Superstars of Wrestling 11/22/1986

I think there are only two or three more individual shows that I can find video of for this year. But, I’ll continue to update even without video. But I’ll make sure this doesn’t turn into a simple run down blog, there are too many of those on the internet.

Tonight, we have an edition of Superstars of Wrestling from November 22, 1986.

Randy “Macho Man” Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) vs. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat for the Intercontinental Championship

I fully expect Savage to retain, but let’s see.

Savage doesn’t leave the ring? Finally. Steamboat and Savage were evenly matched in the beginning, but Steamboat was able to gain the advantage, almost pinning him. Despite Savage’s several attempts to turn it around, Steamboat was able to hold his own for a long while. At one point, Steamboat decided to punch Savage instead of pin him… but was still able to attempt another after a while, but since the referee was knocked out, Steamboat’s pin of far more than 3 seconds didn’t count. Steamboat’s argument with the referee was all the advantage Savage needed. With Savage’s beatdown of Steamboat, it seems the victim swallowed and was choking on his tongue. As paramedics tried to help, Savage kept attacking.

Winner: Randy “Macho Man” Savage to retain the Intercontinental Championship

Well, I hated the ending, but that doesn’t detract from how amazing the match was. Steamboat was able to give Savage a great enough match that he almost won. It was highly energetic and great moves. Perfect first match. A feud should come from this. 5/5

The Junkyard Dog vs. Al Navarro

Hard act to follow.

And Junkyard Dog goes heavy on Navarro… winning in the first minute.

Winner: Junkyard Dog

While it was a hard act to follow, a one minute squash match was not what was needed after that. Terrible booking. 1/5

Hulk Hogan had an interview, where he spoke of his championship match between Kamala in Boston. Guess who wins?

Kurt Kauffman vs. Dino Bravo (with Johnny V)

Bravo started off with no mercy to Kauffman and ended the match in 55 seconds.

Winner: Dino Bravo

Another squash match, but I’ll have to admit, this one was a bit more entertaining than the last one. 2/5

The Islanders gave an interview, who said they were the real men, not Greg Valentine or Brutus Beefcake

Jimmy Jack Funk vs. Dick Slater

Funk started wailing on Slater before the bell rang. Soon though, Slater was able to turn the match in his favor. Though Funk had some more steam near the end, it wasn’t enough.  

Winner: Dick Slater

This was a good match. I like how Slater was able to turn it around and, even though he had some rough spots, keep the edge. 3/5

Piper’s Pit with Kamala, Kimchee and The Wizard

Kimchee and Kamala don’t speak English, so The Wizard told Piper he was going to need some friends someday. Piper went on to insult Kamala’s weight and face.

Billy Jack Haynes vs. Ray Vance

The match started before Piper’s Pit ended, with Haynes dominating Vance.

Winner: Billy Jack Haynes

Too quick, too boring. 1/5

Six Man Tag Team: Hillbilly Jim, Tito Santana, and Pedro Morales vs. Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, Johnny V, and Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake

Jim and Valentine started off, with Jim clocking Valentine and bringing in Morales, who was beaten down by Valentine, but when Beefcake came in, Morales was tag in Santana, who made short work of Beefcake. With Jim back in, Beefcake got the wind knocked out of him. Beefcake started to work on Jim, tagged in Valentine who continued as well as V. Santana was able to come in and work on V. Soon though, chaos erupted and a disqualification resulted.

Winners: Greg Valentine, Johnny V, and Brutus Beefcake

Not a bad match, all the talent had some good time in and it was an interesting end. The chaos wasn’t too chaotic and didn’t go on for too long. 3/5

Heenan gave an interview who said that Orndorrf had a news blackout, put down Junkyard Dog, while telling Hogan that he wanted what was left after Kamala got through with him.

At the end of the show, Sammartino gave an update on how Steamboat was doing, when Savage interrupted. The two exchanged verbal insults and Sammartino started choking Savage, having to be separated by various wrestlers.

Not that bad of a night, a solid 3/5 was the final score.

I’d say my favorite match was actually the first, it was a great way to open the card. The two matches that followed just drained any energy. The Funk/Slater and Six Man Tag matches did help to bring it back.

Coming up Friday: Starrcade 1986

Superstars of Wrestling 9/6/1986

After an extended break, I’m glad to say that I’m finally back.

And now, for the very first episode of WWF Superstars of Wrestling, shot in the Providence Civic Center in Providence Rhode Island and aired on September 6.

The show opens with Vince McMahon, Jesse Ventura and Bruno Sammartino giving a rundown of the show, so let’s get going!

Match: Terry Gibbs and Roger Kirby vs. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat and Sivi Afi

The match started with Gibbs and Kirby trying to ambush Steamboat and Afi, but the latter two were able to subvert their attack and get onto the offensive. Soon, Gibbs and Kirby were able to isolate Afi, wearing him down. Somehow, Afi tagged Steamboat, who was able to return the favor to the other two.

Winners: Ricky Steamboat and Sivi Afi

This was a pretty good match and a good card opener. Ricky always does well bringing offense back into a match to save himself or his partner. Afi could have gotten more in, instead of being Gibbs’ and Kirby’s punching bag, but that’s just me. 3/5

Gene Okerlund gave an update, stating the return of Superstar Billy Graham

The Hart Foundation (Bret “Hitman” Hart and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart (with Jimmy Hart) vs. Koko B. Ware (debut) and Paul Roma

Koko and Neidhart started off, with Koko on the immediate edge, passing it off to Roma. Quickly though, Neidhart started gaining an advantage over Roma.

Winners: Bret “Hitman” Hart and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart

Honestly, this match was ok. It wasn’t a very good debut match for Koko, who lost and wasn’t even in the match for very long either. The heelish nature of the Harts was shown very well though, when they double teamed Koko after the match ended though. 2/5

We then have an interview with Capt. Lou Albano, The Big Machine, The Super Machine and The Hulk Machine. Albano kept yelling about how Heenan was going to pay at the moment of truth. Hulk Machine said they were going to stuff Heenan into the back seat of a Honda. Hulk Machine looks very familiar, but I can’t put my finger on it….

Match: Ron Shaw and Pete Doherty vs. Hillbilly Jim and Cousin Luke

It’s the hillbillies, who have no wrestling ability at all, so I’m sensing a squash match coming on.

Jim and Shaw started the match off, with Shaw being thrown all over the place, that honor being passed off to Doherty.

Winners: Hillbilly Jim Cousin Luke

This was also an ok match. It was entertaining as a tag team squash match, but it just wasn’t that great of a wrestling match. 2/5

It was Heenan and Orndorff’s turn to mention how they were going to send a message to Hulk Hogan, with Steamboat as the messenger.

Match: Tom Sharpe vs. Kamala (with King Curtis and Kimchee)

Kamala started off strong and in charge, beating Sharpe every which way he could. Sharpe tried to return the favor, but to no avail.

Winner: Kamala

A good match, it wasn’t that long, but Kamala certainly showed his size, agility and strength. It would have been better had Sharpe been able to actually do something. 3/5

It was time for the flower shop with Adrian Adonis, with Rowdy Roddy Piper as his guest. Piper had statistics of the WWF ratings, mentioning how the Flower Shop was the best bathroom break. Leaving, Piper handed Adonis a piece of paper proclaiming the segment would be replaced by Piper’s Pit. Great.

Match: The Rougeau Brothers vs. Bob Bradley and Mike Fever

The match started off with Bradley and Fever being dominated by the two brothers.

Winners: The Rougeau Brothers

Another ok match. Nothing really notable to say, nothing really happened except Rougeau domination. 2/5

An previous edition of the Flower Shop where Heenan inspected The Machines, suspecting he knew who they were. I wonder why.

Match: Giant John Studd and King Kong Bundy (with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan) vs. Corporal Kirchner and Special Delivery Jones

Kirchner and Studd began the match, with Studd dominating Kirchner, who was able to subvert it and get some good strikes in before Bundy intervened. Eventually, Kirchner was able to get a second wind, tagging in Jones, who had some steam before being avalanched by Bundy

Winners: Giant John Studd and King Kong Bundy

This was actually a good match. Special Delivery Jones should have had more time in the ring, but the power of Studd and Bundy gave them great domination. Jones and Kirchner weren’t completely overshadowed though, letting them have some good moves in. 3/5

The show was OK. Most of the matches were very short and not a lot went on in them except squashing and domination. Some of them were good though, and my favorite match of the night was the Studd and Bundy/Kirchner and Jones match. 2.5/5

Coming up on Friday is another edition of Superstars of Wrestling!

Saturday Night's Main Event 5/8/1986

So we leave behind the terrible WrestleMania 2 for another edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event aired on May 5 held in the Providence, Rhode Island Civic Center.

Mactch: Hulk Hogan and Junkyard Dog (with the Haiti Kid) vs. Terry & Dory Funk Jr. (with Jimmy Hart)

The match started with the Funks trying to get in preemptive strikes, but were shut down by Hogan and Dog. Soon enough, Dog and Dory started off as the legal men, with Dog in control. At one point, the Funks were able to swing the match into their favor, but Hogan put a stop to it.

After the match, the Funks and Hart tried to brand Haiti Kid, who was saved by Hogan.

Winners: Hulk Hogan and Junkyard Dog

To start the card off, this was quite a good match. The energy was there as well as good control by Hogan and JYD until the Funks started double teaming. 3/5

Might I say that Bobby Heenan on commentary is nothing short of amazing?

Match: King Kong Bundy vs. Uncle Elmer

Branded as “Battle of the Big Boys,” with Bundy being 468 lbs and Elmer being 430 lbs. 

Anyway, no one had any control over the beginning of the match, it being the human version of immovable object meets irresistible force. However, Bundy was able to bring Elmer to his knees and, despite a slight second wind, dominate the match.

Winner: King Kong Bundy

Well, this match was ok, but it wasn’t that good. I’ve seen much better “Giants Matches,” that had better pacing. This match should have gone on longer and Elmer should have gotten some better steam before starting to lose again. 2/5

Match: Paul Orndorff vs. Adrian Adonis.

Winner: Adrian Adonis 3/5

(couldn’t find the whole match)

Match: Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat vs. Jake “The Snake” Roberts
From what I had on my information, I really wanted to see this match, but couldn’t find it.

No Contest 3/5

Match: The British Bulldogs (with Capt. Lou Albano) vs. Nikolai Volkoff and The Iron Sheik (with Classy Freddy Blassie) in a 2 out of 3 Falls Match for the Tag Team Championship.

Davey Boy Smith and Volkoff started off in the ring with Smith providing the main offensive. But when Sheik came in, he executed the Camel Clutch for the first fall. After that Volkoff and Sheik started to dominate Smith. Eventually, Smith was able to turn it around for the second fall. In the final leg of the match, Sheik and Volkoff continued to have control over Smith and Dynamite Kid until Smith illegally came in.

Winners: The British Bulldogs to retain the championship

This was a great match. Sheik and Volkoff were very good challengers, giving the Bulldogs a run for their money. The match was rife with amazing tension that had points where it would seem the titles would change hands, but though the ending was fluid, it didn’t seem like a good way for faces to win a match. 4/5

Tonight’s show was better than WrestleMania 2, receiving 3/5. It might have been better had I been able to find those two matches, but we’ll never know. I would have to say my favorite match today was the Tag Team Championship match at the end, even if I didn’t like the ending that much.

That sums up this week. And unfortunately, for the next two weeks, I'll be unable to watch, write and update, so the next post will be August 27th, when we begin Superstars of Wrestling. 

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 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!