Superstars of Wrestling 1/10/1987

What’s up everyone? It’s time to bring you a review of yet another vintage wrestling show.

Today, we get an episode of Superstars of Wrestling from January 10, 1987.

The Junkyard Dog, George “The Animal” Steele and Billy Jack Haynes vs. Frenchy Martin, Mike Lucca and Tim Patterson

Type: Six Man Tag

Haynes and Martin started off, with Martin trying to gain the upper hand, but Haynes swiftly took it. Steele was tagged in, taking over for Haynes and slamming Patterson repeatedly. Dog came in and continued.

Winners: Junkyard Dog, George “The Animal” Steele and Billy Jack Haynes.

For a six man tag match, that was quite slow. Not a very good way to open the card either. It was ok, lots of slams from everyone. I do like how it began. 2/5

Mr. Wonderful gave a promo, where he said he loved snapping men’s necks…

Honkytonk Man and Jimmy Hart visit Graceland.

The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff (with Slick) vs. The British Bulldogs (with Matilda the Bulldog)

Smith started off strong against Volkof, who quickly turned it around with along with Sheik. Volkoff came back in and continued to work on Smith, who found an opening when Sheik came back in and tagged Kid. Kid controlled the match until Slick hit him with his cane. Kid proceeded to take Matilda and chase him through the arena. The referee only saw the second part.

Winners: The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff via disqualification.

Good match, I like the balance of power and an interesting ending. 3/5

Randy Savage was Piper’s guest in Piper’s Pit.

Savage said Piper didn’t have the guts to take someone out of professional wrestling like he did to Steamboat. After giving Piper a Randy Savage action figure, Piper returned the favor by giving him a ringside ticket to Steamboat’s return match. Great comeback.

Alex Knight vs. Hercules (with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan)

And Hercules dominates the match.

Winner: Hercules

It may have been a one side domination, but Hercules has been built up to be that powerful. 3/5

Savage promo, who prided himself on making Steamboat almost choke on his own tongue

Jake “The Snake” Roberts vs. Billy Anderson

Roberts had the edge in the early match. Though Anderson tried to take it, Roberts wouldn’t let go of his grasp.

Winner: Jake “The Snake” Roberts

Pretty good match. Anderson did have a good attempt at trying to take the match away. 3/5

Steamboat Promo, who thanked his fans for all their concern and that he wasn't responsible for what would happen if his opponent was thrown out of the ring during his Lumberjack Match at The Garden

Jack Kruger and Kevin Collins vs. The Rougeau Brothers

The Rougeau’s began the match acting in sync to take out Collins. Though Kruger tried to turn the match around, Rougeau got out of the way and ended the match.

Winners: The Rougeau Brothers

Great match, especially in the way Kruger tried in vain to turn the match around. It was a great ending as well. 4/5

Outback Jack Promo. Looked interesting, but could barely understand it.

The Natural Butch Reed (with Slick) vs. Reggie Parks

The early match had a struggle to see any sort of control, but Reed was able to gain the advantage. From then on, Parks had a moment where he almost turned it around, but Reed denied him.

Winner: Butch Reed

The match was great. It was very energetic, with Parks almost turning it around. 4/5

It was a pretty good night, earning a 3.2/5

That’s it for today, coming up Wednesday, it looks like another Superstars of Wrestling

Superstars of Wrestling 9/20/1986

Vintage Wrestling Reviews starts of a new week, this time with another episode of Superstars of Wrestling, aired on September 20, 1986.

Opening

We start off with… nothing.

This is the unfortunate thing, my dear readers. Going through a weekly show that aired for such a long time, such as Superstars of Wrestling, there’s bound to be some episodes that just can’t be found. All I can really do is give what my information says, just the match pairings. I said with matches I can’t find that I’d just give a 3/5, so with entire missing airings, I’ll just have to assume it was average.

Match: Mike Rotundo and Dan Spivey vs. Greg Valentine and Brutus Beefcake (with Johnny Valentine)

Winners: Mike Rotundo and Dan Spivey with a disqualification           

Match: George "The Animal" Steele (with Capt. Lou Albano) and the Junkyard Dog vs. Steve Lombardi and Tony Nardo

Winners: George Steele and the Junkyard Dog

Match: The Iron Sheik, Nikolai Volkoff, and Hercules (with Classy Freddie Blassie and Slick) vs. Billy Jack Haynes, Nick Kiniski, and Mario Mancini

Winners: The Iron Sheik, Nikolai Volkoff and Hercules

Match: Jake “The Snake” Roberts vs. Tony Garea

Winner: Jake “The Snake” Roberts

Match: B. Brian Blair and Jim Brunzell vs. Joe Mirto and Jack Kruger

Winners: B. Brian Blair and Jim Brunzell

Match: Magnificent Don Muraco (with Mr. Fuji) vs. Lanny Pofo

Winner: Magnificent Don Muraco

That was the entire night. I wish I could report on what happened in the matches, but this happens sometimes. Hopefully entire missing airings won’t happen all that much.

On Wednesday, we get another airing of Saturday Night’s Main Event

WrestleMania 2

It’s time to continue the Archive Binge, today we delve into WrestleMania 2, simulcast from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, the Rosemont Horizon in Rosemont, Illinois, and the L.A. Memorial Sports Arena in Los Angeles, California Did it do as good as WrestleMania I? Better? Worse? It’s time to find out!

Okerlund interviewed Hulk Hogan, who said the storm has come to King Kong Bundy and that his world title stood for America. No I’m fairly certain that’s the [then] NWA’s US Championship.

We’re in New York, with Vince McMahon and Susan St. James (?!) on commentary. 

Ray Charles sings “America the Beautiful.”

Roddy Piper then explains why he’s going to win his boxing match against Mr. T. Yes. Boxing in WrestleMania. I’ll let that sink in.

Match: The Magnificent Muraco (with Mr. Fuji) vs. Paul “Mr. Wonderful” Orndorff

The two circle each other like sharks while vying for control, which soon went to Orndorrf. Muraco tried to turn the tables, but Orndorrf held strong, at least until they started fighting outside the ring.

Double Countout

Slow and boring with a finish to match.  A horrible way to open the card. 1/5

Now Mr. T says Piper will be getting hurt in their match. I’d care if it was for an actual wrestling match.

Match: George “The Animal” Steele vs. Macho Man Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) for the Intercontinental Championship

The match started with Savage running out of the ring after being pursued by Steele. Three times. I’ve seen this before, but where? Oh yes, every other Savage/Steele match.

Anyway, Steele finally catches Savage and proceeds to dominate. Yet, at one point, when George was distracted by Elizabeth, Savage gained the upper hand. At one point, Steele smothered Savage’s face with a bouquet and padding from the turnbuckle. Though disadvantaged, Savage was able to use the ropes as leverage.

Winner: Macho Man Randy Savage by cheating.

This match was ok. It would have been better had they not followed the exact same formula that every other match I see with these two follows. 2/5

Match: Jake “The Snake” Roberts vs. George Wells

Wells started on Roberts as soon as the bell rang, completely working Roberts. Only by a mistimed move did Roberts even get a hit in.

Winner: Jake “The Snake” Roberts

I have to admit, that was just bad. 1/5

Roberts then unleashed the python he brought to the ring, choking Wells with it. Considering Roberts debuted earlier in March, making this his Pay Per View debut, I think we have an establishing character moment.

Match: Mr. T (with “Smokin” Joe Frazier and The Haiti Kid) vs. Rowdy Roddy Piper (with Bob Orton and Lou Duva) in a 10 Round Boxing Match

Oh look. Joan Rivers is guest ring announcer with Darryl Dawkins (NBA), Cab Calloway, and G. Gordon Liddy as guest judges, and Herb as guest timekeeper. Yeah Herb! The guy from the terrible and poorly done Burger King advertising campaign!

In round one, no one had any sort of real control over the match, but they each got in some good slugs. It took everyone at ringside to break the two up after the first bell.

Late in round two, Piper was able to get in some really good hits to start having an edge.

In round three, T was able to fight back, weakening Piper.

In round four, T had a distinct advantage, but Piper decided to throw T down.

Winner: Mr. T by disqualification

As a boxing match, this was ok, but it should have really ended like a boxing match instead. At least the other match at Saturday Night’s Main Event had that. 2/5

And now we’re in Illinois! On commentary, we have Gorilla Monsoon, Gene Okerlund and Cathy Lee Crosby.

Match: The Fabulous Moolah vs. Velvet McIntyre for the Women’s Championship

Moolah didn’t waste any time in going after McIntyre, who was able to get in some good hits until Moolah moved out of the way.

Winner: The Fabulous Moolah to retain the championship

Well that was fast. At 1:25, that’s way too fast for a women’s championship match. Could have been much, much better. 1/5

Match: Corporal Kirchner vs. Nikolai Volkoff (with Classy Freddie Blassie) in a flag match.

Volkoff started strong in getting quite a few good hits and moves on Kirchner. It didn’t take long for Kirchner to find his sweet spot though.

Winner: Corporal Kirchner

I liked Kirchner’s win at The Wrestling Classic back in ’85 because it worked, but him just dominating Volkoff after being beaten down so hard? It doesn’t work. Only Hogan can use the Konami Code! 1/5

NFL /WWF 20 Man Over the Top Battle Royale.

For this match: guest timekeeper Clara Peller (the lady from the Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef” advertising campaign), guest referee Dick Butkus, guest referee Ed “Too Tall” Jones

It’s kind of hard to call a Battle Royale so here are just the participants:

Jimbo Covert (NFL), Pedro Morales, Tony Atlas, Ted Arcidi, Harvey Martin (NFL), Danny Spivey (NFL), Hillbilly Jim, King Tonga, The Iron Sheik, Ernie Holmes (NFL), The Killer Bees (tag team), Big John Studd, Bill Fralic (NFL), Bret “The Hitman” Hart, Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, Russ Francis (NFL), Bruno Sammartino, William “Refrigerator” Perry (NFL),  and Andre the Giant.

Winner: Andre the Giant

This was actually quite good and I’m very glad WWF decided not to pull celebrity power with the winner of the match. 3/5

Match: The British Bulldogs (with Capt. Lou Albano and Ozzie Osbourne) vs. Brutus Beefcake and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine (with Luscious Johnny Valiant) for the Tag Team Championship

 Davey Boy Smith and Valentine started off in the ring, with Smith working on Valentine, and handing it off to Smith. The two had control for a while, with Beefcake taking some of it away, albeit temporarily. Midmatch, Valentine was able to wrestle the advantage from the Bulldogs, but The Dynamite Kid was able to turn the tide.

Winners: The British Bulldogs to become the new champions

This was a good match, the challengers had plenty of steam early on, but the champions were able to keep their speed throughout. They seemed like they were going to retain until the Bulldogs were able to get a second win. It worked well. 3/5

Finally, in Los Angeles, we have on commentary Jesse Ventura, Lord Alfred Hayes, and… Elvira. What’s with the celebrities who hardly know a suplex from a piledriver doing color?

Match: Hercules Hernandez vs. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat

Hernandez never gave Steamboat a chance in the beginning, but Steamboat turned it around in good time. Despite Hernandez getting the offense in the latter half of the match, Steamboat was able to take it back.

Winner: Ricky Steamboat with a pin.

This was a good match. Steamboat had to work to get not only the beginning in his favor, but to turn the match around after it went pear shaped. Hernandez also did a fine job of how he started it off. 3/5

Lord Alfred Hayes interviewed Hogan, who said Hulkamania would live forever. Keep telling yourself that.

Match: Adorable Adrian Adonis (with Jimmy Hart) vs. Uncle Elmer

Elmer clocked Adonis with a cheap shot as the match started and stayed in control until the very end.

Winner: Adrian Adonis with a pin

This was an ok match, it was your average squash match until the end when Adonis sat up, let Elmer hit nothing but the mat and went for the top rope. It would have been better if it stayed a squash match. It was perfect for that, not too short, but not too long. 2/5

Another Hogan interview, this time Hogan said he felt sorry for Bundy because he would be climbing out of the cage without the belt.

Match: The Funk Brothers (with Jimmy Hart) vs. Tito Santana and Junkyard Dog.

Dog and Terry Funk started the match off, but it was soon chaos as both the Funks, Santana and Dog were in a brawl. The dust cleared with Terry and Santana being the legal men, with Santana having the offensive edge. The Funks were able to gain control later in the match, including Hart kicking Santana, but Junkyard Dog was able to bring it back until Terry Funk used Hart’s megaphone.

Winners: The Funk Brothers by cheating

I have to say, this was a great match. The chaos between all four men went perfectly and the Funks destroying Santana until Dog could get in the ring went well also. It would have been better had the Funks won without cheating, but oh well. 4/5

Match: Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy (with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan) in a reinforced steel cage for the World Heavyweight Championship

Tommy Lasorda Guest Ring Announcer and Robert Conrad as guest referee.

So… care to gamble on who wins? I won’t give you odds.

Hogan obviously started off the match strong, but eventually, Bundy stopped him and brought the match his own way. After some time of being trounced and stopping Bundy from leaving the cage, Hogan enters “up, up, down, down, left, right, left right, B, and A.”

Winner: Hulk Hogan to retain the championship

This was actually a good match, with Bundy having some nice near escapes and Hogan looking like he would finally lose it. 3/4

The show ends as Hogan throws Heenan into the cage and started wailing on him. Our hero.

Honestly, this wasn’t a very good WrestleMania, averaging a 2.1/5 it completely failed to even meet the standard of the first. (Even with my changed system, it averages a 3.8/5.) One of the biggest problems was that the show started off with horrible matches. Unfortunately, having bad matches in the undercard and midcards make people lose interest and causes them to not stick around for the best matches, of which there were few.  Other problems for this show are below, but I guess this does it for tonight. Friday, we finish off the week with Saturday Night’s Main Event from May 3.

The Boxing Match. Having Rocky III influence some of WrestleMania is fine, I’m all for a storyline, character or feud that has that or any other film as inspiration. On the other hand, if it’s the inspiration for a match style that has absolutely nothing to do with the style of show you’re producing? It makes no sense.

Too Many Celebrities. Like above, a couple celebrities is fine. However, this show took it to the extreme and you couldn’t turn around without hitting one. Plus, having them in positions which they had no place being in makes for a bad show. WrestleMania I did just fine with a guest ring announcer, timekeeper and referee for the main event and Cyndi Lauper as Richter’s manager. This one saw all that for every venue, celebrity managers, 10 NFL players in a Battle Royale (which is kind of stupid) and three different celebrity commentators who either kept quiet because they didn’t know what to say or didn’t know exactly what to say and wouldn’t shut up, much like Susan St. James constantly saying “uh oh.” That’s not just celebrity power, that’s celebrity domination.

Too Many Cities. When your competitive sports (or sports entertainment) show is not shown linearly in one city, there tends to be too much confusion. My video wasn’t in broadcast order, so I had to find a list of how it was shown. Broadcasting simultaneously from three different cities was definitely not a good idea. 

Saturday Night's Main Event 1/4/1986

We’ve now hit a point of no return by entering 1986. And what a way to start the year off with an edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event held in the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Florida on January 4

Before I get into the show, I wanted make something known. Video of some matches can’t be found sometimes, which is understandable. I will therefore just announce the match, the winner, and then give it a 3/5 rating. That’s just so I don’t cut the show as a whole short. Anyway, onto the show!

Before the credits, we’re treated to Hogan showing Gene how do to his signature pose and Piper watching Hillbilly Jim, Uncle Elmer, and Cousin Luke in inner tubes on the beach (creeper?) calling them Moby Dick with feet.

The show opens with Vince McMahon running down all the matches for the evening, before being cut off by Jesse Ventura, who called himself the only sports announcer to go into active competition. He also let Bobby “The Brain” Heenan replace him on commentary. It begins.

Okerlund also interviewed Piper and Orton who insulted the hillbillies’ idea of entertainment and then said that they were the ones who asked for the match.

He then interviewed the hillbillies who said they would win the match no matter what.

Match: Jesse “The Body” Ventura, Rowdy Roddy Piper, and Cowboy Bob Orton vs. Hillbilly Jim, Uncle Elmer, and Cousin Luke

This is apparently Jesse Ventura’s final in-ring match before completely retiring to commentary.

Ventura and Elmer started off in the ring, with Elmer gaining the upper hand. Piper eventually was able to get an advantage against Cousin Luke, which was handed off to Orton. The rest of the match was in control of the heels

Winner: Jesse Ventura, Rowdy Roddy Piper, and Cowboy Bob Orton with a sleeper hold

This was a pretty good match. I like how the heels were usually in domination and it erupted into chaos at all the right times. At least the Hillbillies were able to have a small advantage in the beginning. 3/5

Match: Hulk Hogan (with Junkyard Dog) vs. Terry Funk (with Jimmy Hart) for the WWF Championship

The match started with a quadruple reversal in Hogan’s favor. Funk’s every effort to turn it around, was met with failure. The time he tried to choke Hogan almost worked, but Hogan soon went into God Mode.  

Winner: Hulk Hogan with cheat codes.

An ok match, but what I’ve come to expect from Hogan. 2/5

Match: Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) vs. George “The Animal” Steele (with Capt. Lou Albano)

The match started with Steele chasing Savage out of the ring. The third time, Steele was distracted by Elizabeth. Coming back in, both men continued to vie for an advantage until being Savage left the ring and used Elizabeth as cover. Savage used Elizabeth’s constant distractions to take care of Steele.

Winner: Randy Savage with Elizabeth as eye candy.

This match wasn’t that good. It was ok, but could have been a lot better. Like say, have the men spend more time in the ring than out of it? 2/5

Match: Nikolai Volkoff (with Freddie Blassie and The Iron Sheik) vs. Corporal Kirschner in a Flag Match

Winner: Nikolai Volkoff

3/5

Match: The Junkyard Dog and Ricky Steamboat vs. Mr. Fuji and The Magnificent Muraco

The match started in chaos, but soon the dust cleared with Muraco and Fuji in control over Junkyard Dog. Once Dog tagged in Steamboat, the match immediately turned around.

Winner: Junkyard Dog and Ricky Steamboat.

This was a good match, I like how Dog was the one to finish the match, but didn’t like how he was dominated in the early stages. Honestly, he’s better than this. 3/5

Well that was a quick night. The show averaged 2.6/5 and I don’t really think I have a favorite match. Not a great way to start the year off.

Oh well, we have another episode from March 1 coming your way on Friday!

Saturday Night's Main Event 5/11/85

Off the heels of the first WrestleMania, we come to the very first Saturday Night’s Main Event, broadcast on May 2.

Promos

Cyndi Lauper coaches Wendi Richter on her upcoming match with The Fabulous Moolah and Hulk Hogan and Mr. T warned Rowdy Roddy Piper against interfering in Hogan’s championship match with Cowboy Bob Orton.

Good promos, but the Lauper/Richter coaching felt rushed to get to Hogan and Mr. T and Hogan stealing Mr. T’s catchphrase just seemed odd. Not a bad promo though, I enjoyed Lauper’s coaching and what Hogan had to say. 3/5

Interview

Gene Okerlund interviews the faces of the upcoming six man tag team match, Ricky Steamboat, Mike Rotundo, and Barry Windham, with Capt. Lou Albano. They felt that tonight was the night they would take care of Sheik and Volkoff, only wishing it was a championship match and Albano expressed what he would do to Blassie if he interfered. 4/5

Great interview, the team and Albano sounded like they were quite ready for the match.

Match: Six Man Tag Team Match, The Iron Sheik, Nikolai Volkoff, and George “The Animal” Steele (with Freddie Blassie) vs. Ricky Steamboat, Mike Rotundo, and Barry Windham (with Capt. Lou Albano)

Nothing like the faces coming out to beat down the evil foreigners while The Boss plays, that just slightly improved the match for me.

The match started with Sheik and Windham, who got the first strike and had and complete domination with his teammates. The match ended when Steele was abandoned by Sheik and Volkoff, giving Windham the opportunity to go for the pin. After the match, Sheik and Volkoff attacked Steele while he was eating the turnbuckle, and Albano came to console Steele.

It was a nice match. The faces had control throughout the fight and didn’t allow the heels to get a leg up. While I think it could have been better with the heels coming back before the faces got their second wind, Blassie pulling out Sheik and Volkoff to abandon Steele , was a good move. I also liked how Steele turned face, no honor amongst thieves (or communists, in this case) in deed.  

Winner: Ricky Steamboat, Barry Windham, and Mike Rotundo with heel abandonment and pin. 4/5

Interview

Okerlund interviewed Sheik and Volkoff, who claimed it was all Steele’s fault who came up and attacked them in retaliation. Perfect timing for a good, short interview 5/5

Piper’s Pit

Piper talked with Paul Orndorff about WrestleMania, Piper called Orndorff a loser, stating that he was the one doing all the fighting in their WrestleMania match. It ended pretty much the way they always do: insults and fighting. Orndorrf turned on Piper and Orton, having to be restrained by a newly arrived Mr. T. A great Piper’s Pit, would have been better had Mr. T not gotten involved and just had Orndorrf beat Piper and Orton around. 4/5

Interview

Okerlund interviewed Hogan about Piper’s Pit. Hogan felt that people like Piper should be out of the WWF and that his match was dedicated specially for his mother. He also felt that Orndorff was having a change of heart.

This interview felt completely out of place, especially with Hogan. I realize Hogan had a match right after this, but it might have been better if Orndorff was interviewed instead about what just went down. But the dedicating the match with Orton to his mother was nice. 2/5

Match: Cowboy Bob Orton (with Rowdy Roddy Piper) vs. Hulk Hogan (with Mr. T) for the World Heavyweight Championship

The match started with Hogan in control, Orton finally gained advantage at one point, even kneeing Hogan in the face. But once Hogan came to his feet, he went back in control. After Piper decided to level Mr. T, and make the odds uneven, Orndorff showed up, making Piper and Orton flee to get counted out.

Nice match. Nothing much to say about it, but Orndorff showing up was good. 3/5

Interview

Okerlund interviewed The Fabulous Moolah who stated that she was tired of Lauper and got her banned from ringside. Good heel action. He then interviewed  Richter and Lauper who expressed that she would never leave Richter’s side and that Moolah always interferes. The latter part comes off as whining and the interviews just seemed unnecessary. 2/5

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

Moolah had the upper hand for most of the match, but Richter was able to gain the advantage, countering Moolah’s pin.

Honestly a mediocre match. I liked Richter getting in some good strikes in the middle, but it was mostly dominated by Moolah. It made Richter’s win look like dumb luck.

Winner: Wendi Richter with a counter to Moolah’s pin. 2/5

Interview

Junkyard Dog was interviewed with his mother, where he wished his mother a happy mother’s day.

I liked this interview. Instead of the average “I’m gonna win this match!” Dog wished his mother and all mothers a happy mother’s day and said he brought his mother here because she had never been to New York. A nicely done interview and nice sentiment. 5/5

Match: Junkyard Dog (with his mother) vs. Pete Dougherty

Junkyard Dog just completely demolished Dougherty. And it was great. Could have done without Dog’s mother dancing in the ring afterward.

Winner: Junkyard Dog with a pin. 4/5

Interview/Promo

Okerlund interviewed the Junkyard Dog who was excited about his previous victory. The Iron Sheik expressed distaste at Lauper’s Mother’s Day Party because they were unable to get their mothers out. Okerlund interviewed others and their mothers until Moolah crashed the party, insulting Lauper and her mother.

Umm. This was interesting. Parts of it were good. I want to know why Sheik and Volkoff were there. Weren’t there other talent that could have been there with their mothers other than Sheik, Volkoff, Blassie, Albano and Hogan?  Other than that, Moolah getting more cheap heat was fairly good. 3/5

The full show averages a 3/5, just average. Some of the interviews weren’t needed or could have been done differently, and the Mother’s Day Party should have had different talent to fill it. Otherwise, the matches were good and so was Piper’s Pit. My favorite?  Junkyard Dog’s match.

That leaves it for today’s Vintage Wrestling Review. Coming up on Friday: The 1985 Great American Bash.