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