Heenan. This is obviously the edited version so the SummerSlam logo doesn’t fall down on the Network! They are ready for Warrior, he’ll get a rude awakening, etc.

Tito Santana & The Rockers (Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty) vs. Rick Martel & The Fabulous Rougeaus (Jacques & Raymond)(w/ Jimmy Hart & Slick)

Jacques offers Tito a handshake to start because the Rougeaus are not only all American boys, but they’re nice too. The Rockers join Tito to triple-team Jacques, including an insane double leapfrog sequence by both Rockers, before Jacques runs away and bails. The crowd go crazy for that action while Jimmy Hart asks for the referee to open his eyes! Back in, Jacques catches Jannetty with a cheapshot and he brings in Raymond for a savate kick. Martel gets in but is quickly out of there once Marty tags Tito in. Martel turned on Santana at WrestleMania V. So Tito proceeds to make an example out of Raymond while Martel watches in the corner. The Rougeaus manage to turn things around with the help of some cheating, though, and now Martel is more than happy to get some of Santana. The heels keep Tito down in their corner by using quick tags but Santana eventually catches Martel with a sunset flip for two. Martel chokes away. Off to Jacques Rougeau for an abdominal stretch with assistance from Martel while Raymond distracts the referee. People really sleep on the Rougeaus, they have been great heat magnets since their heel turn in early ’88. You can hear the crowd moaning and ready to see them get their asses kicked. Santana fights out of that abdominal stretch but Martel quickly catches him with an elbow to prevent him from making the hot tag. Santana surprises Jacques with a high crossbody for two, so Jacques bitchslaps The Rockers and gets them inside the ring so that his partners can do damage while the ref is distracted with them! Tito rolls up Raymond for two but he keeps him from his corner with a chinlock. Santana finally fights out and tags in Michaels as the crowd goes insane. Michaels slugs away on Martel before backdropping him out of the corner. A vertical suplex sets up a flying fistdrop before he launches Jannetty onto Martel. That gets everyone in as IT’S BREAKING LOOSE IN TULSA, and that allows Rick Martel to knock out Jannetty while he’s rolling up Jacques, stealing the win for the heels at 14:58.

  • Analysis: This was a very nice surprise. I would’ve liked to see Martel and Santana going at it in a singles match, but I have no problem in them saving that encounter for later. Plus the Rockers are always great hot tag guys and the Rougeaus are great heat magnets, and they sure as hell deserved to be on this card. There were a few issues here and there (Martel wasn’t the legal guy for his team when he won the match for example), but the action was fast and furious and the crowd liked it a lot. ***

Meanwhile, The Ultimate Warrior says Rude will surrender the title 1-2-3 to the gods above. Something… like that!

WWF Intercontinental Championship: Rick Rude(c)(w/ Bobby Heenan) vs. The Ultimate Warrior

The story here is really simple. Warrior won the IC title at this same event one year earlier from The Honky Tonk Man before suffering his first – and so far only – loss in his career to Rude at WrestleMania, dropping the gold to him thanks to Bobby Heenan. Meanwhile, Rude recently started a feud with Roddy Piper after Bobby Heenan quit Prime Time Wrestling and Piper replaced him as Gorilla Monsoon’s co-host, creating some fantastic interactions on TV. Warrior had also teased a feud with Andre on a recent edition of the ‘Brother Love Show’. Rude goes after Warrior to start but Warrior quickly cuts him off and dumps him with a clothesline over the top rope and onto the floor. Back in, Rude sunset flips Warrior but he blocks that with a punch before sending Rude back to the outside with a gorilla slam. Awful strategy as a challenger to throw the champion to the outside over and over again where you CAN’T win the title, but eh it’s Warrior! Speaking of stupid strategy, Warrior attacks Rude with the title belt before putting him back in, with the ref totally ignoring him. Meanwhile, Jesse Ventura on commentary after Schiavone tells him it happened on the outside: “SO WHAT SCHIAVONE? CAN YOU SHOOT SOMEONE OUT THERE JUST BECAUSE IT’S ON THE OUTSIDE? YOU’RE EVEN DUMBER THAN MONSOON”!!! Warrior dumps Rude again for some reason before hitting a flying double axehandle off the top back inside for two. Suplex gets two more. Warrior proceeds to atomic drop Rude, who does his signature selljob as usual, before Warrior takes him down for good. Warrior goes up but Rude slams him off to turn things around. Rude starts working the back to set up the Rude Awakening, suplexing him before stomping him in the back. Rude goes for the Rude Awakening but Warrior breaks the move by literally powering Rude’s hands away, so Rude changes his mind and puts him in a sleeper instead. Warrior fights out and the ref gets bumped off a criss cross. Heenan helps Rude to his feet first but Warrior gets up and starts making his big comeback with a series of clotheslines followed by a powerslam. Piledriver gets two. Warrior hits a running powerslam and goes for the Warrior Splash, but Rude gets his knees up to block. Rude proceeds to hit a FANTASTIC piledriver for a very close two. It looked like it just KILLED Warrior right there, but if you look closely you can see Warrior’s head and neck sliding down Rude’s legs totally safely. Again, Rick Rude was such a great wrestler. Rude comes off the top with a flying fistdrop for two more and suddenly the crowd starts going wild. What is going on? IT’S RODDY PIPER! He slowly walks down to ringside while the crowd is almost having a collective orgasm. Rude starts doing his “real sexy man pose” to Piper, who simply turns his back and shows off his ass! When you review wrestling matches you really do write some things that you never thought you would!! Rude gets all pissed and gets on the top rope screaming at Piper, allowing Warrior to hit him with a german suplex off the top. And from there it’s shoulderblock, gorilla press into the Warrior splash and Warrior is the new champion at 16:02.

  • Analysis: WrestleMania and now SummerSlam – might as well call Rick Rude a magician. These were easily the best two matches in Warrior’s career up until this point, as Rude just manages to bring out the best in the Warrior every single time. I hadn’t seen this match in a few years and I was starting to get a bit worried in the first few minutes, with Warrior constantly getting Rude to the outside and hitting him with the belt like a complete idiot. However, after all that nonsense the action got much, much better. Warrior literally powering out of the Rude Awakening was a spectacular move that helped Warrior’s push even more. Warrior kept it safe and managed to get through the whole match without any kind of botches, unlike at WrestleMania, while Rude was even better here as well in my opinion. These two just clicked. Plus Roddy Piper’s run-in was a great moment. The crowd were into it like crazy. Great stuff. Easily one the best matches in Warrior’s career. ***1/2

Demolition (Ax & Smash) & ‘King’ Jim Duggan vs. Andre the Giant & Twin Towers (Akeem & The Big Bossman)(w/ Bobby Heenan & Slick)

Duggan still has the king gimmick at this point. He would ‘drop’ that to Randy Savage shortly after this event to give Savage some of his heat back after four months of jobbing to Hogan. Demolition dominate both members of the Twin Towers to start, slugging down both of them. Ax gets too close to the heel corner, however, and that allows them to bring in Andre who quickly turns things around with his massive buttdrop. Andre can barely walk at this point in his career. He has to hold the ropes for support in every “move” he does. It’s quite sad. Usual Andre choking follows before he gets out. Bossman headbutts Ax but Akeem misses a charge, allowing the hot tag to Smash. He runs wild with slams on both Twin Towers but he runs into Andre and goes down. Bossman comes in with an elbowdrop while Andre headbutts Duggan. Akeem takes Smash down and goes for the pin, but the ref is distracted with Andre which allows Duggan to turn Akeem’s lights out with the 2×4 and give Smash the pin at 7:23.

  • Analysis: This was nothing but a “get me up match”, which is Vince McMahon’s code for filler after a big match. However, it wasn’t bad. It was a simple and fine bout with an important win for Demolition on PPV after losing the tag titles the prior month. Watchable. *1/4

Hercules vs. Greg Valentine(w/ Jimmy Hart)

Ronnie Garvin is your special ring announcer here. He makes fun of Valentine and throws him off his game on his way to the ring. Valentine goes after Garvin and Garvin fakes a punch, allowing Hercules to strike him. Herc gets a couple of nearfalls with a clothesline and a slam as Valentine bails. Herc gets a roll-up for two but Valentine catches him and starts working the leg. Hercules catches him with a suplex, though. They get into a slugfest near the corner before Valentine takes him down and steals the win with assistance from the ropes at 3:08. Garvin awards the match to Hercules as a result of DQ anyway and the babyfaces clean house. Valentine still won, in case you care. The referee’s decision is ultimately what counts, obviously.

  • Analysis: There’s really no much to say here. This was more filler and the Valentine/Garvin feud has been strange. Next. 1/2*

Jimmy Snuka vs. Ted DiBiase(w/ Virgil)

DiBiase goes after Snuka but it quickly backfires. Snuka beats up Virgil before sending DiBiase to the floor as well with an atomic drop. DiBiase takes his time and stalls a little bit. Back in, Snuka totally misses his timing on a leapfrog, landing on top of DiBiase’s head and neck. He improvises well by slugging away on DiBiase but still.. ugh. That looked very bad and could’ve hurt someone. DiBiase turns things around with a stungun followed by a suplex for two. DiBiase goes up for the flying million dollar elbow, which misses like 99% of the times he tries it. Snuka connects with a flying headbutt and goes up again for the Superfly Splash, only for Virgil to distract him and bring him to the outside for a chase. That allows DiBiase to come in with a cheapshot from behind. Finally, DiBiase whips Snuka into the post and simply gets back in for the easy count-out win at 6:27. Snuka stands tall and gives the fans the chance to see the Splash, with Virgil being the victim.

  • Analysis: Well, more filler. Apart from that horrible looking botch this was okay. The Superfly Splash is over like crazy and the crowd was hot for it. I’d like to add that it’s great to see DiBiase get some kind of a win over a big name on a big show for the first time in what seems like forever. *

Main-event: Hulk Hogan & Brutus Beefcake(w/ Miss Elizabeth) vs. Randy Savage & Zeus(w/ Sensational Sherri)

But first, The Genius cuts a short promo. Before the match Hogan introduces Elizabeth to get the heels, particularly Savage and Sherri, off their game. Hogan starts with Zeus and goes after him, but he no-sells everything and immediately chokes down Hogan. Beefcake gets in to break up but Zeus no-sells some more and puts Beefcake in the bearhug. Hogan tries it and the same happens to him as well. Savage tags in and adds the double axehandle off the top while Hogan is in the bearhug. Savage clothesline knocks Hogan down as we hit the chinlock. There will certainly be a lot of restholds in this one. Hogan fights out of that and starts showing some life against Savage only to walk into a cheapshot from Zeus near the ropes. And then Zeus comes in for MORE bearhug action. Savage gets back in with a backdrop suplex for two. Savage misses a blind charge though as Hogan finally gets Beefcake in so he himself can eventually play Hulkamaniac-in-peril. Beefcake connects with a high knee and actually puts Savage in the sleeper, but Savage manages to ram his back into the turnbuckle to break. And it’s back to Zeus, meaning it’s bearhug o’clock. Beefcake actually finds Zeus’ Achilles tendon, his eyes, actually getting some offense on Zeus before Hogan. Put that title on Brutus Beefcake, brother! Sherri immediately knocks out Beefcake with her purse to save Zeus, though. Savage literally tags in just so he can pin the dead Beefcake, as apparently Zeus can’t even do a cover, but Hogan comes in and pushes Savage off the cover numerous times. That’s cheating Hulkster, I thought you were supposed to be my hero! Savage and Beefcake clothesline each other for a double KO spot and here’s Hogan for the hot tag. He runs wild on Savage and goes for a vertical suplex off the apron to the ring, but Sherri grabs his leg and Savage falls on top for two in the exact same spot that gave Rick Rude the IC Title at that year’s WrestleMania. Savage clotheslines Hogan and follows up with the Macho Elbow…. but Hogan completely no-sells it and gets immediately back up to confront Zeus. Oh fuck off, might as well piss in Savage’s mouth while you’re at it. Sherri and Elizabeth get into a catfight and leave Sherri’s purse inside the ring, so Hogan hits Zeus in the head with it and finally takes him off his feet with a clothesline. The big slam sets up the big leg and that’s all she wrote at 15:04. After the match, Hogan atomic drops Sherri (!!) right into a shot with the purse from Liz. The babyfaces all cut Sherri’s hair with Beefcake’s clippers to close the show.

  • Analysis: While this did suck technically, it was a simple match that worked. It was smart to go home immediately after Zeus took his first “bump” since the poor guy couldn’t wrestle and nothing would be accomplished had it only been used as a false finish. Like I said in the review, they might as well have pissed in Randy Savage’s mouth in this match, as the guy carried Zeus on his back throughout the whole match and then saw his finisher get absolutely killed before being simply ignored by Hogan. That wasn’t needed at all and only took Savage off the main-event scene going forward. Still, the finish was hot and this match worked. **1/4

END OF THE SHOW

Final thoughts: Not a bad show. I can’t even compare this to anything NWA has been doing in ’89, but compared to WrestleMania V for example this was an absolute masterpiece. That’s a very low bar, don’t get too excited. The opener was very good and so was the Rockers/Santana vs. Rougeaus/Martel six man tag match, Honky/Rhodes was a very fun match, the main-event was effective and Warrior/Rude was fantastic. The rest was mostly filler but nothing was offensive or too boring. In the end, I’d say Warrior vs. Rude is the highlight of this show. Slightly recommended pay-per-view. Low 6/10

Finally, here are the points for the wrestlers on this show:

  • The Ultimate Warrior: 6.5 points (3.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 2 for winning a title)
  • Hulk Hogan: 4.75 points (2.25 for star rating + 1 for main-eventing + 1 for pinfall win + 0.5 for winning the fall)
  • Tully Blanchard: 4.75 points (3.25 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 0.5 for winning the fall)
  • Rick Martel: 4.5 points (3 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 0.5 for winning the fall)
  • Brutus Beefcake: 4.25 points (2.25 for star rating + 1 for main-eventing + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Arn Anderson: 4.25 points (3.25 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • The Fabulous Rougeaus: 4 points (3 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Demolition Smash: 2.75 points (1.25 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 0.5 for winning the fall)
  • Dusty Rhodes: 2.5 points (1.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Randy Savage: 2.25 points (2.25 for star rating + 1 for main-eventing – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Demolition Ax: 2.25 points (1.25 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • King Jim Duggan: 2.25 points (1.25 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Jim Neidhart: 2.25 points (3.25 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Tito Santana: 2 points (3 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Shawn Michaels: 2 points (3 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Mr. Perfect: 2 points (1 for star rating + 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Zeus: 1.75 points (2.25 for star rating + 1 for main-eventing – 1 for pinfall loss – 0.5 for losing the fall)
  • Bret Hart: 1.75 points (3.25 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 0.5 for losing the fall)
  • Marty Jannetty: 1.5 points (3 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 0.5 for losing the fall)
  • Ted DiBiase: 1.5 points (1 for star rating + 0.5 for CO win)
  • Greg Valentine: 1.5 points (0.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Jimmy Snuka: 0.5 points (1 for star rating – 0.5 for CO loss)
  • Rick Rude: 0.5 points (3.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 2 for losing a title)
  • The Honky Tonk Man: 0.5 points (1.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Andre the Giant: 0.25 points (1.25 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • The Big Bossman: 0.25 points (1.25 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • The Red Rooster: 0 points (1 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Akeem: -0.25 points (1.25 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 0.5 for losing the fall)
  • Hercules: -0.5 points (0.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)

As always, thank you very much for your time. I’ll see you next time. Stay safe everyone and, in case I don’t see you until then, have a Merry Christmas!

WWF Saturday Night’s Main Event #22 Review – 07.29.1989

Greetings, everyone. Welcome to my review of the 22nd edition of SNME, featuring Hulk Hogan putting the World Title on the line against The Honky Tonk Man as well as a best-two-out-of-three-falls tag match between champions Demolition and challengers The Brain Busters in the main-event. Check out the point system here.

Before starting, here is the list of champions in the WWF heading into this show:

  • WWF Champion: Hulk Hogan
  • Intercontinental Champion: Rick Rude
  • Tag Team Champions: Demolition (Ax & Smash)
  • Women’s Champion: Rockin’ Robin

Enjoy the review!

The hosts are Vince McMahon & Jesse Ventura as usual

Taped from Worcester, MA

WWF Championship: Hulk Hogan(c) vs. The Honky Tonk Man(w/ Jimmy Hart)

Before the match we get a nice little recap of Honky’s “greatest hits” over wrestlers such as Jimmy Snuka, Randy Savage and Bret Hart. In a pre-match interview with Mean Gene, Honky promises he’ll have a new “hit” in the list after tonight’s match. He also promises to be the greatest WWF Champion of all time, already being the greatest holder of the Intercontinental belt. Honky tries to hit Hogan with the guitar before the bell, but Hogan blocks it and runs wild to start. Hogan clotheslines Honky and follows it up with an elbow in the corner. Trying to stop Hogan’s momentum, Jimmy Hart goes inside the ring only to get shoved into Honky. Jimmy gets involved again from the outside, tripping Hogan and finally being able to turn the tables. Honky goes to work on Hogan’s back and even goes all Iron Sheik on him with a camel clutch. He’s about as successful as Iron Sheik was with that move back in 1984. Honky knocks down Hogan with a clothesline and taunts. Honky’s charisma hits me everytime, I really enjoy his character work. Honky hits Shake Rattle & Roll but taunts instead of going for the pinfall. “I knew it, I knew I got him!”… and then you probably know what happens. 1, 2, kickout. Hulk Up, punch punch punch, big boot, big leg send Honky back to Memphis at 06:14.

  • Analysis: I liked the story of Honky wanting to add Hogan to his ‘greatest hits’ list only to be the one eating the guitar shot. The only problem being Hogan did it in front of the ref and he totally ignored it. Short TV match as most Hulk Hogan matches on SNME were, but Honky Tonk Man is very entertaining and made this better. Hogan was feeling it too here, mocking Honky Tonk Man’s dance after the win. There was never any doubt about who’d win and as a wrestling match it was nothing special, but it was overall enjoyable. *1/2

Jimmy Snuka vs. Greg Valentine

Valentine doesn’t have Jimmy with him, who’s selling Hulk Hogan’s post-match attack from the previous bout. Ronnie Garvin is the referee here. Valentine won a ‘loser leaves town’ match over Garvin on TV recently, and Garvin was hired to work as a referee instead. Having punched Dino Bravo after a match, WWF president Jack Tunney announced Garvin would be suspended if it happened again. Valentine chokes away to start while Snuka tries to fight back using chops. Snuka wins that battle and goes for the Superfly Splash already, but only hits knees. Valentine gets two and dumps Snuka. Valentine goes to work while Snuka is on the apron and refuses to break, getting into a fight with Garvin. Garvin punches Valentine, who then turns around into a Snuka high crossbody for the pin at 03:14.

  • Analysis: Short match to continue Ronnie Garvin’s little storyline. Nothing to see here. Short and basic. 1/4*

Randy Savage(w/ Sensational Sherri) vs. Brutus Beefcake

This one has implications on SummerSlam’s main-event. Savage tries to attack to start only for Beefcake to catch him and choke him for two. Beefcake charges but eats boot in the corner allowing Savage to take over. Savage eventually runs into a bodypress for two, with Sherri trying to get involved. Beefcake stops to go after her and allows Savage to hook a sleeper on him, but Beefcake blocks it and hits a high knee for two. At this point Savage starts getting a few shortcuts in order to get in control, only to miss a charge and eat another high knee that sends Savage flying. They get into a slugfest on the outside that is won by Savage, mostly thanks to Sherri. Savage drops the double axehandle off the apron on Beefcake. Back in Savage and Sherri take turns cheating before Beefcake almost steals it with a roll-up. Backslide gets two more. Savage goes back to the choking to cut off Beefcake once and for all but misses another axehandle. Beefcake starts making his big comeback and even tries to go for the sleeper, but Savage quickly gets out of that. Savage charges and knocks Sherri off the apron by mistake. Beefcake proceeds to miss a charge of his own and goes flying to the outside. At this point Savage asks Sherri to go to the back in a nice callback to Miss Elizabeth and the Mega Powers, and she leaves while we take a break.

Commercial

We return with Savage catching Beefcake with a stungun. Sherri comes back with, you guessed it, ZEUS by her side. I’d just like this feud to end, please. Beefcake manages to sunset flip Savage for two before catching him in the sleeper, and Zeus gets in for the beatdown to cause the DQ at 11:30.

  • Analysis: This was obviously done just to help sell the main-event of SummerSlam, but the action was good before getting to the angle. This whole Zeus deal is really pointless to me, though, and I’m about ready to see Hogan have a real feud over the title one of these days instead of feuding with an evil actor. **3/4

Main-event – 2 Out Of 3 Falls – WWF Tag Team Championship: Demolition (Ax & Smash)(c) vs. The Brain Busters (Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard)(w/ Bobby Heenan)

Demolition retained the titles despite a DQ loss at the prior edition of SNME. Tully starts with Ax and you know where that goes. Tully tries to run away but Smash gets him back in. That results in a giant slugfest on the outside as it’s already BREAKING LOOSE IN TULSA before the Brain Busters bail and talk some strategy. Now it’s Arn in the ring as the heels finally take over. Arn pounds Smash down with a number of rights and headbutts but the Demos eventually turn the tables. Tully gets the tag but he goes nowhere either. Tully finally catches Demos with a cheapshot, though, allowing Anderson to hit a spinebuster for two. Ax finally has enough of the cheating and gets inside the ring while Smash stunguns Tully to win the first fall.

Demolition 1-0 Brain Busters

The second fall starts with Demolition working over the heels. Ax dumps Anderson on the top rope as the champs go to work on Arn’s neck. Anderson manages to tag Tully in, who cheats to take over. They cut the ring in half from there and keep working Ax with some classic heel teamwork. Ax finally finds a break and brings Smash in for the hot tag, who starts running wild. Everyone gets in as it’s once again BREAKING LOOSE IN TULSA, but the Demos disrespect the ref’s count and get DQ’d to give the challengers the second fall.

Demolition 1-1 Brain Busters

Only pinfall or submission in the third and final fall will give the Brain Busters the tag straps. Andre the Giant joins us at ringside. The Demos start in control yet again before Tully whips Ax into his own partner to stop him. Arn gets in for a double KO spot and then it’s back to Tully while Ax tags in Smash. Smash connects with a clothesline but misses a suplex as everyone gets in for yet another big fight. In the middle of all the confusion, the heels take advantage and hit Smash with a chairshot to the head for the pin to win the third fall, the whole match and the titles at 12:33 overall.

Demolition 1-2 Brain Busters

  • Analysis: This match is quite historic, as Demolition’s legendary reign that started all the way back at WM 4(!!!!) finally came to an end. Apart from being historic, the match is also quite good. Solid heel teamwork with them doing a terrific job in cutting the ring in half, getting the babyfaces more and more upset in the process. Solid ending to a solid show. ***1/4

END OF THE SHOW

Final thoughts: Not bad at all. The only match that came close to being nothing was Valentine/Snuka and even that at least had some kind of storyline. Not that it was great, but it was at least something more than just a random match. Hogan vs. Honky was loads of fun while Savage vs. Beefcake was good (while also doing a good job of selling the main-event of the PPV) and Demos/Busters was even better. Not to mention a very important match in the history of the company, putting an end to a legendary title reign. Not spectacular, not bad. Good and quite enjoyable little show. 6/10

Finally, here are the points for the wrestlers on this show:

  • Tully Blanchard: 7.25 points (3.25 for star rating + 1 for winning + 2 for winning a title + 1 for main-eventing + 0.5 for winning a fall – 0.5 for losing a fall)
  • Arn Anderson: 7.25 points (3.25 for star rating + 1 for winning + 2 for winning a title + 1 for main-eventing)
  • Hulk Hogan: 3.5 points (1.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 1 for successfully defending a title)
  • Brutus Beefcake: 3.25 points (2.75 for star rating + 0.5 for DQ win)
  • Randy Savage: 2.25 points (2.75 for star rating – 0.5 for DQ loss)
  • Smash: 1.25 point (3.25 for star rating + 1 for main-eventing + 0.5 for winning a fall – 1 for losing – 0.5 for losing a fall – 2 for dropping a title)
  • Ax: 1.25 point (3.25 for star rating + 1 for main-eventing – 1 for losing – 2 for dropping a title)
  • Jimmy Snuka: 1.25 point (0.25 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • The Honky Tonk Man: 0.5 points (1.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Greg Valentine: -0.75 points (0.25 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)

As always, thanks for your time. Don’t miss SummerSlam 1989 next time!

NWA The Great American Bash 1989 Review (Flair vs. Funk)

Welcome everyone once again to SmarKdown’s Blog. This time I bring to you a show that is considered one of the greatest PPVs in the entire history of pro wrestling, NWA The Great American Bash 1989. It’s a show I’ve never watched, so I’m really curious to finally give it a look. If it’s your first time on my blog, you will see me giving points to all the wrestlers. You can read more about how that whole deal works by clicking here.

Before starting, here is the full list of champions in the NWA at the time:

  • NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Ric Flair
  • United States Champion: Lex Luger
  • World TV Champion: Sting
  • World Tag Team Champions: The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin)

Enjoy the review!

The hosts are Jim Ross & Bob Caudle

Live from Baltimore, MD

Two-Ring King Of The Hill Battle Royal For 50,000$

No, you didn’t read that wrong. The rules are, to be quite honest, stupid as hell. Basically all the wrestlers will start in ring A and, once eliminated, they go to ring B. Once you’re eliminated from ring B, you’re gonzo for real. In the end, the winner of each ring will battle for the prize. So to sum up the whole thing, you can technically be the first eliminated in three seconds and still win the match. As long as you’re not a chump twice, you’re okay. Your participants: Bill Irwin, Brian Pillman, Dan Spivey, Eddie Gillbert, Kevin Sullivan, Mike Rotunda, Ranger Ross, Rick Steiner, Ron Simmons, Sid Vicious, Scott Hall, Scott Steiner, Dr. Death Steve Williams and Terry Gordy. Don’t expect too much commentary here, as battle royals are already quite tough to follow as they usually are, let alone one with two rings. Future WCW Champion and Nation of Domination reject Ron Simmons is the first one to be eliminated TWICE, therefore (really) eliminated. Sid wins the ring A portion quite easily while ring B is full of wrestlers. In the end, Dr. Death eliminates Rotunda only for Dan Spivey to quickly put him out and win ring B, making it a final between Sid and Spivey – The Skyscrapers. Before they go at it, though, their manager Teddy Long says there’s no way his guys are going to wrestle each other. They split the money and they’re both the winners… I guess. Anyway the whole thing lasted 10:20. Yes, TEN MINUTES.

  • Analysis: How am I supposed to rate this? I’ll look at this more and remember it more as an angle to get over the Skyscrapers and just forget the rest. Since these guys like to share things, they will share their point in the points system and each will only get 0.5 points for winning this “match”. I won’t take points from any of the other wrestlers involved in … this. N/R

FLYIN’ Brian (Pillman) vs. Bill Irwin

I am not watching weekly shows, so this is the first time Pillman is appearing. I only saw one vignette promoting his NWA debut, which aired on the last Clash. On that same show, Irwin lost to Sting for the TV title in three minutes. Irwin goes after Pillman before the bell rings but gets quickly caught in a headlock. Great looking baseball slide nearly takes Bill’s head off his shoulders. Pillman follows up with an armbar but gets slammed off. Irwin hits a suplex and talks some great trash – “you wanna fly? Fly over there” before sending him flying to the outside! Irwin locks him in a chinlock and prevents Pillman from escaping by killing his comeback with a nasty lariat. Irwin continues to violently pound Pillman down while talking even more shit, but crotches himself and opens the door for Pillman to make his comeback. Pillman runs wild but lands hard on a missed missile dropkick allowing Irwin to hit a gutwrench suplex for two. Irwin dumps Pillman to the second ring and trashtalks some more. However, behind his back, Pillman climbs to the top rope and finishes him with an awesome splash from one ring to the other at 10:18.

  • Analysis: I wasn’t expecting this to last ten minutes at all. However, Irwin got some pretty good heat while he was on offense and made Pillman’s comeback in the end that much better. The finish ruled, and so did Pillman’s baseball slide in the beginning of the match. I was expecting a shorter match, but it ended up being a good ten-minute match. ***1/4

Meanwhile, Paul E. Dangerously is in the back. He says he doesn’t care about winning the match tonight, he only wants to take out Jim Cornette forever. He says he has a strategy and brings up Cornette falling off the scaffold and breaking his knee in pieces way back at StarrCade 1986. I shouldn’t be this excited for a goddamned tuxedo match, but here I am. This has been the best feud of 1989 apart from anything Ric Flair or Ricky Steamboat.

The Skyscrapers (Sid Justice & Dan Spivey)(w/ Teddy Long) vs. The Dynamic Dudes (Johnny Ace & Shane Douglas)

Sid is crazy over here as usual. Sid is one of those workers who, despite not drawing insane money, was definitely a massive noise-drawer! He always got massive reactions from live audiences. Before the match starts, JR explains the biggest difference between the NWA and the WWF: “the NWA wrestlers wrestle, they are not musclemen who spend all their time under the heat lamps.” BY GAWD ALMIGHTY! Spivey tries to take control early on but falls victim to a double monkey flip by the babyfaces. Ace quickly follows up with a high cross for two as the crowd wants Sid. And here he comes chopping the babyface team to death and getting heavily cheered for doing so. Spivey gets back in and misses an elbow allowing Ace to tag in Douglas, but Spivey catches him with a Bossman slam. Spivey beats him up and dumps him so Long can add his own shots before the ref’s back. Back in, Spivey suplex gets two. Sid comes in with a half-assed clothesline before posing. And gets even more cheered. Back to Spivey and the crowd goes dead again. He screws up again and allows the babyfaces to make the “hot tag”, but the crowd only cares about Sid here. Douglas clotheslines Spivey but Sid breaking up the pin gets a bigger reaction than the whole hot tag sequence did. Sid and Spivey collide to open the door for a babyface comeback, but Sid is like “nope” which allows Spivey to put Douglas away with a powerbomb at 09:14.

  • Analysis: They have something with Sid. Everything else here is skippable, despite not being terrible. *1/2

Tuxedo Match – Jim Cornette vs. Paul E. Dangerously

As I said earlier, this is actually one of the top feuds in the company and the crowd is quite hot for it. Winner is the first to strip his opponent’s clothes off. Cornette jumps Heyman to start but Heyman throws powder in his face to stop him. Heyman grabs the phone and pounds Cornette’s bad knee repeatedly with it as Corny immediately starts selling the leg. PSYCHOLOGY HERE? IN A TUXEDO MATCH? BETWEEN PAUL HEYMAN AND JIM CORNETTE? Heyman takes off Corny’s jacket before pounding the knee some more in the corner. Heyman grabs the cummerbund and uses it to choke Cornette, but Corny steals it and uses it himself to make the comeback as the crowd goes NUTS. Cornette limps while going after him as this match continues to be way better than it should be. Cornette finally grabs him, but Heyman spits in his face and continues to pound him down. Heyman dumps Cornette right on his bad knee before whipping him into the post. Back in, though, Heyman misses whatever and Cornette starts making a babyface comeback while the crowd goes bananas. Cornette takes off Heyman’s shirt before they collide for a double KO spot. Heyman has more powder hidden in his trousers and goes for it again, but Cornette kicks his hand and sends the powder into Heyman’s face before taking off the trousers and winning the match at 06:22. The humiliated Heyman runs to the back like a chicken, in his blue underwear!

  • Analysis: HOLY SHIT THIS ROCKED! I was expecting a comedy show here, but they actually went with emotion and psychology and had a real match. They had more heat than everyone else due to their long (and quite good) feud and used it to their advantage very well, with Cornette’s babyface comebacks getting impressive reactions. Not a technical masterpiece or anything here, but it had a proper story and pretty good psychology. I have seen main-event matches for championships with none of those. This was awesome and will get you in a real good mood for the rest of the event. ***1/2

Meanwhile, Gary Hart reminds us The Great Muta is undefeated.

The Steiner Brothers (Rick & Scott)(w/ Missy Hyatt) vs. The Varsity Club (Kevin Sullivan & Mike Rotunda)

The Steiners made their debut at the last Clash and had a damn good match with the Varsity Club, despite ultimately coming up short. No tags in this match, so it’s basically “tornado tag” rules. Sullivan and Rick brawl on the outside to start where Kevin crotches Rick RIGHT ON THE RAILING. FUCK, MY BALLS… Don’t worry, Rick ended up being fine and healthy enough to have children! Sullivan finds a table but is the one who eats it. Back in, Sullivan dumps Scott likes he’s nothing as the Varsity Club goes to work together on Rick alone. Scott comes in for the big babyface comeback, though, and the Steiners start cleaning house. They suplex them over and over again but eventually Rick gets thrown off and the Varsity Club goes to work on Scott this time around. Rotunda’s legdrop gets two, brother. Sullivan uses his power to block a Rick sunset flip… so Rick headbutts him right in the dick! Sounds quite effective, huh!? The Varsity Club take Rick out and double-team Scott once again, hitting a double backdrop for two. Rotunda goes up but Scott sends him flying, following up with a quick high crossbody on Sullivan as Rick gets on top too to get the win at 4:22.

  • Analysis: Maybe it’s just me, but after that great match at Clash, I was expecting a little bit more. I liked the nonstop action here, but I just expected something more. I was getting a bit tired of the same “throw guy out, work over the other guy” formula after a while, but it was still short and quite energetic. And it’s nice that the Steiners came back to win this time around. Still, not even close to the Clash bout, personally. **3/4

World TV Championship: Sting(c)(w/ Eddie Gillbert) vs. The Great Muta(w/ Gary Hart)

Looks like it’s time to finally get underway with the awesomeness for good. Sting is the TV champion who’s ridiculously over at this time while Muta is the undefeated challenger. Muta stands in ring B and refuses to start the match to play mindgames, so Sting responds in “fuck it” fashion by simply diving from one ring to the other to take him down and nearly takes the roof off the house for doing so. Sting takes him back to the ring only to get hit with a flying chop, as Muta tries to finish already. Sting moves out of the way of the Mutasault though, and laughs in his face after no-selling Muta’s spinkick. Oh shit! Muta responds with an enziguiri that does take Sting down and out to the floor while Muta quickly follows him there with a pescado. He puts Sting back in but ends up walking into a Sting flying clothesline for two. This time it’s Muta who gets dumped as Sting chops away on the outside. Back in again where Sting tries a suplex only to get caught in a sleeper, but Sting quickly makes the ropes to prevent that. Sting press slams Muta followed by an elbow, but Muta responds with an even faster (and harder) elbow before going to a chinlock. As Sting is about to get out of that, though, Muta transitions into an abdominal stretch instead. He gets some rope-assistance before rolling up Sting for two. They get into a slugfest but Muta goes to the eyes to stay in control, only to miss an elbow and allow Sting to hit a bulldog for two. Muta gets up and goes for the green mist… but Sting moves out of the way and it takes out the referee instead! Sting goes for the Stinger Splash but finds nobody, taking himself out on the turnbuckle and allowing Muta to hit the Mutasault. Another referee gets in… for a nearfall. WHAT! Muta goes for the spinkick again, which is blocked and Sting follows up with a backdrop suplex for the win at 8:40. However, there’s confusion over who got their shoulders down and who didn’t, so we get a Dusty finish instead. The official result was a draw and the title ended up being vacated because of this finish.

  • Analysis: Even though I’d prefer to get an actual finish, the match kicked some ass. I don’t mind the finish as much as others do though, as when they’re done well and very carefully, Dusty finishes can make the viewers want to keep watching the product. This is one of the examples to me. Absolutely great match. ****

Meanwhile, Lex Luger says he won’t wrestle Steamboat in a No DQ match.

No DQ Match – United States Championship: Lex Luger(c) vs. Ricky Steamboat

Luger destroyed Steamboat with a chair to turn heel at Clash, so Steamboat is pretty much on a mission to murder him in a No DQ Match. Luger comes out last, but he grabs a mic and says Steamboat has thirty seconds to wave the DQ rule or else he’ll walk away and there will be no US title match at all. Steamboat, just wanting to get his hands on Luger no matter what, accepts and thus we have…

No DQ Match – United States Championship: Lex Luger(c) vs. Ricky Steamboat

In a regular wrestling match. They lock up to start before Steamboat gets a series of quick nearfalls. Steamboat runs wild with dropkicks and chops, and when Luger bails to stop him Steamboat follows him and chops him even harder out there! Back in they go but Luger catches Steamboat coming in with a kneelift that sends him all the way back to the floor. Luger adds a clothesline there but Steamboat comes back with chops. Back in Steamboat goes for the FLYING KARATE CHOP OF DOOM, but Luger blocks it and hits a backbreaker. Luger goes to work on the back from there, pounding Steamboat’s back and dropping elbows on it. Luger press slams Steamboat who responds with a roll-up for two, before Luger just destroys Steamboat with three consecutive lariats. And Steamboat still gets up after the third one trying to fight back, only to go fall back down. Brilliant. Luger crotches him on the top rope and powerslams him for two as Steamboat keeps trying to survive. Steamboat finally connects with a crossbody for two but Luger cuts him off with an atomic drop. Steamboat catches him with a neckbreaker anyway and dumps Luger, throwing chops on Luger while he’s on the apron. Steamboat tries to suplex him back in but Luger falls on top of him for a nearfall. Luger goes up(!) only for Steamboat to slam him off the top and start running wild with the chops. Steamboat finally hits the FLYING KARATE CHOP OF DOOM but it only gets two, and then Luger catches a charging Steamboat and backdrops him all the way to the other ring. Luger grabs a chair and brings it to the ring, but Steamboat prevents him from using it and catapults him into the corner. Pissed at what happened at Clash, though, Steamboat grabs the chair and just totally murders Luger with it for the DQ at 10:26.

  • Analysis: Loved it. Everything made sense. Steamboat came in wanting to kill Luger and everyone knew it. Knowing Steamboat wouldn’t want to wait to get his hands on him, Luger asked him to wave the DQ rule and ultimately used that to his advantage. Steamboat killed him? Yes he did, but he would’ve done it anyway, and this way Luger was able to escape with the US title. Steamboat’s rage (and thus the finish) was justified, while Luger was a smartass who still got what he deserved. But not all, since he still has the title, thus making you want to see it yet again. This is how stories are told and business is done. Incredible and yet another classic for Steamboat’s tremendous year of 1989. As far as Luger goes, it has to be one of his best matches ever. Epic stuff. ****1/4

WARGAMES – The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal), The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane) & Dr. Death Steve Williams(w/ Jim Cornette & Paul Ellering) vs. The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Jimmy Garvin & Terry Gordy) & The Samoan SWAT Team (Samu & Fatu)(w/ Paul E. Dangerously)

The story here is that both heel teams took out the Road Warriors together, with the Warriors even being carried out on a stretcher that night. Meanwhile, the Freebirds defeated the Midnight Express in the final match of the tournament for the vacant tag titles, so they too got involved here. Dr. Death turned face a few weeks before this show and Jim Cornette announced he’d be the final member on the babyface side.

The heels win the coin toss before the match, allowing their members to enter the match first. That certainly has never happened before, right?! Jimmy Garvin starts for the heels while Bobby Eaton starts for the babyfaces. Eaton wins a slugfest to start and runs wild before Garvin catches him. Bobby grabs the ceiling and uses it to kick Garvin before putting him down with a forearm. Hayes runs his mouth on the outside about how he’s going to enter the match next. Garvin takes Eaton to the corner and rakes his face on the cage, allowing Hayes to pull his hair. Eaton finally catches Garvin in a Boston crab, but it’s already time for a new wrestler and here comes Terry Gordy to break up the hold and run Bobby into the cage. The heels take over from there while Hayes promises he’s next again! The heels collide against each other, but they get back control before Dr. Death joins the match.

He gets in and destroys everything that moves, picking Gordy up and press slamming him numerous time into the goddamned ceiling. SHIT! Gordy tries to fight back only for Williams to kill him again. Samu comes in next with a kick and a headbutt to Dr. Death as the heels proceed to beat up the babyfaces three-on-two. Animal is the next one in and he cleans house, throwing Samu all the way to the other ring before following him with a flying shoulderblock. Meanwhile, Hayes convinces Fatu to enter the match instead of him! Fatu gets in as once again the heels use their numbers advantage to get the heat on the babyfaces. Stan Lane joins the match and runs each and every heel’s faces into the cage, while Hayes nearly has a heart attack realizing he HAS to be the next (and final) heel to enter the match!! Hayes gets in and takes everyone down with a DDT before mocking Hawk, who’s still on the outside and the crowd literally screams ‘HAWK HAWK HAWK’. The countdown is over and WARGAMES FINALLY BEGINS! Hawk comes in with a double flying clothesline on both Samoans and just destroys everyone. Heyman gets desperate and tries to put his phone inside the ring, but he obviously can’t sneak it in and the ref Tommy Young stares at him in a really funny Tom & Jerry like moment. Meanwhile, back inside the Road Warriors go for the Doomsday Device on Gordy, but they can’t do the move because of the cage and Garvin comes in to save. So Hawk takes him down with a massive flying clothesline, followed by a neckbreaker before putting him away with a Hangman’s neckbreaker hold at 22:28.

  • Analysis: Even though there are a lot of WarGames matches more memorable than this one, this was still spectacular. It had a story, the babyfaces were over like crazy to make the “saves” exciting and the finish was nice. However, a lack of at least a little bit of color doesn’t allow me to go any higher than this. ****

Meanwhile, Ric Flair cuts a pretty good and quite emotional babyface promo before the main-event.

NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Ric Flair(c) vs. Terry Funk(w/ Gary Hart)

This is Flair’s first match after Funk broke his neck at WrestleWar back in May. Flair immediately jumps Funk to start as they take the fight to the floor already. Funk sends Flair into the railing but stops to threaten a fan and allows Flair to drop an axehandle on him. Funk grabs a chair but the ref quickly gets it away from him. Funk sends him into the post and gets a suplex back in for two. Funk obviously starts working Flair’s bad neck, but Flair tries to go for a suplex off the apron and they both get tossed to the floor. They trade chops and eye rakes before Funk goes for the piledriver (the move that broke Flair’s neck), and the crowd panics, but Flair backdrops him to the outside. Back in Flair starts working Funk’s neck himself and actually hits his own piledriver on Funk. That was a great comeuppance spot. Flair gives him another one just to make sure he thinks twice after trying to break his neck again, and Funk literally collapses to the floor. Funk actually has had enough and tries to walk away, but Flair’s all like “you don’t get to walk away” and just beats the shit out of him some more with chops and bitchslaps. Flair goes for the academic figure four, but Funk grabs a branding iron and uses it to escape and cut Flair open. Funk follows up with a piledriver for the pinfall… but luckily for Flair his leg literally falls on the rope to break up the count! Spectacular. Now Funk gets pissed and starts exposing the mat on the outside and choking Flair. He goes for another piledriver, this time on the floor, but Flair backdrops out of that. Funk jumps off the apron with something that didn’t look good and misses, but Flair bumps for him anyway. Back in Funk hits Flair with a number of neckbreakers, but instead of putting him away he wants Flair to give it up. He takes Flair to the outside to beat him up some more with the branding iron, but Flair whips Funk facefirst into the post and he’s bleeding too. Flair puts him back inside but misses a high knee, and Funk goes for a spinning toehold submission. Flair gets out of that one and goes for the Figure Four, which Funk blocks with a cradle but Flair reverses Funk’s cradle into his own cradle for the win to retain at 17:23.

  • Analysis: Tremendous main-event. I loved the psychology over Flair’s previously broken neck. Funk working over Flair’s bad neck and constantly going after it while Flair did everything he could to survive. Eventually, Funk got what he had coming to him by taking a couple of piledrivers himself before losing the match as well. Absolutely incredible match. ****1/2

After the match is over, however, The Great Muta gets in and they beat up Flair together. Sting runs in to make the save (and thus gets SOMEHOW even more over) as they take the fight up the ramp and don’t even allow JR and Caudle to close the show. Simply fantastic ending to an all-timer of a show.

END OF THE SHOW

Final thoughts: An all-timer. Just as simple as that. The opening battle royal is stupid and the first couple of matches aren’t anything you will remember, but everything from the tuxedo match all the way to the main-event was spectacular. I could give it a nine out of ten due to the first 20/30 minutes being meh, but I’m still going full mounty here. 10/10

Here are the points for this insanely great show:

  • Ric Flair: 7.5 points (4.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 1 for successfully defending a title + 1 for main-eventing)
  • Lex Luger: 5.75 points (4.25 for star rating + 0.5 for DQ win + 1 for successfully defending a title)
  • Hawk: 5.5 points (4 for star rating + 1 for winning + 0.5 for winning the fall)
  • Animal: 5 points (4 for star rating + 1 for winning)
  • Dr. Death Steve Williams: 5 points (4 for star rating + 1 for winning)
  • The Midnight Express: 5 points (4 for star rating + 1 for winning)
  • Terry Funk: 4.5 points (4.5 for star rating + 1 for main-eventing – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Sting: 4 points (for star rating)
  • The Great Muta: 4 points (for star rating)
  • Ricky Steamboat: 3.75 points (4.25 for star rating – 0.5 for DQ loss)
  • Michael Hayes: 3 points (4 for star rating – 1 for losing)
  • Terry Gordy: 3 points (4 for star rating – 1 for losing)
  • The Samoan SWAT Team: 3 points (4 for star rating – 1 for losing)
  • Jimmy Garvin: 2.5 points (4 for star rating – 1 for losing – 0.5 for losing the fall)
  • Jim Cornette: 4.5 points (3.5 for star rating + 1 for winning)
  • Rick Steiner: 4.25 points (2.75 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 0.5 for winning the fall)
  • Scott Steiner: 4.25 points (2.75 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 0.5 for winning the fall)
  • Flyin’ Brian Pillman: 4.25 points (3.25 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Dan Spivey: 3.5 points (1.5 for star rating + 0.5 for winning the battle royal + 1 for pinfall win + 0.5 for winning the fall)
  • Sid Justice: 3 points (1.5 for star rating + 0.5 for winning the battle royal + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Paul E. Dangerously: 2.5 points (3.5 for star rating – 1 for losing)
  • Bill Irwin: 2.25 points (3.25 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Mike Rotunda: 1.75 points (2.75 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Kevin Sullivan: 1.25 points (2.75 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 0.5 for losing the fall)
  • Johnny Ace: 0.5 points (1.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Shane Douglas: 0 points (1.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 0.5 for losing the fall)

As always, thank you for your time. Until next time, stay safe.

NWA Clash of the Champions VII: Guts And Glory (Steamboat vs. Funk)

Welcome everyone to my review of the seventh edition of the NWA/WCW’s Clash of the Champions. This one featuring a mini-tournament for the vacant World Tag Team titles and main-evented by two of the top contenders for Ric Flair’s World Heavyweight Championship, Ricky Steamboat and Terry Funk. For more information about the point system that you will find after the review, click here.

Before starting, here is the list of champions in the NWA at the time:

  • NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Ric Flair
  • United States Champion: Lex Luger
  • World TV Champion: Sting
  • World Tag Team Champions: – (vacated)

Enjoy the review!

The hosts are Jim Ross & Bob Caudle

Live from Fort Bragg, NC

Tag Title Tournament – Semi Final #1: The Dynamic Dudes (Shane Douglas & Johnny Ace) vs. The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin)(w/ Terry Gordy)

I am already in love with this show and this crowd, as they boo the Freebirds out of the building and literally throw garbage at them. The heels cut the ring in half to start the match and dominate Douglas. Douglas sunset flips his way into a tag to Ace, though, getting him in. Hayes knocks Garvin off the apron by mistake and Ace rolls him up for two. Ace ends up missing a bodypress and Garvin drops him on the top rope for two. A slam gets two more as the heels take over from there. The Freebirds literally dump Ace on the railing as if he’s garbage, getting more and more heat with every second. However, another heel miscommunication gives Ace the chance to make the hot tag, as Hayes and Garvin collide with each other. Douglas gets the tag and starts running wild, taking everyone down and getting a nearfall on Garvin with a sunset flip. Everyone gets in for a giant brawl won by the babyfaces, who dump Hayes with a double dropkick. Hayes gets back in and draws Douglas in as well, distracting the ref and allowing Hayes to sneak in with a DDT on Ace while he’s rolling up Garvin. The latter simply gets on top of Ace and sends the Freebirds to the final match for the titles at 7:14.

  • Analysis: The heat for the Freebirds was incredible. They did a tremendous job of milking that reaction, and unquestionably made the match that much better. A very hot and enjoyable opener. ***1/4

Ranger Ross vs. The Terrorist

Considering this show is basically a tribute to the US soldiers, it’s obvious a match like this was just a matter of time. The Terrorist gets a few shots before eventually walking into an elbow and a kick to put him away at 1:25.

  • Analysis: Nothing but an old-fashioned squash here. DUD

Meanwhile, The Great Muta & Gary Hart join us for a “demonstration” on a pair of jobbers. However, Hart says Muta refuses and demands real competition. Eddie Gilbert apparently accepts that challenge by attempting to throw a fireball at Muta, but Trent Knight ends up being the victim instead. About time for Muta to move up that card.

The Ding Dongs vs. George South & Cougar Jay

I have no idea who these guys are, but they basically have a bell in their corner and ring it all the time to be annoying. And they don’t even have names, they’re basically #1 & #2. Jim Ross hilariously says he has no idea what to call them, so he’ll call one ‘Ding’ and the other ‘Dong’. One of the dings gets a headlock on Cougar to start while the other one rings the bell in the corner, getting immediately booed out of the arena. It gets ugly as hell from there with a couple of bad-looking botched moves from the bing bongs. The geek goks FINALLY put South away with a double flying elbow + kneedrop at 3:00.

  • Analysis: Get out of here… This annoying gimmick could work in the right hands, but these ping pongs put on a truly awful wrestling match and totally lost my attention. In the right hands this was NOT, so it ended up being nothing but annoying and very bad. DING DUD

Tag Title Tournament – Semi Final #2: The Midnight Express (Stan Lane & Bobby Eaton)(w/ Jim Cornette) vs. The Samoan SWAT Team (Samu & Fatu)(w/ Paul E. Dangerously)

While Cornette is cutting his pre-match promo, a dumbass gets in the ring and the Midnight Express (being babyfaces now) allow the poor idiot to be carried away. The heels enter second and Heyman cuts his typical pre-match promo as well. A giant slugfest gets things going. The babyfaces take control with an elbowdrop by Eaton followed by a double elbow by both. Eaton tries to follow up with a hiptoss but walks into a Fatu clothesline instead and gets dumped. Fatu with a suplex on the floor. Now the heels take over back inside, keeping the action in their corner. Fatu misses a charge, though, allowing Lane to get in for the hot tag. Lane gets two with a legsweep. Everyone gets in for another epic slugfest that ends with the ref eating a superkick. Fatu goes up, but the Road Warriors join the action to a GINORMOUS pop, beat up everything that’s Samoan and/or Jewish while Lane simply gets the cover to put the Midnight Express in the final at 6:00.

  • Analysis: Nothing special compared to the other semi-final match, but it was perfectly acceptable and it helped set up future business. **

Dr. Death Steve Williams vs. Terry Gordy

Slugfest to start. Williams goes after the knee to stop Gordy and follows it up with a massive shoulder tackle. He tries another one but walks into a massive Gordy lariat instead. Damn, this is turning into quite the fun battle of the bulls! Corner clothesline by Gordy does nothing but piss off Dr. Death, who simply destroys Gordy with rights and rights and rights and more rights. Holy shit! Gordy eventually catches Williams with a backdrop suplex to stop him. Williams dumps Gordy with a dropkick as now they take their bull-fighting to the floor. They beat each other up until the double-countout finish at 6:26.

  • Analysis: The crowd were enjoying this contest and gave the non-finish a ‘bullshit’ chant. I can understand it, I was enjoying it too. It was a great hoss fight while it lasted, but it’s nothing you will remember the next day. *1/2

Norman the Lunatic(w/ Teddy Long) vs. Mike Justice

Avalanche puts the jobber away at 0:47.

  • Analysis: Squash. DUD

Meanwhile, Flyin’ Brian (Pillman) is coming to the NWA.

The Varsity Club (Kevin Sullivan & Mike Rotunda) vs. The Steiner Brothers (Rick & Scott)(w/ Missy Hyatt)

This is the debut of the Steiner Brothers. Scott just made his debut while Rick is over with the audience. Scott gets to clean the ring with a clothesline to Sullivan to start. Sullivan gets back in only to walk right into a Scott powerslam, and both tag their partners in. Rick grabs a headlock but Rotunda uses a side suplex to escape. Both heels beat up Rick to draw Scott in, allowing Sullivan to dump Scott right into the announce table. And then, behind the ref’s back, he throws the stairs in Scott’s face to make him future-steroid-freak-in-peril. They are doing everything they can to get Scott over and it’s working quite well. Rotunda hits a suplex for two. Scott tries a quick comeback but Rotunda quickly kills that with a nasty lariat. Scott manages to block Rotunda’s dropkick and HEEEERE’S RICK! He cleans house and takes down everything that moves, but Sullivan puts Bob Caudle’s chair inside the ring and distracts the ref. That opens the door for Rotunda to suplex young Scott into the chair and steal the win at 8:36.

  • Analysis: Tremendous. What a way to introduce Scott into the product. The way they structured the match was very intelligent, with Rick being the already popular and established hot-tag babyface wrestler while the heels very smartly took advantage of the youngster’s inexperience to steal that win from under the babyfaces. Thumbs way, way up. ***1/2

Meanwhile, Jim Ross interviews Jim Cornette. He says he’s not one to reject some help when needed. If only there was someone there to help him when he’s watching Twinkle Toes McFinger Bang matches.

World TV Championship: Sting(c) vs. Wild Bill Irwin

Sting is over like no one’s fucking business here. The vision of a sea of people getting up out of their seats once his theme song starts playing is a thing of beauty. Bill tries to whip Sting before the bell but Sting catches him with a quick bulldog. Dropkick follows. Irwin catches him near the ropes to stop him. Sting manages to hit a suplex for two anyway. He misses the Stinger Splash in the corner and walks into a spinebuster. Irwin grabs the whip again instead of putting Sting away, allowing Sting to finally hit the Stinger Splash and retain the TV title at 3:14.

  • Analysis: Another glorified squash for Sting, but boy are they working. *

Meanwhile, Jim Ross interviews Ric Flair in his house. Flair is still in a neckbrace with a broken neck, selling Terry Funk’s attack from WrestleWar. Flair thanks the NWA for giving him an extra 30 days to defend his title and promises that he’ll be the first to vacate it if he can’t put it on the line. It’s the most prestigious belt in wrestling and it needs to be defended. He’s not sure if he will be able to get back in the ring ever again. However, he warns Funk not to sleep night. No matter how much time it takes, he will be knocking on Funk’s door. AWESOME.

Tournament Final Match – vacant World Tag Team Championships: The Midnight Express (Stan Lane & Bobby Eaton)(w/ Jim Cornette) vs. The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin)

Before the match Heyman makes an appearance and knocks Cornette out cold. The Dynamic Dudes come in for the save and take Cornette to the back, setting up a new feud and WARGAMES at the Bash! So basically, it’s two-on-two for the vacant tag titles. The loss of their manager doesn’t distract the Midnight Express from achieving their goal, though, as they take control. Lane runs wild on Hayes with a number of armdrags while Eaton drops elbows on Garvin. Lane adds an enziguiri on Garvin and the Freebirds finally bail to think for a second. That allows the heels to dump Eaton and beat him up on the outside. Back in, Hayes chokes away and dumps him on the other side of the ring just to make sure everyone knows he’s a prick. Eaton fights his way back to the apron… only to get shoved through the railing immediately. Back in, Garvin takes him down to Chinlock City. Eaton escapes and finally gets to Lane for the hot tag only for Lane to miss an elbow. Lane catches him with a DDT anyway and prevent Terry Gordy’s distraction. Flapjack is enough for the titles… but Gordy pushes the ref. He quickly jumps inside the ring to hit a powerbomb on Eaton and give the Freebirds the tag straps at 10:03.

  • Analysis: I get what they were trying to do here, but this match in particular wasn’t great. The main reason for it was to set up WarGames, and it was effective in doing that well. Not only do the Freebirds have a new member (Garvin), but they’re the new tag champions and are now the most over heel team in wrestling. As far as the match itself goes, it was fine. **

Main-event – Ricky Steamboat vs. Terry Funk

Long story short for those who need a recap or don’t know the story. After Flair beat Steamboat to regain the title at WrestleWar, Terry Funk (who was one of the judges for the title match that night) came back from retirement for the 326th time to destroy Flair and broke his neck. Since Funk was only the #10 contender for Flair’s gold belt, though, he had the chance to beat Ricky Steamboat (the #1 contender) here and jump all the way to Steamboat’s spot as Flair’s challenger. Hopefully I was clear. Funk chops Steamboat to start. He’s apparently dumber than he looks if he thinks he’s gonna chop Ricky Steamboat and not get his chest turned into a middle well steak. Steamboat obviously responds with VIOLENT chops and Funk wants no part of him. Funk takes it to him with a number of shoulderblocks but Steamboat dumps him again with a dropkick. Funk is getting pissed and comes running after Ricky only to be the victim of another chopfest courtesy of the Dragon. Funk finally turns the tables with a neckbreaker and gets the upper hand. Funk works the neck but eats some more chops and goes flying to the outside. Meanwhile, JR lets us know Lex Luger (the #2 contender and US champion) was supposed to join commentary but he chose to stay home. Who can smell a heel turn coming a mile away? Steamboat goes up and drops the FLYING KARATE CHOP OF DOOM for two. Back in a Steamboat charge only finds Funk’s boot and he tastes some chops as well. Funk piledriver gets two. They get into a chopfest and the ref eventually gets bumped, so Funk proceeds to toss Steamboat over the top rope (which was illegal in the NWA at the time) just to piss off the people. Piledriver on the floor follows. Steamboat is only half-alive but he somehow crawls his way to the apron and Funk violently slugs him down. Funk goes up for a splash, but ends up hitting Steamboat’s knees and taking himself down instead. That allows Steamboat to throw a number of half-assed chops, a gutbuster and another FLYING KARATE CHOP OF DOOM that sends Funk flying to the floor. Funk, almost offended that someone’s nearly as tough as him, grabs a microphone and simply beats up Steamboat to give him the DQ win at 14:00.

Funk continues to beat up Steamboat after the match until Lex Luger runs in to make the save to a huge pop. Luger clears the ring and a nearly dead Steamboat thanks him, so Luger…. kills him with a lariat and destroys him with the chair. Luger officially turns heel, pissed that Steamboat was ranked ahead of him despite being the US Champion.

  • Analysis: First of all, I will explain why Funk got the #1 contender spot despite technically failing to take it from Steamboat here. Steamboat obviously wanted to destroy Lex Luger after this and basically gave up his spot in order to get him. Meanwhile, Flair obviously wanted to kill Funk after getting his neck broken by him at WrestleWar, and Flair himself asked Jim Herd to give Funk the match at The Bash. Herd said it’s on and there’s your justification. As far as this match goes, so good. Not a classic or anything, mostly due to it not having a finish and ultimately being nothing but a TV match to help sell the PPV, but it was still fantastic while it lasted. I can buy Terry Funk just getting sick of Steamboat’s ‘never say die’ attitude and throwing the match without even giving a damn. It’s Terry Funk, after all! As far as Steamboat goes, I’d say he’s well on his way to being the wrestler of the year with another great match here. As we now close the first half of 1989, it’s getting more and more down to Ricky Steamboat and Ric Flair. ***3/4

END OF THE SHOW

Final thoughts: Considering it’s a free show to help sell the next PPV, you couldn’t ask for much more. The opener was very good. The Freebirds eventually won the tag titles and now have nuclear heat in the process. The Steiners’ debut was awesome as well. Sting keeps getting more and more over. The Great Muta FINALLY has something to do other than squashing nobodies. Despite being about 16x better as a heel, Ric Flair CAN sell a feud playing the role of a badass babyface. Steamboat and Funk put on a great main-event and are heading into the PPV. A lovely crowd. Is that enough or should I keep going!? This show totally flies by, and it’s absolute perfection apart from a couple of quick squashes and the goddamned ping dongs. 8/10

Finally, here are the points earned by the wrestlers on this show:

  • Jimmy Garvin: 10.25 points (5.25 for star ratings + 2 for two pinfall wins + 1 for winning both falls + 2 for winning a title)
  • Michael Hayes: 9.25 points (5.25 for star ratings + 2 for two pinfall wins + 2 for winning a title)
  • Ricky Steamboat: 5.25 points (3.75 for star rating + 1 for main-eventing + 0.5 for DQ win)
  • Mike Rotunda: 5 points (3.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 0.5 for winning the fall)
  • Kevin Sullivan: 4.5 points (3.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Terry Funk: 4.25 points (3.75 for star rating + 1 for main-eventing – 0.5 for DQ loss)
  • Stan Lane: 4 points (4 for star ratings + 1 for pinfall win + 0.5 for winning the fall – 1 for pinfall loss – 0.5 for losing the fall)
  • Bobby Eaton: 4 points (4 for star ratings + 1 for pinfall win – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Sting: 3 points (1 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 1 for successfully defending a title)
  • Rick Steiner: 2.5 points (3.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall win)
  • Shane Douglas: 2.25 points (3.25 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Scott Steiner: 2 points (3.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 0.5 for losing the fall)
  • Johnny Ace: 1.75 points (3.25 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 0.5 for losing the fall)
  • Steve Williams: 1.5 points (for star rating)
  • Terry Gordy: 1.5 points (for star rating)
  • Norman the Lunatic: 1 point (for pinfall win)
  • Samu: 1 point (2 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Ranger Ross: 1 point (for pinfall win)
  • The Ping Pongs: 1 point (for pingfall win)
  • Fatu: 0.5 points (2 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 0.5 for losing the fall)
  • Wild Bill Irwin: 0 points (1 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • The Terrorist: -1 point (for pinfall loss)
  • Mike Justice: -1 point (for pinfall loss)
  • Cougar Jay: -1 point (por pinfall loss)
  • George South: -1.5 point (-1 for pinfall loss – 0.5 for losing the fall)

As always, I am thankful for your time and attention. Don’t miss the next review. It’s NWA/WCW The Great American Bash 1989, only considered by many to be one of (if not the) greatest PPVs in the entire history of wrestling. Stay safe and healthy.

WWF Saturday Night’s Main Event #21 Review – 05.27.1989

Welcome everyone to my review of the 21st edition of SNME, this one featuring the famous cage match between Hogan and Bossman. The wrestlers will be given points in this show as usual.

Before starting, here is the list of champions in the WWF heading into this show:

  • WWF Champion: Hulk Hogan
  • Intercontinental Champion: Rick Rude
  • Tag Team Champions: Demolition (Ax & Smash)
  • Women’s Champion: Rockin’ Robin

Enjoy the review!

The hosts are Vince McMahon & Jesse Ventura

Taped in Des Moines, Iowa

WWF Intercontinental Championship: Rick Rude(c)(w/ Bobby Heenan) vs. King Jim Duggan

Duggan became the new “king” of the WWF a week or two before this show aired, having defeated the then King Haku on TV. Hard lockup gets things going, as Rude immediately does his best to make JIM DUGGAN look like King Kong. Duggan runs wild with a suplex, clotheslines and knees as Rude bumps all over the ring for him. Duggan drops Rude with three consecutive clotheslines, and when Rude gets up to his feet for what would be a fourth one, he immediately goes back down in a front bump. What a wrestler Rick Rude was. Duggan ends up missing a charge in the corner, though, and Rude drops a fist for two. However, in typical Rick Rude fashion, his celebration ends up costing him as Duggan gives him an atomic drop while he shows the young ladies what a ravishing man looks like. And Rude sells the atomic drop like death. Duggan follows it up with a piledriver, but Haku comes out to distract Duggan as we take a break.

Commercial

We return with Haku already gone from ringside, but with his distraction being felt as Rude takes advantage to hit a dropkick for two. Duggan escapes a chinlock but his comeback ends up going nowhere. Rude drops a flying fistdrop off the top, and immediately slides to the camera in the opposite corner and starts blowing kisses. Spectacular timing, in-ring presence and character work all in one move. That ends up giving Duggan enough time to make his big comeback, though, and the Three-Point Clothesline dumps Rude. Rude is more than happy to keep his title, and apparently so is Duggan since he counts along with the ref instead of wanting to become a champion. Rude gets officially counted-out to retain at 07:15.

  • Analysis: Rick Rude is probably the most generous professional wrestler ever. Not only did he do what he did for Warrior in all of their bouts, but also doing everything he could to make Jim Duggan look like a credible contender here. He was determined to make this memorable, and it’s probably the best Jim Duggan match I have ever seen. I know that doesn’t say much, but you get the point! It was enjoyable and the crowd was into it. **

Randy Savage(w/ Sensational Sherri) vs. Jim Neidhart

Savage has just replaced Miss Elizabeth with Sensational Sherri a month or so prior to this on the Brother Love Show. Meanwhile, Anvil and his Foundation partner Bret Hart were involved in singles feuds at this point for some reason. Neidhart was feuding with one of the Powers of Pain while Bret was starting a feud with… Mr. Perfect! It didn’t last long, though, as they were back together shortly after this and would win the tag belts again before the split really happened. Hard lockup to start, much like in the opener, with Sherri already getting involved and grabbing Anvil’s legs. Savage tries a sunset flip but Neidhart puts his weight on him to block it for two. Savage cheats his way out of an Anvil bearhug, and it’s time for some Macho choking. Once the ref forces Savage to break, Sherri does it as well behind his back. Sherri was a fantastic heel manager, particularly with Savage, and especially once he becomes the Macho King. If you’ve seen their work with the Warrior at WrestleMania VII, you know what I’m talking about. If you don’t, just keep following the reviews as we’ll hopefully get there one day! Double axehandle gets two. Savage makes the mistake of trying a slam, however, allowing Neidhart to start running wild with some shoulderblocks. A pretty good dropkick dumps Savage. Anvil meets him on the outside and gives him another one there. Back in, he hits the running powerslam gets a nearfall. Yes, Jim Neidhart just got a nearfall on Randy Savage! Neidhart ends up missing a charge, though, and Savage puts him away with the flying axehandle followed by the Macho Elbow at 05:54.

  • Analysis: Some would probably say it should’ve taken less time for Savage to beat Neidhart, but I didn’t have a problem with it. In fact, this was actually a very important match to establish this “new” version of Savage as well as Sherri. Showing everyone she isn’t afraid to get involved in Savage’s matches, this match put them over as a dangerous duo that should be taken seriously. *****

…for Sherri’s legs… ** for the match.

Steel Cage Match – WWF Championship: Hulk Hogan(c) vs. The Big Bossman(w/ Slick)

But wait! Before the match even starts, we get the massive debut of……. Zeus. Oh no. As he slowly walks down the ramp I remember how shitty No Holds Barred is. Then, as he gets in Hogan’s face, I remember how Randy Savage was thrown into this feud so he could A) carry the matches and B) eat pins on each one of their matches because GOD FORBID an actor does a job. Finally, as he knocks down Hulk Hogan with the lamest “punches to the back” ever, I remember Brutus Beefcake is going to be main-eventing PPVs going forward and instantly I feel like slapping myself in the face. Zeus leaves while the announcers talk about how Bossman has a giant advantage and he’s the champion already. There’s just no way he can lose, right? Bossman headbutts Hogan repeatedly to start, probably for producing such a horrible film, but Hogan responds with a clothesline. Hogan hits the big boot and starts climbing, only for Bossman to bring him back down and splash him. Hogan grabs Bossman’s ankle to prevent him from leaving through the door, though, so Bossman gives him a spinebuster and climbs instead. He actually makes it to the other side of the cage before Hogan grabs him by the throat at the last second and brings him back inside with a massive superplex for a double KO spot. The ref actually has to open the door and get in to count both guys down, but Hogan is up at eight and Bossman prevents him from escaping through the door shortly afterwards. Slick throws a chain at Bossman, who chokes away with it. Hogan ends up sending Bossman into the cage and using the chain himself, though, to set up his big Hulk Up comeback. He sends Bossman’s face into the cage followed by the Legdrop. Finally, Hogan actually handcuffs Bossman to the rope to prevent him from getting up, later escaping to retain at 10:01.

  • Analysis: Despite absolutely hating the Zeus feud and everything that comes with it, they still delivered a pretty good cage match here. Even though I don’t agree with those who consider this an all-time classic, it was pretty good for a free TV match. And better than Hogan’s cage match with Bundy at WrestleMania 2, for example. ***

WWF Tag Team Championship: Demolition (Ax & Smash) vs. Brain Busters (Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard)(w/ Bobby Heenan)

Blanchard wants to start and he’s quite confident before running away from Demolition in typical Blanchard fashion. Arn gets in instead but he finds himself in the champs’ corner until Blanchard comes in for a cheapshot. Smash no-sells an Arn suplex, though, and slams him. Everyone gets in as IT’S BREAKING LOOSE IN TULSA… but Heenan gets the Busters out of there to think some strategy. Back in, Blanchard with a knee to Ax, who no-sells it before beating him up. Blanchard runs away again like the great chickenshit heel he was, but Smash presses him all the way to the ring. Blanchard bails again, though, and we take a break.

Commercial

We return with the Demos dominating Blanchard before AA attacks Smash from behind to finally give them the advantage. Blanchard kneedrop followed by the AA Spinebuster gets two. Blanchard is now having the time of his life mocking Ax while AA is working over Smash. The legal guys get into a slugfest in the ring that is won by Smash, but Blanchard knocks Ax off the apron just before he can get taggen in! Ax finally has enough of these pricks and starts beating up everything that moves, including the ref, giving the heels the win (but not the belts) at 09:15.

  • Analysis: This match was only there to set up their eventual two-out-of-three-falls rematch, but it was still good despite the finish. Good tag wrestling, and Blanchard just makes you want to punch him in the face! With that said, I can buy Ax finally losing it and say that the finish was psychologically justified. **3/4

Main-Event: Jimmy Snuka vs. Boris Zhukov(w/ Slick)

Poor Zhukov is such a geek at this point that he even does jobs regularly on Prime Time Wrestling. He is pretty much playing Nikolai Volkoff’s role, but he doesn’t draw 1/10 of the heat Volkoff did. Anyway, the match: Snuka no-sells his jobber offense before putting him away with the Superfly Splash at 01:11.

  • Analysis: Snuka wins his first televised match back. As far as the match itself, how can I describe it? Squash City, population Boris. That sounds accurate. DUD

END OF THE SHOW

Final thoughts: This show was really good. The matches weren’t spectacular, which is fine, but a lot happened here. Rick Rude is on fire at this point. Sherri established herself as someone who will do anything for her meal ticket to win. Hogan can put on good matches on TV. Demolition are interesting again after that horrible never-ending feud with the Powers of Pain. Jimmy Snuka is back. Pretty good show to set up future feuds and stories. I’d recommend it. Zeus aside… 6/10

The points for this show:

  • Hulk Hogan: 5 points (3 for star rating + 1 for winning + 1 for successfully defending a title)
  • Demolition Ax & Smash: 3.25 points (2.75 for star rating + 1 for successfully defending a title – 0.5 for DQ loss)
  • Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard: 3.25 points (2.75 for star rating + 0.5 for DQ win)
  • Randy Savage: 3 points (2 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Rick Rude: 2.5 points (2 for star rating + 1 for successfully defending a title – 0.5 for CO loss)
  • Jim Duggan: 2.5 points (2 for star rating + 0.5 for CO win)
  • Jimmy Snuka: 2 points (1 for pinfall win + 1 for main-eventing)
  • Big Bossman: 2 points (3 for star rating – 1 for losing)
  • Jim Neidhart: 1 point (2 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Boris Zhukov: 0 points (1 for main-eventing – 1 for pinfall loss)

Until next time. Thank you for your time.

NWA WrestleWar 1989 Review (Flair vs. Steamboat III)

Welcome everyone to my review of WrestleWar 1989. Wrestlers will be given points in this show as usual, to see who’s the overall best wrestler of 1989 at the end of the year. You can check out how that works here.

Before starting the review, here is the list of champions in the NWA heading into this show:

  • NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Ricky Steamboat
  • United States Champion: Lex Luger
  • World TV Champion: Sting
  • World Tag Team Champions: The Varsity Club (Dr. Death Steve Williams & Mike Rotunda)
  • NWA US Tag Team Champions: Rick Steiner & Eddie Gilbert

Enjoy the review!

The hosts are Jim Ross & Bob Caudle

Live from Nashville

The Great Muta(w/ Gary Hart) vs. Eddie Gilbert

This was supposed to be Muta vs. Junkyard Dog, but JYD no-showed. We get green mist action by Muta to start, who immediately follows it up with a spinkick to the outside. Back in, Doug tries to make a comeback but Muta stops him with a handspring elbow. Muta kills another brief comeback attempt with the backbreaker, but misses the moonsault. Doug bails but quickly eats a massive pescado, and back in the Mutasault ends Gilbert at 3:03.

Analysis: Basically, a glorified squash as Muta continues to win. A win over a much bigger name like JYD would’ve helped him a lot more, but JYD no-showed… again. *1/2

Meanwhile, Ric Flair says this won’t be his last shot at the Big Gold belt. As Funaki would say, indeed.

Butch Reed vs. Ranger Ross

Headlock by Ross to start. Reed gets out of there with a neckbreaker and drops some elbows for two. Reed puts on a chinlock that is probably still locked in today. Ross escapes and makes a comeback featuring mucho dropkicks, but a flying shoulderblock puts him away at 06:59.

  • Analysis: Yes, the match lasted seven minutes and that was all that happened. Apart from a pretty good bump by Ross on the flying shoulderblock at the end, this was completely skippable. 1/4*

In the back, Lex Luger likes his chances.

Bullrope Match – Bob Orton Jr(w/ Gary Hart) vs. Dick Murdoch

JR points out on commentary how Murdoch has a lot of experience in this kind of match, and Orton immediately tries to run away from him. Murdoch uses the rope to bring him back into the ring, though, and whips Orton with the belt. Orton turns things around briefly, but Murdoch hits him with his boot for two. Murdoch only has one boot now, though, and Orton uses that to his advantage. Orton hits him with the belt and goes up, only for Murdoch to bring him back down and hogtie him for the pinfall at 04:54.

  • Analysis: The finish was fantastic and quite realistic, but the rest of the match was nothing more than kicks and punches. *

Samoan SWAFT Team (Fatu & Samu)(w/ Paul E. Dangerously) vs. Dynamic Dudes (Shane Douglas & Johnny Ace)

Johnny Ace goes all Ricky Steamboat on the heels to start, hitting everything that moves with armdrags. He slams Fatu before bringing in Douglas for a quick dropkick. Samu gets in but gets caught in the babyface corner, who use quick tags to double-team him before the Samoans catch Ace with a superkick. Samu superkicks him again and goes to a chinlock. A sideslam by Samu gets two. Fatu gets in for a powerslam that also gets two, and Samu goes for another chinlock. Ace escapes and tries to reach Douglas, but Samu stops him and takes him down into a Boston Crab. Douglas finally gets in for the hot tag, but that goes nowhere rather quickly and Fatu comes down with a flying splash and Ace saves at two. The Samoans go for it a second time, only for Ace to dropkick them as Douglas falls on top of Samu for the win at 11:02.

  • Analysis: This was a little bit longer than it probably should have been, but it was decent enough. **1/2

Terry Funk, Lou Thesz and Pat O’Connor, the judges for the World Title match, give their thoughts on tonight’s match between Steamboat and Flair.

United States Championship: Lex Luger(c) vs. Michael Hayes(w/ Hiro Matsuda)

Luger is incredibly over at this point in his career. Hayes bails and stalls a lot to start, and back in puts on a headlock before hitting a crossbody for two. Luger tries to slam Hayes to stop him, but Hayes turns him into a (slightly botched) legsweep. Hayes stalls once again, allowing Luger to finally catch him with a backdrop to take over. Back in, Hayes clotheslines Luger and goes for a DDT that Luger blocks before Hayes bails once more. A Luger slam gets two as Hayes tries to fight back with a number of chops, finally cutting Luger off with a clothesline. Hayes turns around to celebrate, while Luger pops up and no-sells before taking it to Hayes as the crowd explodes. That was very well done. Luger ends up missing a bodypress, though, allowing Hayes to ram him into the post followed by a suplex for two. Bulldog gets two more. Hayes locks in a chinlock but Luger escapes and makes the comeback, blocking a second bulldog and connecting with a clothesline for two. Luger press-slams Hayes a number of times and goes for the Torture Rack, which Hayes turns into a DDT. The ref gets bumped as they get up and start fighting, and Terry Gordy joins and shoves Hayes on top of the exhausted Luger for the win and the title at 16:06.

  • Analysis: I wouldn’t exactly take the midcard title off Luger after winning it at the prior PPV, simply because he was getting more and more over at this time. Otherwise, the match was good enough and quite enjoyable. ***1/4

World TV Championship: Sting(c) vs. The Iron Sheik(w/ Rip Morgan)

If Luger was over in the prior match, I don’t have words for Sting then. He gets the crowd going by simply screaming. Sheiky Baby forces the announcer to call him a former World champion. Sheik takes it to Sting with the flag before the bell and chokes him out with it. He gutwrenches Sting for two, but Sting quickly takes him down with the Stinger Splash in the corner before hooking the Scorpion Deathlock for the submission at 02:12.

  • Analysis: A complete squash, but it got Sting even more over. 1/2*

NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Ricky Steamboat(c) vs. Ric Flair

This is Flair’s last shot at Steamboat, as Flair had his foot on the ropes in the third and final fall at Clash of the Champions. Former NWA World Champions Lou Thesz, Pat O’Connor and Terry Funk are at ringside, just to make sure there’s a winner in case the match ends in a draw. Steamboat takes it to Flair with quick armdrags to start. Flair bitchslaps Steamboat in the corner, but Steamboat immediately responds by slapping Flair in the face EVEN HARDER. There you go. Flair gets up only to get backdropped back down. Steamboat catches Flair in a wristlock and starts working the arm, not allowing Flair to escape. Flair manages to block Ricky’s wristlock and turn it into a hammerlock for two, but Steamboat turns that into an armbar. Flair finally has enough of being outwrestled and decides it would be much easier to pull Steamboat’s hair to escape. He proceeds to drop some elbows on Steamboat. Epic selljob by Steamboat. Now it’s Steamboat who’s had enough of Flair’s cheating so he decides to chop Flair with a little bit of extra mustard on them. Steamboat goes back to outwrestling Flair, keeping him down once again, this time with a bridging hammerlock. As Flair is about to get to his feet, Steamboat releases the hold and dumps Flair with a hiptoss into a dropkick, totally outsmarting Flair. That pisses off Flair, who gets back in more aggressive, only for Steamboat to naturally use that against Flair and take back control. Meanwhile, the judges announce the results of the first voting: all three vote for Steamboat, meaning if the two are (for example) double counted-out before the next round of votes is announced, Steamboat would retain. I appreciate this a lot, especially since Steamboat has manage to completely outwrestle, outsmart and outclass Flair so far.

They get into a chopfest, again won by Steamboat, who proceeds to whip Flair into the turnbuckle and Flair finds himself in the Tree of Woe position. Steamboat misses a charge and goes flying to the outside, though, finally giving Flair the upper hand for the first time in the encounter. Flair beats up Steamboat in the front row in a great visual, chopping him while he’s close to the fans. Flair adds a nasty elbow to the throat, and once Steamboat finally makes the big comeback the crowd goes absolutely insane. Steamboat brings him back in to connect with the flying karate chop. Steamboat goes back to working the arm but ends up missing yet another charge, this time landing on his knee. You know what time it is. WOOOOOO, time to take him to school! Flair drops the knee on Steamboat. He chops away before hitting a backdrop suplex for two. Flair proceeds to work the count numerous times to get Steamboat more tired. I always enjoy this strategy, it’s quite realistic. Flair with yet another kneedrop followed by a suplex for two. Steamboat tries to make a comeback only to walk into a Flair stungun. Steamboat absolutely kills Flair with a chop to cut him off, though, only to be the victim of another suplex, this one on the floor. Meanwhile, the second round of the judges’ voting goes to Flair 2-1, meaning Steamboat is still winning on points with an overall score of 4 votes against Flair’s 2.

Flair goes for another suplex back inside, blocked by Steamboat for a nearfall before taking the chops to Flair. A bodypress by Naitch ends up sending both guys to the outside yet again. Flair goes to the top only to get slammed off. Shocking, I know! Steamboat runs wild on Flair, who hides in the corner and gets a cheap kick to the knee on the clean break. What a prick. A Flair suplex is blocked and turned into a pin by Steamboat that gets two, and Steamboat proceeds to drop Flair with a superplex. Steamboat wants the double chickenwing and Flair immediately grabs the ropes to avoid it. Steamboat comes at him with a flying chop instead. He goes for another one, but Flair uses the ropes to crotch Steamboat and send him to the outside, as Steamboat once again lands on his knee. Flair brings him in with a suplex off the apron and puts him in the Figure Four. Steamboat somehow manages to fight his way out of the hold, and connects with an enziguiri to prevent Flair from assaulting his legs even more. Steamboat is selling the leg, though, and Flair turns a Steamboat slam into a cradle for the win and his sixth title at 31:37.

After the match, Steamboat shakes Flair’s hand and presents him the belt as a show of mutual respect. Jim Ross joins the ring for an interview with the new champ, but Terry Funk (one of the three judges) gets in the ring to congratulate Flair on his new title. Funk challenges Flair, who says he’s focused on the top ten challengers instead. Funk says he was just kidding about the challenge anyway before leav…. he then jumps back in and destroys Flair all over ringside. Funk ends the beatdown with a nasty piledriver through the judges’ table, breaking Flair’s neck and pretty much naming himself the number one contender. And Ric Flair is now the babyface champion. Legendary angle.

  • Analysis: As far as the match goes, it’s absolutely perfect much like the other two matches in the trilogy. Apart from the usual intensity and competitive nature of their meetings, I absolutely loved the simple touch of adding judges to prevent a draw. In kayfabe, how can you guarantee there will be a decisive finish and that the wrestlers won’t pin each other to cause a draw… or a double count-out… or a time-limit draw? You really can’t. I also loved the judges’ dedication, with the three former World Champions even taking notes at particular points in the match. It really is that much better when the thing is taken seriously rather than exposed as fake and/or pre-determined. Also, notice how the exact same reversal that won Steamboat the IC Title at ‘Mania III took the World Title away from him. Lovely stuff! *****

Meanwhile, special ref Nikita Koloff is not going to be intimidated by anyone.

NWA World Tag Team Championship: The Varsity Club (Dr. Death Steve Williams & Mike Rotunda)(c)(w/ Kevin Sullivan) vs. The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal)(w/ Paul Ellering)

Good luck following THAT. Nikita Koloff is your special referee here. Nikita sends Sullivan to the back immediately just to show that HE WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED! The Warriors clean house to start, with Rotunda being the victim of an Animal powerslam followed by a flying clothesline by Hawk off the apron to the outside. Rotunda gets out of the way of a clothesline, though, as Hawk clotheslines the post instead and hurts his arm. Williams gets in and quickly goes after that arm, but Animal gets the hot tag and starts running wild. A shoulderblock on Williams gets two before it’s BREAKING LOOSE IN TULSA. The Road Warriors take down Williams with a double clothesline followed by the Doomsday Device, but Dan Spivey attacks Koloff to keep the tag titles with the Varsity Club via DQ loss at 06:06.

  • Analysis: I take my hat off to these guys for doing so well and putting on such a strong match despite following the World Title bout. And the crowd cared. Props to everyone involved for that. The finish would later result in the Varsity Club being stripped of the tag titles and them being vacated. **3/4

(Alleged) Main-event – NWA US Tag Team Championship: Eddie Gilbert & Rick Steiner(c)(w/ Missy Hyatt) vs. The Varsity Club (Kevin Sullivan & Dan Spivey)

Spivey immediately jumps Steiner before the match, slamming his shoulder a couple of times into the post and basically turning it into a handicap match. Gilbert is already playing face-in-peril in the first few minutes of the bout, while Sullivan keeps preventing Steiner from getting up on the apron. The heels continue to dominate Gilbert, with a clothesline by Sullivan followed by a Spivey dropkick. A sideslam gets two. Gilbert finally brings in Steiner for the hot tag, but Spivey distracted the ref and he missed the tag. Steiner is like “fuck it”, hitting a Steinerline on Sullivan anyway as Gilbert makes the cover to retain the belts at 06:41. The heels destroy Rick Steiner’s shoulder some more as punishment.

  • Analysis: Decent enough. This had an easy story that everyone could easily understand and get into, and I found nothing wrong with it. Steiner’s shoulder was legitimately injured, hence the injury angle to protect him and prevent him from working. The US Tag Titles would be retired shortly after this, though. **

END OF THE SHOW

  • Final thoughts: Well, there’s no way I can say this show is not recommended when you have one of the best matches of all time followed by an equally classic segment. The rest of the show isn’t bad, but I think the show wasn’t as good as Chi-Town Rumble. About fifty times better than WWF’s WrestleMania V the prior month, though. It would have been even better if the Funk/Flair beatdown angle close the show, because nothing could possily top that ending. 6/10

Here are the points for the wrestlers on this show:

  • Ric Flair: 8 points (5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 2 for winning a title)
  • Michael Hayes: 6.25 points (3.25 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 2 for winning a title)
  • Eddie Gilbert: 5.5 points (2 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 1 for successfully defending a title + 1 for main-eventing + 0.5 for winning the fall)
  • Rick Steiner: 5 points (2 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 1 for successfully defending a title + 1 for main-eventing)
  • Shane Douglas: 4 points (2.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 0.5 for winning the fall)
  • Johnny Ace: 3.5 points (2.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Dr. Death: 3.25 points (2.75 for star rating + 1 for successfully defending a title – 0.5 for DQ loss)
  • Mike Rotunda: 3.25 points (2.75 for star rating + 1 for successfully defending a title – 0.5 for DQ loss)
  • Hawk: 3.25 points (2.75 for star rating + 0.5 for DQ win)
  • Animal: 3.25 points (2.75 for star rating + 0.5 for DQ win)
  • The Great Muta: 2.5 points (1.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Sting: 2.5 points (0.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall loss + 1 for successfully defending a title)
  • Ricky Steamboat: 2 points (5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 2 for losing a title)
  • Dick Murdoch: 2 points (1 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Dan Spivey: 2 points (2 for star rating + 1 for main-eventing – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Kevin Sullivan: 1.5 point (2 for star rating + 1 for main-eventing – 1 for pinfall loss – 0.5 for losing the fall)
  • Fatu: 1.5 point (2.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Butch Reed: 1.25 point (0.25 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Samu: 1 point (2.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 0.5 for losing the fall)
  • Doug Gilbert: 0.5 points (1.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Lex Luger: 0.25 points (3.25 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 2 for losing a title)
  • Bob Orton Jr: 0 points (1 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • The Iron Sheik: -0.5 points (0.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Ranger Ross: -0.75 points (0.25 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)

Thank you for your time. Until next time!

WWF WrestleMania V Review (Hogan vs. Savage)

For those reading on your mobiles, click here to access the review in its original version for a better reading experience

Welcome everyone to my review of the fifth WrestleMania. The Ultimate Warrior puts his IC title on the line against ‘Ravishing’ Rick Rude. The Mega Powers explode over the World crown and Miss Elizabeth. Roddy Piper makes his return for the first time in two years. That and much more.

The points system will be in effect in this show as usual.

Before starting the review, these were the champions in the WWF heading into this show:

  • WWF Champion: Randy Savage
  • Intercontinental Champion: The Ultimate Warrior
  • Tag Team Champions: Demolition (Ax & Smash)
  • Women’s Champion: Rockin’ Robin

Enjoy the review!

The hosts are Gorilla Monsoon & Jesse Ventura

Live from the Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, NJ

– Opening the show to sing America the Beautiful is Rockin’ Robin, the reigning Women’s Champion. Well, she had to be on the show somehow…

King Haku(w/ Bobby Heenan) vs. Hercules

Yes, a match between two guys who weren’t feuding opened a WrestleMania. Well, technically Heenan sold Hercules to Ted DiBiase as a slave in late 1988 while Haku is a Heenan guy, so you can say they have a reason to be wrestling in case you’re in a good mood. That still doesn’t make it interesting, as Hercules spent the last few months feuding with DiBiase. Big and long night for Heenan here, who’s involved in five matches at this show. Haku cheapshots Herc to take control but a clothesline to the floor quickly turns things around for Hercules. Back in, Herc hits a suplex and a number of elbows. Another cheapshot allows Haku to take back control as he hits a backbreaker for two. Haku puts on a bearhug, which Herc powers out of but Haku chokes him on the ropes to stay on top. Haku cuts off a Hercules comeback with an elbow only to miss a bodypress. Hercules goes up only to eat a superkick, but Haku misses the flying headbutt and a backdrop suplex is enough to give the slave the win at 6:57.

  • Analysis: As a match, I guess you could say it’s watchable. Nothing wrong with it. However, there’s just nothing to it emotionally. Hercules beating DiBiase up would probably get him more over as a babyface. Haku is just a random guy managed by Bobby Heenan. What would be the difference if Hercules faced another random one instead, like Brooklyn Brawler? None. *

– Backstage, The Rockers are with Mean Gene and they have the Twin Towers on their mind. By just looking at their eyes, you can bet they had a few more things on their mind… and body. Good thing drug tests didn’t exist at the time.

The Rockers (Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty) vs. Twin Towers (Akeem & The Big Bossman)(w/ Slick)
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Michaels starts with Bossman and tries to use his speed to take on both heels. He catches Bossman with a dropkick and even mocks Akeem’s dancing. The Rockers use quick tags to work over the heels, but Jannetty eventually gets caught and plays drunk-in-peril. The big guys take turn splashing Jannetty over and over again, which sounds like pretty good strategy to me. Jannetty finally ends up moving out of the way and Akeem takes out Bossman instead, allowing Jannetty to bring in HBK for the hot tag. Quick double flying shoulderblock by the Rockers gets two. Michaels moves out of a clothesline by Akeem, but ends up turning around into another MASSIVE one that connects. Good lord. Bossman comes in but misses a splash and ends up taking a double missile dropkick by the Rockers. Michaels goes up, only to fly right into an awesome powerbomb by Bossman. Akeem comes in, adds a splash and that’s all she wrote at 8:02.

  • Analysis: You can tell Shawn Michaels was more than motivated to take this another level. He made both Akeem and Bossman look like million bucks, particularly when taking Akeem’s clothesline and Bossman’s powerbomb. It didn’t quite reach that next level, but it was fine, mostly thanks to Michaels. **1/2

– Backstage, Ted DiBiase talks about Trump and rich people while addressing Brutus Beefcake.

Ted DiBiase(w/ Virgil) vs. Brutus Beefcake

As I already mentioned in the opening match, DiBiase had been feuding with Hercules. So this is another match that will be weird to see. DiBiase recently introduced the million dollar title belt, about a month before this show. It’s not on the line here. Beefcake runs wild to start while DiBiase bails after taking a backdrop. A cheapshot turns things around and DiBiase chops away in the corner before taking a few more seconds to regroup once Brutus slams him out of the corner. Back in a slugfest is won by Beefcake, so finally Virgil has to get involved as he trips up Brutus, allowing DiBiase to follow up with some choking. DiBiase pounds away and the million dollar fistdrop gets two. Middle-rope elbow gets two, but so does a Brutus cradle. A battle over a suplex is won by Beefcake before a double clothesline takes both guys down for the double KO spot. DiBiase ends up hitting a suplex of his own to set up the Million Dollar Dream, but Brutus quickly makes it to the ropes. Beefcake sends DiBiase into the turnbuckle to set up his own sleeper, but Virgil gets involved and both guys end up taking the fight to the floor for the lame double count-out finish at 10:01.

  • Analysis: Another technically fine match, but with no storyline at all and an awful crowd that doesn’t help. *3/4

– Meanwhile, The Bushwhackers eat like animals and lick each other in the face. Isn’t it such good shit?

The Fabulous Rougeaus (Jacques & Raymond)(w/ Jimmy Hart) vs. The Bushwhackers (Butch & Luke)

During the Bushwhackers’ entrance, Jesse Ventura says on commentary ‘these guys look like they’re on some kind of juice’. Make up your own jokes. The Bushwhackers steal Jimmy Hart’s jacket and try to eat it or something, but the Rougeaus come in and take over. The geeks go for the Battering Ram (double headbutt) on Raymond, but Jacques saves him and they bail. The crowd is just scary dead. No wonder Vince took ‘Mania to Toronto the following year. Raymond drops a flying axehandle on one of the geeks, and the Rougeaus make quick tags to get some heat. Only there’s no heat because this crowd sucks. They hit a double superkick and stop to celebrate, before the geeks finally hit their Battering Ram followed by a double gutbuster for the win at 9:10. And then the geeks lick Sean Mooney on their way to the back because this company hates me.

  • Analysis: Bad Vince McMahon comedy + ridiculously long + no heat + a couple of handicapped idiots beating an over heel team with a funny heel gimmick who could be putting someone good over instead of doing this bullshit = DUD

Mr. Perfect vs. The Blue Blazer

The Blue Blazer is Owen Hart, only he’s blue (da ba dee da ba daa). The crowd is once again ridiculously dead for everything and really bringing this show down. What an awful viewing experience. Perfect with a headlock into a hiptoss to start before they slap each other in the corner. Blazer catches him on another hiptoss attempt with a slam, dumps him with a dropkick before meeting him on the outside with a baseball slide. Back in, Perfect tries to reverse Blazer’s own hiptoss, but Blazer reverses Perfect’s reversal and follows it up with a quick dropkick. Backbreaker gets two. Northern lights suplex gets two more. Blazer goes up for a flying splash that only finds Perfect’s knees, but Perfect eats boot on a charge and Blazer hits a belly-to-belly for two. Blazer catches him with a quick crucifix for two, before Perfect finally catches him with the Perfectplex to put him away at 5:38.

  • Analysis: Good little match with (again) a terrible crowd that didn’t care about anyone or anything, thus bringing this match way down. I would just like to know who thought it was a good idea to give these guys five minutes of in-ring action and the Bushfuckers nine. **1/4

– Meanwhile, filler and filler and filler and more filler because this show isn’t long enough. Mr. Fuji cheats to win a run. Run DMC with the WrestleMania rap. Finally, Demolition address Mr. Fuji & the Powers of Pain.

Handicap Match – WWF Tag Team Championship: Demolition (Ax & Smash)(c) vs. The Powers of Pain (Warlord & Barbarian) & Mr. Fuji

Ax and Warlord start and Demolition take turns chinlocking the heel. Barbarian comes in, but gets double-teamed as well and eats an axehandle by Ax. Double-team elbow by Demolition. Barbarian finally gets some offense on the champions, but Warlord comes in only to get double-clotheslined. Fuji distracts Ax and allows the heels to take over, even getting in the ring for some shots and a headbutt. Barbarian comes in for a jumping clothesline and some choking. He powerslams Ax to set up a Fuji splash that misses, only for the heels to prevent the hot tag from happening. Ax ends up getting the hot tag to Smash anyway, who cleans house before only Fuji is left alone. Fuji tries to get some ceremonial salt in, but it misses and the Demolition Decapitation gets the win to retain at 8:20.

  • Analysis: Again, I don’t want to sound repetitive, but this crowd distracts the viewer from anything going on inside the ropes. They react to nothing at all. I remember punches and axehandles from this match. That’s it. But well, at least there was a story and Demolition got their revenge on Fuji. *

Dino Bravo(w/ Frenchy Martin) vs. Ronnie Garvin

Before the bell rings, though, Jimmy Snuka makes his return to the WWF. Right, THIS crowd gets the announced return of Piper + a surprise return from Snuka. And they are still dead. Anyway, Snuka leaves and these two wrestle a boring Superstars-level match. I apologize for my lack of enthusiasm, but it should tell you a lot about this show. Bravo gets a bearhug followed by a shoulderblock for two, before Garvin hits a splash for two. He hits a piledriver for two, before Bravo connects with an atomic drop followed by the sideslam for the win at 3:06. Garvin stomps Martin afterwards and cleans the ring. To no reaction, obviously. Fuck this crowd.

  • Analysis: Filler. DUD

The Brain Busters (Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard)(w/ Bobby Heenan) vs. Strike Force (Tito Santana & Rick Martel)

This is Strike Force’s first tag match in almost a year. The babyfaces run wild to start and send Arn to the floor with a double dropkick. Arn gets a bodyscissors on Martel to turn the tables, though, and once Martel tries to turn him over for the Boston Crab near the heels’ corner, Tully quickly rakes his eyes to break. Nice. Both teams get tags and Tito comes in on fire, getting a couple of quick nearfalls on Tully but the flying forearm hits Martel instead by mistake. That allows Tully to get Arn back in to take back control, while Martel can’t get the tag. Santana tries to make his own comeback with a sunset flip and a bodypress for two, but the Brain Busters catch him and double-team him. Santana crawls for the tag, but Martel walks away from him. With no partner to tag, Santana tries to make the comeback himself again anyway, but they quickly put him away with the double spike Piledriver at 9:17.

  • Analysis: It would be better if the crowd reacted to the story these guys were telling, but it was solid anyway. Not even Santana desperately crawling like a true babyface could make this crowd care, though. Have I mentioned they suck and are bringing everything on the show down already? **1/4

– In the back, Rick Martel makes his heel turn official.

Piper’s Pit/Brother Love Show: Roddy Piper, Brother Love & Morton Downey Jr.

I really wanted to enjoy this more, but it was way too long and the crowd only reacted to Roddy Piper’s sexual jokes. By reacted I actually mean a two-second “OOH” before going back to silence. Piper beat up both guys as expected, but he deserved a much better return.

– Meanwhile, Sean Mooney interviews Donald Trump. No Holds Barred trailer featuring Hulk Hogan. OH NO, NOT THIS!

Andre the Giant(w/ Bobby Heenan) vs. Jake Roberts

The special ref is Big John Studd. One of the turnbuckles is magically exposed before the match even starts, and Andre rams Roberts into it to take over before choking away. Roberts tries to get Damien involved but he can’t escape Andre. Andre chokes some more and squashes Roberts using his ass. And then chokes. A lot. Roberts eventually sends Andre into the exposed turnbuckle, but quickly sends Roberts flying to the floor with a chop. He wants the snake but Ted DiBiase appears and steals it from him, while Andre touches Studd for the lame DQ loss at 9:44. And then he runs away from the snake as Roberts stands tall.

  • Analysis: I’ve always mentioned how this feud has done nothing but kill Andre’s mystique. Add the fact that Andre can barely do anything in a wrestling ring at this point in his life, apart from choking, plus a non-finish and you do the math. DUD

The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart) vs. The Honky Tonk Man & Greg Valentine(w/ Jimmy Hart)

Another match with no storyline at all, apart from “Jimmy Hart is the Foundation’s former manager and they’re facing a couple of Jimmy Hart guys in a tag”. Bret starts with Honky and scores with a quick roll-up for two followed by an atomic drop as Honky runs away from him. Valentine tries his luck but ends up taking Bret’s atomic drop too followed by a dropkick. Neidhart comes in with a shoulderblock for two. Back to Bret with the backbreaker, but the middle-rope elbow misses and Valentine takes over. The heels double-team Bret and Honky catches him with an elbow to the back of the head. Honky atomic drops him and follows it up with Shake Rattle & Roll, but brings in Valentine instead of going for the cover. Valentine wants to add the figure four, but Bret desperately goes to the eyes to break only to eat a gutbuster. Honky gets back in and Bret almost steals it with a quick crossbody, but Honky sends Bret flying on the kickout. Valentine tags in and Bret fakes a roll-up, tagging in Neidhart instead. Neidhart cleans house and gets two with a massive clothesline, while Valentine has to rake the eyes to stop him. Honky comes in but misses a fistdrop and a Bret suplex gets two. Everyone gets in and it’s quickly BREAKING LOOSE IN TULSA, while Jimmy Hart leaves the megaphone in the corner. Honky crawls his way there, but Neidhart gets it away from him at the last possible second before throwing it at Bret, who’s behind Honky. Honky turns around to eat a shot and that’s it at 7:40.

  • Analysis: Despite having no story, these two wrestled a solid tag match with a lot of action in just seven minutes. Plus, the crowd actually reacted to the finish of the match. I take my hat off to them for that! **1/2
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WWF Intercontinental Championship: The Ultimate Warrior(c) vs. Rick Rude(w/ Bobby Heenan)

Rude hits Warrior with a cheap knee to the gut while he’s still making his entrance, but he ends up hurting himself as Warrior was still wearing the belt. That’s a brilliant touch. Warrior throws Rude around as Rude literally FLIES all over the place bumping for Warrior. Warrior whips him into the corner a number of times before putting him in a bearhug. Rude goes to the eyes to break and follows up with a missile dropkick, but Warrior no-sells and slams him. Warrior goes back to the bearhug and Rude tries to go after the eyes again, but the ref prevents him from doing so this time around. Rude ends up escaping anyway before biting Warrior, so Warrior bites him in return. The Warrior Splash hits Rude’s knees, though, and a piledriver gets a close two. Ventura notices how Warrior isn’t exploding out of the cover now, which is a very nice touch. Now Rude is confident, but he can’t do his pose due to his injured back. Rick Rude is fantastic. Rude clotheslines Warrior for two. Russian legsweep gets two more. Warrior finally grabs the ropes and starts making the superman comeback with the usual. He ends up botching a backbreaker badly, though, and clotheslines him instead for two. Warrior misses a charge and Rude tries to put him away with the Rude Awakening, but Warrior powers his way out of it and starts running wild again. Warrior dumps Rude with a clothesline to the floor, but when trying to bring him back in with a vertical suplex, Heenan grabs Warrior’s feet while Rude lands on top of Warrior for the win and the title at 9:36. Warrior beats up Heyman after the match to get his heat back.

  • Analysis: This was easily the best thing on the show so far. The crowd was FINALLY alive for Ultimate Warrior, while Rick Rude did everything he could and then some to put Warrior over, taking some crazy bumps for him. Warrior lost for the first time, yes, but Rude is the perfect person to get him even more over than he was before, even in defeat. Warrior’s first good match… well, ever. ***

Jim Duggan vs. Bad News Brown

I feel for these two poor guys for having to follow the Ultimate Warrior’s match. Brown goes after Duggan to start but gets clotheslined to the floor. Brown takes control back inside the ring. He goes for the Ghetto Blaster but misses, while Duggan hits the Three Point Stance but sends Duggan flying to the outside. Brown grabs a chair while Duggan grabs his 2×4, and they hit each other for the lame double DQ at 3:49.

  • Analysis: There’s literally nothing to say here apart from “at least it was short”. DUD

Bobby Heenan(w/ The Brooklyn Brawler) vs. The Red Rooster

Heenan comes out selling Warrior’s attack. He hides from Rooster in the corner, but Rooster whips him into the other turnbuckle to win at 00:31.

  • Analysis: Nothing as a match, but it was nice to see Heenan getting his comeuppance after taking the IC Title off Warrior earlier. DUD

Main event – WWF Championship: Randy Savage(c) vs. Hulk Hogan
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This is finally the match that everyone watching this show paid to see, and the one that finally wakes up the crowd for real. This did awesome business after an entire year of brilliant storytelling. Miss Elizabeth is obviously at ringside, but in a neutral corner, and she even gets to make her own entrance. Savage constantly runs away from Hogan, playing mind-games with him to start. He finally gets in to fight over a lockup, which is obviously won by Hogan so Savage bails again. Hogan goes after him and Savage uses Elizabeth as a shield. Back in, Hogan takes Savage down with a drop toehold (check out the moveset, brother!) into a headlock, but Savage escapes it with a suplex. Hogan is still fighting back, so Savage rakes the eyes and drops the double axehandle for two. He puts Hogan in the armbar, and keeps constantly pulling Hogan’s hair everytime the ref looks away just to be a dick. Randy Savage is the best. Hogan ends up breaking the hold, sending Savage into the turnbuckle before hitting a clothesline for two. Savage fights back with his own clothesline, and as he puts Hogan in a chinlock we can see Hogan is bleeding. He fights his way out of Savage’s chinlock with an atomic drop, but misses an elbow and Savage connects with a high knee for two. Savage pounds away on Hogan’s cut in a brilliant touch, and even stomps on his fingers just to make sure we all know how much he hates Hogan. That ends up doing nothing but waking up Hogan, who goes after Savage with a clothesline before sending Savage flying to the floor. Liz is concerned but Savage wants nothing to do with her. Hogan comes after him and tries to send him into the post, but Liz doesn’t want to see that and gets in between them and the post, so Savage escapes and ends up sending Hogan into the post himself. Liz checks on Hogan, and the ref sends her to the back since she’s a distraction to both wrestlers. Once she leaves, Savage drops the flying double axehandle on Hogan to the floor. Back in, Savage snaps Hogan’s neck on the ropes and goes to work on that part of Hogan’s body. He elbows Hogan right in the throat on the apron before choking him on the ropes. He drops a knee on the throat and proceeds to use his tape to choke Hogan all the way down to the floor. Hogan is down and out in the middle of the ring, and Savage goes up for the Macho Elbow. He connects and covers but Hogan hulks up at two. And from there, you know the deal. No no no, punch punch punch, whip, big boot, big leg, new champion at 17:54.

  • Analysis: This match is not only a financial success in history, but also a fantastic wrestling match. Savage’s cheating was superb, looking like he actually wanted to hurt and humiliate Hogan more and more with each and every shot. Everything he did screamed “I hate you” and felt realistic. Hogan bleeding added a lot to the match and generated even more sympathy for him, while his comeback was hot as always. This was a fantastic match and still, to this day, one of the greatest main-events in the history of WrestleMania. ****

END OF THE SHOW

  • Final thoughts: The things you already know are awesome, are awesome. As far as the rest goes, you can forget about it. Maybe apart from the Rockers’ and the Harts’ tag matches, maybe. But the rest is incredibly forgettable. The show is bad with an awful crowd, and it’s a real struggle to get through it. Take into consideration the show is over three hours long and you’ll understand. Watch the things that are good, but do yourself a favor and avoid this show. 3/10

The points for WrestleMania V:

  • Hulk Hogan: 7 points (4 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 2 for winning a title)
  • Rick Rude: 6 points (3 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 2 for winning a title)
  • Akeem: 4 points (2.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 0.5 for winning the fall)
  • Bret Hart: 4 points (2.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 0.5 for winning the fall)
  • Arn Anderson: 3.75 points (2.25 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 0.5 for winning the fall)
  • Big Bossman: 3.5 points (2.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Jim Neidhart: 3.5 points (2.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Ax: 3.5 points (1 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 1 for successfully defending a title + 0.5 for winning the fall)
  • Tully Blanchard: 3.25 points (2.25 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Mr. Perfect: 3.25 points (2.25 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Smash: 3 points (1 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 1 for successfully defending a title)
  • Hercules: 2 points (1 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Ted DiBiase: 1.75 point (for star rating)
  • Brutus Beefcake: 1.75 point (for star rating)
  • Marty Jannetty: 1.5 point (2.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Greg Valentine: 1.5 point (2.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Bushwhacker Luke: 1.5 point (1 for pinfall win + 0.5 for winning the fall)
  • Blue Blazer: 1.25 point (2.25 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Rick Martel: 1.25 point (2.25 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Randy Savage: 1 point (4 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 2 for losing a title)
  • Bushwhacker Butch: 1 point (for pinfall win)
  • Shawn Michaels: 1 point (2.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 0.5 for losing the fall)
  • Honky Tonk Man: 1 point (2.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 0.5 for losing the fall)
  • Dino Bravo: 1 point (for pinfall win)
  • The Red Rooster: 1 point (for pinfall win)
  • Tito Santana: 0.75 points (2.25 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 0.5 for losing the fall)
  • Jake Roberts: 0.5 points (for DQ win)
  • Ultimate Warrior: 0 points (3 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 2 for losing a title)
  • Jim Duggan: 0 points
  • Bad News Brown: 0 points
  • King Haku: 0 points (1 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Warlord: 0 points (1 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Barbarian: 0 points (1 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Andre the Giant: -0.5 points (for DQ loss)
  • Mr. Fuji: -0.5 points (1 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 0.5 for losing the fall)
  • Ronnie Garvin: -1 point (for pinfall loss)
  • Bobby Heenan: -1 point (for pinfall loss)
  • Jacques Rougeau: -1 point (for pinfall loss)
  • Raymond Rougeau: -1.5 point (-1 for pinfall loss – 0.5 for losing the fall)

Thank you for reading!

NWA Clash of the Champions VI: Ragin’ Cajun Review (Flair vs. Steamboat)

Hello everyone. Welcome to my review of the sixth NWA Clash of the Champions, featuring the second match of the epic Flair/Steamboat saga, this time under best two out of three falls. The points system will be in affect in this show as always. If you don’t know already, you can see how it works here.

Before starting, here is the list of champions in the NWA at the time:

  • NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Ricky Steamboat
  • United States Champion: Lex Luger
  • World TV Champion: Sting
  • NWA World Tag Team Champions: Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal)
  • NWA US Tag Team Champions: Rick Steiner & Eddie Gilbert

Enjoy the review!

The hosts are Jim Ross & Michael Hayes

The Samoan Swat Team (Samu & Fatu)(w/ Paul E. Dangerously) vs. The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane)(w/ Jim Cornette)

The saga between Cornette and Heyman continues, as Heyman has now replaced his “Original Midnight Express” with the Samoans. Samu and Lane battle over a bodypress to start, with Lane hitting it for two. The SST try to cut the ring in half and bring Lane to their corner, but it’s Fatu (the future Rikishi) who ends up in the Express’ corner. Eaton comes in with a sweet missile dropkick while Cornette hits Samu with the racket behind the ref’s back. Not what I would call a babyface move, but you do what you gotta do to beat a pair of Samoans. Samu comes in only to walk into a sunset flip for two, at which point Paul E. gives him the phone to think some strategy. The point that it’s stupid is what makes it work. Back in with Fatu and Eaton, who backdrops Fatu and follows it up with a small package for two. The Express works in a headlock but Eaton eventually gets caught in the DEADLY SAMOAN VULCAN NERVE PINCH MASSAGE OF DOOM. He escapes but walks into a Fatu back elbow that gets two. Back to the vulcan nerve pinch and a clothesline gets two more. Eaton finally brings in Lane for the hot tag and it’s BREAKING LOOSE IN TULSA. The Express run the Samoans into each other but… well, they’re Samoans. Heyman trips up Lane, so Cornette responds by hitting Fatu with the tennis racket, which is no-sold. Fatu hits a powerslam on Lane for two. Back to the nerve pinch he goes. Hmm why? The Samoans hit a DOUBLE SAMOAN HEADBUTT on Lane for two. No way!! Lane tries another sunset flip but Fatu this time sits on him for another nearfall. Fatu misses a flying headbutt and here comes Eaton for the hot tag. He runs wild and looks like he’s ready to go home, only for Fatu to hit Eaton with the phone behind the ref’s back and Samu to steal it at 20:32.

  • Analysis: Despite not being bad, the expectations for this feud between Heyman and Corny’s teams are way too high. This simply didn’t even come close to that level. It was solid, but they missed the peak by a while as this needlessly just went on forever. **3/4

The Great Muta(w/ Gary Hart) vs. Steven Casey

After the last match, this needs to be a sprint. Muta immediately spits the green mist to start and follows it up with a quick handspring elbow, but Casey gets an armdrag. I will never understand the psychology or the physics of someone being blinded but somehow managing to perfectly hit an armdrag a few seconds later. But maybe I am the only one who still pays attention to these details. Muta hits a mule kick followed by a missile dropkick. Some more green mist before going to work on the leg. He spinkicks Casey and goes to a sleeperhold. OH NO! Casey tries to make a small comeback, but that ends up going nowhere. Muta dumps him, hits a pescado followed by a handspring elbow before finishing with the backbreaker into the Mutasault at 8:11.

  • Analysis: Another match that ended up being way longer than it should’ve been. The finish was cool, the rest was just sort of there to fill some time. They totally could (and probably should) have done this hot finish immediately after the first green mist spew, but it is what it is. *1/4

The Junkyard Dog vs. Butch Reed(w/ Hiro Matsuda)

Kinda weird how these two were apart of WrestleMania IV the prior year, and are now here wrestling for the rival promotion at the very same time as WrestleMania V takes place. Just in case you’re wondering, JYD was in the final three of the opening battle royal won by Bad News Brown while Reed was eliminated from the WWF title tournament in the first round by Macho Man, the eventual winner, on that show. Mucho headbutting by JYD to start while Reed bails. JYD works the arm and slams Reed to cut off his comeback. Reed pounds him down and drops an elbow for two. He follows it up with a chinlock, only for JYD to escape with a backdrop and for them to collide for the double KO spot. Reed goes up and hits a flying shoulderblock on the second try for two. Matsuda tries to distract the ref only for JYD to send Reed into Matsuda for the win at 9:56.

  • Analysis: Another really long bout. Only this one felt somehow even longer since it was slow and nothing was really going on. DUD

NWA US Tag Team Championship – Rick Steiner & Eddie Gilbert(c)(w/ Missy Hyatt) vs. The Varsity Club (Kevin Sullivan & Dan Spivey)

At this point I just want a Warrior-like squash so we can move on to the main-event already! Spivey goes after Gilbert to start with a gutwrench into a tilt-a-whirl slam as Sullivan proceeds to beat him up on the floor. Spivey hits a clothesline for two. He puts Gilbert in the tree of woe position but misses a charge and Steiner gets in for the hot tag. He runs wild for a bit before it quickly BREAKS LOOSE IN TULSA. Eddie hits Sullivan with Hyatt’s purse for the win at 3:51.

  • Analysis: This was really short and nothing. But hey, a million stars for being really short!! No, in reality it gets 1/2*

Best 2/3 Falls – NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Ricky Steamboat(c) vs. Ric Flair

Terry Funk joins us on commentary. For those of you who don’t know where this is going, get ready! This is obviously Flair’s rematch at the title he lost two months earlier at Chi-Town Rumble. 60 minute time limit here. They immediately start pounding each other because these guys are the best. Into the amateur wrestling sequences they go before Steamboat SMACKS Flair with a little bit of extra mustard on that SMACK. Off the ropes, Flair drops down but gets caught with a headlock. Flair reverses out of that and turns it into his own wristlock as they feel each other out in the first minutes. Flair plays mind games with Steamboat and the ref by claiming hair pulling on the headlock. Flair bails and walks into another headlock back in which he turns over into a pin for two. More pounding follows as Steamboat suddenly gets the flying headscissors followed by a dropkick before going back to the headlock. Flair goes to the corner to break but gets a cheapshot on the clean break to start another chopfest. Steamboat backdrop followed by a dropkick gets two as Flair goes back to the corner. He asks for mercy only to try another classic Flair cheapshot, but this time Steamboat is ready for him and rolls him up for two. A clothesline puts Flair back down, setting up another headlock. Steamboat fires away with the chops and gets two off a Flair flop. Atomic drop followed by more quick chops force Flair to get out of there in a hurry. Steamboat is all over him anyway, though, and brings him back in with a vertical suplex off the apron to the ring for two. Steamboat tries to follow it up with a splash but hits the knees instead as Flair finally takes over. Butterfly suplex gets two as Flair starts working the count. I always love this touch. Flair has Steamboat in a pinning position off a test of strength, only for Steamboat to kip up out of there in an AWESOME spot but Steamboat misses a dropkick. Flair goes for the Figure Four which Steamboat turns over into a cradle, but Flair turns that cradle into his own cradle for the first fall at 19:33. Small detail: Steamboat used this very same reversal to win the title at Chi-Town Rumble, showing you that Flair studied the tape and knows his opponent better now than he did in their first encounter. Small details rule and I miss them.

Ricky Steamboat 0-1 Ric Flair

We start the second fall with a much more confident Flair and a much more aggressive Steamboat, working the match according to the current result. These matches are awesome on so many levels. Steamboat is wasting no time now, hitting a press slam followed by the flying chop for two. He goes to the headlock, but Flair now is waiting for it and gets out of there with a back suplex. Flair kneedrop gets two. He goes for a second one but there’s no water in the pool, as Steamboat just proceeds to drop numerous (and I mean NUMEROUS) elbows on Flair’s legs. Steamboat puts Flair in his own Figure Four, even adding some chops to keep Flair from sitting up while in the hold and forcing him to keep his shoulders off the mat so he doesn’t get pinned. I love this match more and more with each thing they do. Flair ends up getting to the ropes so Steamboat turns him over into a Boston Crab instead to go to work on Flair’s injured back. If you can’t already hear Jim Ross on commentary going “Ric Flair broke his back in the plane crash yadda yadda yadda”, I don’t think you’ve ever seen a Ric Flair match! Flair again makes the ropes to escape and actually catches Steamboat in a headlock near the corner to stop his momentum. Steamboat gets in a backslide for two anyway, forcing Flair to dump him to the floor. He whips Steamboat into the railing and slams him on the floor. Back in, Flair uses the ropes to snap Steamboat’s neck before bringing him back inside with a suplex for two. Abdominal stretch into another series of pinfall attempts by Flair, which now not only gets Steamboat more tired, but also kills some time. Genius. Steamboat ends up fighting back with his own sequence of quick pinfalls for two before Flair catches him with a chop for two. Flair goes up but (shockingly, I know) gets slammed off before taking a superplex as well. NOT ON THE BROKEN BACK! Steamboat applies a double chickenwing submission hold and Flair gives up the second fall at 34:54.

Ricky Steamboat 1-1 Ric Flair

Steamboat goes for an abdominal stretch to start the deciding fall, but Flair catches him right where he wants him as he clips the knee. You better believe it’s time go to school. WOOOO. Flair keeps going after that knee while Steamboat tries to fight back with chops, and an irish whip sets up the classic Flair flip but Steamboat was waiting for it and catches him with a giant lariat that sends Flair flying all the way to the floor! I love how they keep putting over the fact that they know each other so well. Back in, Flair catches Steamboat with a takedown before starting to work the count with his feet on the ropes. Flair goes back to the knee and it’s Figure Four time. Steamboat fights and fights and fights before eventually making the ropes, earning a pop from the crowd. Steamboat whips Flair into the corner again, but this time he can’t follow up with Flair after the Flair flip and takes the bodypress for two. LOVELY! Steamboat goes for a slam but again the leg gives up as Flair falls on top for two. Steamboat goes up with the flying bodypress for two as he continues to sell the leg despite being in control. Flair tries to get rid of Steamboat but he comes in with a sunset flip for another nearfall. Flair gets a sleeper and Steamboat finally shows some life before the arm drops for the third time. Steamboat whips Flair into the turnbuckle and dumps him. Flair takes his usual bump on the floor because of course he does. He’s Ric Flair! Flair goes back to working on the leg but gets hit with a sudden enziguiri for two. Steamboat tries to follow it up with a flying splash but nobody’s there and Steamboat’s knee hits the mat. Flair kicks the leg and laughs at Steamboat, who tries to fight back with chops. Flair goes for the atomic drop but Steamboat avoids Flair’s knee and drops him with a massive lariat for two. Flair catches him with a back suplex and goes up, but gets slammed off like always. Steamboat goes for the double chickenwing submission that won him the second fall, but this time his leg is all fucked up and he drops on the mat. Flair goes down with him and they both get pinned, but Steamboat gets a shoulder up before the ref counts three to win the third fall and retain the World’s championship at 55:32.

Ricky Steamboat 2-1 Ric Flair

  • Analysis: Well, much like the water is wet this is a perfect match. I loved the way they brought back spots from their previous match and added to them by putting over how the wrestlers were ready for them this time. Small details such as Steamboat showing more aggression after losing the first fall, while Flair showed more confidence and tried to kill time with any chance he got were also great. Steamboat getting the submission win in the second fall but not being able to apply that very same hold in the third and final fall due to Flair beating up his legs badly in between… I could be here all day. It’s simply magic. Is there even any question as to what this gets? *****

– Backstage, Jim Ross interviews Ricky Steamboat. Dragon talks about how he has to move on to new challengers as a show of respect to them. However, once he watches the replay and sees that the referee and the cameras missed Flair’s foot on the ropes while he was pinned, he gives him one final rematch for the title at May’s WrestleWar. Bring it on!

END OF THE SHOW

  • Final thoughts: Steamboat and Flair make this show memorable, the rest is completely forgettable. Still, this show has one of the best matches in wrestling history (again), so I can’t give this show anything lower than 7/10.

The points for this show:

  • Ricky Steamboat: 8.5 points (5 for star rating + 1 for two pin/sub falls + 1 for winning + 1 for successfully defending a title + 1 for main-eventing – 0.5 for losing a fall by pin)
  • Ric Flair: 4.5 points (5 for star rating + 1 for main-eventing + 0.5 for winning one fall by pin – 1 for losing – 1 for losing two falls by pin/sub)
  • Samu: 4.25 points (2.75 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 0.5 for winning the fall)
  • Fatu: 3.75 points (2.75 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Rick Steiner: 3 points (0.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 1 for successfully defending a title + 0.5 for winning the fall)
  • Eddie Gilbert: 2.5 points (0.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 1 for successfully defending a title)
  • The Great Muta: 2.25 points (1.25 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Stan Lane: 1.75 points (2.75 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Bobby Eaton: 1.25 points (2.75 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 1 for losing the fall)
  • The Junkyard Dog: 1 point (for pinfall win)
  • Steven Casey: 0.25 points (1.25 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Dan Spivey: -0.5 points (0.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Kevin Sullivan: -1 point (0.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 1 for losing the fall)
  • Butch Reed: -1 point (for pinfall loss)

Thank you so much for your time as usual. Next time here on the site: WRESTLEMANIA V!

NWA Chi-Town Rumble 1989 Review (Flair vs. Steamboat)

Hello everyone and welcome to my very first NWA review. Today I bring to you the first NWA PPV of 1989, featuring an impressive up-and-coming Sting in action, a loser leaves town match and, above all else, one of the best wrestling matches in the history of the sport – Flair vs. Steamboat.

The point system I use for the WWF shows will work for NWA too going forward. Click here to see how it works.

Before starting, here’s the list of champions in the NWA at the time of this event:

  • NWA World Heavyweight Champion – Ric Flair
  • United States Champion: Barry Windham
  • World TV Champion: Rick Steiner
  • World Tag Team Champions: The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal)
  • US Tag Team Champions: The Varsity Club (Kevin Sullivan & Steve Williams)
  • World Six Man Tag Team Champions: Genichiro Tenryu, Hawk & Animal

Enjoy the review!

The hosts are Jim Ross & Magnum TA

– We open the show with a Michael Hayes promo. He’s all excited and does a great job of promoting pretty much everything happening on the event. He’s facing Russian Assassin #1 in the opening bout.

Michael Hayes vs. Russian Assassin #1(w/ Paul Jones)

They trade headlocks to start. Hayes clotheslines Assassin and literally stops to play with the crowd. Hayes locks in an armbar, RA escapes and dumps Hayes only for him to get back inside and go back to it. The armbar goes on for a while before Assassin breaks it with a knee to the gut and (sort of) hits the Russian sickle for two. That didn’t look very good. Now it’s the Russian’s turn to apply his hold of choice, in this case a chinlock, as well as the typical heel choking. Choking in the ropes gets two. Hayes tries to go for a quick bulldog but is unable to do it. Assassin misses a suplex, but Hayes TOO misses an elbow. Hayes misses a corner charge but eventually hits a DDT out of nowhere for the win at 15:48.

  • Analysis: This dragged a little bit. The crowd was alive for Hayes’ taunting, but while the action was going they were mostly quiet. Not horrible or anything, but very forgettable and way too long. *

– In the back, Ricky Steamboat & family. Cute interview with Steamboat’s son (Richie, future WWE/NXT wrestler for a while in the early 2010s) constantly trying to steal the microphone and play with it while his father cuts a promo on Ric Flair.

Butch Reed(w/ Hiro Matsuda) vs. Sting

Sting is crazy over at this point. And I mean OVER. Sting hits an atomic drop to start, and Reed talks some strategy with Matsuda. He gets back in only to be dropkicked right back out, and the people just can’t get enough of Sting. Reed is even more pissed but walks into a Sting headlock. Meanwhile, on commentary, Jim Ross with the comment of the night. He says Sting broke into the business as a tag team wrestler, but he’s now a singles wrestler and he is leagues above his former partner athletically. His partner? The Ultimate Warrior. Ouch, Jim! Sting goes after the arm and Reed just sends him flying to the floor to break it, before choking away once Sting gets back in. He distracts the ref so that even Matsuda can get his own shots in. And here it actually works because of how over Sting is. Reed goes to a chinlock and even grabs the ropes for illegal leverage. So simple yet so effective. Sting breaks the hold and tries to make the big comeback only to miss a splash and allow Reed to once again take over. He hits a neckbreaker for two. He goes back to the chinlock and Sting once again escapes with a jawbreaker. He once again goes for the comeback only for Reed to stomp away on the apron. Sting sunset flip is blocked by Reed thanks to assistance of the ropes, but Sting rolls over anyway to complete the sunset flip and catch Reed at 20:07.

  • Analysis: Long? A little bit. However, I enjoyed Reed playing with the rules and using them to fuck with the audience and Sting’s strategy. “Hey look, I’m in the corner, you can’t come after me now”. It was longer than it probably needed to be, but I don’t think you can argue Sting was even more over at the end of this match due to how smart the crowd psychology was. **

– Meanwhile, Paul E. & his Midnight Express address their upcoming “loser of the fall leaves town” six man tag match. It’s Heyman cutting a promo. Need I say more!? He is awesome now, he was awesome back then.

Loser Of The Fall Leaves: The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane) & Jim Cornette vs. The Original Midnight Express (Randy Rose & Jack Victory) & Paul E. Dangerously

Only the person getting pinned/tapping out leaves the NWA here, not the entire losing team. The heels take over to start with a Rose slam to Lane, but Rose pulls a Flair and goes up only to get slammed back down by Stan. Stan proceeds to hit a clothesline on the outside. Rose brings in Victory only to be dominated in the babyface corner as well, and Cornette too comes in to drop an elbow. Rose gets back in to finally take control. He brings Lane to the heel corner and tags in Heyman for a cheapshot while Lane is in a full nelson hold. However, Lane moves out of the way and Heyman ends up punching his guy instead. Good spot. The crowd loved it. Eaton is in only to be thrown off the apron into the railing. Heyman finally comes in to get his shots but he is immediately out of there again once Eaton starts showing some life again. That brings in Cornette for a showdown with Heyman, but Rose gets a shot from behind. Heyman now takes his time beating up Cornette for fun, but he stops to celebrate his incredible wrestling ability and ends up opening the door for a brilliant babyface comeback by Cornette… and Rose sneaks in with a clothesline again. Smart. The babyfaces have finally had enough as Eaton jumps in to attack Victory and give Cornette enough time to get out of there. However, this distraction allows Heyman to attack Lane on the other side of the ring and Rose gets a powerslam for two. A massive lariat dumps Lane and Rose follows it up with a fistdrop off the top to the floor. Rose brings him back in and is thinking piledriver, but Lane escapes that with a backdrop… only for Victory to jump in with a suplex to give Rose two. This has been incredibly dramatic so far and the heels are drawing awesome heat. Eaton comes in for the hot tag and cleans the entire house, leaving only Heyman in for the inevitable showdown between two of the greatest managers in wrestling history. This time it’s Cornette who gets to beat up Heyman and he even hits a clothesline for two. Check out Corny with the moveset!! Heyman has had enough and he brings Rose back in, but Lane also gets in and everyone is in for the giant brawl. Heyman sneaks in with a sleeper on Lane but that shockingly ends up going nowhere (sarcasm), and a few seconds later the babyfaces finish Rose with a double flapjack at 15:51.

  • Analysis: This was technically not on the level of the regular Midnights vs Midnights encounter at StarrCade ’88 a couple of months earlier, but it didn’t have to be. This was all about the story and drama of the stipulation, as well as building up the showdown between both managers. It was an incredible pro wrestling spectacle, and shockingly (no sarcasm) the shortest match so far. I know the opener was three seconds longer than this, but fuck it, I am going to change the narrative so it can fit my story!! It felt way, way, way shorter than the opener anyway. And yes, Rose ended up leaving the NWA for good shortly after this, so consider the stipulation legitimate. Very good stuff here. Recommended. ***1/2

– And now it’s Ric Flair‘s turn to address the ‘Dragon’ and that night’s epic main-event title bout. He is confident as usual.

World TV Championship: Rick Steiner(c)(w/ Scott Steiner) vs. Mike Rotunda

For you younger readers out there, Rotunda is the father of current WWE wrestlers Bo Dallas and Bray Wyatt. They shove each other to start and that sequence ends with Steiner sending Rotunda to the floor. Rotunda bails and eats a Steinerline for two back inside. Steiner gets a headlock and Rotunda gets to the ropes to break and asks for a handshake. Steiner obviously refuses but that small distraction allows Rotunda to take over anyway with an abdominal stretch. Rotunda uses the ropes for leverage and ignores the ref’s (Teddy Long, by the way) warnings, forcing Long to literally kick Papa Fiend and force the break. Well that’s certainly a way to get it done. Rotunda with a half assed high crossbody but Steiner rolls over for a nearfall. That sequence was really sloppy. The crowd also does not give a crap about either guy, unfortunately, which does not help. Rotunda with a shoulderblock that Steiner blocks with a (horrible looking) monkey flip into a backdrop for two. In the words of Jim Ross, this is getting into ‘bowling shoe ugly’ territory and getting there fast. Steiner misses something off the top and eats the post. He manages to hit a powerslam for two anyway. Kevin Sullivan makes his presence felt at ringside, distracting Steiner and giving Rotunda a nearfall after a suplex. Steiner gets in a sleeper, but drops down to the mat and literally pins himself like a complete geek to give Rotunda the title after 16:21 of my life that I will never get back.

  • Analysis: Started going okayish, but quickly turned into an ugly mess. Bad match. Sloppy at times. Avoid this. 1/2*

– Meanwhile, the Road Warriors discussing putting the world tag titles on the line against the Varsity Club. Coming up later tonight.

United States Championship: Barry Windham(c)(w/ Hiro Matsuda) vs. Lex Luger

Mucho shoving before the bell. The crowd is quite into this Luger guy. Hopefully nobody ever makes him celebrate a count-out win in a title match like an idiot. Luger with a sleeper to start. Windham gets out of that one with a suplex, which Luger no-sells. The crowd goes nuts for it. Luger delivers him one of his own, which Windham does sell. And he stalls for a little bit. Simple psychology that everyone can understand. Luger wants the TEN PUNCHES OF DOOM in the corner, but Windham escapes with an atomic drop only for Luger to block and hit a clothesline for two. Powerslam and he goes up for a top-rope spear(?) but there is no water in the pool and Luger lands on the floor. Windham brings him back inside where he hits a suplex for two. Luger tries to fight back only to eat the turnbuckle, followed by a Windham lariat that sends him back to the outside, followed by a huge shove to the railing. That was nice. Windham goes for a punch but ends up hitting the post, breaking his hand. Back in he goes for the Iron Claw anyway, but Luger smartly takes advantage of the broken hand to easily escape as Windham’s wrist is bleeding. Windham gets a powerslam for two. Superplex gets two more. He hits a german for three, but turns out Luger got his shoulder up at the last second while Windham did not. That means Luger wins the title at 10:43. Windham gives him a piledriver on the belt to give his reign a memorable start.

  • Analysis: Solid match with the psychology over Windham’s broken hand obviously being the highlight of the match. Luger was over with the fans so it was a smart choice to put a midcard title on him. ***1/4

– In the back, Mike Rotunda celebrates his title win.

World Tag Team Championship: Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal)(c)(w/ Paul Ellering) vs. Varsity Club (Kevin Sullivan & Steve Williams)

The late Road Warrior Animal overpowers both heels at a time to start. The champions double-team the challengers in their corner for huge reactions, but Williams finally stops Animal with a leg lariat for two. Sullivan comes in to work the arm a little bit, and Williams follows it up with a hammerlock slam for two. Animal and Williams collide for a double KO spot before each tag in their partners. Hawk comes in on fire, shoulderblocking Sullivan for two. The champions are thinking Doomsday Device, but Williams clips Animal to prevent that from happening. Williams pins Animal, but they’re not the legal wrestlers, allowing Hawk to retain with the flying clothesline on Sullivan at the same time as Williams pinned Animal at 8:27.

  • Analysis: This was a fine tag match with another weird finish to add to the list. Could’ve lived without it, but this was otherwise good enough and short. **1/2

– Meanwhile, Lex Luger is nearly dead in the dressing room. But he says it was all worth it since he is the new champion.

Main-event – NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Ric Flair(c)(w/ Hiro Matsuda) vs. Ricky Steamboat

This is finally it, folks. Sweet wrestling sequence gets things going. Flair goes down for a criss cross off the ropes but Steamboat goes down with him and catches him in a headlock. Hell yeah. Flair bails a little bit and he comes back with some nasty chops. Steamboat catches him with a backdrop and Flair begs for mercy. Flair drops more chops, so Steamboat fights back with his own VIOLENT CHOPS WITH EXTRA MUSTARD that knock Flair all the way down. Holy shit. Another giant chop by Steamboat gets a nearfall and Flair is like “I’m outta here”. Back in, they get into a sequence that ends with Steamboat hitting another chop, this one sending Flair FLYING to the floor. Holy. Flair tries to take control of the match but Steamboat quickly catches him with a flying headscissors into a dropkick before turning Flair over into a headlock very quickly. The headlock even gets a believable nearfall from the crowd, as Flair nearly got pinned while Steamboat had the headlock on. Where else can you find this!? Flair breaks but another nasty chop by Steamboat sends Flair flying all the way to the barricade. That is a young Dave Meltzer in the front row. Back in, the Flair kneedrop gets two. He covers Steamboat a few mores times to get him more tired. Awesome. Butterfly suplex gets two more. Flair chops away before it quickly turns into a brutal chopfest. Flair flip off Steamboat’s irish whip as Flair comes off the other corner with a bodypress only for Steamboat to roll through for two. Wow. Flair catches him with an atomic drop and (WOOO) it’s time go to school. Flair locks in the Figure Four while grabbing the ropes behind the referee’s back, which draws a huge “STEAMBOAT” chant out of sympathy that gives me them chills. This match is beautiful in so many ways. The ref finally catches Flair using the ropes to force the break. They continue to chop each other to death before Flair catches him with a high crossbody that takes both guys down to the outside. They get up and continue killing each other with chops before Flair whips Steamboat into the post. Back in, Flair suplex gets two and he works that count a bit more once again. Backbreaker gets two. Steamboat gets a cradle out of nowhere for a nearfall before Flair goes back to the chops. Steamboat misses a crossbody as they get into a pinfall reversal sequence that ends with a Steamboat suplex, with Flair getting his feet on the ropes at two. Steamboat backslide gets two. Flair goes back to the chops but Steamboat takes him down and goes up for the flying chop, but the ref gets bumped as well. Flair rolls up Steamboat for the visual pinfall, before throwing Steamboat over the top rope. Steamboat, being Ricky Steamboat, skins the cat back in and goes up behind Flair’s back but misses a crossbody and lands on his knees. You know what that means. It’s indeed Figure Four time, but it’s reversed by Steamboat into a cradle as Teddy Long gets in to count and give Steamboat the win and the title at 23:18.

  • Analysis: There is not much to say here. Watch this and enjoy it, it’s one of the best wrestling matches in the entire history of the sport. If you somehow or someway find a flaw in this match, you seriously need a hug. *****

– Ricky Steamboat celebrates with his new belt and the rest of the boys and drinks some champagne to close the show.

END OF THE SHOW

  • Final thoughts: It would be fair to call this a one-match show, because at the end of the day you will indeed remember the show only for Flair/Steamboat. However, there are also other memorable things on this event. The ‘loser leaves town’ tag match was a great spectacle and the US title match was also really good, for example. Overall, it was a good show despite the numerous stupid finishes. 7/10

The points for this show:

  • Ricky Steamboat: 8 points (5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 2 for winning a title)
  • Lex Luger: 6.25 points (3.25 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 2 for winning a title)
  • Stan Lane: 5 points (3.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 0.5 for winning the fall)
  • Hawk: 5 points (2.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 0.5 for winning the fall + 1 for retaining a title)
  • Animal: 4.5 points (2.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 1 for retaining a title)
  • Bobby Eaton: 4.5 points (3.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Jim Cornette: 4.5 points (3.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Mike Rotunda: 3.5 points (0.5 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win + 2 for winning a title)
  • Sting: 3 points (2 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Paul E. Dangerously: 2.5 points (3.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Jack Victory: 2.5 points (3.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Ric Flair: 2 points (5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 2 for losing a title)
  • Randy Rose: 2 points (3.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 0.5 for losing the fall)
  • Michael Hayes: 2 points (1 for star rating + 1 for pinfall win)
  • Steve Williams: 1.5 point (2.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Kevin Sullivan: 1 point (2.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 0.5 for losing the fall)
  • Butch Reed: 1 point (2 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Barry Windham: 0.25 points (3.25 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 2 for dropping a title)
  • Russian Assassin #1: 0 points (1 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss)
  • Rick Steiner: -2.5 points (0.5 for star rating – 1 for pinfall loss – 2 for dropping a title)

Thank you for your time!