WWF: Hulkamania and Beyond!

[JoshiQ]

This is just a fun circuit I’ve been running on the side. The format is pretty simple, and the write-ups are pretty short and basic to allow me to pump out cards pretty fast. WCW (1992) is not done or gone; it just takes me a long time to write cards for that circuit for some reason. So when I feel like writing something short I just run cards on this circuit. I already have about 25-30 cards written up so I thought I’d start posting them. I’m not sure if there’s any interest, but I’d just like them on here as I find it easier to keep track of for some reason.

This circuit starts out in 1988 the week after WrestleMania IV. To me it was definitely a fun time in wrestling. I was around 5 at the time so I was at my full mark mode at that point. Even now it’s fun to look back at some of those shows because it helps bring out the fan in me.

The two shows that will be used are Superstars of Wrestling (Saturday) which is the main show and Prime Time (Monday) which is more of a secondary show. Prime Time used the format of Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan in a studio somewhere and airing certain matches. Superstars was more of a straight up show with Jesse Ventura and Vince McMahon doing the announcing.

Once again, this circuit is just for a fun, short read in case you’re bored. And yes, I will be using squashes a lot, just like the real 1988 WWF.

[JoshiQ]

The Recap of WrestleMania IV (3/27/88):

Randy Savage did the impossible at WrestleMania IV by winning a huge 14 man one night tournament to win his first ever World Heavyweight Championship! Savage had to defeat four men in one night, including Butch Reed, Greg Valentine, the One Man Gang, and Ted DiBiase, to be able to call himself champion. Savage’s path to the gold was not without some controversy as he only pinned “the Million Dollar Man” after a chair shot to the back to DiBiase delivered by Hulk Hogan. But as of now, “Macho Man” Randy Savage is the champion!

As to the tournament, it was jam packed full of action. “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan was on the short end of the stick in the first round when he had to face off against Ted DiBiase. It looked like Duggan had things under control when Andre the Giant, who had accompanied “the Million Dollar Man” to the ring, was able to interfere just enough to get DiBiase the victory.

“Ravishing” Rick Rude and Jake “The Snake” Roberts continued their feud in the first round, but neither man was able to secure a pinfall or submission before the 15 minute time limit. Bam Bam Bigelow suffered some unfortunate luck when he was counted out in his match with the One Man Gang, and Dino Bravo was disqualified in the first round in his match with Don Muraco when he abused the referee.

The second round was just as hard fought as every man was already one step closer to the WWF Title. And this was the round where the match every wrestling fan was looking forward to would take place. Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan went at it with the same intense hatred they have shown for each other from their past matches. In fact, this led to a disqualification of both men when a chair became involved in the match and both Andre and Hogan were on the receiving end of shots. Ted DiBiase was the one that introduced the chair in to the match and so it could very easily be thought of as his fault for the result of the match.

The rest of the second round had Randy Savage roll up Greg Valentine for the pinfall win and Ted DiBiase defeating Don Muraco. In the semi-finals Ted DiBiase received a bye due to the double disqualification of Hogan and Andre, and Randy Savage defeated the One Man Gang via DQ after Gang used Slick’s cane on “the Macho Man.”

This all led up to the finals where Andre the Giant tried to help Ted DiBiase win it all, but Hulk Hogan was there to have Randy Savage’s back. Due to some confusion from all four men and the referee Hogan was able to equal all of Andre’s interference against Savage with a chair shot to DiBiase’s back. Savage followed that with the big Flying Elbowdrop and became the new Heavyweight Champion!

Other matches on the card had Honky Tonk Man defend his Intercontinental Title against Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake. It looked like Brutus might be able to win the title when he secured the Sleeper on the Honky Tonk Man, but Jimmy Hart intervened himself in to the match as he nailed the referee with the megaphone. This eventually led to a disqualification. Peggy Sue woke up the Honky Tonk Man and they bailed from ringside, but Jimmy Hart was on the receiving end of a few clips from Beefcake’s shears.

The British Bulldogs and Koko B. Ware were unable to get any satisfactory revenge on Bobby Heenan and the Islanders. Heenan was even responsible for the pinfall when the Islanders dropped “the Brain” on to Koko with a big press slam. Matilda the Bulldog and Frankie the Parrot were luckily unharmed during the match.

In the second title change of the night, Demolition won the World Tag Team Titles when Ax used Mr. Fuji’s cane to hit the back of Rick Martel’s head. Rick Martel had the victory in hand as he had Smash in the Boston Crab, but it was all for naught as after the cane shot Martel was done for. Smash was able to get the easy three count from there. Strike Force’s five month title reign came to crashing halt, and Demolition proved they are the team to beat at this time in the WWF.

The Ultimate Warrior won his pay-per-view debut as he was able to match power with power in his match with Hercules and then Warrior showed that he also has speed and agility on his side. And Bad News Brown won the big 20 man over the top rope battle royal. It all came down to the Junk Yard Dog, Bret Hart, and Bad News Brown. Hart and Brown teamed up to dispose of JYD, and it looked like the two men were going to share the trophy. That changed, however, when Hart turned his back and Brown nailed him with the Ghetto Blaster. Moments later Hart had been eliminated and Bad News Brown was announced as the victor. Bret Hart did not take too kindly to this, however, as after the match he came back in to the ring, disposed of Brown, and demolished the trophy that Brown had won.

So the WWF continues to showcase amazing talent and that will definitely continue on this week’s editions of Superstars of Wrestling and WWF Prime Time.

Results of WrestleMania IV:

Bad News Brown won a 20 man battle royal
Ted DiBiase pinned Jim Duggan in the first round
Don Muraco won via DQ over Dino Bravo in the first round
Greg Valentine pinned Ricky Steamboat in the first round
Randy Savage pinned Butch Reed in the first round
One Man Gang defeated Bam Bam Bigelow via countout in the first round
Rick Rude fought to a draw with Jake Roberts in the first round
Ultimate Warrior pinned Hercules
Hulk Hogan fought to a double DQ with Andre the Giant in the quarterfinals
Ted DiBiase pinned Don Muraco in the quarterfinals
Randy Savage pinned Greg Valentine in the quarterfinals
Brutus Beefcake defeated Honky Tonk Man via DQ with the IC Title on the line
Bobby Heenan and the Islanders defeated the British Bulldogs and Koko B. Ware
Randy Savage defeated One Man Gang via DQ in the semifinals
Demolition defeated the Strike Force for the World Tag Team Titles
Randy Savage pinned Ted DiBiase to win the World Heavyweight Title in the finals

[JoshiQ]

WWF Prime Time
3/28/88
Your hosts are: Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan

Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan argued over the new WWF Champion, Randy Savage. Heenan deemed it unfair that Savage won the title after Hulk Hogan blatantly cheated by nailing Ted DiBiase with a chair. Monsoon retaliated that the only reason Hogan did that was that Andre the Giant had been interfering against Randy Savage throughout the entire match.

Dino Bravo pinned Ken Patera after a piledriver in 0:07:45.
Rating: *

Don Muraco cut an insert promo, saying that, despite Dino Bravo’s claims, it was he and not Bravo that was the strongest man in the world. Muraco said he would prove that in the ring any time Bravo wanted.

During the match Ken Patera challenged Dino Bravo to a test of strength. It looked like Patera had the advantage when Bravo broke it up with a poke to the eye. Bravo then re-gripped Pater’s hands and won the test of strength. He played it off like he had done it legally. Frenchy Martin later tripped Patera as he was coming off the ropes allowing Bravo to hit a piledriver and get the three count.

Jake Roberts defeated Rex King with a short clothesline in 0:03:13.
Rating: -1/4*

Jake Roberts had an insert promo where he promised that things were not done between him and Rick Rude. Roberts said that Cheryl Roberts, his wife, was humiliated by having her face put on Rick Rude’s tights. Jake “The Snake” claimed that Damien didn’t like seeing Cheryl upset and they were going to take it out on Rude’s hide.

Back in the WWF studio Heenan said that Cheryl Roberts should have been proud since there’s no better canvas than Rick Rude’s body. Gorilla Monsoon thought Heenan was nuts if he thought of Cheryl’s face on Rude’s tights as art.

Danny Spivey pinned Scott Casey after an elbowdrop in 0:03:28.
Rating: -3/4*

A pre-recorded promo from the Strike Force aired where Tito Santana promised they wouldn’t be happy until they had what was rightfully theirs around their waists again. Rick Martel told Smash and Ax that if they wanted a war they got one and next time it just might be them on the receiving end of a shot with a cane.

The Islanders (Haku and Tama) defeated Omar Atlas and Brady Boone when Tama pinned Boone after a kick to the head in 0:04:07.
Rating: * ¾

During the match Bobby Heenan gleefully interfered in the match and choked away at the Islanders opponents. When the match was over back in the WWF studio Monsoon admonished Heenan and told him he should be ashamed of himself. Heenan played it off like he had no idea what Monsoon was talking about.

Heenan said he had tried to warn the British Bulldogs not to get involved with him and his Islanders, but it sure was fun laying a beating on them at WrestleMania IV. Heenan said he had already been trying to write up some paper work to get the Islanders in line for a shot at the World Tag Team Titles in the future.

Ron Bass pinned Jake Milliman after a stomachbreaker in 0:03:01.
Rating: ** ¼

After the match Ron Bass used his whip, “Miss Betsy,” to choke out his opponent. This went on for a little while until Junk Yard Dog ran down to make the save. Ron Bass threatened JYD from the aisle that “Miss Betsy” would be getting a taste of him soon.

Back in the WWF studio Heenan thought that Junk Yard Dog must be stupid trying to make Ron Bass mad like that. Monsoon brought up that JYD could handle him just fine since it was the Dog that eliminated Bass in the battle royal at WrestleMania IV.

Hillbilly Jim pinned Barry Horowitz after a piledriver in 0:01:53.
Rating: 1/2*

Craig DeGeorge had an interview with Hillbilly Jim after the match. Hillbilly Jim wanted to send his congratulations to Randy Savage on winning the title. He said he had been hoping and praying that Hulk Hogan would become champion again, but Randy Savage is one swell fellow that deserves it. He also mentioned how pretty he thinks Elizabeth is.

Andre the Giant pinned Chris Duffy after a forearm smash in 0:01:00.
Rating: DUD

Andre the Giant quickly disposed of Chris Duffy when Jim Duggan stormed down the aisle. Duggan got up in Andre’s face with his 2x4 in hand. Duggan had a microphone and said that if Andre the Giant was so tough than he should face him one on one in the ring instead of sucker punching him. Duggan said that the only reason Ted DiBiase made it to the finals at WrestleMania IV was that Andre the Giant was a cheating piece of scum. Duggan then reiterated he wanted a one on one match with Andre. Andre simply laughed and looked like he was going to walk away when out of nowhere he grabbed Duggan by the throat with both hands. Andre started to choke the life out of Duggan while Duggan tried to slug his way free with no luck. Eventually Duggan went down to one knee, but then he seemed to remember he had the 2x4. Duggan clocked Andre over the head with it, knocking Andre the Giant all the way to the ringside floor!

Andre the Giant lay unconscious on the outside while Jim Duggan stomped around the ring shouting “Hooo!!”

Back in the WWF headquarters Heenan went on a rant about how unfair it was for Duggan to be carrying that 2x4 and using it as a weapon. Monsoon acknowledged that but he also said that Andre shouldn’t go around choking people. Heenan revealed that DiBiase was renting Andre the Giant’s contract in the last couple of months, but that time is up, and Andre is now back under Bobby Heenan’s control this coming week. Heenan vowed revenge against “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan.

Clips for the upcoming Superstars of Wrestling on Saturday aired and then the Killer Bees had some pre-recorded comments about their match next with the Rougeau Brothers. Jim Brunzell and B. Brian Blair both promised to show Jacques and Raymond what real high flying was all about.

The show ended up with comments from the Rougeau Brothers. Jacques said he was disgusted by the Killer Bees blatant cheating by putting on masks to have illegal people in the ring. Raymond threatened that they might just have to do a few things behind the ref’s back as well if that’s how the Killer Bees wanted it.

Card rating: 3/4*

WWF Notes:

Andre the Giant cost Jim Duggan his match in the World Heavyweight Title tournament at WrestleMania IV. And to top it off, he tried to choke the life out of Jim Duggan here tonight when Duggan came out to demand a match. Luckily for Duggan, he had his trusty 2x4 to even the score. Bobby Heenan revealed he is back in control of Andre the Giant and wants Duggan to pay for laying out his giant. These two are definitely on a collision course.

Junk Yard Dog was just looking out for one of his fellow wrestlers when he came out to rescue him from Ron Bass’s attack with “Miss Betsy.” Ron Bass was not only unhappy about that, but also that it was Junk Yard Dog who had eliminated him from the battle royal at WrestleMania. Bass is promising to use his whip on JYD at some point so the Dog better be on his toes.

Jake Roberts had some strong words for “Ravishing” Rick Rude about Rude’s advances towards Jake’s wife, Cheryl. Rude better think twice before he does something as brazen as printing Cheryl Roberts’s face on his tights again. I don’t envy Rude when Jake Roberts is finally able to get him back in the ring one on one.

Dino Bravo continues to proclaim himself the world’s strongest man, but Don Muraco seems to not buy it. These two men met in the ring at WrestleMania, but nothing was really settled as Bravo was disqualified. If these two men meet in the ring again, it is sure to be a hard hitting affair.

Superstars of Wrestling airs this coming Saturday where we will hear words from the new WWF Champion, Randy Savage! And Hulk Hogan will also give his viewpoints on what happened at WrestleMania IV!

[JoshiQ]

WWF Superstars of Wrestling
4/2/88
Your hosts are: Vince McMahon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura

Craig DeGeorge conducted an interview with Randy Savage on the interview stage. Randy Savage was there with Elizabeth and, of course, his newly won WWF Title. Savage wanted everybody to know how great he felt about being champion and that he had finally fulfilled a lifelong dream. “The Macho Man” said it only made it better that Elizabeth was there to see it firsthand. Savage also thanked Hulk Hogan for being there to watch his back. He promised to be a fighting champion and to try and uphold the prestige that Hulk Hogan brought to the title.

Randy Savage was interrupted by Slick and One Man Gang at this point. Slick said it was the One Man Gang who should be champion since he was unjustly disqualified at WrestleMania IV in his match against Randy Savage. Slick told Savage that if he wanted to be a fighting champion then he should be willing to defend his title next week on Superstars against the man who should be champion, the One Man Gang. Savage told Slick to be careful what he wishes for because he just got it. Slick thanked Savage, but then made an off color remark about how once One Man Gang is champion Elizabeth can come stand beside a couple of real men. Randy Savage grabbed Slick by the lapel, but it was all a ploy as One Man Gang ambushed him from the side. One Man Gang beat down Randy Savage with several clubbing blows while Elizabeth yelled for help.

Randy Savage was eventually able to fight Gang off, but he was on the receiving end of quite the beating to start off tonight’s show.

Bam Bam Bigelow pinned Bad News Brown after an inside cradle in 0:06:41.
Rating: 1/4*

Bam Bam Bigelow wanted to get back on track after his disappointing showing in the tournament at WrestleMania IV. Bad News Brown is coming off his big battle royal win at WrestleMania IV, despite not having a trophy to show for it due to Bret Hart.

These two behemoths went right at each other with neither man backing down. During the match Bret Hart made an appearance in the aisle with what looked like a few pieces of the broken trophy from WrestleMania. This distracted Bad News just long enough for Bigelow to roll him up from behind and get the three count.

Bad News Brown threw a fit after the match as Bret Hart laughed it up outside the ring. Eventually Jimmy Hart came out and convinced Hart to head to the back while Bad News just glared at him from the ring. Jesse Ventura questioned Bret Hart’s tactics here and said that it seemed a little out of character for “the Hitman.” Vince McMahon, on the other hand, thought that it was just Hart standing up for himself after Bad News turned on him in the battle royal.

Don Muraco pinned Reno Riggins after with the Tombstone Piledriver in 0:02:27.
Rating: *

Dino Bravo cut an insert promo calling Don Muraco a wannabe strong man. Bravo said that he proven time and again that he is the world’s strongest man.

The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid) defeated Mike Sharpe and Steve Lombardi when Dynamite Kid pinned Lombardi after a Tombstone in 0:03:38.
Rating: **

Some pre-recorded comments from the British Bulldogs aired during this match. Davey Boy Smith said now that they had Matilda the Bulldog back they could put their full attention on what is important, winning the World Tag Team Titles. Dynamite Kid told Demolition that they may have beaten Strike Force, but they had never faced a team like the British Bulldogs.

Danny Davis pinned Brian Costello after a swinging neckbreaker in 0:03:30.
Rating: * ¼

Jimmy Hart cut an insert promo during the match where he complained about Brutus Beefcake carrying shears down to the ring. Jimmy said that he had been growing his hair out for a long time and shame on Beefcake for cutting his hair. Jimmy Hart promised that he would get his revenge on Brutus Beefcake.

Vince McMahon said he had gotten word from the back that Randy Savage was okay from the attack by the One Man Gang earlier tonight. Vince said that Savage had been thoroughly checked out and is cleared for the match next week in which Randy Savage will put up his newly won WWF Title against the One Man Gang. Jesse Ventura predicted that Savage’s reign would be a short one and we’d be soon seeing the Gang walking around with the title.

Clips aired from WrestleMania IV where the Ultimate Warrior pinned Hercules in his pay-per-view debut. Vince McMahon thought that he had never seen such an impressive newcomer as the Ultimate Warrior. Ventura reluctantly agreed that the Warrior has been impressive, but he said that he was waiting for a true veteran to get his hands on the Warrior.

The Ultimate Warrior pinned Jake Milliman after a Gorilla Press in 0:02:00.
Rating: 3/4*

Pre-recorded comments from Hulk Hogan showed that Hogan was very congratulatory towards Randy Savage. Hogan told Savage that he was sure he would be a great champion. Hulk said he would have his back because he knows how hard it is to be champion with people jumping out of the woodworks trying to get a piece of you. Hogan did acknowledge that he would love to get a shot at the title at a later date, but wanted it clear that in the meantime he was happy that Savage had won the title since he had not.

Rick Rude pinned Brady Boone with the Rude Awakening in 0:02:54.
Rating: **

Rick Rude cut an insert promo where he said that Cheryl Roberts would not stop calling him. He claims that he had to unplug his telephone whenever he his home because it rings non-stop from the Roberts’ household. Rude told Jake Roberts that he should try harder to please his woman.

After the match Bobby Heenan pulled a lady out from the crowd for Rick Rude to plant a “Rude Awakening” kiss on. Once kissed, the lady seemed to faint in the ring. Rude completed his poses to the boos of the crowd.

Harley Race defeated George Steele by disqualification in 0:07:35.
Rating: -* ¼

Bobby Heenan made sure to get himself involved at every opportunity in this match. Eventually George Steele had enough of the interference as he grabbed a chair from ringside. Steele chased Race around the ring with the chair but it did get him disqualified.

After the match Heenan and Race high tailed it out of there as Steele stood in the ring with a chair in hand.

Card rating: 3/4*

WWF Notes:

Harley Race and Bobby Heenan both complained about George Steele’s actions to WWF President Jack Tunney, but all it got them was a tag team match for next week. Harley Race will be teaming up with fellow Heenan Family member Hercules. They will be doing battle with George Steele and Hillbilly Jim! Can Hillbilly Jim help reign in the craziness of George “The Animal” Steele?

Next week’s headline match is going to be a barn burner as Randy Savage will defend his WWF Title for the first time as he faces off against the monster One Man Gang. The last time these two met One Man Gang got a little over zealous and used a cane on Savage. Will this be one of the shortest reigns in WWF history?

Hulk Hogan seemed thoroughly happy for “Macho Man” Randy Savage. He did say he would have Savage’s back if he needs it. In the meantime, it is odd seeing Hogan without the WWF Title around his waist. He still has scores to settle with the Heenan Family and Ted DiBiase, and maybe while he isn’t champion is the time to take care of those issues.

“Ravishing” Rick Rude continues to instigate Jake “The Snake” Roberts. If the goal is to get Roberts blinded with anger, it seems like what he’s doing will probably work.

Jimmy Hart is not happy with what happened at WrestleMania IV and Brutus Beefcake’s haircut. He is promising revenge, but the Honky Tonk Man has been heard saying that WrestleMania was Beefcake’s last title shot. Will he try and send the Hart Foundation or Danny Davis for retribution?

Speaking of the Hart Foundation, Bret Hart continues to torment Bad News Brown. He even went so far as to practically cost Brown his match with Bam Bam Bigelow. Jimmy Hart can’t be too happy with Bret Hart’s actions.

WWF Prime Time airs on Monday where the Killer Bees are in tag team action against the Rougeau Brothers. It is sure to be full of some high flying offense! Ted DiBiase and Junk Yard Dog will both be in singles action and much more!

[JoshiQ]

WWF Prime Time
4/4/88
Your hosts are: Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan

The Rougeau Brothers (Jacques Rougeau and Raymond Rougeau) defeated The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair and Jim Brunzell) when J. Rougeau pinned Brunzell after a spinebuster slam in 0:08:45.
Rating: *** ½

The Rougeau Brothers followed through with their promise that they would go to some underhanded deeds if need be to win the match. Jim Brunzell had locked Jacques Rougeau in a sleeperhold when Raymond came off the top rope with a double axe handle to break it up behind referee Joey Marella’s back. Jacques took full advantage of this as he hit a spinebuster slam to get the three count.

After the match the Rougeau Brothers offered to shake the hands of the Killer Bees, but B. Brian Blair and Jim Brunzell both refused. The crowd seemed to back the Killer Bees decision as they booed whenever either Rougeau stuck their hand out to try and make peace.

Back at the WWF studio Gorilla Monsoon agreed that the Killer Bees had been cheated out of a victory and there was no reason for them to make nice with the Rougeau Brothers after the match. Bobby Heenan called them poor sports. Monsoon hoped that the Rougeau Brothers would think about what they had done and not take shortcuts in the future.

Brutus Beefcake made SD Jones submit with the Sleeper in 0:03:37.
Rating: * ¼

After the match Jimmy Hart ran out alongside Danny Davis. Davis slid in to the ring and sneak attacked Brutus Beefcake from behind. Beefcake fought back and quickly cleared the ring of both men. Beefcake then grabbed his shears and chased Hart and Davis to the back.

Ted DiBiase defeated Chris Duffy when Chris Duffy passed out in the Million Dollar Dream in 0:03:16.
Ted DiBiase suffered a larynx injury. He will be out for approximately 1 card.
Rating: ***

Ted DiBiase, with Virgil by his side, cut an insert promo. DiBiase claimed that he should be the WWF Champion right now, and it was only because of Hulk Hogan that he wasn’t. DiBiase promised that he would pay whatever price was necessary to rid the WWF of the disease known as Hulkamania.

Junk Yard Dog pinned Steve Lombardi with the Thump Powerslam in 0:02:41.
Rating: -3/4*

Ron Bass cut an insert promo where he said that Junk Yard Dog should have minded his own business. Bass claimed that JYD cheated in throwing him out of the battle royal at WrestleMania and then got involved in his match last week. Bass said that “Miss Betsy” was getting hungry and he planned to feed her with a pound of Junk Yard Dog’s flesh.

The Young Stallions (Jim Powers and Paul Roma) defeated Jake Milliman and Mike Sharpe when Powers pinned Sharpe after a flying cross body press in 0:04:07.
Rating: **

Pre-recorded comments aired from Demolition and Mr. Fuji where they proclaimed themselves the best tag team champions in history despite only winning the titles a couple of weeks ago. Smash said it didn’t matter if it was Strike Force, the British Bulldogs, or the Killer Bees, they would demolish each and every tag team if they got in their way. Ax claimed that Strike Force was being a bunch of crybabies since they had lost the titles, but Ax warned them that if they kept trying to get a rematch that Ax might just break Mr. Fuji’s cane over Rick Martel’s head the next time.

Back at the WWF studio Heenan and Monsoon argued over the tag team rankings. Monsoon wondered when Strike Force were going to get their rematch for the titles. Bobby Heenan was convinced that Strike Force was just trying save face and that there was no way they wanted to get back in the ring with a couple of guys like Demolition. Monsoon said they had received from recorded comments from WWF President Jack Tunney that might shed some light on these matters.

President Tunney announced that in just 26 days on April 30th the WWF will be live on NBC for a very special Saturday Night’s Main Event! Tunney said that the first official match that he had signed would be Demolition’s first World Tag Team Title defense and it would be against Strike Force!

Koko B. Ware defeated Honky Tonk Man by countout in 0:06:39.
Rating: * 3/4
(Honky Tonk Man retained the Intercontinental Title.)

Koko B. Ware tried to take full advantage of a rare opportunity as he got to face Honky Tonk Man for the Intercontinental Title. It looked like Koko might pull off the upset when he countered the Shake, Rattle’n’Roll with the Ghostbuster. Honky Tonk Man was out and it looked like we would see a new Intercontinental Champion. Peggy Sue had other plans as she was able to distract referee Dave Hebner and Koko B. Ware just long enough for Jimmy Hart to pull Honky Tonk to the outside.

Honky Tonk Man, Peggy Sue, and Jimmy Hart made their exit down the aisle, being counted out in the process. Koko B. Ware could do nothing but watch on disappointingly.

Back at the WWF studio Gorilla Monsoon revealed that President Tunney was not happy with Honky Tonk Man’s actions and had demanded there be a rematch for the Intercontinental Title on next week’s edition of Prime Time. Bobby Heenan complained about how unfair it was for the Honky Tonk Man to have to defend the Intercontinental Title twice in two weeks. Heenan and Monsoon continued to argue over this point as the show closed for the week.

Card rating: * 3/4

WWF Notes:

Saturday Night’s Main Event is coming back to network television! President Jack Tunney announced that on April 30th the WWF will be live on NBC! Not only that, but Strike Force have been granted their rematch against Demolition for the World Tag Team Titles. Strike Force have been very vocal about how they want to regain the Tag Titles they feel were stolen from them at WrestleMania. Smash and Ax are no slouches, however, and Mr. Fuji will be sure to have them training day and night in preparation for this big match.

The Honky Tonk Man escaped with the Intercontinental Title tonight, but it was an extremely close call. Koko B. Ware might just be the current champion if it weren’t for Peggy Sue and “the Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart. President Tunney has seen enough of the Honky Tonk Man doing any and every thing to retain his IC Title and so has booked a rematch for next week. Will next week be the night that Honky Tonk Man’s title reign finally comes to an end?

Ted DiBiase has made it clear that he wants Hulk Hogan out of the WWF. He says he will pay any price to accomplish this goal. The question is who will step forward and try to get paid by the Million Dollar Man?

The Rougeau Brothers showed a side of themselves we haven’t seen before when they blatantly cheated to win their tag team match here tonight. The Killer Bees were not happy with the Rougeau Brothers after the match and it looks like there might be quite of bit of tension there. The Rougeau Brothers didn’t seem to let it bother them, but it has been announced that Jim Brunzell will get to face Raymond Rougeau next week to try and garner a little bit of payback for what occurred here tonight.

It looks like Jimmy Hart has decided that it will be Danny Davis that will try and revenge the haircut Hart received at the hands of Brutus Beefcake. Danny Davis tried a little bit of a sneak attack, but Beefcake was able to fight him off. Still, Brutus better be careful from here on as Jimmy Hart was thoroughly embarrassed at WrestleMania IV, and he wants his revenge on Beefcake.

Next week on Prime Time Jim Brunzell will face off against Raymond Rougeau and Honky Tonk Man will once again defend his Intercontinental Title against Koko B. Ware!

And on Superstars of Wrestling Randy Savage will defend his WWF Title for the first time as he goes up against One Man Gang! Plus Harley Race teams up with fellow Heenan Family member Hercules against Hillbilly Jim and George “The Animal” Steele! Until next time…

[JoshiQ]

WWF Superstars of Wrestling
4/9/88
Your hosts are: Vince McMahon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura

Pre-recorded comments aired from One Man Gang and Slick where Slick promised we would see a new WWF Champion here tonight. One Man Gang said that there was nothing Randy Savage could do to pin his shoulders to the mat. Slick told Savage that he would be lucky to leave the ring under his own power, let alone the WWF Title.

One Man Gang defeated Randy Savage by disqualification in 0:09:34.
Rating: 1/4*
(Randy Savage retained the World Heavyweight Title.)

Randy Savage’s anger towards One Man Gang cost him the match here tonight. Slick tried to get himself involved in the match as he jumped up on the ring apron, but Savage was there to knock him off and took the cane out of Slick’s hands. Savage nailed the One Man Gang numerous times with the cane leaving referee Dave Hebner no choice but to disqualify “the Macho Man.”

One Man Gang and Slick both hastily made their way to the back while Randy Savage continued to swing the cane around in the ring. Eventually he and Elizabeth celebrated Savage retaining his title. Jesse Ventura, meanwhile, complained that after years of dealing with Hulk Hogan as champion we get somebody that thinks it is okay to use a cane during a title defense.

Jim Duggan pinned Rex King with the Three Point Stance in 0:03:01.
Rating: -1/4*

Andre the Giant and Bobby Heenan cut an insert promo during the match. Heenan claimed that he always knew Duggan was stupid, but he never thought he’d be stupid enough to try and get in Andre’s face. Heenan also tried to play it off that Andre was not knocked unconscious by Jim Duggan but had fainted due to Duggan’s overwhelmingly bad smell. Andre the Giant promised that he would choke the life out of Duggan the next time he saw him.

Clips were shown of Demolition winning the World Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania IV when Ax nailed Rick Martel with Mr. Fuji’s cane allowing Smash to pin him.

Strike Force (Rick Martel and Tito Santana) defeated Brian Costello and Chris Duffy when T. Santana pinned Duffy after a flying clothesline in 0:03:49.
Rating: ***

Craig DeGeorge conducted an in-ring interview with Strike Force. They both seemed pumped up for their Tag Title match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Rick Martel said they were both better prepared, knowing now how far Demolition were willing to go to win a match. Tito Santana stated that the Tag Team Titles were more important to Strike Force than anything and they would be willing to do whatever it takes to get them back.

The Islanders (Haku and Tama) defeated Omar Atlas and Scott Casey when Tama pinned O. Atlas after a kick to the head in 0:02:49.
Rating: 3/4*

Pre-recorded comments from the Honky Tonk Man, Jimmy Hart, and Peggy Sue showed that they all thought it was a sham that he had to defend the Intercontinental Title again against Koko B. Ware on Monday’s WWF Prime Time. Honky Tonk Man said the only difference from last week will be that Koko B. Ware will feel a little Shake Rattle’n’Roll.

Dino Bravo pinned Brady Boone with the Side Suplex in 0:03:24.
Rating: **

After the match Frenchy Martin bragged that Dino Bravo would once again show his strength here tonight. Dino Bravo started to do pushups in the ring. He was up to fifteen when Don Muraco entered the ring and punted the unsuspecting Bravo right between the ribs. Bravo was left gasping for air while Muraco laughed it up in the ring. Frenchy Martin thought better of getting himself involved as “Superstar” Billy Graham, Muraco’s manager, had also accompanied Muraco to the ring.

Bret Hart pinned Barry Horowitz after a piledriver in 0:02:05.
Rating: * ¾

After the match Bad News Brown stormed the ring and started exchanging punches with Bret Hart. They brawled around the ring as Jim Neidhart and Jimmy Hart, who had accompanied Bret Hart to the ring, tried to separate the two. The crowd obviously wanted the two men to be let go, but Neidhart and Jimmy Hart eventually were able to drag Bret Hart to the back.

The Ultimate Warrior pinned Steve Lombardi with the Big Splash in 0:01:30.
Rating: -1/4*

The Ultimate Warrior cut an insert promo where he claimed he was drawing his power off of all the gods of the universe. He claimed that no mere mortal man would be able to stop him in his quest to dispose of all the poison in the WWF.

Harley Race and Hercules defeated George Steele and Hillbilly Jim when Hercules pinned Hillbilly Jim after a diving headbutt in 0:05:33.
Rating: DUD

Bobby Heenan showed why he is one of the best managers in the business when he was able to distract referee Joey Marella. This allowed Harley Race to hit a diving headbutt on Hillbilly Jim as he was covering Hercules after a powerslam. Hercules was able to roll Jim over and secure the three count. After the match George Steele went on a rampage as he tore off several turnbuckles and started to eat the padding. It finally took Hillbilly Jim to calm “the Animal” down.

To close the show some pre-recorded comments aired from Hulk Hogan. Hogan announced that he was currently acting for an upcoming movie called “No Holds Barred,” but that he still had his eyes on the World Wrestling Federation. He promised that he’d be at Saturday Night’s Main Event on the 30th and that Hulkamania was running wild all over America. He also told Ted DiBiase to watch his money because trying to invest it into the demise of Hulkamania was just like throwing money away as it could never die.

Card rating: 3/4*

WWF Notes:

Randy Savage retained his WWF Title, but it was probably not in the way he had wanted. Savage’s anger got the best of him, and once he had the cane in his possession there was no stopping him from using it against the One Man Gang. Slick was lucky that he wasn’t on the receiving end of any shots. Slick and One Man Gang are furious about what occurred and are already complaining to President Tunney. One thing is for certain, this issue is not over.

Strike Force only have one thing on their minds and that is winning back the WWF Tag Team Titles. Tito Santana and Rick Martel seem focused on Smash and Ax. They have promised they will not let Mr. Fuji or either member of Demolition catch them off guard again.

Andre the Giant let it be known that he is not happy with Jim Duggan. Duggan may have bit off more than he can chew when he angered the Giant. Andre the Giant has always been a formidable foe and with Bobby Heenan back by his side there may be no stopping him.

Harley Race used his expertise here tonight to use Bobby Heenan’s interference to its full potential. Hercules and Harley Race may not be a regular team, but they did show quite a bit of teamwork to defeat the odd pairing of Hillbilly Jim and George Steele.

Due to what happened here tonight, President Tunney did sign a match for next week on Superstars where Bret Hart will go one on one with Bad News Brown. Jim Neidhart and Jimmy Hart tried to keep these two apart tonight, but there won’t be much they can do when the bell rings and the match is legal.

And on Prime Time Honky Tonk Man defends his Intercontinental Title against Koko B. Ware in a rematch from last week, and Jim Brunzell is in singles action as he goes up against Raymond Rougeau! Until next time…!

[JoshiQ]

WWF Prime Time
4/11/88
Your hosts are: Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan

Honky Tonk Man pinned Koko B. Ware with the Shake Rattle'n'Roll in 0:07:57.
Rating: ** 3/4
(Honky Tonk Man retained the Intercontinental Title.)

Koko B. Ware once again put on a great showing here with the Intercontinental Title on the line. It wasn’t meant to be, however, as when Koko went for the Ghostbuster Jimmy Hart grabbed a hold of his foot from the outside. Koko was distracted just long enough for Honky Tonk Man to counter it in to the Shake Rattle’n’Roll and successfully retain his IC Title.

Back in the WWF studio Gorilla Monsoon went on a rant about how unfair it was that whoever was going to beat the Honky Tonk Man would have to defeat three people with Jimmy Hart and Peggy Sue at ringside. Bobby Heenan called it sour grapes and that it wasn’t the Honky Tonk Man’s fault that he is the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time.

Butch Reed pinned Dusty Wolfe with the Flying Shoulderblock in 0:02:16.
Rating: * ½

Pre-recorded comments aired from Bret Hart about his match on Superstars with Bad News Brown. Bret Hart said it didn’t matter how tough Bad News was, because when he goes up against “the Excellence of Execution” Brown will have no room for error. Jimmy Hart seemed to be trying to calm Bret Hart down throughout the promo.

Jake Roberts pinned Reno Riggins with the DDT in 0:02:40.
Rating: *

During the match “Ravishing” Rick Rude made his presence known as he came down to ringside to harass Cheryl Roberts. Cheryl Roberts made it clear that she wanted nothing to do with Rude, but he would not leave her alone. Jake Roberts was unaware as to what was going on outside as he planted his opponent with the DDT. As the referee was counting to three, however, he saw Rick Rude forcibly kiss Cheryl! Jake Roberts immediately left the ring and chased after Rude, who hightailed it out of there. Cheryl Roberts was left in tears at ringside.

Greg Valentine made Scott Casey submit to the Figure-Four Leglock in 0:03:33.
Rating: ** ½

Greg “The Hammer” Valentine cut an insert promo where he laid claim to running Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat out of the WWF when he defeated him at WrestleMania. Greg Valentine warned that no man was safe from the Figure-Four Leglock. Jimmy Hart said if he didn’t get more respect around the WWF that he’d have to send Valentine out to start breaking legs.

Before their match the Bolsheviks “honored” the crowd by singing the Russian National Anthem.

The Bolsheviks (Nikolai Volkoff and Boris Zhukov) defeated Brady Boone and Omar Atlas when Volkoff pinned O. Atlas after a piledriver in 0:03:33.
Rating: DUD

Danny Davis made Jake Milliman submit to the Boston Crab in 0:02:50.
Rating: * ¾

Danny Davis seemed to be sending a signal to Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake here as he refused to release the Boston Crab for quite awhile after the match was over. Jimmy Hart jumped around the ring screaming that they were going to get Brutus. It should be noted that Jimmy Hart was wearing a snow hat with ear flaps to hide his hair for all of the segments he was in tonight.

Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan were joined at the WWF studio by One Man Gang and Slick. Slick called what happened on Superstars a miscarriage of justice and that One Man Gang should be the WWF Champion right now. One Man Gang claimed that Randy Savage knew he couldn’t beat him so he had to try and get himself disqualified. Slick said he would not let this stand and was demanding President Tunney take action and gives One Man Gang a rematch.

Jim Brunzell pinned Raymond Rougeau after a flying sunset flip in 0:06:15.
Rating: ** ½

Jim Brunzell and B. Brian Blair got a little bit of revenge from last week here. Raymond Rougeau made the mistake of tossing Brunzell to the floor and then gloating to the crowd. While on the outside, however, the Killer Bees put on their masks and B. Brian Blair reentered the ring. Seconds later Blair was able to roll Raymond up with the flying sunset flip.

The Rougeau Brothers threw a hissy fit after the match while the Killer Bees, still donning their masks, celebrated in the aisle.

Back in the WWF studio Bobby Heenan went on another rant about how he wasn’t a big fan of the Rougeaus, but something had to be done about the Killer Bees cheating like that whenever they wanted. Gorilla Monsoon tried to argue that there was no way to prove that Blair had switched places with Brunzell, but Heenan just looked at Gorilla like he was a fool.

Clips for the upcoming Superstars of Wrestling aired where Bad News Brown will face Bret Hart!

Pre-recorded comments were also given by “Golden Boy” Danny Spivey and “Leaping” Lanny Poffo about their match with one another for next week’s Prime Time!

Gorilla Monsoon closed the show by announcing he had heard from President Tunney that One Man Gang will get his rematch for the WWF Title against Randy Savage and it will happen on Saturday Night’s Main Event on the 30th of April!

Card rating: * 3/4

WWF Notes:

President Tunney has confirmed that “Macho Man” Randy Savage will defend his World Heavyweight Title against One Man Gang at Saturday Night’s Main Event on April 30th! This special edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event promises to be one not to miss!

The Killer Bees paid the Rougeau Brothers back for the loss they suffered last week. It looked like Raymond Rougeau was going to come away with the victory, but when the masks of the Killer Bees become involved anything can happen.

Once you think “Ravishing” Rick Rude has gone too far, he takes one more step. Jake “The Snake” Roberts is furious with Rude and is demanding his head on a stick. Bobby Heenan is obviously reluctant to sign on for a match, but with Rude’s infatuation with Cheryl Roberts it looks like they will have to meet up at some point.

On this week’s edition of Superstars of Wrestling, be sure to tune in to see Bad News Brown face Bret Hart!

And next week on Prime Time, Lanny Poffo will try to take it to the air to do battle with the power of “Golden Boy” Danny Spivey!

Until next time…!

Saturday Night’s Main Event on April 30th, 1988 looks to have the following matches on live television:

World Heavyweight Championship:
Randy Savage© (w/Elizabeth) vs. One Man Gang (w/Slick)

World Tag Team Championship:
Demolition© (w/Mr. Fuji) vs. Strike Force

[JoshiQ]

WWF Superstars of Wrestling
4/16/88
Your hosts are: Vince McMahon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura

The show began with Craig DeGeorge interviewing WWF Tag Team Champions Demolition with Mr. Fuji. Mr. Fuji was all smiles with the Tag Champs under his control. Smash said that they had proved once and for all they are the toughest and meanest tag team in the WWF. Ax said it was a shame it took them this long to become champions, but now that they had the titles they were never going to let them go. Smash mocked Strike Force and called them a couple of pretty boys that couldn’t go toe to toe with two men like Ax and himself.

This brought out both Rick Martel and Tito Santana. They both got in some heated words with the champions and before you knew it they were trading blows on the interview stage. Tito Santana even got a hold of Mr. Fuji’s cane when Fuji had tried to sneak attack Santana from behind. Santana used the cane several times on both Ax and Smash as Demolition decided it would be a good time to exit to the back. Mr. Fuji followed closely behind as Strike Force had cleared the stage to the delight of the crowd.

Junk Yard Dog pinned SD Jones with the Thump Powerslam in 0:02:51.
Rating: 1/2*

As Junk Yard Dog was going through the curtains to head back to the locker rooms he all of a sudden staggered backwards. Ron Bass emerged from the entrance with his whip, Miss Betsy, in hand! Ron Bass thrust the butt of the whip right in to JYD’s throat. JYD fell to the floor clutching at his throat while Bass held the whip over his head much to the chagrin of the crowd.

The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid) defeated Barry Horowitz and Mike Sharpe when Dynamite Kid pinned Horowitz after a diving headbutt in 0:04:02.
Rating: ** ¾

Jim Duggan pinned Steve Lombardi with the Three Point Stance in 0:02:45.
Rating: -1/2*

After the match, Andre the Giant, accompanied by Bobby Heenan, lumbered down to the ring and brawled with Jim Duggan. Andre the Giant gained the advantage as he hammered Duggan from corner to corner. Andre tried to charge in to the corner where Duggan was slumped, but Duggan dove out of the way! Andre nearly moved the ring as he collided chest first with the turnbuckles. When he turned around Duggan blasted him with the Three Point Stance and it knocked Andre on to his back! Duggan exited the ring to a huge ovation from the crowd while Bobby Heenan looked on furiously from ringside. Andre the Giant shoved the referee to the mat before he stomped to the back.

Ken Patera defeated Jake Milliman when Jake Milliman passed out in the
Full Nelson in 0:03:21.
Rating: **

Hercules cut an insert promo during the match where he proclaimed himself the master of the Full Nelson, and he was sick and tired of watching Ken Patera giving it a bad name.

Don Muraco pinned Rex King with the Tombstone Piledriver in 0:01:50.
Rating: * ¾

Dino Bravo with Frenchy Martin cut an insert promo during the match. Bravo stated he was willing to prove once and for all that he was the strongest man in the world. Bravo challenged Don Muraco to a “test of strength” for next week’s edition of Superstars of Wrestling. Frenchy Martin told Muraco to show up if he had the guts to face Dino Bravo nose to nose.

Ted DiBiase made Dusty Wolfe submit to the Million Dollar Dream in 0:03:39.
Rating: **

Ted DiBiase cut an insert promo where he once again stated that he would spare no expense in both ridding the WWF of Hulkamania and also being crowned WWF Champion.

Bad News Brown defeated Bret Hart by disqualification in 0:07:17.
Rating: ** ½

The referee could barely keep things in order for this bout. Both Bad News Brown and Bret Hart brawled around the ring and ringside for the entirety of the match. Jimmy Hart and Jim Neidhart both watched on as Hart showed that he can hang with the bigger men like Brown in fisticuffs. A chair eventually became involved at ringside, and Bret Hart was able to wrestle it from Brown’s grasp. Hart smashed the chair across the back of Brown causing a disqualification to end the match.

Jim Neidhart and Jimmy Hart entered the ring after the match to pull Bret Hart off, but both he and Bad News Brown seemed to want to get their hands back on one another.

Vince McMahon announced that he had heard from his earpiece that President Jack Tunney had seen what happened and has ordered a match in two weeks on Superstars the Hart Foundation will face Bad News Brown and a partner of his choosing. McMahon said that would be quite a match, but Jesse Ventura seemed worried that Brown might have a problem finding a tag team partner.

Bret Hart and Bad News Brown continued to try and get at one another as Superstars came to a close.

Card rating: **

WWF Notes:

Bret Hart and Bad News Brown continued their feud and it is starting to look like neither man will be happy until the other is beaten in to a pulp. Bret Hart smashed a chair across Bad News Brown’s back, and although it didn’t knock him off his feet, it sure left a welt on Brown’s back. President Tunney did not get the decisive result he had been wanting so he has ordered a tag match for two weeks from now in which the Hart Foundation will face Bad News Brown and a partner. Jim Neidhart and Jimmy Hart can’t be too happy about getting pulled in to this match, but the real question is if Bad News Brown will be able to find somebody willing to team with him!

Don “The Rock” Muraco has accepted Dino Bravo’s challenge and so next week these two men will face off in a “test of strength”… According to Frenchy Martin it will just be your basic two handed knuckle grip with the winner being the first man to force the other to his knees. This is surely something not to be missed.

Hercules let it be known tonight that he is not happy with Ken Patera using the Full Nelson. Patera has used the move for quite some time and it’s doubtful he will be willing to abandon his favorite hold.

Andre the Giant got his hands on Jim Duggan but things did not go as he and Bobby Heenan had planned. Andre the Giant once again ended up on his backside with Jim Duggan walking out with his head held high. Nobody has ever been able to handle Andre the Giant quite like Duggan, but at the same time we all know that when you make Andre angry it never ends pretty.

Ron Bass garnered a bit of revenge on Junk Yard Dog here tonight when he jabbed the handle of his whip into JYD’s throat. Junk Yard Dog was checked out and is okay despite suffering from quite the sore throat. Bass seemed rather happy with himself after his deed, but Junk Yard Dog is not one to let something like this slide.

Finally, Demolition and Strike Force gave a small preview to their match on Saturday Night’s Main Event when they got in to a brawl up on the interview stage. Strike Force had the upper hand here but it is still uncertain if Strike Force can beat Demolition in a straight match.

Until next time…!

Saturday Night’s Main Event on April 30th, 1988 looks to have the following matches on live television:

World Heavyweight Championship:
Randy Savage© (w/Elizabeth) vs. One Man Gang (w/Slick)

World Tag Team Championship:
Demolition© (w/Mr. Fuji) vs. Strike Force

Hulk Hogan has announced he will be there!

Plus Jake “the Snake” Roberts will be in action!

All this and much more!

[JoshiQ]

WWF Prime Time
4/18/88
Your hosts are: Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan

The show began with some pre-recorded comments from Randy “Macho Man” Savage. Savage promised One Man Gang that what he did to him on Superstars two weeks ago was just a small taste of what he had in store for him at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Savage talked about how holding the WWF Title proved he was the best wrestler in the world today and the only way they were going to be able to take it was to pry it from his cold, dead fingers.

Danny Spivey pinned Lanny Poffo with the Power Bomb in 0:04:59.
Rating: 3/4*

Danny Spivey was able to avoid most of Lanny Poffo’s high flying offense before drilling him into the mat with the Power Bomb. After the match, Slick appeared at ringside with Butch Reed and applauded Spivey’s efforts.


Non-Title Match:
Demolition (Ax and Smash) defeated Brady Boone and SD Jones when Smash pinned Jones with the Demolition Decapitation in 0:03:06.
Rating: * ¼

Demolition and Mr. Fuji cut an insert promo during their match telling Strike Force to watch close because what they do tonight is exactly what they were going to do to Rick Martel and Tito Santana.

Don Muraco and “Superstar” Billy Graham joined Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan in the WWF studio. Graham said he thought it was ridiculous that Dino Bravo would challenge Muraco to a “test of strength” on Superstars when anybody could see that Muraco was the much stronger man. Muraco said he had been working his arms out especially hard the last couple of days and he was going to show just what he was capable of. Graham pulled out an iron rod that he handed over to Muraco. “The Rock” proceeded to bend it just using his grip. Bobby Heenan’s jaw dropped before catching himself and stating that he was sure Dino Bravo could do that too.

Brutus Beefcake defeated Rex King when Rex King passed out in the Sleeper in 0:02:25.
Rating: 1/2*

Brutus Beefcake cut an insert promo where he told Jimmy Hart that he had only been able to take a little off the top last time, and he really felt the need to complete the haircut. Beefcake challenged Jimmy Hart to bring anybody to Saturday Night’s Main Event where he’d face them in a match with his hair on the line against Jimmy Hart’s hair.

Bam Bam Bigelow pinned Reno Riggins with the Slingshot Splash in 0:03:07.
Rating: ** ¾

The Young Stallions (Jim Powers and Paul Roma) defeated Steve Lombardi and Barry Horowitz when Roma pinned Horowitz after a flying sunset flip in 0:04:23.
Rating: 1/2*

Clips were shown from Superstars where Jim Duggan avoided a splash in the corner from Andre the Giant and then knocked Andre to the mat with his Three Point Stance.

The Ultimate Warrior pinned Mike Sharpe with the Big Splash in 0:02:23.
Rating: DUD

Ultimate Warrior sprinted down to the ring before the match. After his win, he bounced off the ropes a few times and shook the ropes to get the crowd riled up.

Gorilla Monsoon contemplated that there may not be a man capable of stopping the Ultimate Warrior with as much adrenaline must be pumping through his body. Heenan commented that somebody needed to check the Warrior’s sugar intake.

One Man Gang pinned Sam Houston with the 747 Splash in 0:04:38.
Rating: -1/2*

After the match, One Man Gang made an example out of Sam Houston. One Man Gang delivered two more consecutive 747 Splashes at the demand of Slick. Slick raised One Man Gang’s hand afterwards and announced him as the future World Heavyweight Champion.

Gorilla Monsoon closed the show by announcing there would be a very special main event next week when Junk Yard Dog would team up with Brutus “the Barber” Beefcake to face “Outlaw” Ron Bass and “Dangerous” Danny Davis.

Card rating: 1/2*

WWF Notes:

One Man Gang proved tonight that is a formidable foe when he totally demolished Sam Houston. Randy Savage better be on his game when it comes to Saturday Night’s Main Event or we might just see a new champion.

Brutus “the Barber” Beefcake is ready to put it all on the line as he has challenged Jimmy Hart to a hair versus hair match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Beefcake wants Hart to find somebody to go one on one with him and if Beefcake wins he gets to finish the haircut he started at WrestleMania IV. On the other hand, if “the Mouth of the South” leads his man to victory it will be Brutus wearing a hat for the next few months.

Don “the Rock” Muraco showed his true strength as he bent an iron bar in front of both Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan. “Superstar” Billy Graham has Don Muraco ready to go for the upcoming episode of Superstars of Wrestling where Muraco faces Dino Bravo in a test of strength to determine the true strongest man of the world.

And it looks like Slick wanted to get a closer look at “Golden Boy” Danny Spivey. Nobody is quite sure as to what the meaning of it was, but Slick and Butch Reed both definitely seemed impressed with Spivey’s victory.

Be sure to tune in to Superstars for the test of strength between Don Muraco and Dino Bravo, plus Honky Tonk Man has announced that he will issue an open challenge to anybody wanting an Intercontinental Title shot!

And next week on Prime Time “Outlaw” Ron Bass will team with “Dangerous” Danny Davis to face Junk Yard Dog and Brutus “the Barber” Beefcake!

Until next time…!

Saturday Night’s Main Event on April 30th, 1988 looks to have the following matches on live television:

World Heavyweight Championship:
Randy Savage© (w/Elizabeth) vs. One Man Gang (w/Slick)

World Tag Team Championship:
Demolition© (w/Mr. Fuji) vs. Strike Force

Hulk Hogan has announced he will be there!

Plus Jake “the Snake” Roberts will be in action!

All this and much more!

[wickedrex]

Good show. Will be interesting to see the Savage/OMG match at Saturday Night.

- I'm wondering will Jimmy Hart will bring out to challenge "The Barber".

[JoshiQ]

WWF Superstars of Wrestling
4/23/88
Your hosts are: Vince McMahon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura

The show opened with the Honky Tonk Man in the ring with Jimmy Hart and Peggy Sue. As promised Honky issued an open challenge to anyone who thought they could end the reign of the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time. Honky Tonk Man immediately tried to retract his challenge when out walked Bam Bam Bigelow with Sir Oliver Humperdink! Honky Tonk Man tried to tell the referee that the match was cancelled, but Bigelow cut him off with a big clothesline to start the match off.

Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Honky Tonk Man by countout in 0:06:52.
Rating: * 1/2
(Honky Tonk Man retained the Intercontinental Title.)

Jimmy Hart earned his paycheck tonight as he saved Honky Tonk Man’s Intercontinental Title. Bigelow had him pinned after his patented Slingshot Splash, but Jimmy Hart was there to put Honky Tonk Man’s foot on the bottom rope. This led to Bigelow chasing Jimmy Hart around the ring while Peggy Sue dragged Honky Tonk Man to the outside and helped him to the back. Bigelow made it back in to the ring before the ten count to give him the victory but not the title. Bigelow was handed a mic and shouted that the Honky Tonk Man was a coward but nothing could be done as the title cannot change hands via countout or disqualification.

Harley Race pinned Dusty Wolfe with the Piledriver in 0:02:54.
Rating: **

Rick Rude pinned Brady Boone with the Rude Awakening in 0:03:27.
Rating: ** ¼

After the match Rick Rude had Bobby Heenan pull another lady fan out from the crowd. He was preparing to plant a “Rude Awakening Kiss” on her when Jake Roberts slid in to the ring with Damien in his hand! The woman immediately escaped the ring followed quickly by Rick Rude once he had realized what was going on. Bobby Heenan, on the other hand, caught on a little bit too late and Roberts wrapped the snake around Heenan’s neck! Heenan screamed and quickly rolled out of the ring to join Rick Rude while Roberts collected Damien. Rude and Roberts made threats at one another from the aisle and the ring while Heenan looked like he might have a heart attack.

George Steele pinned Brian Costello with the Flying Hammerlock in 0:03:31.
Rating: DUD

Pre-recorded comments aired from Bad News Brown where he said that he didn’t need a partner for next week’s match against the Hart Foundation, but the WWF was forcing him to find one. He said he would find a partner even if he had to drag Vince McMahon from the announcer’s booth to just stand on the corner. He promised pain and punishment for both Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart next week.

Bobby Heenan, constantly looking over his shoulder in case Jake Roberts decided to return, stood in the ring to introduce the Islanders for their upcoming match. Bobby Heenan said that he saw just how dominate a tag team the Islanders were at WrestleMania but there was a weak link to the team. Heenan said that if it weren’t for Haku that the Islanders would have been Tag Champions a long time ago. Heenan proudly announced that he had found somebody that could equal Tama’s toughness and ferociousness. Heenan introduced the newer and better Islanders, Tama and Sivi Afi!

The Islanders (Tama and Sivi Afi) defeated Jake Milliman and Chris Duffy when Afi defeated Duffy via pinfall in 0:04:02.
Rating: * ½

Sivi Afi looked very impressive in his tag team debut with Tama. They showed some nice team work with quick tags and several tag team moves to keep their opponents down. A double headbutt from both members of the Islanders was more than enough to win them the match.

The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair and Jim Brunzell) defeated Omar Atlas and Rex King when B. Blair pinned O. Atlas after a bulldog in 0:05:02.
Rating: *** ¾

The Rougeau Brothers cut an insert promo during the match. Jacques complained once again about the use of the Killer Bees masks. Raymond said that the Rougeaus might just have to take the law in to their own hands and deal with the cheating duo.

Don Muraco and Dino Bravo met up in the center of the ring for their test of strength. The referee announced that the winner would be the first man to force the other to drop to his knees. They both seemed eager to go as the referee got them to lock in their grips and then proceeded to attach the wraps to hold their hands together. Frenchy Martin and Billy Graham both looked on anxiously from inside the ring as the referee signaled for them to begin. Bravo and Muraco both showed great amount of power as neither man budged for the first few seconds. Things went back and forth with both men almost dropping to their knees before fighting back. Once Bravo started to show signs of fading, however, Frenchy Martin got himself involved. He told the referee something that had the ref walk over to Billy Graham and start in a lecture despite Graham having done nothing. Martin then nailed Muraco in the back of the head with the Canadian Flag! Muraco dropped to his knees in pain just as the referee turned back around. Dino Bravo was announced as the winner as Graham took off after Frenchy Martin.

Once the wraps were removed Don Muraco fell on to his side while Dino Bravo celebrated the victory by kicking at Muraco’s body. Billy Graham continued to chase after Martin on the outside, but Bravo exited the ring and broke that up by blasting Graham with a big clothesline. Bravo and Martin both celebrated in the ring afterwards over the fallen body of Don Muraco.

Card rating: **

WWF Notes:

Dino Bravo may have won the test of strength between him and Don Muraco, but it was anything but a clean victory. Frenchy Martin used the Canadian Flag he carries to smack Muraco in the back of the head to give Bravo the win. Frenchy Martin better be happy that he is just slightly faster than “Superstar” Billy Graham or he may have been on the receiving end of a beating after the contest. But when it was all said and done, Dino Bravo and Frenchy Martin were both standing over Graham and Muraco. Muraco will certainly not be happy when he has collected his wits.
Bobby Heenan introduced Sivi Afi as the new tag team partner for Tama. These new Islanders looked very impressive here tonight. Backstage Heenan revealed to Craig DeGeorge that Haku had skipped out on his contract to go back to Samoa. Heenan claims Haku still owes him money, but he didn’t know if there was a court system in Samoa so he could sue him.

Jake Roberts may not have gotten his hands on Rick Rude tonight, but he did get a little bit of revenge as he was able to wrap Damien around Bobby Heenan, even if it was only for a few seconds. If Rude continues his antics against Cheryl Roberts it will only be a matter of time before Roberts completely snaps.

The Honky Tonk Man’s open challenge definitely back fired tonight when it was Bam Bam Bigelow that accepted. Bigelow nearly won the Intercontinental Title after he hit the Slingshot Splash, but Jimmy Hart and Peggy Sue were there once again to help Honky escape with the gold. President Jack Tunney saw the match and it looks like he might be trying to get a rematch signed for in the future.

Be sure to tune in next week when the Hart Foundation faces Bad News Brown and a partner, if he can find one.

Also, on the upcoming edition of Prime Time Brutus “the Barber” Beefcake will team up with the Junk Yard Dog to face “Outlaw” Ron Bass and “Dangerous” Danny Davis! Plus Jimmy Hart has said he will respond to Beefcake’s challenge for Saturday Night’s Main Event on the show as well!

Until next time…!

Saturday Night’s Main Event on April 30th, 1988 looks to have the following matches on live television:

World Heavyweight Championship:
Randy Savage© (w/Elizabeth) vs. One Man Gang (w/Slick)

World Tag Team Championship:
Demolition© (w/Mr. Fuji) vs. Strike Force

Hulk Hogan has announced he will be there!

Plus Jake “the Snake” Roberts will be in action!

All this and much more!

[LillaThrilla]

Looks like a fun little circuit.

[JoshiQ]

WWF Prime Time
4/25/88
Your hosts are: Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan

The show began with Gorilla Monsoon announcing that Jim Duggan had officially challenged Andre the Giant to a match for Saturday Night’s Main Event this coming weekend. Heenan cut him off by saying that there was no way he would send Andre the Giant in to a match with Duggan carrying around that 2x4. Heenan said that instead he was going to have Harley Race teach Jim Duggan a lesson in the ring at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Monsoon questioned if Andre the Giant was scared to get in the ring with Duggan, but Heenan replied that Monsoon was an idiot if he thought Andre was afraid of anything.

Clips from WrestleMania IV were shown where Brutus Beefcake was able to cut a few clumps of hair from Jimmy Hart’s head. Footage was also shown of Ron Bass jabbing the butt end of his whip in to Junk Yard Dog’s throat on the 4/16 episode of Superstars.

Danny Davis and Ron Bass defeated Brutus Beefcake and Junk Yard Dog when D. Davis pinned Beefcake after a low blow in 0:06:26.
Rating: -**

Brutus Beefcake and Junk Yard Dog showed surprisingly good teamwork in their match tonight as they kept Ron Bass and Danny Davis on the ropes for most of the match. Things looked like they were going to go their way when Beefcake was able to lock in the Sleeper on Davis. Bass tried to enter the ring to break it up but was cut off by the Junk Yard Dog. While the referee tried to separate those two, Jimmy Hart entered the ring causing Beefcake to release his hold. Beefcake was able to get a hold of Hart before he was able to do anything, but this left him wide open for a low blow from behind by Danny Davis! Davis rolled him up just in time for the referee to turn around and deliver the three count.

While Junk Yard Dog checked up on Beefcake, Jimmy Hart grabbed a microphone from ringside and announced Danny Davis as Brutus Beefcake’s opponent for Saturday Night’s Main Event in the hair versus hair match.

Greg Valentine made Dusty Wolfe submit to the Figure-Four Leglock in 0:03:00.
Rating: ***

Greg Valentine cut an insert promo during the match where he once again stated how he had run Ricky “The Cowardly Dragon” Steamboat out of wrestling. Valentine said that embarrassing him in front of his son, his wife, and the entire crowd at WrestleMania so quickly that there was nothing left for Steamboat to do but to retire. Valentine also stated he realized how good a feeling it was to force people in to retirement so he better start seeing some respect around the WWF. He said if he didn’t see that respect soon that there might be more wrestlers drawing on their retirement sooner than they might have wanted.

Valentine mocked Steamboat during the match as he pretended to do several different karate stances throughout his match.

Hillbilly Jim pinned Rex King with the Big Boot in 0:01:54.
Rating: * ¼

The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart) defeated Omar Atlas and Scott Casey when B. Hart pinned O. Atlas after a back suplex in 0:04:40.
Rating: -1/4*

The Hart Foundation cut an insert promo where Bret Hart promised that it would not matter who Bad News Brown finds to team with as the Hart Foundation are the best tag team in the world and couldn’t be beat. Jim Neidhart warned Bad News that you don’t mess with his partner and get away with it and he and Hart would take care of business on Superstars this week.

Back in the WWF studio, Bobby Heenan said that Bad News Brown had approached him about teaming with one of the Heenan Family members, but he couldn’t take the risk if involving one of his men with Bad News since the man can’t be trusted. Monsoon had heard that Bad News had found a partner and it wasn’t somebody one would expect.

Ken Patera defeated Jake Milliman when Jake Milliman passed out in the Full Nelson in 0:02:25.
Rating: **

Hercules, along with Bobby Heenan, cut another insert promo proclaiming himself the master of the Full Nelson. Bobby Heenan told Ken Patera that he would be smart to stop using the move unless he wanted to make Hercules mad. Heenan said that only an idiot would want to get Hercules on his bad side.

Danny Spivey pinned Brady Boone with the Power Bomb in 0:02:33.
Rating: 1/2*

Slick and Butch Reed once again watched “Golden Boy” Danny Spivey from ringside throughout his match. Afterwards Slick and Reed joined Spivey in the ring. There was a conversation which led to a handshake among the three men in the ring.

Back in the WWF studio Heenan said that if Slick had just signed Spivey that it was a huge free agent acquisition as every manager in the WWF had wanted Spivey.

The Bolsheviks tried to sing the Russian Anthem prior to their match, but they were cut off by the Young Stallions entering the ring and nailing both of them with dropkicks.

The Bolsheviks (Nikolai Volkoff and Boris Zhukov) defeated The Young Stallions (Jim Powers and Paul Roma) when Zhukov pinned Powers with the Flying Headbutt in 0:08:27.
Rating: 3/4*

The Young Stallions put up quite the fight, but were unable to defeat the veteran tag team of Zhukov and Volkoff. The Bolsheviks waved the Russian flag around the ring to send it back to the WWF studio.

The show came to a close with Ted DiBiase, along with Virgil, cutting a promo for Saturday Night’s Main Event. DiBiase said he knew both Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan would be there and there was no way he would miss the chance to go eye to eye with them. DiBiase said he had been out spending his money like only he can and has come out with a way to end both Savage’s title reign and Hulkamania once and for all!

Card rating: * 1/2

WWF Notes:

Ted DiBiase apparently has a plan for Saturday Night’s Main Event that takes place this coming Saturday. DiBiase has wanted the WWF Title for quite some time and he seems to think he has a way to accomplish that goal. DiBiase has been out spending his money, but what exactly could he pay for that would help him win the WWF Title and end Hulkamania?

Slick may have come away with a big free agent signing tonight when he shook hands with Danny Spivey. Slick might just be the missing piece to take Spivey towards championship gold.

Jimmy Hart has officially accepted the match that will put his hair on the line against Brutus Beefcake’s. Hart has decided that he will rely on Danny Davis to face Beefcake on Saturday Night’s Main Event in a match with huge repercussions.

Bobby Heenan avoided putting Andre the Giant in the ring with Jim Duggan on Saturday Night’s Main Event, and instead he will send another one of his charges, Harley Race, in to the ring. Duggan can’t be happy that he won’t get his hands on Andre, but at least it will be a man that Bobby Heenan manages.

Also, just announced for Saturday Night’s Main Event, Greg “The Hammer” Valentine will face off against George “The Animal” Steele!

Until next time…!

Saturday Night’s Main Event on April 30th, 1988 looks to have the following matches on live television:

World Heavyweight Championship:
Randy “Macho Man” Savage© (w/Elizabeth) vs. One Man Gang (w/Slick)

World Tag Team Championship:
Demolition© (w/Mr. Fuji) vs. Strike Force

Hair vs. Hair Match:
Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake vs. “Dangerous” Danny Davis (w/Jimmy Hart)

Greg “The Hammer” Valentine (w/Jimmy Hart) vs. George “The Animal” Steele

“Hacksaw” Jim Duggan vs. Harley Race (w/Bobby Heenan)

Hulk Hogan has announced he will be there!

Plus Jake “the Snake” Roberts will be in action!

All this and much more!

[JoshiQ]

WWF Superstars of Wrestling
4/30/88
Your hosts are: Vince McMahon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura

The show began with Hillbilly Jim being interviewed on the stage by Craig DeGeorge. Hillbilly Jim said he had a big announcement as had found a tag team partner to try and help him get rid of the pipsqueak known as Jimmy Hart and the Hart Foundation. Bad News Brown proceeded to join Hillbilly Jim up on the stage much to the surprise of Vince McMahon and Jesse Ventura. Bad News Brown said that the WWF was full of cowards that refused to get in to a real fight so he had to settle for his 30th choice in Hillbilly Jim. Jim wanted end the segment with a high five to Bad News, but Brown gave him a disgusted look before heading to the back.

Both McMahon and Ventura really questioned Bad News on his choice of a partner. McMahon did so because he didn’t think they would mesh very well while Ventura simply thought that Hillbilly Jim was an idiot.

The Ultimate Warrior pinned Boris Zhukov with the Big Splash in 0:04:27.
Rating: -** ¼

The Ultimate Warrior had a stronger competitor here and it showed as Boris Zhukov was able to ground the Warrior with some mat wrestling. The Warrior’s power, however, was just too must for Zhukov to hold down for long. Warrior was eventually able to Gorilla Press Zhukov over his head and nail his Big Splash for the victory. After the match Nikolai Volkoff tried to sneak attack the Warrior, but Warrior was able to reverse that and double clotheslined both Russians over the top rope and to the outside.

Junk Yard Dog pinned Steve Lombardi with the Thump Powerslam in 0:02:16.
Rating: 3/4*

Junk Yard Dog cut an insert promo where he promised Ron Bass that things were not over between them and wouldn’t be until he had Bass laying on the mat for a three count.

Pre-recorded comments aired from Bam Bam Bigelow and Sir Oliver Humperdink. Bigelow told Honky Tonk Man that he was extremely lucky to leave the ring alive last week. Bigelow said he wanted Honky Tonk back in the ring and the next time it would be Bam Bam Bigelow walking out with the Intercontinental Title.

The Islanders (Tama and Sivi Afi) defeated Brian Costello and Dusty Wolfe when
Tama pinned Wolfe with the Flying Bodypress in 0:04:59.
Rating: *

Bobby Heenan’s new version of the Islanders continued to impress with an easy victory. Tama and Sivi Afi have quickly learned each other’s tactics to become quite a formidable tag team.

Comments aired from the One Man Gang and Slick. Slick told everybody to take a look because this would be the last time anybody ever sees One Man Gang without the WWF Title. One Man Gang promised that he would hurt Randy Savage so badly tonight that “the Macho Man” would be begging for him to take the WWF Title.

Don Muraco pinned Jake Milliman with the Tombstone Piledriver in 0:01:45.
Rating: **

Don Muraco cut an insert promo announcing that Dino Bravo’s days were numbered. He said that last week’s test of strength proved nothing and he would soon be showing Bravo in the ring what true power is all about.

Koko B. Ware pinned Rex King with the Ghostbuster in 0:02:37.
Rating: **

Strike Force cut a promo where they promised to regain their WWF Tag Titles later on tonight against Demolition. Rick Martel said he would have no problems this time with knocking Mr. Fuji out.

Ted DiBiase defeated Lanny Poffo when Lanny Poffo passed out in the Million Dollar Dream in 0:03:16.
Rating: ***
(Brady Boone no-showed.)

After the match Ted DiBiase picked a fan wearing a “Hulkamania” t-shirt to enter the ring. DiBiase offered fifty dollars to the fan for the t-shirt. When the fan refused DiBiase offered a hundred dollars. Upon another rejection DiBiase slapped the young man across the face and applied the the Million Dollar Dream! The fan quickly faded in to unconsciousness which allowed DiBiase to rip the t-shirt off of the fan. DiBiase told the fan he should have taken the money. DiBiase then proceeded to tear the t-shirt to shreds while Virgil watched on.

Pre-recorded comments aired from “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. Duggan promised that he would give Harley Race a preview of the beating he had in store for Andre the Giant later on tonight.

The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart) defeated Bad News Brown and Hillbilly Jim when B. Hart pinned Bad News after an inside cradle in 0:06:14.
Rating: -** ¼

Bad News Brown and Hillbilly Jim were definitely quite the dysfunctional team. Hillbilly Jim seemed to think that everything was going along fine, but Bad News had a hard time not showing his disgust at Hillbilly Jim’s antics in the ring. Jim seemed to think he was doing something for the good of the WWF in facing the Hart Foundation and Jimmy Hart, but it seemed like he didn’t realize the true nature of the man he was teaming with. Eventually Bad News Brown was able to secure the advantage and ordered Hillbilly Jim in to the ring as he held Hart from behind. Jim went for his Big Boot, but Hart ducked and Brown ate the big cowboy boot. Bret Hart quickly rolled Brown up while Jim Neidhart came in to hold off Hillbilly Jim.

After the match Bad News Brown came to and was furious. Hillbilly Jim tried to shake his hand, but Brown nailed Jim with the Ghetto Blaster! Bad News Brown spat on Jim before exiting the ring to the boos of the crowd.

The show came to a close with comments from the WWF Champion, Randy Savage and Elizabeth. Randy Savage said that tonight would be the night he proves just how great of a champion he was going to be. He said that the One Man Gang may be big and strong, but was going to pound him down to size. Savage hoped that tonight would show that is definitely worthy of being WWF Champion along the lines of Hulk Hogan, Bruno Sammartino, and Pedro Morales.

Card rating: 3/4*

WWF Notes:

Hillbilly Jim really seemed to think he was going to do some good here tonight in trying to get his hands on the Hart Foundation and Jimmy Hart. Little did he know what he was getting himself in to when he signed on to team with Bad News Brown. Hillbilly Jim was not happy when he made it to the back, but Bad News Brown doesn’t seem the type to offer an apology.

Ted DiBiase might have gone one step too far when he locked on the Million Dollar Dream on a fan. President Jack Tunney has fined DiBiase an undisclosed amount, but DiBiase has been quoted as saying it was just pocket change. One thing is for sure, DiBiase definitely has it out for Hulk Hogan as he blames him for his loss in the WWF Title tournament finals at WrestleMania IV.

The Ultimate Warrior continues to look very impressive as he not only beat Boris Zhukov, but he also knocked both Bolsheviks from the ring after the match. The Warrior is quickly climbing the ranks and may soon be among the top contenders for championship gold.

Tonight is a big night for the WWF as Saturday Night’s Main Event will air live on NBC! Be sure to tune in as the following matches will take place:

World Heavyweight Championship:
Randy “Macho Man” Savage© (w/Elizabeth) vs. One Man Gang (w/Slick)

World Tag Team Championship:
Demolition© (w/Mr. Fuji) vs. Strike Force

Hair vs. Hair Match:
Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake vs. “Dangerous” Danny Davis (w/Jimmy Hart)

Greg “The Hammer” Valentine (w/Jimmy Hart) vs. George “The Animal” Steele

“Hacksaw” Jim Duggan vs. Harley Race (w/Bobby Heenan)

Hulk Hogan has announced he will be there!

Plus Jake “the Snake” Roberts will be in action!

All this and much more!

[JoshiQ]

WWF Saturday Night’s Main Event
4/30/88
Your hosts are: Vince McMahon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura

Tonight’s show began with comments from both Randy Savage and One Man Gang. Both men promised victory in tonight’s WWF Title match.

Demolition (Ax and Smash) defeated Strike Force (Rick Martel and Tito Santana) when Smash pinned T. Santana after a clothesline in 0:10:21.
Rating: *
(Demolition retained the World Tag Team Titles.)

The Hart Foundation made an appearance during this rematch from WrestleMania IV. Vince McMahon announced that the Hart Foundation would be facing the World Tag Team Champions on WWF Prime Time in two weeks. Jesse Ventura was convinced they were out there to get a closer look at their future competition.

Strike Force were well on their way to regaining the Tag Team Titles tonight as they were very focused on making quick tags and keeping Demolition out of sync. Things got a little out of hand later on when there was an altercation on the outside. Ax had thrown Tito Santana to the outside and Tito didn’t appreciate the Hart Foundation being out there as he nailed both Jim Neidhart and Bret Hart before heading back into the ring. Tito Santana had made a mistake, however, by upsetting the Foundation as later on in the match when he bounced off the ropes Jim Neidhart was there to trip him up. Santana got in to an argument with Neidhart, but when he turned around was leveled with a clothesline by Smash. It was just barely enough to keep his shoulders down on the mat for three while Ax held Rick Martel at bay. Demolition celebrated with Mr. Fuji and their Titles while the Hart Foundation shouted insults at Santana and Martel from ringside. McMahon said that it looked like it would be Demolition defending the Tag Titles against the Hart Foundation in a couple of weeks on Prime Time.

Jim Duggan pinned Harley Race with the Three Point Stance in 0:05:08.
Rating: **

After the match Bobby Heenan signaled to the back and out came Andre the Giant! Jim Duggan stood his ground, but he had unfortunately taken his eyes off of Harley Race. Race attacked him from behind giving Andre the upper hand. Andre the Giant and Harley Race proceeded to lay a brutal beatdown on Duggan while Heenan gave orders from ringside. Andre the Giant finished Duggan off by grabbing Duggan around the throat and choking him into unconsciousness. Numerous WWF officials eventually were able to drag Andre the Giant and Harley Race off of Duggan, but “Hacksaw” definitely looked the worse for wear.

Pre-recorded comments aired from Greg Valentine and Jimmy Hart. Valentine said he already had run Ricky Steamboat out of the WWF, and it appeared to him that George Steele had also worn out his welcome. Valentine promised to rid the WWF of these old timers past their prime. Jimmy Hart told Valentine he was mistaken because Steele had never had a prime.

Greg Valentine defeated George Steele when George Steele passed out in the Figure-Four Leglock in 0:06:12.
Rating: -1/2*

Greg Valentine simply out wrestled George Steele on his way to victory. Steele did show a lot of character in refusing to submit to the Figure-Four Leglock, but Ventura assumed that it was because Steele just didn’t know how to say “I quit.” The pain was eventually too much for Steele as he passed out from the pain.

Valentine was not finished though. Valentine started to use the ropes for extra leverage even after the bell had been rung. The referee tried to intervene, but Jimmy Hart was there to throw him to the side. This went on for far too long before Valentine finally released the hold. Steele had woken back up once Valentine had started to use the ropes, and it was obvious that he was in a great deal of pain. After Valentine and Jimmy Hart had left Steele tried to get back to his feet to no avail. Steele eventually had to use the help of several officials to make his way to the back.

Before the match, Ted DiBiase cut an insert promo saying that he had paid top dollar to ensure that his plan to destroy Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan would come to fruition.

Randy Savage pinned One Man Gang with the Flying Elbowdrop in 0:13:22.
Rating: DUD
(Randy Savage retained the World Heavyweight Title.)

One Man Gang gave Randy Savage the fight of his life for nearly 15 minutes, but Savage just refused to stay down. Savage shocked the crowd when he avoided a big splash in the corner and then was able to bodyslam the Gang in the center of the ring! Savage quickly followed that up with the Flying Elbowdrop to secure the huge victory as he successfully defended his Heavyweight Title.

After the match, Savage was ambushed by Ted DiBiase. DiBiase cracked a chair across his back as Elizabeth looked on horrified. DiBiase took several more shots at Savage until Hulk Hogan arrived! The crowd went crazy as Hogan pointed his finger at DiBiase and tore his shirt off. Hogan stalked DiBiase around the ring until a husky police officer entered the ring. Vince McMahon was hoping that he would arrest DiBiase for his heinous attack on Savage. Hogan walked over to the policeman when the officer nailed Hogan right in the throat with his nightstick! Hogan gasped for air as DiBiase and the police officer attacked both Savage and Hogan! The policeman finished them both off with big sidewalk slams as they came off the ropes. DiBiase took out a large wad of cash and handed it over to the policeman. Meanwhile Hogan and Savage squirmed around the ring in pain.

Vince McMahon went on a long rant after DiBiase, Virgil, and the policeman exited the ring about how sickening that was, but Jesse Ventura told McMahon that DiBiase can pay any man’s price to turn on his values.

Jake Roberts pinned Mike Sharpe with the DDT in 0:03:10.
Rating: 3/4*

Jake Roberts challenged Rick Rude after his match to a bout in two weeks on Superstars. Much to the surprise of everyone, Rick Rude and Bobby Heenan came down to ringside and actually accepted the mach. Rude made one stipulation, however, and that was if he won he would get a night alone with Cheryl Roberts! Jake Roberts looked extremely hesitant, but when Rude said that it would be the only way he’d ever get to face him in a one on one match Roberts accepted! Rick Rude left ringside with a huge grin on his face while Roberts looked like he was ready to kill.

[Hair vs. Jimmy Hart's hair]:
Brutus Beefcake made Danny Davis submit to the Sleeper in 0:06:35.
Rating: -**

Brutus Beefcake did it! Jimmy Hart was there every step of the way to try and interfere and cost Beefcake the match, but eventually Brutus had had enough and knocked Hart off the ringside apron with a big right hook. Seconds later Davis ran right in to the Sleeper. Davis was put to sleep and could not respond to the referee giving Beefcake the win.

Jimmy Hart came to just in time to realize that his man had lost the match. He tried to escape down the entrance aisle, but he ran right into Bam Bam Bigelow! The man who he prevented from winning the Intercontinental Title from the Honky Tonk Man. Bigelow threw Hart back in to the ring into the waiting hands of Brutus Beefcake. Beefcake pulled out some electric clippers and started buzzing away at Jimmy Hart’s hair! Within seconds Hart was nearly bald as he cried out for Beefcake to stop.

The show came to a close with Hart crying in the corner as Bigelow raised Beefcake’s arm.

Card rating: -1/4*

WWF Notes:

Ted DiBiase claimed he had the perfect plan to rid the WWF of Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan, and it looked like the first part worked perfectly. Gene Okerlund caught up with DiBiase after the show and “the Million Dollar Man” revealed he had paid the meanest person he could find, a prison guard from Cobb County, GA known as the Big Boss Man, to come in and bring some capital punishment. Big Boss Man is right around 300 pounds and from what we saw tonight can really take care of business. Nobody has ever seen somebody take out Hulk Hogan or Randy Savage like that before.

Jimmy Hart’s worst nightmare came true when Brutus “the Barber” Beefcake defeated “Dangerous” Danny Davis. Davis tried his best, but it just wasn’t enough. After the match, Bam Bam Bigelow was there to make sure that Jimmy Hart received his hair cut. Beefcake nearly shaved Hart bald before it was all said and done. Jimmy Hart refused to be seen after the show but said he was going to make both men pay for the humiliation he was suffering from.

Demolition retained their WWF Tag Team Titles, but it wasn’t without the help of the Hart Foundation. Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart were told they were going to receive a Tag Team Title shot in two weeks on Prime Time and so they apparently thought it would be a good idea to come out and take a look at their possible opponents. Tito Santana did not appreciate being surrounded by both Hart and Neidhart on the outside and let them know it by sending a couple of punches their way. Neidhart paid him back for it, however, when he tripped him up later on in the match. Santana and Rick Martel are both very upset with the Hart Foundation and it is no secret that they want the Foundation in the ring. But it will be Demolition versus the Hart Foundation on Prime Time in two weeks with the Titles on the line.

Jake Roberts will hopefully not come to regret his decision tonight. Rick Rude said he would accept Robert’s challenge to face him on Superstars of Wrestling in two weeks but only if Roberts would put a night with Cheryl Roberts. Roberts reluctantly agreed, but Cheryl Roberts cannot be too happy about how this has worked out. Jake “the Snake” just better hope he can defeat Bobby Heenan’s man.

“Hacksaw” Jim Duggan got what he wanted when Andre the Giant finally entered the ring to confront him. Unfortunately for him Harley Race was still in the ring and Andre is not one you want to take on in a handicap match. Andre the Giant choked Duggan out and left him lying on the mat. Duggan received some medical attention, but it was revealed he was okay. Duggan is definitely not done with Andre the Giant.

Greg Valentine has taken to hurting people as of late and it’s getting the attention of WWF President Jack Tunney. Tunney announced that he was fining Valentine $5,000 for his post match attack on George Steele, but it does have to make you nervous if you are getting into the ring with Valentine when you know he is out to hurt you.

The medics taking a look at George Steele thought that he might have fractured something and they were pretty sure he would be out of action for quite some time.

Be sure to tune in to Prime Time this week where they will run down the aftermath of an amazing Saturday Night’s Main Event!

Until next time…!

[JoshiQ]

WWF Prime Time
5/2/88
Your hosts are: Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan

The show began with a recap of what happened on Saturday Night’s Main Event. The main focus was on Randy Savage’s successful title defense against the One Man Gang and the aftermath. Ted DiBiase and newcomer Big Boss Man beating down Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage was shown in detail.

Afterwards, Gorilla Monsoon called the acts of a member of the police force despicable while Heenan quoted DiBiase in saying that every man has a price. Monsoon said that Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan would both have comments about what happened at Saturday Night’s Main Event on WWF Supersars this coming Saturday.

The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair and Jim Brunzell) defeated Reno Riggins and Van Van Horne when B. Blair pinned Horne after a gutwrench suplex in 0:03:27.
Rating: * ½

The Rougeau Brothers made an appearance after the match, apparently wanting to shake hands with the Killer Bees. It looked like both teams were going to let bygones be bygones, but when the Killer Bees turned their backs to exit the ring the Rougeau Brothers blasted them with clotheslines. The Rougeaus laid the boots to the Killer Bees before going to the outside and looking around the ring. They eventually found what they were looking for when they pulled the Killer Bees masks out from under the ring. Jacques and Raymond left the ring laughing as they had in their possession the masks that the Bees use so often. The fans were not very appreciative of the new tactics of the Rougeau Brothers.

Honky Tonk Man pinned Brady Boone with the Shake Rattle'n'Roll in 0:03:25.
Rating: ** 1/4
(Honky Tonk Man retained the Intercontinental Title.)

Honky Tonk Man was accompanied to the ring by Peggy Sue and Jimmy Hart. Jimmy Hart, however, was wearing a football helmet to cover up his head. It’s obvious he was very embarrassed by what had happened at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

After the match, the Honky Tonk Man got a microphone and told Bam Bam Bigelow that he better mind his own business from now on or he might end up with a guitar around his head. Jimmy Hart screamed in to the microphone that he blamed not just Brutus Beefcake, but also Bigelow for what happened to his hair. He promised revenge on the two men even if he had to use the Honky Tonk Man to accomplish it. Honky didn’t seem too thrilled at that idea.

Slick entered the ring to introduce his newest tag team, the Power Supply! “Golden Boy” Danny Spivey and “Natural” Butch Reed walked out to a large round of boos, but they definitely looked impressive next to one another. There are very few teams in the WWF that could match them in the power department. They would have a big contest on their hands, however, as they would face the make-shift tag team of Koko B. Ware and Sam Houston.

The Power Supply (Danny Spivey and Butch Reed) defeated Koko B. Ware and Sam Houston when Spivey pinned S. Houston with the Stuff Powerbomb in 0:05:45.
Rating: * ½

The new tag team of Spivey and Reed had little trouble taking down the faster team of Koko and Houston. Slick seemed very happy after the match as he jumped in to the arms of Reed and Spivey as he celebrated. The Power Supply motioned that they wanted the tag titles around their waists.

Harley Race pinned Omar Atlas with the Piledriver in 0:03:45.
Rating: **

Jim Duggan cut an insert promo during the match. Duggan said that the next time he saw Bobby Heenan or Andre the Giant that they would be getting a 2x4 upside their head. Duggan wanted them to know that the next time they had him down they better finish the job because nobody wants to deal with an angry “Hacksaw.”

The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid) defeated Jake Milliman and Chris Duffy when Dynamite Kid pinned Milliman with the Flying Headbutt in 0:03:41.
Rating: ** ¼

Gorilla Monsoon mentioned that he had spoken to the British Bulldogs and they were involved in some heavy training. Bobby Heenan thought it was ridiculous if they really thought they could ever be in line for the Tag Team Titles again since they would have to go through his new version of the Islanders. Heenan reminded everyone that the Islanders defeated the British Bulldogs at WrestleMania, but Monsoon said that things might have been different if it had not been a six man tag team match.

Ron Bass pinned SD Jones with the Texas Gourdbuster in 0:02:43.
Rating: **

Junk Yard Dog cut an insert promo where he challenged Ron Bass to face him next week on Prime Time. JYD said he planned on taking Miss Betsy and shoving it where the sun don’t shine.

Later on Bobby Heenan said he had talked to Ron Bass, and Bass had agreed to the match. Heenan told JYD that he better watch out because Ron Bass said he had bad things in store for next week.

Bad News Brown pinned Ken Patera with the Ghetto Blaster in 0:07:42.
Rating: *

Ken Patera put up quite the fight against Bad News Brown. It looked like Patera might even come away with a victory when he applied the Full Nelson on to Brown. This appeared to have angered Hercules, however, as he came out from the back and distracted Patera. This allowed Brown to escape the hold and nail Patera with the Ghetto Blaster to get the three count. After the match, Brown and Hercules beat on Patera for a few seconds until Hillbilly Jim stormed the ring! Hillbilly Jim quickly cleared the ring with several right hooks and then checked on the fallen Patera.

Card rating: * ¾

WWF Notes:

Bad News Brown appears to have a made quite the enemy in Hillbilly Jim. Jim was not happy with what occurred on Superstars where Brown left him laying. Jim was going to make sure that it didn’t also happen to Ken Patera.

Speaking of Ken Patera, it seems that Hercules has finally had enough of watching Patera use the Full Nelson. Backstage Hercules was overheard saying that if he ever saw Patera try and steal his hold again that he would break his arms. Ken Patera, meanwhile, was obviously not happy with what happened tonight and said he wanted Hercules in the ring so he could show him up close what a real Full Nelson looks like.

The Power Supply looks to be quite the impressive tag team. Danny Spivey and Butch Reed walked right over Koko B. Ware and Sam Houston and it looks like Slick plans on leading them to championship gold.

The Rougeau Brothers have finally gone one step too far in the fans’ eyes. They ambushed the Killer Bees after their match, and if that wasn’t enough, they stole their masks! The Killer Bees tried to find them after their match, but they had no luck as the Rougeaus were already gone. These two teams will definitely meet up again at some point, and when they do things are sure to get violent.

Be sure to tune in to Superstars this weekend where Jake Roberts and Rick Rude will both be there in preparation for their big match a week from Saturday! Also Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage both will have words for Ted DiBiase and the man he paid off, the Big Boss Man. Plus the Big Boss Man will apparently debut in the ring!

Next week on Prime Time the Hart Foundation faces Demolition for the World Tag Team Titles! There aren’t a whole lot of fans for either team so it will be interesting to see if the crowd backs one team or the other. Also Junk Yard Dog finally gets Ron Bass one on one in the ring!

Until next time…!

WrestleFest is coming up on July 31st, 1988! Be sure to pick up your tickets today!