I'm Sorry

I did say I wasn’t going to take another year-long hiatus. Well this isn’t a hiatus, I’m turning it in.

I’ve thought for a few days about this and I kept coming back to the real reason I took that long break: I wasn’t enjoying doing it. I think that was in my mind before I took the break, that and the schedule I gave myself, but I just wasn’t looking forward to watching the shows as I should have been. Then I watch WrestleMania III, 1988 Royal Rumble and Survivor Series, and I enjoyed them. Then I get back into reviewing them and find that I’m not enjoying it as much nor am I looking forward to watching anything.

I wanted to do the archive binge because I enjoy pro wrestling and wanted to see everything I missed. Funny thing is that it’s preventing me from actually doing so. I started WrestleMania IV a couple days ago and I’m a quarter of the way through it and I can’t seem to get started on watching it again. When I get set to, I remember the blog and push it back again. I can’t keep doing this.

The reason I started this blog is because I enjoy the shows and I enjoy reviewing things. ‘What a great combination’ I thought to myself. Well it is a good combination, I just can’t do it. At least not for professional wrestling.

I know I just brought it back, I know I just plugged it, but I’m not going to lose enjoyment from something by forcing myself to do what I don’t want to do for a few people on the internet. I still love blogging, I still love reviewing. I just need to find another avenue.

So to everyone that was interested in Vintage Wrestling Reviews: I apologize but I’m gone for good this time. I’ll keep this apology up for about a week, then I’m killing the site. 

Superstars of Wrestling 3/12/1988

Off the heels of that great Saturday Night’s Main Event, we come to Superstars of Wrestling from March 12, 1988, held in Wichita, KS at the Kansas Coliseum. Will the show be as good? Or will it suffer from mediocrity?

Let’s find out!

Match: The Ultimate Warrior vs. Tom Stone

Stone immediately fled the ring and Warrior went after him, knocking him all over the place. He bodydropped and tossed Stone back into the ring. Warrior got Stone up and chopped him before whipping, spearing and clotheslining him. Warrior did the same again, without the spear and went for another drop and bodyslammed stone, going for the cover.

Winner: The Ultimate Warrior

Well I have to say, that match wasn’t all that great. In fact it was a terrible way to open the show. Stone seemed like a coward and Warrior just dominated the guy. Stone did moderately well a couple weeks ago in a tag team match… 1/5

Now for an update, looking back at various points in the history of Hulkamania, centering especially on the feud between Hogan and Andre.

Also a promo with Jake Roberts whose manager seems terrified of snakes.

Match: Hacksaw Jim Duggan (with 2x4) vs. Barry Horowitz

Duggan started by hammering away on Horowitz’ head and was unfazed when he returned the favor. Duggan got Horowitz on the turnbuckle then clotheslined him. Duggan slammed Horowitz and went for a chokehold. He got up, but Duggan was able to body slam and then a flying clothesline.

Winner: Hacksaw Jim Duggan

This was actually a better match because Horowitz both tried to get something in and didn’t run away like a frightened puppy. It also had a lot of energy that the first match lacked. Even though Warrior had speed and power, it just seemed to lack the energy. 3/5

Now a look at WrestleMania IV, interviewing The British Bulldogs and Koko B. Ware who said they’re completely ready for the six man tag match. Bobby Heenan responded by saying he’ll make a doctor very wealthy.

Match: Bad News Brown vs. Lance Allen

The match started before the interviews were over and Brown was completely dominating Allen. He kept working behind, then drop punching, screaming no mercy. After a body slam and kick, he did another drop punch. Brown whipped Allen into the turnbuckle and continued beating Allen, who was able to counter a whip, but Brown quickly recovered and clotheslined Allen.

Winner: Bad News Brown

Although Brown dominated, Allen at least made it a good fight as well. I do like how he was able to counter a whip, even though it got nowhere. 3/5

An interview with Demolition and Mr. Fuji, who said they have waited long enough and that Strike Force were going to pay. Strike Force responded by guaranteeing they were ready.

The WrestleMania IV Report, where everyone said they’d win it all. Vanna White as Guest Timekeeper, Bob Ueker as Guest Ring Announcer, Robin Leech presenting the belt.

Match: Dino Bravo (with Frenchy Martin) vs. Johnny Stewart

Bravo and Stewart grappled and vied for power before Bravo forced Stewart into the turnbuckle, only to chop, whip, and clothesline him. Bravo then slammed him and elbow dropped before a false pin. Bravo bounced Stewart off the ropes and as Stewart went to try and lift, Bravo countered with a piledriver and another false pin. Bravo elbowed Stewart’s head, whipped and kneed him in the gut before another side suplex.

Winner: Dino Bravo

Not that bad of a match, if only Stewart could something. Good power, good speed, ok energy. 3/5

The show ended with interviews with Brutus Beefcake and Honkytonk Man. Brutus said he’d cut Honkytonk’s hair after he won. Honkyonk said he’d prove why he’s the best.

So how did tonight fare? 3/5 Not quite as good as the previous SNME, but still good. If only the first match was actually good.

Up next? WrestleMania IV 

1988 Overview

Well, everything’s been searched for, rooted through, categorized, found, and documented in one way or another. So that means the vintage reviews are on their way back.

Back before my unplanned hiatus, I had the blog set to be updated Mon-Wed-Fri. I’m not going to have a set update schedule now, but I will try to at least do so regularly. However, I will not go on another year-long break.

Anyway, I’m now in the middle of 1988 and that warrants an overview for the rest of the year.

For normal shows, we’ve got:

Saturday Night’s Main Event #16-20

Superstars of Wrestling

WCW World Wide Wrestling

WCW Main Event

Clash of the Champions I-IV

In the ways of pay per views:

WrestleMania IV

The Great American Bash

Summerslam

Starrcade

So without further ado, the next review will be up soon. 

Returning to a Computer Near You

I wish I could make a joke about how I’ve been absent for so long, but like any great professional wrestler, I’m making a return. But then it would be too forced and unfunny.

So here’s the truth: I kind of slinked away since December, but I’m coming back. I’ve been going through everything I said I was going to do just to see if I could find it. The good news is I can find most of everything! The bad news is there’s still some things and shows I can’t find. But if anyone remembers my second to last post, I’ll simply list them and go on from there.

However, there are two shows that I listed way back when that I was going to review that I won’t end up doing: Shotgun Saturday Night and Velocity. The reason being that they don’t really amount to much. I’m planning for the first two years of Heat, but it doesn’t look like there’s much of anything after 1999 for that anymore.

I should also mention that while I’ve been away, I’ve gone through a few events. I may do full reviews for them at a later date, but for now, I’ll just mention what stood out.

I watched WrestleMania III and quite enjoyed it, especially the Savage-Steamboat match. I read that it was named “Match of the Year” by a couple publications and I agree. 4/5

Saturday Night’s Main Event #12 from 11/11/87 was also pretty good, Savage fully turning face was good and the formation of the Mega Powers was interesting. 3/5

I liked the first Survivor Series as well, especially how Andre the Giant's team won against Hogan's. It was the first time a heel won a pay per view, which was interestingly bold. 4/5

 The 1987 Starrcade was pretty good, but I didn't really see anything that stood out. 3/5

As for 1988, the first Royal Rumble was fun and I like how Hacksaw Jim Duggan won it. The other matches on the card for the event were pretty good as well. 4/5

The last thing I’ve seen was the WWF Main Event  from 2/25/88, where Hogan lost the title to Andre the Giant who gave it to Ted DiBiase. It’s been a great angle. 4/5

Apart from that, I haven’t really gone anywhere. So, as soon as I finish up my rundown list of what I can find and where, I’ll be back.

Soon… very soon. 

1987 Overview

Well, say goodbye to 1986 and here’s hoping that there’s a lot more uploads of 1987. I’ve also decided  that I will conclude Vintage Wrestling Reviews after I review WrestleMania XXIX. I know by that time, it ceases to be vintage, but it can become a play off one of Cole's catchphrases. My reasoning is that I wanted to get a full spectrum for myself. I started watching sporadically in the summer of 2009 and only became really serious earlier in the spring of 2012. I'll overlap on what I've already seen yes, but by that time, I'll have formed my own opinions and be able to draw on those to see what I think about the current standings. Instead of, you know, letting my opinions be decided by the vocal majority of the IWC.

Anyway, what’s on our itinerary for 1987?

We continue with Superstars of Wrestling as the only weekly show

Saturday Night’s Main Event aired on:
January 3

March 14

May 2

October 3

November 28

In the way of Pay Per Views:

WrestleMania III aired March 29

Survivor Series debuted November 26

Starrcade ’87 aired November 26 as well

The Great American Bash was another set of tours, so it won’t be reviewed here again. 

WrestleMania 2

It’s time to continue the Archive Binge, today we delve into WrestleMania 2, simulcast from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, the Rosemont Horizon in Rosemont, Illinois, and the L.A. Memorial Sports Arena in Los Angeles, California Did it do as good as WrestleMania I? Better? Worse? It’s time to find out!

Okerlund interviewed Hulk Hogan, who said the storm has come to King Kong Bundy and that his world title stood for America. No I’m fairly certain that’s the [then] NWA’s US Championship.

We’re in New York, with Vince McMahon and Susan St. James (?!) on commentary. 

Ray Charles sings “America the Beautiful.”

Roddy Piper then explains why he’s going to win his boxing match against Mr. T. Yes. Boxing in WrestleMania. I’ll let that sink in.

Match: The Magnificent Muraco (with Mr. Fuji) vs. Paul “Mr. Wonderful” Orndorff

The two circle each other like sharks while vying for control, which soon went to Orndorrf. Muraco tried to turn the tables, but Orndorrf held strong, at least until they started fighting outside the ring.

Double Countout

Slow and boring with a finish to match.  A horrible way to open the card. 1/5

Now Mr. T says Piper will be getting hurt in their match. I’d care if it was for an actual wrestling match.

Match: George “The Animal” Steele vs. Macho Man Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) for the Intercontinental Championship

The match started with Savage running out of the ring after being pursued by Steele. Three times. I’ve seen this before, but where? Oh yes, every other Savage/Steele match.

Anyway, Steele finally catches Savage and proceeds to dominate. Yet, at one point, when George was distracted by Elizabeth, Savage gained the upper hand. At one point, Steele smothered Savage’s face with a bouquet and padding from the turnbuckle. Though disadvantaged, Savage was able to use the ropes as leverage.

Winner: Macho Man Randy Savage by cheating.

This match was ok. It would have been better had they not followed the exact same formula that every other match I see with these two follows. 2/5

Match: Jake “The Snake” Roberts vs. George Wells

Wells started on Roberts as soon as the bell rang, completely working Roberts. Only by a mistimed move did Roberts even get a hit in.

Winner: Jake “The Snake” Roberts

I have to admit, that was just bad. 1/5

Roberts then unleashed the python he brought to the ring, choking Wells with it. Considering Roberts debuted earlier in March, making this his Pay Per View debut, I think we have an establishing character moment.

Match: Mr. T (with “Smokin” Joe Frazier and The Haiti Kid) vs. Rowdy Roddy Piper (with Bob Orton and Lou Duva) in a 10 Round Boxing Match

Oh look. Joan Rivers is guest ring announcer with Darryl Dawkins (NBA), Cab Calloway, and G. Gordon Liddy as guest judges, and Herb as guest timekeeper. Yeah Herb! The guy from the terrible and poorly done Burger King advertising campaign!

In round one, no one had any sort of real control over the match, but they each got in some good slugs. It took everyone at ringside to break the two up after the first bell.

Late in round two, Piper was able to get in some really good hits to start having an edge.

In round three, T was able to fight back, weakening Piper.

In round four, T had a distinct advantage, but Piper decided to throw T down.

Winner: Mr. T by disqualification

As a boxing match, this was ok, but it should have really ended like a boxing match instead. At least the other match at Saturday Night’s Main Event had that. 2/5

And now we’re in Illinois! On commentary, we have Gorilla Monsoon, Gene Okerlund and Cathy Lee Crosby.

Match: The Fabulous Moolah vs. Velvet McIntyre for the Women’s Championship

Moolah didn’t waste any time in going after McIntyre, who was able to get in some good hits until Moolah moved out of the way.

Winner: The Fabulous Moolah to retain the championship

Well that was fast. At 1:25, that’s way too fast for a women’s championship match. Could have been much, much better. 1/5

Match: Corporal Kirchner vs. Nikolai Volkoff (with Classy Freddie Blassie) in a flag match.

Volkoff started strong in getting quite a few good hits and moves on Kirchner. It didn’t take long for Kirchner to find his sweet spot though.

Winner: Corporal Kirchner

I liked Kirchner’s win at The Wrestling Classic back in ’85 because it worked, but him just dominating Volkoff after being beaten down so hard? It doesn’t work. Only Hogan can use the Konami Code! 1/5

NFL /WWF 20 Man Over the Top Battle Royale.

For this match: guest timekeeper Clara Peller (the lady from the Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef” advertising campaign), guest referee Dick Butkus, guest referee Ed “Too Tall” Jones

It’s kind of hard to call a Battle Royale so here are just the participants:

Jimbo Covert (NFL), Pedro Morales, Tony Atlas, Ted Arcidi, Harvey Martin (NFL), Danny Spivey (NFL), Hillbilly Jim, King Tonga, The Iron Sheik, Ernie Holmes (NFL), The Killer Bees (tag team), Big John Studd, Bill Fralic (NFL), Bret “The Hitman” Hart, Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, Russ Francis (NFL), Bruno Sammartino, William “Refrigerator” Perry (NFL),  and Andre the Giant.

Winner: Andre the Giant

This was actually quite good and I’m very glad WWF decided not to pull celebrity power with the winner of the match. 3/5

Match: The British Bulldogs (with Capt. Lou Albano and Ozzie Osbourne) vs. Brutus Beefcake and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine (with Luscious Johnny Valiant) for the Tag Team Championship

 Davey Boy Smith and Valentine started off in the ring, with Smith working on Valentine, and handing it off to Smith. The two had control for a while, with Beefcake taking some of it away, albeit temporarily. Midmatch, Valentine was able to wrestle the advantage from the Bulldogs, but The Dynamite Kid was able to turn the tide.

Winners: The British Bulldogs to become the new champions

This was a good match, the challengers had plenty of steam early on, but the champions were able to keep their speed throughout. They seemed like they were going to retain until the Bulldogs were able to get a second win. It worked well. 3/5

Finally, in Los Angeles, we have on commentary Jesse Ventura, Lord Alfred Hayes, and… Elvira. What’s with the celebrities who hardly know a suplex from a piledriver doing color?

Match: Hercules Hernandez vs. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat

Hernandez never gave Steamboat a chance in the beginning, but Steamboat turned it around in good time. Despite Hernandez getting the offense in the latter half of the match, Steamboat was able to take it back.

Winner: Ricky Steamboat with a pin.

This was a good match. Steamboat had to work to get not only the beginning in his favor, but to turn the match around after it went pear shaped. Hernandez also did a fine job of how he started it off. 3/5

Lord Alfred Hayes interviewed Hogan, who said Hulkamania would live forever. Keep telling yourself that.

Match: Adorable Adrian Adonis (with Jimmy Hart) vs. Uncle Elmer

Elmer clocked Adonis with a cheap shot as the match started and stayed in control until the very end.

Winner: Adrian Adonis with a pin

This was an ok match, it was your average squash match until the end when Adonis sat up, let Elmer hit nothing but the mat and went for the top rope. It would have been better if it stayed a squash match. It was perfect for that, not too short, but not too long. 2/5

Another Hogan interview, this time Hogan said he felt sorry for Bundy because he would be climbing out of the cage without the belt.

Match: The Funk Brothers (with Jimmy Hart) vs. Tito Santana and Junkyard Dog.

Dog and Terry Funk started the match off, but it was soon chaos as both the Funks, Santana and Dog were in a brawl. The dust cleared with Terry and Santana being the legal men, with Santana having the offensive edge. The Funks were able to gain control later in the match, including Hart kicking Santana, but Junkyard Dog was able to bring it back until Terry Funk used Hart’s megaphone.

Winners: The Funk Brothers by cheating

I have to say, this was a great match. The chaos between all four men went perfectly and the Funks destroying Santana until Dog could get in the ring went well also. It would have been better had the Funks won without cheating, but oh well. 4/5

Match: Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy (with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan) in a reinforced steel cage for the World Heavyweight Championship

Tommy Lasorda Guest Ring Announcer and Robert Conrad as guest referee.

So… care to gamble on who wins? I won’t give you odds.

Hogan obviously started off the match strong, but eventually, Bundy stopped him and brought the match his own way. After some time of being trounced and stopping Bundy from leaving the cage, Hogan enters “up, up, down, down, left, right, left right, B, and A.”

Winner: Hulk Hogan to retain the championship

This was actually a good match, with Bundy having some nice near escapes and Hogan looking like he would finally lose it. 3/4

The show ends as Hogan throws Heenan into the cage and started wailing on him. Our hero.

Honestly, this wasn’t a very good WrestleMania, averaging a 2.1/5 it completely failed to even meet the standard of the first. (Even with my changed system, it averages a 3.8/5.) One of the biggest problems was that the show started off with horrible matches. Unfortunately, having bad matches in the undercard and midcards make people lose interest and causes them to not stick around for the best matches, of which there were few.  Other problems for this show are below, but I guess this does it for tonight. Friday, we finish off the week with Saturday Night’s Main Event from May 3.

The Boxing Match. Having Rocky III influence some of WrestleMania is fine, I’m all for a storyline, character or feud that has that or any other film as inspiration. On the other hand, if it’s the inspiration for a match style that has absolutely nothing to do with the style of show you’re producing? It makes no sense.

Too Many Celebrities. Like above, a couple celebrities is fine. However, this show took it to the extreme and you couldn’t turn around without hitting one. Plus, having them in positions which they had no place being in makes for a bad show. WrestleMania I did just fine with a guest ring announcer, timekeeper and referee for the main event and Cyndi Lauper as Richter’s manager. This one saw all that for every venue, celebrity managers, 10 NFL players in a Battle Royale (which is kind of stupid) and three different celebrity commentators who either kept quiet because they didn’t know what to say or didn’t know exactly what to say and wouldn’t shut up, much like Susan St. James constantly saying “uh oh.” That’s not just celebrity power, that’s celebrity domination.

Too Many Cities. When your competitive sports (or sports entertainment) show is not shown linearly in one city, there tends to be too much confusion. My video wasn’t in broadcast order, so I had to find a list of how it was shown. Broadcasting simultaneously from three different cities was definitely not a good idea. 

1986 Overview

It’s quite funny how I keep making mistakes. The Saturday Night’s Main Event that I thought was aired on December 19^th was actually taped on that date and aired January 4, 1986. So what does that mean?

It means we’re out of 1985 and into the new year! So let’s see what this year has in store for us!

We have five airings of Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 4, March 1, May 3, October 4, and November 29. Superstars of Wrestling begins in September. And as for Pay Per Views:

WrestleMania II on April 7

Starrcade on November 27

*note: NWA/WCW did have a Great American Bash in 1986. However, it was a general name for a tour of 13 shows all called Great American Bash. This tour will not be covered.

It promises to be a good year!

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. 

1985 Overview

So we begin in 1985.

WWF produced four airings of Saturday Night’s Main Event on May 10, October 3, October 31, and December 19.

There were four events broadcast via pay per view this year:

WrestleMania I on March 31

The Great American Bash on July 10

The Wrestling Classic on November 7

Starrcade on November 28

Sounds like a short, but good year. My thoughts coming soon. 

It Begins.

Haven’t we all felt the need to archive binge on something? To find our favorite comic strip, television show, movie or book series and read or watch all the entries again? Well, I’m preparing to start rooting through one of the biggest archives of them all: Professional Wrestling.

WWE started off as the World Wide Wrestling Federation in 1963 when Vincent McMahon Sr. left the NWA. In 1984, Vincent McMahon Jr. took his father’s company and changed it from the territorial wrestling promotion and turned into the global phenomena, known as the WWF, and now WWE.

But WWE hasn’t been alone in the wrestling business over the years. WCW started in 1983 as Jim Crocket Promotions and became WCW in 1988. In 2001, WWE bought them out. ECW started in 1992, was bought out by WWE in 2001, and was brought back as a WWE program from 2006-2010. TNA began in 2002 and is still going.

I want to do this because I only recently began watching WWE, in the summer of 2010 the week after the NXT riot. I read about the shows as well as individual matches and promos and felt like I missed out (which I'm sure quite a few people would agree with). I could just look up the best of the best matches and watch them individually, but then I wouldn't get context. I want the good along with the bad, including the infamous Fingerpoke of Doom. This is going to take quite a long time, but I'm sure it will be very enjoyable. 

WWE, WCW, ECW, and TNA have and continue to produce numerous shows. Join me on my Archive Binge as I watch the shows and write about them. And there is no other place to begin than WrestleMania I, in 1985.