Saturday Night's Main Event #16 - 3/12/88

The reviews keep coming. Today’s is Saturday Night’s Main Event from March 12, 1988. Held in Nashville, Tennessee’s Municipal Auditorium.

First? Promos from all the guys in matches saying how they'll run the other guy into the ground. 

We’ve got McMahon and Ventura on commentary making a redneck joke before laying down the card. Classy.

First off, there was a recap of The Main Event, where Hogan lost to Andre.

An interview with Jimmy Hart and Greg Valentine, who said Valentine carried Brutus Beefcake during their tenure as tag team champions. Followed by an interview with Brutus that had terrible haircutting puns.

Match: Greg “The Hammer” Valentine (with Jimmy Hart) vs. Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake

The match started with Valentine outside the ring, seemingly scared of Beefcake’s shears. Once Valentine got back into the ring, the two men briefly struggled for control. Valentine gained the upper hand until Beefcake covered a whip with a high knee and body slam. After a boot to the face, he executed a couple atomic drops and an elbow to the head. He went for a failed cover before cornering him by the turnbuckles. Valentine started cowering but pulled off a cheap shot and turned the match around. He flew off the top rope and tried to pin Beefcake. Valentine started going for a leglock but Beefcake was able to grab a hold of the ropes. Valentine hammered on the knee, which prompted Beefcake to slide out of the ring.

Honkytonk Man interrupted, mocking Beefcake while he was out of the ring.

The match then resumed with Valentine tossing Beefcake back into the ring and working on Beefcake’s head. Valentine kept the momentum, continually softening the leg. In going to for the Figure Four, Beefcake countered and was able to take momentum back and gave Valentine an elbow to the face. He executed a sleeper hold, but Valentine was able to make it to the ropes. The two fell outside the ring and continued fighting. Beefcake tried going back, but was stopped by Hart. He tried chasing him, but Valentine stopped, dragged Beefcake back in and performed a suplex. Valentine got the three count, even though Beefcake got the shoulder up. The win was reversed in Beefcake’s favor.

After the match Beefcake chopped off a tiny bit of Hart’s hair.

Winner: Greg “The Hammer” Valentine

This was a great match and the perfect way to open the card. Both men had good momentum and Beefcake’s knee didn’t stop him from turning the match around. Interesting how the decision was reversed due to the three count going after the shoulder was up. 4/5

Now for an interview with King Harley Race and Bobby Heenan, who said all mortal men will bow to the king.

Another interview with Hogan, who said the wheels of Hulkamania are still churning and that Race was just an obstacle in the way of reclaiming the title.

Match: King Harley Race (with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan) vs. Hulk Hogan.

Hogan started off by chasing Heenan, who fled from ringside.

Hogan slid into the ring and Race started elbow dropping. He continued by headbutting Hogan after he stood up. None of it fazed Hogan who started hammering away on Race. Now the match officially started and Hogan clotheslined Race three times, the third time Race went over the ropes onto the timekeeper table. Hogan shoved Race into the ring post as Heenan came back. When distracted, Race went for Hogan. Though when going for either a drop or piledriver, Hogan countered and dropped Race a couple times. He suplexed him before throwing him back into the ring. Hogan continued to elbow and chop Race before taking his tape and chocking Race twice. Hogan viciously choked Heenan as well, before Race used the distraction to his advantage and turned the match around. Race eventually suplexed and kneed Hogan before performing a piledriver. Race threw Hogan out of the ring and placed him on the timekeeper table. He dropped and Hogan moved out of the way causing Race to drop onto the table. Hogan went back into the ring, and Race followed, continuing to hammer on Hogan. After a top rope headbutt, Race tried to pin and Hogan went into God Mode after breaking the count. He clotheslined and legdropped for the win.

Winner: Hulk Hogan

Let me say this was an interesting match, especially with Hogan blatantly chocking Race and Heenan. I liked it though, it showed how Hogan was willing to do anything to win and move onto WrestleMania IV to get the title back. The table spot was also good. Great match. 4/5

An interview with Ted DiBiase who said no one has faith in Hogan or Savage anymore. He also promised a surprise in his corner “worth its weight in gold.”

Then an interview with Randy Savage, who said he’d bounce DiBiase all over the ring and that Elizabeth was worth more than gold.

Match: Ted “Million Dollar Man” DiBiase vs. Randy “Macho Man” Savage

Before the match, DiBiase’s surprise, Andre the Giant, revealed himself.

Savage immediately fell for Virgil’s distraction of getting close to Elizabeth. DiBiase took the opening it was and started to work on Savage. He whipped and dropped him before shoving him against the turnbuckle. As he strutted and let Savage get to his feet, he launched from the top onto Savage, getting him back down. DiBiase brutally smeared Savage and though the referee got him off, Andre was able to sneak in a hit. Savage was able to counter a whip and give DiBiase a knee to the face and back. The latter sent DiBiase out of the ring. Savage retrieved him and was able to get in an Atomic Elbow. He bounced him off the top rope and kicked him in the chest. DiBiase rolled out of the ring and came back in after Savage was able to bask in the momentum. DiBiase returned and turned the match around, dropping Savage and performing a few elbow drops. Once Savage returned to his feet, DiBiase chopped him and whipped him into the buckles. As he charged, Savage kicked DiBiase in the face and elbowed him. After a false pin, he slammed him and missed a knee drop, letting DiBiase get the strength to start a leglock. Savage kicked him and launched him back out. The two men eventually went outside the ring and brawled until Andre distracted him and Virgil attacked from behind. The referee tried to order Virgil to the back. When the match resumed, DiBiase was able to get Savage back in and launched for an elbow to the head and another false pin. DiBiase applied a headlock and kept  hold while kneeing Savage. He was able to get up, but DiBiase forced him back down and kneed him a few more times. After fighting it, Savage got back to his feet and elbowed DiBiase and gained enough momentum for a clothesline. Savage whipped and body dropped DiBiase off the ropes. DiBiase was able get a couple hits in before being whipped into the referee. Savage threw DiBiase out of the ring and flew off the top rope. While outside, Andre headbutted Savage and threw him into the ring post. DiBiase took this time to get back into the ring, Elizabeth went into the back and Andre kept brutalizing Savage. The referee woke back up and DiBiase blocked him from seeing Andre’s attacks. Savage was counted out. DiBiase and Virgil decided to continue wailing on Savage until Hogan came out with a chair to save Savage. DiBiase, Virgil and Andre decided to leave.

Winner: Ted “Million Dollar Man” DiBiase

While DiBiase won, I really liked this match. Andre was a good surprise and Hogan’s coming to Savage’s rescue once again after being caught in the losing beatdown helps solidify what’s forming between the two. The match itself was great as well. Tons of momentum, heat and energy.  4/5

An interview with Heenan and the Islanders, with Heenan talking about smoking bees.

Match: The Killer Bees vs. The Islanders (with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan)

Brunzell and Tama started off, with Brunzell immediately covering. He tagged in Blair, who also tried for a pin. Blair worked the arm, tagging Brunzell back in to work on the arm. Brunzell went for another pin, whipping Tama before failing a jump kick. Tama took the opportunity to pick up Brunzell and was able to suplex him. Tama went for a pin, failed and tagged in Haku. He whipped and successfully executed a jump kick, but failed for the pin. Tama was tagged back in and kept going for the head. Brunzell was able to execute an Atomic Drop before Tama tagged in Haku and both were downed from a double clothesline. Tama and Blair were tagged in. Blair was able to knee drop Tama and suplex both of them before attempting to roll up Tama. It failed when Brunzell went into the ring to stop Haku and the referee stopped the count. Tama then reversed the roll.

Winners: The Islanders

It was a short but good match with both sides showing good strength. 3/5

Interview with Slick and One Man Gang, where slick said the US Olympic team was a bunch of losers.

Match: Ken Patera vs. One Man Gang (with Slick)

Gang attacked Patera before he was able to get his pants off and choked him with said pants. Gang hammered away at Patera’s head. Patera was able to return the favor and corner Gang. He whipped Gang and gave him a bear hug before Gang’s punches to the head were too much. He got away for a moment before giving Gang a full nelson. Patera continued wailing on Gang before Gang was able to corner Patera who reversed he roles and whipped him again and kneed Gang in the chest. Another whip, but Gang clotheslined Patera

Winner: One Man Gang

Another good match, not entirely one sided by Gang and Patera had his moments. 3/5

All in all, this was a great show, earning 4/5 I’d say my favorite match was Savage/DiBiase. Great heat, good power, and excellent energy.

Coming up next, another Superstars of Wrestling. 

Returning to a Computer Near You

I wish I could make a joke about how I’ve been absent for so long, but like any great professional wrestler, I’m making a return. But then it would be too forced and unfunny.

So here’s the truth: I kind of slinked away since December, but I’m coming back. I’ve been going through everything I said I was going to do just to see if I could find it. The good news is I can find most of everything! The bad news is there’s still some things and shows I can’t find. But if anyone remembers my second to last post, I’ll simply list them and go on from there.

However, there are two shows that I listed way back when that I was going to review that I won’t end up doing: Shotgun Saturday Night and Velocity. The reason being that they don’t really amount to much. I’m planning for the first two years of Heat, but it doesn’t look like there’s much of anything after 1999 for that anymore.

I should also mention that while I’ve been away, I’ve gone through a few events. I may do full reviews for them at a later date, but for now, I’ll just mention what stood out.

I watched WrestleMania III and quite enjoyed it, especially the Savage-Steamboat match. I read that it was named “Match of the Year” by a couple publications and I agree. 4/5

Saturday Night’s Main Event #12 from 11/11/87 was also pretty good, Savage fully turning face was good and the formation of the Mega Powers was interesting. 3/5

I liked the first Survivor Series as well, especially how Andre the Giant's team won against Hogan's. It was the first time a heel won a pay per view, which was interestingly bold. 4/5

 The 1987 Starrcade was pretty good, but I didn't really see anything that stood out. 3/5

As for 1988, the first Royal Rumble was fun and I like how Hacksaw Jim Duggan won it. The other matches on the card for the event were pretty good as well. 4/5

The last thing I’ve seen was the WWF Main Event  from 2/25/88, where Hogan lost the title to Andre the Giant who gave it to Ted DiBiase. It’s been a great angle. 4/5

Apart from that, I haven’t really gone anywhere. So, as soon as I finish up my rundown list of what I can find and where, I’ll be back.

Soon… very soon. 

Superstars of Wrestling 9/13/1986

It’s time to get the ball rolling once again now that we’re back to a regular schedule. So Wednesday, we began Superstars of Wrestling. Today, we have another episode aired on September 13!

The show starts off with McMahon, Sammartino and Ventura presenting the night’s card. What are we waiting for!

Match: Mr. Wonderful Paul Orndorrf (with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan) vs. Sivi Afi

Orndorrf enters using Hogan’s entrance music, mimicking him the whole time.

Orndorrf and Afi begin the match locked with Orndorrf gaining the early advantage with cheap shots. Afi was able to counter and get in some offense, but a failed high risk move gave Orndorrf the window to execute a piledriver.

Winner: Paul Orndorrf

This was a great match to open the card with. It had great energy and pacing with both men able to get in some pretty strong moves. I like how Afi’s risky move didn’t pay off as well. Orndorrf coming into the ring acting like Hogan was pretty funny too. 4/5

Match: Sika (with King Curtis) vs. Don Driggers

The announcer wasn’t even able to announce Driggers, with Sika immediately heading straight for him. All throughout the match, Sika had control over Driggers, not letting him even get a hit in.
Winner: Sika

My notes say this was Sika’s return to the WWF. If true this was a good match for him to return to. It showed his wildness and brutality. I’m surprised the match didn’t go on longer, but for the length it was, Sika showed the WWF he still had it. 3/5

Randy Savage had an interview concerning his No DQ Intercontinental Title match at the Boston Garden where he called the match a disgrace to him and the title.

The Islanders vs. The Moondogs

 The Moondogs… this shouldn’t take long.

The early match saw three reversals from Rex and King Tonga, eventually giving Tonga the early edge. Eventually, Spot and Tonga Kid were tagged in, with Spot wearing Kid down. Somehow Tonga Kid gained a second wind against Spot.

Winners: The Islanders

  

An ok match, it didn’t really excite me and there was nothing really notable about it. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great. 2/5

Now an interview with King Harley Race and Bobby Heenan. Race was ready for his match and Heenan questioned what Rowdy Roddy Piper was doing, throwing his hand in with the Machines.

Troy Martin vs. Randy “Macho Man” Savage (with Miss Elizabeth)

Finally a match where Savage doesn’t spend half the time being chased out of the ring.

Savage began the match in control over Martin, going for a couple early pins. Savage eventually did leave the ring after jumping off the top rope onto Martin and the two fighting outside the ring. Martin having no luck, was thrown back into the ring, where savage did two more leaps.

Winner: Randy Savage

This was a good match and I’m happy Randy Savage didn’t flee three times before actually fighting. I would have liked it if Martin was able to get in a few strikes, seeing as Savage isn’t one of the frighteningly crazy, wild wrestlers, but it was good. 3/5

Now on Piper’s Pit, an interview with Ken Resnick, with an interruption by Adrian Adonis to challenge Piper to a showdown of Flower Shop vs. Piper’s Pit.

Match: Super Machine, Big Machine, and Giant Machine vs. Rick Hunter, J.J. Jackson, and Al Navarro.

Super Machine and Navarro started off with Super in control, even after tagging off to Jackson. Big Machine was tagged in and dominated Jackson with a punch to the sternum

Winners: The Machines

Fun jobber match. It wasn’t that bad and had a nice finish. 3/5

Match: Davey Boy Smith and The Dynamite Kid (with Capt. Lou Albano) vs. Les Thornton and Jack Foley

(An early Foley sighting)

Smith and Thornton started off in the ring, with both men searching for ground. Smith found his grasp, giving everything he had to Thornton. After Foley was tagged in, Kid and Smith still had the advantage.

Winners: The British Bulldogs

This was a good match. Kid clotheslined Foley amazingly. My notes say it was so hard that Foley couldn’t eat solid food for weeks. It would have been better had the other two been able to get on even a small offensive run, but it wasn’t bad. 3/5

This was a good episode, earning a score of 3/5

It’s interesting to see where the whole Machine angle is going to go as well as the Orndorrf betrayal. The only poor match of the night was the Islanders/Moondogs match and that was just because it was slow and boring. I’d say my favorite match of the night was either the Main Event of Bulldogs/Foley and Thornton or the opener of Orndorrf/Afi

Saturday Night's Main Event 11/2/1985

The archives continue once again with Saturday Night’s Main Event. Today I bring to you the Halloween edition aired on November 2 in Hershey, PA.  

The show opens with Okerlund interviewing Bobby Heenan. To emphasize what King Kong Bundy and Big John Studd were going to do to Hulk Hogan and Andre later on, he smashed two pumpkins together. So… they’re going to ignore them and form a mediocre rock group in Chicago?

Oh but then Hulk Hogan comes on, calling Heenan a weasel and continued to rant about how tonight was going to be a fair fight until Andre the Giant cut him off to get ready. Thank you Andre. Have a peanut.

Piper told Jesse Ventura that he loved interrupting the wedding and that Elmer and Hillbilly Jim were going to be made fools of on Piper’s Pit.

Finally, Okerlund interviewed Terry Funk and Jimmy Hart about Funk’s debut against Junkyard Dog. Funk claimed he was going to house train the Dog.

Match: Junkyard Dog vs. Terry Funk (with Jimmy Hart)

Dog dominated the match, even driving Funk from the ring and going after Hart. Eventually Dog would be so distracted by Hart that Funk was able to clock him with Hart’s dropped megaphone. After the match, Junkyard Dog pulled Hart’s pants off and made his mark with Funk’s branding iron.

Winner: Terry Funk with a megaphone and pin.

This match was good. It had a strong start, but slowed after Dog went for Hart the first time. It might have been better if Funk got the megaphone the first time instead of letting Dog get distracted a second time. Hart getting branded was amusing though. 3/5

It’s the Halloween episode so the show cuts to a pie eating contest. Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth were dressed as Tarzan and Jane, Junkyard Dog was a mummy, King Kong Bundy was Abe Lincoln, Tito Santana was Zorro, Hulk Hogan was Hercules, Hillbilly Jim, Uncle Elmer, and Cousin Junior were the Three Musketeers, Captain Lou Albano was Julius Caesar, Bobby Heenan was Davy Crocket, and finally The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Voloff were… Batman and Robin. Excuse me while I die a little inside. Captain Lou won.

Up next was Piper’s Pit. Piper continued to mock the wedding on the previous Saturday Night’s Main Event. The segment is usually good, but this one was completely forgettable.

Then there was the pumpkin dunk contest between Cousin Junior and Bobby Heenan, who won.

Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan (with Lou Albano) vs. King Kong Bundy and Big John Studd (with Bobby Heenan)

Hogan and Bundy started off, Hogan on the primary offensive (is there any other way a match can start with Hogan?). However, Studd was able to get the drop on Hogan for a few seconds, but it didn’t last. Once Andre was in, he got tangled in the ropes, causing Bundy and Studd to go completely after him. After the match, Hogan and Andre made the point that the two can’t ever beat them fairly.

Winners: Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant by Disqualification

This match was ok. It would have been better if either Studd or Bundy had more offensive without Andre being tangled in the ropes. The All Powerful Hogan should have been toned down a few notches here too. If Studd and Bundy would have won, the match probably would have been good. 2/5

Between matches, they cut to Vince McMahon at Roddy Piper’s rented American house, showing how he celebrates Halloween: bowling ball candy apples, foil covered bricks and stealing the kids’ candy, which turned out well for him when they were actually chocolate coated red peppers. This was pretty funny in a very odd sort of way.

Then Gene interviewed Hulk Hogan (don’t they have OTHER talent?), who said that those kids outsmarting Piper gave him faith in kids all over the world. So… getting even with someone you don’t like is honorable? That was pretty inconsistent with how Hogan usually is.

Match: Kung Fu match between Mr. Fuji (with Don Muraco) and Ricky “the Dragon” Steamboat

Mr. Fuji tried to get some starting in chops, but they were blocked by Steamboat who was able to get an early going. Fuji did get some good strikes and dominated in the middle of the match. Once Steamboat executed a suplex, he was able to get the edge back.

Winner: Ricky Steamboat with a dropkick and pin

This match was good and fun to watch. There’s nothing I can really say about it. It wasn’t one of Steamboat’s best matches, but it wasn’t bad. The suplex and dropkick that ended it were really good. 3/5

Match: Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) vs. Tito Santana

My information says that this match was on the card, but I couldn’t find video for it. What I have says it ended in a double countout with both of them fighting on the floor outside the ring. Since I can’t watch it, I can’t really say anything about it.

The show closed with a pumpkin passing contest. The faces won.

This show… was ok. I wasn’t able to find one of the matches, but it probably wouldn’t have made it better. The Halloween sketches were pretty fun, and the thing at Piper’s house was the best of them. If I had to choose a favorite match, it’d be the Funk/Junkyard Dog Match. 2.67/5

That finished it for today! Coming up Friday: The Wrestling Classic!

Saturday Night's Main Event 10/5/85

Another day, another edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event, this time aired on October 5.

The show opens with Gene Okerlund interviewing Nikolai Volkoff, who says he’s going to go back to Russia with the belt with no guilty conscience in pushing the button to nuke the country if war broke out. Hulk Hogan retaliated with calling no threat to him or America, but seeing young Americans being shown the Russian flag burns him up. There’s more patriotic, America is best, Russia is evil spots later, so I’ll get to my thoughts on this at the end.

After that little treat, Hillbilly Jim plays up Uncle Elmer’s match, then his wedding before getting interrupted by Roddy Piper. Anything with Piper is hilarious and this wedding looks like it’s going to be a doozey. This wasn’t the first wrestling wedding ever, that dubious honor goes to Paul Vachon and Ophelia’s wedding on the December 18, 1984 edition of Tuesday Night Titans. Nothing good ever happens at them, so we’ll see how this turns out.

We then get a proper interview with Hogan, who says he stands for America, that he’s proud of his country and promises that the American Flag will remain standing in the ring.

Match: Hulk Hogan vs. Nikolai Volkoff (with Freddie Blassie) for the WWF World Championship

Hogan comes out to “The Star Spangled Banner” waving the flag around, and is almost immediately hit from behind before the bell rings. Volkoff’s strikes were soon countered, giving Hogan the invincible edge, until he was smacked into the ring post. Hogan was eventually able to counter a backbreaker and get back on the offensive.

Winner: Hulk Hogan with the legdrop and pin to retain the title.

After the match, Hogan shined his shoes and threw the Russian flag on the ground.

This match was pretty good. I honestly feel it should have gone on longer and been the main event and not the opening match. I do like how it seemed Hulk was going to lose, which would have been interesting. 3/5

After the match, Okerlund interviewed Hogan who said that if Volkoff didn’t get the message that the USA was the greatest country on the face of the earth, he would explain it slower next time. He was also excited for the wedding later.

We then had more to do about the upcoming wedding.  Elmer wasn’t worried about either his match or the wedding, good to know you’re not nervous about marrying someone right?

Match: Uncle Elmer (with Hillbilly Jim) vs.  Jerry Valiant

Umm. Valiant rushed at Elmer and got slammed in 6 seconds, a new WWF record.

Winner with no effort: Uncle Elmer

I can’t even call this a match. The squash match from WrestleMania at least had some effort. This was just pointless They shortened the title match for this? 1/5

Elmer and Okerlund were very excited about it in their post match interview. Can’t see why not, they just set a World Record!

Apparently Ahnold was in the crowd.

We then had Jesse Ventura’s “Body Shop” where he had Bobby Heenan as his guest. Heenan complained about Orndorff firing him. He subsequently put a bounty on the man’s head for $50,000 so he could put him out of wrestling. It should be interesting to see where this goes. They also played up the Piper/Orndorff match later on.

Okerlund had an interview with Orndorff. Wait, couldn’t Heenan just search the dressing rooms for the guy? He wouldn’t have to spend so much money that way. But oh well Heenan’s never really had much of a brain. Anyway, Orndorrf called Heenan no good and said Roddy Piper wouldn’t be man enough to collect the bounty. I’m interested to see what’s going to happen post-match.

Couldn’t someone in the crowd grab Orndorrf to collect Heenan’s bounty?

Okerlund then interviewed Piper who called Orndorff a sissy, and called himself a tough guy  and said he would collect the money from Orndorff’s grandmother if he had to. He also asked who wanted Uncle Elmer to get married when there would be five little Elmers in a few years. Cheap heat is good heat.

Match: Paul Orndorff vs. Rowdy Roddy Piper

The referee had to physically restrain Orndorff before the match, but the two immediately went at it, Paul on the offensive. The match quickly turned into a free for all street fight with Piper having the advantage. My video cut off before the two finished fighting so I wasn’t able to see how it ended.

Double Countout

This was nuts. I can’t call it a match because of what happened. Both men showed how much they hated each other by having the match immediately devolve into a flat out brawl. It was great. What would have made it better is if the two men started civilly, trying to wrestle, the having Piper instigate the brawl instead of Orndorrf immediately going for the man. 4/5

We then go to Elmer’s wedding, complete with horrible organ playing from Okerlund. But in the middle of the ceremony, surprise, surprise, Roddy Piper interrupted it. This man will never get boring. In his words, “the whole wedding stinks!” The crowd loved it. And so did I.

Side note: This wedding was actually legitimate.

Okerlund then interviewed King Kong Bundy and Big John Studd, who claimed that Andre the Giant was the number 3 giant of wrestling and they were going to put a stop to his run.

Match: Andre the Giant and Tony Atlas (with Capt. Lou Albano) vs. King Kong Bundy and Big John Studd (with Bobby Heenan)

Andre went straight for Bundy, choking him out and using Atlas’ head for a massive headbutt. While Andre was distracting Studd, Bundy illegally slammed Atlas before the two legal men got back to fighting. Bundy illegally went after Andre while Studd illegally worked on Atlas until the two double teamed Andre.

After the match, Andre was double teamed by Bundy and Studd until everyone’s favorite hero Hulk Hogan stepped in for an assist. So the small Hogan is able to take two giants on alone when Andre couldn’t? Nothing’s too unstoppable for America!

Winner: Andre the Giant and Tony Atlas by Disqualification

It was an ok match. It was slow to begin with, but picked up speed once Atlas got in. Atlas wasn’t used too well in this match, he was able to get in a few good hits, but generally failed. And post match? We’re supposed to believe that Hogan is so great he can make two giants that another giant had trouble with flee? 2/5

A video package was shown with Okerlund and George Steele at the Detroit Zoo… This just seemed pointless, but it was funny hearing Steele call Heenan a lemur and Bundy a hippo.

Okerlund had an interview with Brutus Beefcake and Greg Valentine who said they would have a match anytime, anywhere and with anyone for the Tag Team Titles

Match: Leaping Lanny Poffo and Tony Garea vs. Brutus Beefcake and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine (with Johnny Valiant) for the Tag Team Championship

Valentine started off with very strong offense. Poffo was able to get some edge between tags, but interference cut it short. Garea was soon tagged in and had a great advantage until Valentine dropped the Hammer.

Winner Brutus Beefcake and Greg Valentine with the Hammer and Figure 4 Leg Lock

This was a good match. There were points where it seemed like the challengers were going to win, but it was constantly denied of them. It was energetic but just didn’t scream “main event.” It would have been perfect for a starter match or somewhere in the mid card. This should have been switched with the Hogan match. 4/5

 We finish up the night with Elmer and Joyce’s wedding reception. There was nothing really notable, except Tiny Tim showing up and Jesse Ventura’s hilariously mean poem which caused Hillbilly Jim to throw him into the cake.

 Before I get into what I thought of the night as a whole, I want to get into the whole America/Russia, thing that Hogan and Volkoff have as well as the America/Iran thing with Hogan and Sheik. It’s a fun angle and can really work when there’s more than one dimension to it. It should be more than “I’m good because I’m American, and you should cheer me because I’m American,” and “I’m evil because from Russia/Iran, and you should hate me because I’m not American.” That turns into a mindset of not caring about the misdeeds of one’s country because “well, I’m from Country X and Country X is the best country there is and it can do no wrong!” Yes, there’s black, white and about a hundred different shades of gray. I guess this comes from not ever having an 80s mindset, thinking that America is the best because it’s simply America. Don’t get me wrong, I love America, and I do think it’s a great country, but we have a lot of problems… wait, wasn’t I talking about wrestling?

Yes, yes. Honestly, this was a really lackluster night, earning 2.8/5

Two matches should have been switched and the squash match was just terrible, even for squash matches. Hogan had way too much airtime, but the wedding was nice, and so was the reception. Too bad Piper didn’t interrupt that one too.

That's all for today, Wednesday we get another Saturday Night's Main Event and Friday moves onto The Wrestling Classic

WrestleMania I

It is my pleasure to begin my journey into the archives of professional wrestling. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as I shoot back into 1985 and take the slow path back home.

We begin with the very first WrestleMania, broadcast from Madison Square Garden on March 31.

Pre-Match interviews

Before their match, Gene Okerlund interviewed Tito Santana and The Executioner. Tito said he respected The Executioner, but that he wouldn’t get in the way of his goals and the other claimed he’ll be going after Tito’s injured leg. Only then will the WWF who the mysterious Executioner is.  

I thought it was pretty good, but needed more feeling. Executioner looked and sounded like he had just woken up and hastily put his mask on.  

4/5

Match: Tito Santana vs. The Executioner

Santana started off strong, dropkicking Executioner out of the ring and going for headlocks and punches. Executioner was able to get in some offense, even working on the leg like he said he would. But in the end, Santana finished the match with a figure-4 leg lock.

Good match, Santana did a great counter in slamming Executioner from the top rope. Executioner got in a few good hits on Santana’s leg, but it would have been better if Santana had sold it a little better.

Winner: Tito Santana with a Figure-4 Leg Lock. 4/5

Pre Match Interviews

Gene interviewed S.D. Jones, who said he was ready to face King Kong Bundy and ready to get down. On the other hand, Bundy (with Jimmy Hart) called himself the biggest man in professional wrestling and told Jones to think about what he was going to do.

These were good interviews as well, really energetic, but probably a little too short.

4/5

Match: King Kong Bundy (w/ Jimmy Hart) vs. S.D. Jones

Jones quickly started after Bundy, who effortlessly annihilated him in 9 seconds.

Perfect squash match

Winner: King Kong Bundy with body slam & pin. 5/5

Pre Match Interviews

Okerlund next interviewed Matt Borne who called Ricky Steamboat too nice a guy, which was the only quality he missed. Steamboat, on the other hand called his next match a big test in developing his mean streak.

This was an ok interview segment. I would have rather Steamboat say he didn’t need to be mean, just less nice. 3/5

Match: Ricky Steamboat vs. Matt Borne

Both men started very well, with Steamboat getting in early offense and a good headlock. Both men were able to get in some moves against each other. Steamboat was able to close the match with a flying tackle from the top rope.

A great match. Both men did well and Steamboat closed the match very well.

Winner: Ricky Steamboat with flying tackle & pin. 4/5

Pre Match Interviews

The next interviews were with Brutus Beefcake and David Sammartino. Sammartino, with his father Bruno, mentioned Beefcake’s cockiness while proclaiming his readiness, while Beefcake, with Johnny Valiant, said nothing. Valiant did all the talking by shouting about Bruno Sammartino.

Not very good interviews. David’s was unenergetic and Beefcake’s was a little incomprehensible. 2/5

Match: David Sammartino (with Bruno Sammartino) vs. Brutus Beefcake (With Johnny Valiant)

The match started slow with Sammartino getting in holds and Beefcake executing quite a few slams. They went back and forth for a good while, each having a good advantage. Sammartino was able to come back after a bit, but Beefcake was able to throw him over the ropes. The match ended in a double disqualification after interference by Valiant sparked Bruno’s involvement.  

The match was OK. It was slow until near the end. Sammartino gave Beefcake a good suplex and Beefcake scored some nice slams. Valiant’s suplex on Sammartino, which brought Bruno into the match was interesting.

Double Disqualification. 3/5

Pre Match Interviews

Okerlunds next interviews were with Greg Valentine, with Jimmy Hart, and Junkyard Dog. Valentine exclaimed that he was in the greatest shape of his life and the match would show why he was the Intercontinental Champion as well as the master of the figure-4 leg lock. Junkyard Dog saw it as his biggest opportunity for the championship.

Great interviews, though Junkyard Dog’s bit could have been longer, but no serious complaints. 4/5

Match: Greg “The Hammer” Valentine (with Jimmy Hart) vs. Junkyard Dog for the Intercontinental Championship

Junkyard Dog began the match quickly, scoring the first hit, an arm twister and heavy offence. Although Valentine was able to get in some good hits, they were both evenly matched. Near the end, Jimmy Hart tried to distract the referee, but Dog caught it. When Valentine tried to use it to his advantage he clobbered Hart instead. Near the end, Dog dominated and Valentine was able to cheat and get a pin with his legs on the rope. However, Santana entered the ring to inform the ref who made the match continue. Valentine wouldn’t get back into the ring, was counted out and retained the title.

This was a really good match. Junkyard Dog had some really good offense, and I liked how Santana come into the ring to inform the referee of Valentine’s cheating. But the end could have been better. I like that Dog won, but it would have been better if Santana forced Valentine back in. Dog could have gotten more hits and Valentine could have made another cowardly retreat.

Winner: Junkyard Dog by countout, Greg Valentine retains Intercontinental Championship. 4/5

Pre Match Interviews

Okerlund’s next interviews were with Nikolai Volkoff and The Iron Sheik, with Freddie Blassie. The two claimed that they were in the prime of their lives and they would conquer. Next, Okerlund interviewed the US Express, Mike Rotundo and Barry Windham with Capt. Lou Albano, who said they were ready for Volkoff and the Sheik.

OK interviews, short but got their point. 3/5

Match: Nikolai Volkoff and The Iron Sheik (with Freddie Blassie) vs. The US Express (with Capt. Lou Albano) for the Tag Team Championship

Before the match, Volkoff sang the Russian National Anthem and Sheik cried the greatness of Russia and Iran and denounced the USA. Nice cheap heat.

The Sheik started strong with Rotundo in a headlock, but he was able to reverse it and had a good starting advantage with Windham. Though Volkoff and the Sheik were able to have better advantage later in the match, especially when the illegal man, Sheik, nailed Windham with Glassie’s cane, allowing for Volkoff to get the pin and win the Tag Team Championship.

This was a good fast paced and energetic match. Both teams had some good moves and the US Express had great teamwork.  The end was good, a dirty win for dirty heels.

Winner: Nikolai Volkoff and The Iron Sheik with Blassie’s cane and Nikolai’s pin to win the Tag Team Championship. 4/5

Post Match Interview

Okerlund now interviews the new Tag Team Champions. The two claimed they have proved that Iran and Russia are the best. Great interview 5/5

Pre Match Interview

Okerlund interviews Big John Studd, with Bobby Heenan, who showed the duffle bag full of money as the prize for Andre the Giant slamming Studd or retiring from the WWF.

An ok interview, but it would have been better Andre was interviewed afterward. 3/5

Match: Big John Studd (with Bobby Heenan) vs. Andre the Giant. $15,000 Slam Match with Andres career on the line.

Studd scored some early hits, but Andre dominated the match and finally slammed Studd.

It was a slow match, Andre put on quite a few holds and some good hits on Studd’s legs. The slam was good and powerful though.

Winner: Andre the Giant with a powerful slam. 3/5

Post Match Interview

Okerlund finally interviewed Andre the Giant who was excited that he did it and that he didn’t have to retire. This was a great interview, Andre’s expression was great and told of his excitement. 5/5

Pre match interview

Okerlund interviewed Wendi Richter, with Cyndi Lauper. The two exclaimed great a manager Lauper was and how dead set Richter was on getting the championship back. He then interviewed Leilani Kai, with The Fabulous Moolah. Kai simply said she was going to be the victor.

It was a nice interview, Kai’s part could have been longer and more boastful 4/5

Match: Wendi Richter (with Cyndi Lauper) vs. Leilani Kai (with The Fabulous Moolah) for the Women’s Championship

Both women went at it very quickly. Richter had good advantages early on with slams and locks. Kai was able to gain some ground and wear Richter down. Moolah tried to put Richter down, but Lauper stopped it as quickly as it happened. Richter was able to pull a win after reversing Kai’s pin after an elbow off the top rope.

Both women had some great offense. Richter slammed Kai very powerfully many times and locked in some good leg and scissor locks. Kai also wore Richter down well, but not well enough.

Winner: Wendi Richter with a pin to become the new Women’s Champion. 4/5

Post Match Interview

Okerlund interviewed Richter who gave Lauper her credit for helping her with the win and Lauper told how she had he eye on Moolah. Dave Wolf was there, but didn’t say anything. He should have. 4/5

Match: Hulk Hogan and Mr. T vs. Rowdy Roddy Piper and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff with Muhammad Ali as guest referee

Hogan and Piper began staring each other down, but T was let in before any fighting started. The two slapped each other multiple times before actually doing anything.  The match soon turned into chaos, but was under control quickly and Hogan assumed control. After a brief stint with T, Hogan threw Piper out of the ring and followed thanks to Orndorff. Once back in the ring after getting hit with a chair by Piper, the latter and Orndorff had the advantage over Hogan and T for a while. Interference by Cowboy Bob Orton that mistakenly hit Orndorff allowed Hogan to get the pin.

The match was slow to start, but quickly energized and slowed down again after the quick chaotic brawl. It sped up again shortly after Piper and Hogan were knocked out of the ring and Piper struck Hogan with a chair. Piper, Orndorff, and Hogan executed some great moves and provided a good match.

Winner: Hulk Hogan and Mr. T with a pin due to ill timed interference by Cowboy Bob Orton. 4/5

Post Match Interview

Okerlund interviewed Mr. T and Hulk Hogan for the final spot of the show. The two were very energetic in their win and it certainly showed. 5/5

The full show averages a 4/5. It was very good as a first WrestleMania with good interviews and many great matches. If I had to pick a favorite, I’d say it was the Steamboat/Borne match.

So that was WrestleMania I. My journey of 1000 miles has been started with the first step. Along the way, I’ll witness all the great moments as well as endure the bad.  It proves to be quite the experience.