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 11/8/1986

Welcome back, today we get the rundown to Superstars of Wrestling from November 8, 1986. If I could find matches, I’d review them. Sorry.

Match: B. Brian Blair and Jim Brunzell vs. The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff (with Slick)

Winners: B. Brian Blair and Jim Brunzell

Match: Koko B. Ware vs. Moondog Rex

Winner: Koko B. Ware

Match: Hercules (with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan) vs. Lanny Pofo

Winner: Hercules

Match: Davey Boy Smith and The Dynamite Kid vs. Dave Wagner and Rick Renslow

Winners: Davey Boy Smith and The Dynamite Kid

Match: Sika (with The Wizard) vs. John Nardow

Winner: Sika

 That was the night. Friday, we’ll actually get a full review with an episode of Saturday Night’s Main Event.

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.

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.