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. 

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.