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. 

Superstars of Wrestling 2/27/1988

I’m back on the horse. Another day, another review, this time with  Superstars of Wrestling from February 27, 1988.

We begin with Sammartino, McMahon, and Ventura announcing the evening’s events, which include an interview with Hogan.

Match: WWF Tag Team Champions Strike Force vs. Tom Stone and Dusty Wolfe

Stone and Santana started off against each other, each grappling for some sort of ground, which Santana was able to quickly get and pass off to Martel. Stone was able to make a couple moves against Martel before passing it off to Wolfe. However, Martel and Santana were able to tag and double team Wolfe and get some control back until Wolf and Stone returned the favor. Stone gained some steam until another Strike Force tag.

Winners: Strike Force by submission

This was a good match to open the card with. It went back and forth with Stone and Wolfe providing good opposition. 3/5

And now for an update for the upcoming WrestleMania IV.  Recap of the Savage-Honky Tonk Man match, which turned into a promo of how Savage would win to claim the open WWF Championship at WrestleMania IV.

Match: Greg “The Hammer” Valentine (w/ Jimmy Hart) vs. Lance Allen

Allen was able to drop Valentine once before losing all control. Valentine proceeded to dominate the match.

Winner: Greg “The Hammer” Valentine    

It wasn’t that bad of a match, but nothing of real note. It was ok, not great, but not terrible. 2/5     

Don Muraco had an interview where he said he’d beat Dino Bravo, who replied saying no one would stop him.

Then where was a Brutus Beefcake promo, also saying he’d win the tournament

Match: Pete Sanchez vs. Jake “The Snake” Roberts

Roberts immediately gained control and proceeded to dominate until Sanchez found a slight opening. He was able to get some great hits in until Roberts countered and took the dominance back.

Winner: Jake “The Snake” Roberts

Another good match. I really like the way Roberts regained control. 3/5

Match:  Outlaw Ron Bass vs. Gary Jackson

The match started immediately with Bass having complete control over Jackson. There was an opening where Jackson was able to get a few strikes in, but Bass was able to turn it around fast.

Winner: Outlaw Ron Bass

That was another ok match. It wasn’t completely one-sided though, since Jackson was able to retaliate a couple times. 2/5

Now for another interview, this time with the British Bulldogs and Koko B. Ware about their six man tag team match at WrestleMania.

Match: John Stewart vs. Ted DiBiase (with Virgil)

DiBiase dominated the match, not letting Stewart take any openings. He whipped him hard enough to fling him over the turnbuckle at one point.

Winner: Ted DiBiase

This was also a one-sided fast paced match, but it was better than the previous because of the energy. 3/5

Interview segment with Hulk Hogan, saying he’s glad the tournament is the way it is so he can beat Andre the Giant and that the championship would be his again.

Another WrestleMania IV update, this time with Donald Trump saying it’s a great honor to host the event at the Trump Plaza.

Ultimate Warrior then screamed about beating Hercules, then Demolition and Strike Force both said they’d win their match.

Match: The Hart Foundation and Intercontinental Champion Honkytonk Man (with Jimmy Hart) vs. Jerry Allen, Omar Atlas, and Leaping Lanny Poffo

Type: Six Man Tag

Neidhart started off slamming Allen immediately, who tagged Atlas. He was dragged off to the other corner and double teamed. Honkytonk came in to soften him up for the Foundation. Bret Hart continued wailing. The three were brutal against Atlas until the end.

Winners: Honkytonk Man and Hart Foundation

Another good match, though kind of fast. It was extremely one sided, but it did well in showing how heelish Honkytonk and the Harts were. 3/5

It was a pretty good night, earning 3/5. My favorite match of the night was either the opening match because of how good it was, or the DiBiase match for the energy.

That’s it for this post. Up next, Saturday Night’s Main Event #14

Superstars of Wrestling 12/27/1986

Rundown for Superstars of Wrestling from 12/27/1986. I guarantee you that there is video of the next match. I’ve checked.

Randy “Macho Man” Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) vs. Nick Kiniski

Winner: Randy Savage

“Adorable” Adrian Adonis (with Jimmy Hart) vs. David Gold

Winner: Adrian Adonis

Moondog Spot and Tim Patterson vs Mike Rotundo and Danny Spivey

Winners: Mike Rotundo and Danny Spivey

Sivi Afi vs. King Harley Race (with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan)

Winner: King Harley Race

3/5

Superstars of Wrestling 12/29/1986

Rundown of Superstars of Wrestling for 12/20/1986. Yay.

The Islanders vs. Don Muraco and Cowboy Bob Orton (with Mr. Fuji)

Winners: The Islanders

Pedro Gonzales vs. Kamala (with The Wizard and Kimchee)

Winner: Kamala

The Honkytonk Man (with Jimmy Hart) vs. Jose Luis Rivera

Winner: The Honkytonk Man

Jerry Monti vs. Butch Reed (with Slick)

Winner: Butch Reed

Six Man Tag Match: Dennis Stamp, Mike Lucca, and Mike Ryder vs. Koko B. Ware, B. Brian Blair, and Jim Brunzell

Side note: What’s with all the six man tag matches?

Winners: Koko B. Ware, B. Brian Blair and Jim Brunzell

3/5

Superstars of Wrestling 11/13/1986

Rundown of Superstars of Wrestling for 12/13/1986. I don’t enjoy this any more than you.

Six Man Tag Match: Pedro Morales, Hillbilly Jim, and Tito Santana vs. Moondog Spot, Barry O. and The Raider

Winners: Pedro Morales, Hillbilly Jim, and Tito Santana

“Adorable” Adrian Adonis (with Jimmy Hart) vs. Mario Mancini

Winner: Adrian Adonis

Jimmy Jack Funk and Iron Mike Sharpe vs. Rick Martel and Tom Zenk

Winners: Rick Martel and Tom Zenk

Kamala (with The Wizard and Kimchee) vs. Jack Kruger

Winner: Kamala

Dick Slater vs. Jake “The Snake” Roberts

Winner: Jake Roberts

3/5

Saturday Night's Main Event 3/1/1986

Well I seem to have been dropping the ball recently haven’t I? I failed to have a review ready for last Friday. Well, I apologize and without further ado, here’s Saturday Night’s Main Event from March 3, 1986, held in the Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix, AZ.

Okerlund opens the show by interviewing Mr. T in the midst of working out, who goes off on him for interrupting his workout, but calls his 10 round Boxing Match (!?) with Cowboy Bob Orton a war.

Piper tries to mudsling Mr. T and does it almost as well as political parties do.

Mr. T has a proper interview with Okerlund now, who said he’s ready to take Orton out in 2-3 rounds. He also claims that Rocky III was just a movie and this is real life and he’ll win for sure. Right.

Match: Mr. T vs. Cowboy Bob Orton in a Boxing Match

Great way to start off a wrestling show… with a boxing match. Yeesh.

The match starts off with Orton striking T before the bell rings, which causes the match to start. Orton then had the greater advantage for the beginning. Orton thumbs T in the eye which causes the match to stall for a bit, but in starting back up, T had Orton on the defensive.  In the 2^nd round, T put Orton over the top rope.

Winner: Mr. T in the 2^nd round by countout.

This was an interesting idea, but it shouldn’t have started off the card. The match really should have gone on longer than two rounds and the ending was really disappointing. I am aware of the 20 count for being knocked out of the ring, but why make it so obvious? 2/5

After the match, Piper and Orton beat T down. The show can get better.

 Okerlund then interviewed Bobby Heenan, who said let Bundy get in the ring with Hogan for a shot at the title and King Kong Bundy, who said he wanted Hogan anywhere, anytime.

Match: Steve Gatorwlf vs. King Kong Bundy (with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan)

Oh look, an unknown name already in the ring. Time to squash the jobber.

I wasn’t wrong. Bundy dominated the entire thing.

After the match, Bundy called out Hogan anywhere, anytime.

Winner: King Kong Bundy

As far as squash matches go, this one was ok, but I think Bundy should have toyed with him a little more. Or at least have Gatorwolf actually look like he’s trying. 2/5

Okerlund now had an interview with Muraco, who said Hogan was behind Fuji’s sudden flu. Of course he is. Heenan was then revealed as Muraco’s temporary manager. Yay.

Now an interview with Hogan. He’s ready. He’s always ready. He doesn’t sleep because he’s always ready. Yeah.

Match: Hulk Hogan vs. The Magnificent Muraco (with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan) for the World Heavyweight Championship

No prize to guess the winner.

This is Hogan’s first entrance to “Real American”

Anyway, Muraco starts off with a strong offensive, giving Hogan no mercy. But Hogan was able to reverse things, giving Muraco everything back, plus more. Muraco was able to regain some steam mid match though, but Hogan took it away, only for Heenan to kick him in the head.

Winner: Hulk Hogan by disqualification to retain the championship

This had everything for a great match until Heenan kicked Hogan in the head. Every good title match should have a point where it looks like the champ is going to lose. This match had that from the beginning. Hogan had good offense to counter, but lost steam until he entered his cheat codes. And like I said, Hogan had a pin, it should have ended like that. Not ANOTHER disqualification. 3/5

After the match, Hogan attacked Heenan, but was stopped by Bundy, who then proceeded to smash.

Match: Dynamite Kid and Davey Boy Smith (with Capt. Lou Albano) vs Brutus Beefcake and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine (with Luscious Johnny) for the Tag Team Championship

Smith and Valentine started off with Valentine having the immediate edge and staying in control for most of the match, handing it off to Dynamite as well. Near the end of the match, Valentine and Beefcake were able to take some of the heat back.

Winners: Beefcake and Valentine to retain the championship

This was a very interesting match with a good ending to it. It really went back and forth, but the challengers were dominant in the beginning and the defenders had the offensive in the end. But the final seconds of the match saw the two legal men blindside each other, but Beefcake was able to get the pin. This was a good match. 3/5

Match: Junkyard Dog vs. Adrian Adonis (with Jimmy Hart)

The match started off with Adonis mocking Dog, who then brought the match into his favor. Mid match, after hurling Adonis outside the ring, Dog decided to mock Adonis and threw Hart into Adonis. At one point, Adonis and Hart kept the referee distracted to incapacitate Dog, bringing Adonis the upper hand. Dog was able to quickly turn it back around.

Winner: Junkyard Dog

JYD matches are almost always great, and this one was. I like how the cheating of Hart and Adonis were the only way to get offensive against JYD,  but still wasn’t enough. 4/5

The show almost reached “good” with a rating of 2.8/5 Maybe if they hadn’t had that bad boxing match and put a good wrestling match as a card opener, then the show could have reached it’s potential. The night was ok, it wasn’t bad but certainly could have been better. I think my favorite match was either the Tag Team Championship or the JYD match.

That’s it for today, coming up Wednesday, we have WrestleMania II! And Friday is another Saturday Night’s Main Event from May. Stick around!

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!

The Wrestling Classic

Greetings and welcome to another edition of the Vintage Wrestling Review. Today we  finish off the week with The Wrestling Classic, taking place in the Rosemont Horizon in Rosemont, Illinois on November 7. It consisted of a title match and a 16 man elimination tournament. Plus, “Back in Time” by Huey Lewis and the News as a theme. That song makes anything worthwhile.

The show begins with Vince McMahon and Lord Alfred Hayes playing the entire tournament up as well as introducing the pairings which were drawn from a hat.

Match: Adrian Adonis (with Jimmy Hart) vs. Cpl. Kirchner

Kirchner started off on a good offensive, getting Adonis in a side headlock. Eventually, Adonis countered with a suplex and kept the edge.

Winner: Adrian Adonis with the pin

It was a good match to start the show off with. Both men were able to have their respective offensives and paced it rather well. The ending was interesting and worked well for the match. 3/5

After the match, Okerlund interviewed Hart and Adonis, who said he would teach everyone and that he was going to rewrite wrestling.

Match: Dynamite Kid vs. Nikolai Volkoff

As Volkoff was singing the Russian national anthem and denouncing America, Kid went to the top rope and dropkicked Volkoff.

Winner: Dynamite Kid with a dropkick and pin

That was… fun. I guess even Englishmen get tired of the gimmick too. It wasn’t much of a match, but it was greatly executed. 4/5

Okerlund then interviewed Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth who said he was ready to face Putski and had so much to burn that no one could touch him.

Match: Macho Man Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) vs. Ivan Putski

Savage immediately bails, comes back and bails again after being hit by Putski. He comes back in and Putski gets the offensive. Despite attempts to turn it around, Putski kept his ground, until Savage cheated.

Match: Macho Man Randy Savage with the pin by cheating

This was an ok match. Putski had most of the offensive and Savage never really got anything going for him until the end, which seemed rushed and forced. 2/5

Nikolai Volkoff complained to Vince McMahon about how he was robbed of the match, called for American justice and said it wasn’t over yet. At least that’s what I think he said. Volkoff is very hard to discern at times.

Match: Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat vs. Davey Boy Smith

Both men started off having equal offensive, each having near wins. Smith was eventually able to get the match going in his favor, even with some comebacks by Steamboat. Ultimately, an encounter with the ring ropes injured Smith.

Winner: Ricky Steamboat with the referee conceding the match due to Smith’s injury.

This was a great match, highly energetic and really fun to watch. Neither man had an immediate advantage, making it interesting. It might have been an amazing match had it ended properly and not with Smith getting hurt. 4/5

Junkyard Dog was interviewed by Okerlund, saying you couldn’t take The Iron Sheik for granted and that he was giving thanks to the man above to be there.

Match: The Junkyard Dog vs. The Iron Sheik

Before Junkyard Dog could get ready, Sheik started attacking and gained an early advantage. Quickly though, Dog turned it around, making Sheik beg for mercy. At one point Sheik got The Camel Clutch in, but gave up, giving Dog what he needed.

Winner: Junkyard Dog with the pin

This was a pretty good match. I like how JYD was able to turn the advantage towards him quickly and how it looked like Sheik was going to win at one point. I do think that The Clutch shouldn’t have been given up so quickly though. 3/5

Okerlund interviewed Funk, who said he wanted the chance for the World Heavyweight Champion and that Roddy Piper was going to win the championship

Match: Terry Funk (with Jimmy Hart) vs. Moondog Spot

Funk immediately came out and said he didn’t want to wrestle Moondog and that he hoped Moondog didn’t want to wrestle him. He didn’t and both men walked away until the bell rang and Funk double-crossed Moondog. Before Funk could get back in the ring, Moondog dragged him away and got in himself.

After the “match” Funk and Hart started attacking Moondog and the referee.

Winner: Moondog Spot with Funk being counted out

Terrible. That is all. 1/5

Mr. Fuji and Don Muraco were with Okerlund, claiming Santana had met his match and that Muraco would beat the best.

Match: Tito Santana vs. Magnificent Muraco (with Mr. Fuji)

Muraco started heavy at Santana, having the early upper hand. Santana had a few spurts of advantage before getting the true offensive edge.  Muraco soon stole the match back until a mistake ended it.

Winner: Tito Santana with a surprise pin.

This match was good. Santana should have had more on offense though, but other than that, the two had good power. I like how it ended too, with Muraco thinking he won until Santana stole it from him 3/5

Okerlund had an interview with Bobby Heenan about how his men weren’t in the tournament. He claimed that Bob Orton was going to win the tournament.

Match: Paul Orndorff bs. Cowboy Bob Orton

Orndorff had control early on in the match, focusing mainly on Orton’s arm. Orton was able to gain some advantage, but eventually Orndorff came back only for to Orton to use his cast against him.

Winner: Paul Orndorff with a Disqualification.

Now this was a great match. Orton and Orndorff did very well in their moves, and it was very energetic. It was an interesting finish too, with Orton using his cast against Orndorff. I have no complaints, nor can I say what would have brought this match from great to amazing. 4/5

We then go to the leaderboard and Terry Funk throwing a tantrum about how the referee was arrogant, he should be having a title match and that he can beat anyone. Who’s arrogant?

QUARTERFINALS

Match: Adrian Adonis (with Jimmy Hart) vs. Dynamite Kid

Neither men had an early advantage, but Adonis picked up speed after leaving the ring for a quick second. While Jesse Ventura left the announce table to talk to Randy Savage, Adonis dominated Kid. Soon enough, Kid was able to get the offensive.

Winner: Dynamite Kid with a pin

This was a good match. Adonis wouldn’t let Kid get any true offense in until the end, which I believe should have gone on a little bit longer. But other than that, the two did very well. 3/5

Gene Okerlund spoke with Jesse Ventura after the match, who said Randy Savage was ready to face Ricky Steamboat. Ventura also said his commentary was never prejudiced and biased in his commentary.

Match: Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat vs. Macho Man Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth)

Before Steamboat could do anything, Savage pulled Miss Elizabeth in front of him as a shield. Quickly after, Savage had some good offense until Steamboat pulled him out of the ring and turned the match into his favor. At the end, Savage struck Steamboat with a foreign object.

Winner: Randy Savage with a foreign object and pin.

This match was good. Savage had some good heel steam in the very early match, but didn’t quite get any back and Steamboat did well once he brought it into his favor. Savage brought the object out too early though. He should have gotten a false lead only to have it taken away by Steamboat before he used it. 3/5

Gene interviewed Moondog Spot, who merely grunted and said nothing intelligible. I smell squash match.

Match: Junkyard Dog vs. Moondog Spot

Spot started for Dog before the bell rang, but Dog was able to turn everything around and… count the pin himself? Can he do that?

Winner: Junkyard Dog with a pin he counted by himself.

I smelled right. 33 seconds, I counted. As a squash match, this wasn’t that good. Why did I like the one at WrestlMania? Because it worked, plain and simple. This one didn’t. Plus, since when can the wrestler count his own pin? 1/5

Gene then interviewed Heenan again who said Hogan was drained and ready to be picked clean of his title. I side with Heenan for once.

Match: Tito Santana vs. Paul Orndorff

Santana started off with a side headlock and head scissors, which Orndorff reversed into a hammerlock to give him the offensive. It eventually resulted in a brawl outside the ring.

Double Countout and elimination from the tournament

This match wasn’t that good. While it had great tension, it was just slow and boring. The double countout and double elimination was interesting, but also seemed like a forced way to end the match. 2/5

We go back to McMahon and Hayes who played up the next Dynamite Kid/Randy Savage match and how Junkyard Dog had luck of the draw.  

We’re now at the Championship match. Will Hogan retain? Will Piper grab the title away? Do I even need to ask these questions?

Hogan told Okerlund that he was ready and that the whole country gets to witness Piper getting the full brunt of his wrath. Because watcha gonna do… when the Hulkster is getting shoved down your throat?

Match: Hulk Hogan vs. Rowdy Roddy Piper for the WWF Heavyweight Championship

Piper ripped the belt away from Hogan and threw him out of the ring just as the bell rang. The two started fighting outside the ring for the beginning of the match. Once in, Piper was on the immediate offensive. Both men went back and forth quite equally. At one point, Hogan ran into the referee, Piper picked up a chair and Cowboy Bob Orton ran out and interfered.

Winner: Hulk Hogan to retain the championship by Disqualification.

This actually wasn’t that bad of a match. It went back and forth with no real edge to it at all. There were even times when Piper cut Hogan down a few notches and brought the match back from a runaway finish. But the ending… was terrible. Was interference by Orton really necessary? Was Piper getting disqualified again really necessary? This honestly should have been settled in a cage. At least then it would have ended in either Piper getting pinned or having Hogan being counted out. He would have still remained champion with a fine ending. 3/5

Would have been 4 if Orton didn’t show up.

Okerlund interviewed Junkyard Dog, who said he trained hard enough and he was ready to win the tournament. Jimmy Hart showed up and was completely manic about the embarrassment Junkyard Dog showed him in the last Saturday Night’s Main Event.

SEMIFINALS

Match: Macho Man Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) vs. Dynamite Kid

The early match saw no one have an immediate offense, but Savage finally found it. Kid tried to get an edge by dropkicking and superplexing Savage off the top rope, but it didn’t work.

Winner: Randy Savage with a countered pin

This was a good match. It was fast and furious in the beginning, with no one having a clear offensive edge. With Savage getting it and Kid trying to turn it around, only to have it stolen by Savage was a nice finish. 3/5

Some fan named Michael Hamley won a Rolls Royce. No one cared. Okerlund interviewed Hogan who said he wanted to face Piper and Orton again. Orndorff agreed. Yay.

Final Match: Macho Man Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) vs. The Junkyard Dog

Oh look. Savage started off by using Elizabeth as a shield and hightailing it out of the ring. Savage would get back in only to immediately leave again. Thrice. Once in, Junkyard Dog had an immediate offensive advantage. Savage was able to get an edge in, incapacitating Dog outside of the ring. Once back in, Dog was able to turn it around.

Winner: Junkyard Dog with a countout.

This was a good match. Savage’s heel persona was very much evident in the beginning with using Elizabeth and getting in and out of the ring numerous times. While they both had good offensives (Savage outside of the ring and Dog inside the ring), the finish to the match was nicely ironic: JYD throwing Savage out of the ring to be counted out. 3/5

The pay per view was pretty good, with some good and great matches. Unfortunately, because of some horrible matches (the worst ones involving Moondog Spot. Pattern?), the show only gets an all around 2.8/5

I think my favorite point of the night was when Dynamite Kid dropkicked Nikolai Volkoff to immediately end the match. It was hilarious and worked really well, unlike the Junkyard Dog/Moondog Spot squash match.

I’m honestly glad this show’s over. Coming up Next week, we have a Saturday Night’s Main Event from December 19^th on Monday, Starrcade ’85 on Wednesday, and Friday, we move on into 1986 with an edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event from February 15.