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WWE “Ultimate Warrior” DVD/Blu-Ray Info

By
Jim Somers
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2

The release date for the new Ultimate Warrior DVD/Blu-Ray has been announced for Tuesday, April 1st, 2014. That’s just in time for WrestleMania and the WWE 2014 Hall of Fame, so let the rumors really pick up now.

The DVD is slated to cover the career of the Ultimate Wildman, and include interviews from the Warrior himself, as well as other stars from that era.

Here’s the official synopsis, courtesy of WWEDVDNews.com:

“He is one of the most colorful and intense Superstars of all time, the Ultimate Warrior! Now for the first time ever, WWE honors his illustrious career with this ultimate collection of bone-crunching matches. Feel the power of the warrior – featuring battles against his biggest rivals such as Hulk Hogan, Jake Roberts, Ravishing Rick Rude, Sgt. Slaughter and more!

WWE fans have long awaited another Warrior DVD since the controversial release of 2005′s ‘Self Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior’. Finally, with over 7 hours of matches from this larger than life Superstar, this action on this home entertainment release is truly OUT OF CONTROL!!”

Video Review: WCW Monday Nitro 9/4/95

By
WrestleClassics
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1

 

Footage is taken from the original broadcast recording, covering the action live as originally intended, no edits. And now we commence as we go LIVE, something Raw wasn’t doing on a weekly basis!

WCW Monday Night Nitro: Debut Edition, September 4th, 1995

From the land of 10.000 lakes; Minneapolis, Minnesota; The Mall Of America. The only building big enough to hold the debut edition of WCW Monday Nitro. We’re coming to you live here on TNT.

VERY nice Intro for the show. This one alone shows the production value they must have had for this show. Seems they really wanted to attack WWF’s Monday Night Raw program while it was preempted for the U.S. Tennis Open.

By the way… is it just me or do the shows names sound exactly the same if you have Mongo say them? I’m pretty sure, this is by incident and not to fool the not so smart wrestling viewers, right?

Speaking of Steve “Mongo“ McMichael. He’s doing commentary alongside Eric Bischoff.

Bobby Heenan shows up to save this fledgling announce team, and immediately starts kissing McMichael’s ass to make up for some previous negative remarks he made about Mongo.

Bischoff announces that the WCW World Heavyweight Champion, Hulk Hogan will be here tonight and we get the first bout of the show.

Representing NJPW, Jushin Liger is here to start things off. He gets a pretty good response from the crowd. His opponent is Flyin‘ Brian. Pillman gets little reaction, probably due to his lame ass generic gimmick. “Blondes have more fuuuun“ still hurting my ears.

Opening Bout: Jushin Liger vs. Brian Pillman
Pillman starts off with an armbar, but Liger flips out of it into a side headlock. Irish whip by Liger into the corner followed by the Rolling Wheel kick. Chop by Liger, and he gets whipped towards the corner, he leap frogs Pillman, and hits a moonsault for two. Liger goes back to the headlock, and chops away in the corner. Whip to the turnbuckle, Pillman leapfrogs into a hurrican rana. Pillman takes advantage with some more chops and a boot to the face of a running Liger. Hurrican rana off the top by Pillman for two. Snapmare by Pillman, followed up by an abdominal stretch. Pinfall by Pillman for two.

On the commentating side, McMichael tries to shock Heenan by calling him “The Stain” and “Bobby Hernia.” Good reaction on Heenan’s part saying “Ah we start THIS now … name-calling“. They really seem to love each other.

Whip by Liger, drop toehold by Liger. Surfboard by Liger. Liger eventually lets up and Pillman hits a flying head scissors. Pillman gets backdropped to the outside, rolling wheel kick off the apron by Liger! That was awesome. Liger slides back into the ring. Liger tries to suplex Pillman into the ring, but Pillman blocks it and suplexes Liger to the outside. Pillman climbs to the top rope and hits a cross body to the outside on Liger! Pillman tosses Liger back into the ring and climbs to the top rope again. Liger trips Pillman up and they both climb to the top. Top rope Superplex by Liger for a looong two count. Liger leaps to the top rope, hops off but Pillman dropkicks him in mid-air. Two count and the fans with an actually very good reaction this time. Pillman goes to work with a chop and a whip, but Liger nails him on the back of the neck and hits the Liger Bomb, but Pillman kicks out! Liger sets Pillman up on the top rope and hits a Hurrican rana for two. OUCH, Liger landed right on his head on that one. Liger sets Pillman up on the top rope again, but Pillman hits a Tornado DDT for two. Pillman tries for a German suplex, but Liger reverses it into a waistlock. Liger tries for a German suplex, but Pillman rolls under into a roll up for the win.
Afterwards a handshake between the two competitors. Something you don’t see too often.

This was a really good match. A good amount of traditional wrestling mixed with some pretty cool spots. Give those two more time to tell a real story please! Those six minutes are a bit short I’d say.
This is something you do NOT see “up north“ in WWF. So much for sure.

“Let me tell ya, if the fans weren’t tuned into this baby, they didn’t see a match worth watching.”
I’ll give you three guesses as to which commentator said that…

A pre-taped Sting promo is aired, hyping up a match with Ric Flair for the US Title. Lame promo with everyone able to see Sting waiting for a sign to start talking.

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COMMERCIAL BREAK
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We’re back with a pre-taped Segment hyping “Pastamania“ in the Mall Of America.
“I’ve eaten so many Hulka-Roos and Hulka-Yoos, i kinda feel sorry for Big Bubba …“
I see. This is NOT a shameless plug for probably the best restaurant in the world, this is to promote a match between the Hulkster and Big Bubba Rogers for the WCW World Heavyweight Title on Nitro!
But better for the second bout of the night. The Nature Booooooayyyy coming to the ring.

Mongo and Bischoff take their first shot at WWF’s RAW by saying “if you’re not tuned into this match, then you might as well be watching… DON’T SAY IT!“
They should have practiced, because this is so very much made up. Well.

Sting coming to the Ring. I can’t wait for this match because I like both Sting and Flair and their past rivalries a lot. This should be awesome.
The Stinger won the US Title in a tournament, going over Meng in the final round after Vader was stripped of the title by Nick Bockwinkel.

WCW United States Title Match: Sting (c) vs. Ric Flair
SURPRISE! LEX LUGER is here to watch the match. “Get him outta here – get security“. He was just on the weekend WWF programming!

Bischoff and Mongo trying to “restore order“, while Heenan constantly asks what Luger did wrong.

The sensation is, that Luger not only had worked a WWF House Show the night before, but was one of WWF’s top stars, even in line for a possible Title Shot. Great move on the part of WCW to bring him in. To be clear on this: I do not like Luger, nor his Wrestling “skills”, but I like the move they made with bringing him in.

Back to the match: Flair bounces off the ropes meaning this one is ready to go. Tie-up to start, Sting shoves Flair off and yells “WOOOOOOO!” Side headlock by Flair, but he’s whipped out by Sting. Shoulder tackle by Flair. They fly off the ropes a few times and Sting Press slams Flair twice. Hiptoss by Sting followed by a nice dropkick. This crowd really starts digging the action. Very good reaction. Flair rolls to the outside in pain to catch his breath while the fans have some fun chanting for Sting. Sting goes for a knuckle lock, but Flair pokes him in the eye, and goes to work in the corner with a barrage of chops. Sting starts shaking them off and whips Flair. Another press slam by Sting. Flair gets right up and whips Sting. Flair cross bodies Sting off the ropes, and both guys topple over the top rope to the outside. Flair charges at Sting, but Sting military presses Flair and tosses him through the second and third rope back into the ring. Sting whips Flair into the corner and tries for the Stinger splash. He misses, but hits a bulldog right after. Whip to the corner again, but Sting runs right into an elbow. Flair plays to the crowd a little.

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COMMERCIAL BREAK
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Sting vs. Flair continues on,
We’re back to “Where The Big Boys Play“. Sting is still down. Flair climbs to the top rope, but, as per usual, gets tossed off the top by Sting. Flair pleads with Sting to back off, but Sting whips him and hits another press slam for two.

Another Interruption! Here comes Arn Anderson. There are still problems between him and Flair. Back in the ring, Sting tries for a splash off the top, but misses. Suplex by Flair. Sting stands right up and hits a clothesline. Flair gets whipped to the corner and flips over to the apron. Sting hits a clothesline on Flair as he runs across the apron. 10 punches by Sting in the corner, followed by a hiptoss. Sting sets Flair up on the top, but gets shoved off by Flair. Flair gets off the top rope and takes Sting down with a headlock take down. Sting body scissors out of it, but Flair bridges over Sting for a two count. Sting bridges up and hits a backslide for two. Nice pinning sequence there. Sting sets Flair up on the top again and hits a top rope superplex. Flair twitches, selling it well, and Sting stares down Anderson saying something like “What are you doing here?“. Flair takes advantage and takes Sting down by the leg. Figure Four! Flair uses the ropes to help. He breaks at 4 each time.

Anderson gets in the ring, and the ref rings the bell. Anderson stomps Flair and takes off his jacket. They trade blows, with Anderson gaining the advantage and Flair taking a hike.

This could have been a very good match if it were given more time and less distraction.

Scott Norton comes out and starts screaming at Bischoff and Mongo, angry that he doesn’t have a match at Fall Brawl, or something. He gets in Mongo’s face, until Randy Savage comes out and challenges him to a match. Bischoff telling them they can’t do this or they never wrestle again at WCW.

They cut to a Sabu vignette. Nice promo showcasing a lot of Sabu’s high spots.

 

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COMMERCIAL BREAK
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Mean Gene Okerlund is in the ring to congratulate Mike Hill from Alabama for winning the WCW Harley Davidson sweepstakes.

Back to Bischoff selling WCW Saturday Night. Johnny B. Badd taking on Dirty Dick Slater, and Sting and Randy Savage teaming up to take on the Blue Bloods. Fall Brawl is just around the corner too.

They air a debut promo for Michael Wallstreet, better known as IRS or Mike Rotunda. There are a LOT of People flooding into WCW it would seem.

Big Bubba Rogers coming out to the Ring to face the Hulkster.

 

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COMMERCIAL BREAK
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Back from the break Hogan comes to the Ring to “American Made“.

Fast plug for next week. The Match is made. Savage vs. Scott Norton. I like Scott Norton. We’ll see if he can make it past the Macho Man. Ooohhh Yeah.

Main Event: WCW World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan (c) vs. Big Bubba Rogers
Rogers and Hogan stalling to begin the match. After a minute or so finally a first lockup. Hogan shoves Rogers off and poses. He tells Rogers to bring it, and Rogers locks Hogan in a side headlock. This brings Hogan down to his knees. Hogan whips Rogers off and … was that a Shoulder block? Rogers just kind or ran into Hogan, stumbled for a second and fell into the middle rope. A Hogan chant fills the mall, but Rogers kicking Hogan in the gut when he called for the test of strength. Rogers hits Hogan with lefts and rights and sends him into the corner. Splash in the corner by Rogers followed by an eye rake. Rogers tries to beat Hogan’s head on the top turnbuckle, but Hogan blocks it and slams Rogers face into the top turnbuckle a few times. Hogan punches him a few times, but the referee breaks it up. Another kick to the midsection by Rogers. Backbreaker followed by some more punches from Rogers. Rogers tries for another splash in the corner, but meets Hogan’s boot. Well, this big boot was botched badly. Hogan missed Rogers face by a good 6 to 10 inches, but Rogers sold it anyway.

Hogan, not satisfied with that boot, calls for the spot again, and this time nails him on the forehead. Hogan punches Rogers some more, but Rogers hits an uppercut. Hogan leans on the second rope and Rogers jumps on the back of his neck. Hogan nails Rogers with some shots on the outside, and chokes him with the American Flag. 10 punches by Hogan followed by a whip to the turnbuckle and a clothesline by Hogan. More punches from Hogan in the corner, followed by a body slam. Hogan drops 2 quick elbows and then steps on Rogers’ face. Rogers hits a few uppercuts again and knees Hogan in the midsection a few times. Body slam by Rogers.

Mongo says that this is the best wrestling action that he’s ever seen on television. I just can’t believe he actually got this job. Rogers tries for the splash in the corner once more but misses. Hogan tries for a clotheslined but gets sidewalk slammed. That was a really nice Sidewalk Slam. NOW, it’s time for the Hulk up, meaning this one is over. Hogan Hulks up, whip, big boot, legdrop, end of match.

After the match, the Dungeon of Doom runs in to attack Hogan, but the Hulkster takes care of all of them. Wow, way to put them over for their impending War Games match against Hogan, Luger, Savage and Sting at Fall Brawl. Please make them look like credible opponents. Luger runs in to help him, and almost nails Hogan. They stare each other down, but Sting and Savage run in to break it up. Looooots of discussion and a nice “Luger“ chant off the crowd.

 

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COMMERCIAL BREAK
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Mean Gene is in the ring for an interview. Hogan tells Luger he’s got no business in his backyard. Luger says he’s there for one reason, to take Hogan’s belt. Luger says he’s been where Hogan’s been, done what he’s done and he’s sick and tired of playing around with kids, he’s here to get it on with the big boys. Hogan tells Luger that he doesn’t have to prove anything, he just has to stick his … stinky … palm out and shake his hand, and Hogan will give him a shot next week on Nitro for the title. Home run. Done deal.

This is it, Bischoff plugs again for Nitro from Miami next week, Mongo AGAIN babbling something and we go off the air.

WrestleClassic’s Opinion: For a debut show in 1995, it doesn’t get much better than this. None of the matches were anything groundbreaking, but much like a pilot to a new TV show, this show was designed to give you a taste of what to expect in the future from WCW Monday Nitro.

They had a very good opener that showcased WCW’s younger talent and a Japanese crossover. The two wrestlers who’s names are synonymous with WCW, Ric Flair and Sting put on a decent contest with too much distraction and too little time.
A big name in Wrestling returned to WCW, in Lex Luger.

The main event was really lame, but Hogan, the company’s biggest star, had to be on the card somehow.

The show featured the return of Scott Norton, as well as the WCW debut of Sabu and the Michael Wallstreet character.

The Anderson/Flair angle was continued nicely, and the announcing Luger vs. Hogan for next week gave the fans a reason to tune in again.

All in all from today’s perspective, this isn’t a great show, but or the time pretty good and for historical purposes, it’s well worth checking it out.

 

History / Background Notes:
Let us start our trip into history by recapturing some of the events BEFORE the first ever WCW Monday Nitro took place.

Eric Bischoff went on Newsport Cable Network on June 29, 1995. He talked a lot about the comparison between the WWF and WCW, the influence McMahon had in the 80’s and approaches of both companies. Interesting is the following regarding a POSSIBLE Monday show by WCW:

“We’re in discussions on that subject. I think there’s a very good possibility that WCW is going to have a prime time show in late August or early September. But I’ll go back to what I said early. It’s not so much about challenging Vince McMahon. If you want to put things in perspective and look at numbers and kind of eliminate the self-indulgent gaga that surrounds all of this stuff, I’ve got a show on Saturday morning, they’ve got a show on Saturday morning. And we out-perform them on a pretty consistent basis. They’ve got a show on Sunday and I’ve got a show on Sunday and we’re neck and neck with them. The numbers reflect that. So am I excited about the opportunity to take a show in prime time? You bet I am! And I’ve got every reason to be excited. I think that I can deliver a product–I’m sure I’m going to develop a product–that is very unique and different from what we’re doing right now. It’s going to be different from anything our competition’s doing, and it’s something I think will be exciting for the viewers. It’s an alternative, it’s a choice. I’m excited about giving viewers and fans that choice.”

This one resembles the points made by Bischoff later in the WCW Nitro documentary published by WWE. He wanted to do things DIFFERENT. That’s exactly what became a key to success for Nitro. They were different.

WWE Smackdown Spoilers for 1-03-14

By
Brian Grey
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0

WWE Main Event/Smackdown Taping Spoilers from Washington D.C.
Taped on Sunday, December 29th, 2013.

 

Dark Match: Prior to the Tapings, “Bad News” Barrett beat Darren Young with the Bullhammer Elbow.

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WWE Main Event Spoilers…

1. Damien Sandow pinned Kofi Kingston after the “You’re Welcome” Full Nelson Slam. Decent match for TV.

2. Cameron & Naomi beat Rose Mendes & Alicia Fox in your typical Divas match. Noami scored the pin following the “rear view” butt butt, Iceman Parsons would be proud.

– MIZ TV SEGMENT with the former Funkasaurus, Brodus Clay. The newly named “Main Event Player”, Clay, has new music, which makes sense but it was his theme that got him over in the first place. Brodus is wearing a suit and a oversized gold chain. He talks trash on Tensai, which brings out his former partner. The two men brawl with Tensai getting the upper hand and Clay backing off. What a classic that match is going to be!

END MAIN EVENT
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WWE Smackdown Spoilers to air on Friday, January 3rd on Syfy…

– It’s announced that later tonight WWE Tag Champions Cody Rhodes & Goldust will defend against Rowan & Harper of the Wyatt Family.

– A Shield Promo follows. They’re better than ever don’t you know!

1. The Usos defeat The Shield’s Rollins & Reigns by DQ after interference from Ambrose. The Shield triple team the Usos until CM Punk evens things up. The six men brawl and Vickie Guerrero announces a 6-Man Tag for later tonight.

2. R-Truth beats Fandango after the former Funkadactyls distract Fandango and Summer Rae. Looks like Truth & Woods have inherited Cameron & Naomi, which leaves Tensai all alone. What a shame.

– Big E. Langston is interviewed by Renee Young. Langston is notably still the IC Champion “after his Raw match with Fandango”. Big E. also brings up Brock Lesnar attacking and laying out “World’s Strongest Man” Mark Henry on Raw. Curtis Axel sticks his nose into the promo and we get Langston vs. the former IC Champion Axel for tonight. Joy…

3. WWE Tag Team Champions Goldust & Cody Rhodes beat Rowan & Harper of the Wyatt Family. Rumor has it that Vince wants the belts on the Wyatts by Royal Rumble. This may have been a bone thrown to the Rhodes boys before they do the job. Either way, this was described as a good match. No shock there. The Rhodes family are on a roll in that department.

4. Nikki Bella beat Aksana, it is what it is. I don’t care who watches Total Divas, it shouldn’t force me to watch twice as many Divas matches throughout the week. Just think, earlier this year the Divas division was all but extinct. Thanks a lot, E! Network.

– A Bad News Barrett Promo airs. They reshoot this promo at the end of the tapings with a new podium. I’m sure all the fans stuck around for this expecting something to come of it… Nope.

5. Intercontinental Champion Big E. Langston beat Curtis Axel via the Big Ending. Mr. Perfect, he is not.

6. Main Event, CM Punk & The Usos beat The Shield with Punk going over Ambrose with the GTS. As good as expected. Your usual WWE 6-Man match that we’ve been accustomed to over the last year.

Video Review: WWF Prime Time Wrestling 12/11/86

By
K.F. Brodzensky
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0

Prime Time Wrestling 12/11/86

– Matches are from the 11/16/86 Maple Leaf Gardens show unless specified otherwise.

– Heenan & Monsoon open the show with a rundown of the matches. Heenan offers to manage Gorilla if he will come out of retirement. Monsoon passes.

Match #1: Pedro Morales v. Dino Bravo (w/Johnny Valiant): Bravo has just returned to the WWF and is now a heel w/Valiant as his manager. Dino has yet to bleach his hair but is still able to work a little here. A feeling out process to start, which Morales wins and Dino’s heads for lower grounds to talk to his new manager. Dino gets back in the ring and takes control over Pedro and stomps him to the mat. Valiant gets some cheap shots on Morales while Bravo distracts the referee. Dino takes Pedro out onto the old MLG Ramp and slams Morales, and as cheap as that wood looks, I can’t believe it didn’t break. Pedro comes back with a vengeance and works over Bravo on the floor. Pedro sends Dino into the ring and then works over Johnny Valiant at ringside as well. Morales heads back in the ring and applies his patented Boston Crab on Bravo when the bell rings out of nowhere. The ring announcer states that Pedro has been counted out….which is strange since the referee wasn’t even counting after Bravo rolled back in the ring minutes earlier. Very weird ending. Bravo wins via count out at around 9:00. Pedro attacks Dino after the bout to get his heat back. Rating: Decent bout considering Bravo was in it. *

– Mean Gene interviews Dr. Bob Ponavich about Ricky Steamboat’s injury. The Doc says the Dragon has a crushed larynx and says Steamboat should quit pro wrestling.

– Mean Gene interviews referee Danny Davis. Dangerous Dan continues his heel turn using excuses and showing no remorse for the recent Steamboat injury he was involved in.

Match #2: Frankie Lane v. Jose Luis Rivera: Lane was a name in the Toronto area and the WWF used him frequently when at the MLG. Lane is usually a face but works as a heel here. Frank applies a variation of the short arm scissors which Rivera gets out of with little trouble. Jose frustrates Frankie and Lane teases a walk to the showers. Back inside finally and Rivera works over the cowboy. Lane takes a short cut and sends Jose onto the ramp at ringside. Lane proceeds with your basic heel tactics and goes for a charge in the corner. Rivera sees Frank coming and gets a Brisco sunset flip out of the corner for the win at 9:52. Rating: Nothing Match 1/4*

– Monsoon mentions that Louie Dondero and Terry Garvin have a piece of Steve Lombardi’s contract. Heenan replies, “Yeah they have a piece of him all right!”. WOW I need not say more. Dondero was the long time partner of Pat Patterson.

Match #3: Paul Roma v. Steve Lombardi: Nothing much here. Roma gets some slams in, Lombardi comes back with a cut off and a backbreaker for two. Steve applies a chinlock and Roma begins fighting back so Lombardi sends him to the floor. Roma returns to the ring as a house-o-….okay Roma returns to the ring and moves through the baby face motions with very little fire. Paul hits a powerslam and get the pin at 7:04. Rating: Bad Match, finish was out of nowhere, if they were telling a story it must have been in another language because I didn’t understand it. DUD

– Jesse Ventura interviews WWF “President” Jack Tunney. Jack talks about the hearing where Andre the Giant was reinstated. Tunney mentions Andre didn’t show up for the hearing but Bobby Heenan was. Hmmmmmm, the plot thickens.

– Gorilla questions The Brain about the Andre hearing, but Heenan refuses to answer out of “respect to the WWF President”.

– Jesse Ventura is with a baby face Honky Tonk Man. The WWF has polled the fans to see if they like the Honky Tonk Man. As a shoot Ventura announces the fans hate Honky and thus begins Honky Tonk’s heel turn. The WWF actually did this mail in voting scam as a way to get everyone’s address for their merchandise mailing list.

– Gorilla again questions Heenan about Andre. Monsoon asks about Andre, Heenan replies, “I don’t know how Andre voted for the Honky Tonk Man”. A very funny bit, you’d have to see to really enjoy.

Match #4: The Honky Tonk Man v. Mr. X (Danny Davis): Honky is a full blown face at this point and the crowd is just booing the living crap out of him. The fans hate Honky so much they actually cheer Mr. X. HTM comes to the ring with his original “Honky Tonkin'” Theme, if anyone has that on MP3 please email it my way! Honky works over X’s arm to start. HTM does more actual WRESTLING in the first 2 minutes of this match than he does the rest of his WWF career. And after watching Honky wrestle I will gladly say, I’m happy he turned heel. HTM gives X very little offense and delivers a Memphis like middle rope fistdrop. Honky takes a swing at X but X ducks and backdrops HTM onto the ramp and the crowd is going NUTS for X. They REALLY, REALLY hate the HTM!!! The booing of Honky is so ridiculous even Johnny V. & Gorilla on the mic are pointing it out. Every time Honky gets a blow in, the crowd says Booo…Boooo….Boooo….it’s hilarious! Mr. X cuts Honky off to the crowds delight and goes for a SPRINGBOARD SPLASH!!! but misses. Holy crap Danny Davis was doing springboards in 1986!!! Honky capitalizes with a running clothesline and the shake, rattle ‘n’ roll neckbreaker for the win at 6:47. HTM gets the win and the crowd is booing him like he’s Sgt. Slaughter supporting Iraq. Rating: Match wasn’t much but the crowd interaction was fantastic and makes the watching worthwhile.*

Match #5: Adrian Adonis v. Paul Roma (from 11/19/86 Superstars Taping): Adonis is sporting a purple velvet ring jacket…errr something like a jacket anyway. Adonis has on a pink knitted beret and is using an oxygen mask to breathe “CLEAN AIR” from NYC! Just awesome!!! A huge “FAGGOT” Chant by the fans as the bout starts, Vince claims they’re chanting “Piper”. Not hardly Vince. Adrian misses a charge in the corner and Roma gets in a dropkick and a monkey flip. Roma tries for a second dropkick but misses. Adonis delivers a headbutt and slaps on the sleeper for a quick win at 2:51. Afterwards Adonis crams flowers into Roma’s mouth. Rating: Adonis could work that gimmick like no other. But the match itself was barely there. DUD

– A little off topic but I have the original commercials aired and do you remember the old HOSTESS PUDDING PIES?!? How Cool were they? I seem to remember green Slimer pudding pies when the Real Ghostbusters were big time over.

Match #6: Tito Santana v. Butch Reed: This is early in Reed’s WWF tenure. Reed had a lot of success in the territories, especially Mid South but is now “The Natural” with blond hair of course. Nice solid wrestling by both throughout the bout. Reed gets frustrated and eventually sends Santana to the floor. Tito enters the ring and Reed takes advantage with some cheap shots. Butch gloats to the fans in between moves on Santana. Tito tries a comeback so Reed sends Santana back to the floor. Tito re-enters the ring with a sunset flip for two, Butch cuts Santana off and takes control once again. Tito tries yet another comeback but Reed hits a version of the face buster! Tito can have no more however, and fires up!. Santana slaps on the Figure Four and the bell sounds. Santana believes he has won only to find out the match had went to the full 20:00 Time Limit Draw. After the match Tito calls Reed out and Butch gets in some cheap shots before high tailing it to the back. Rating: Good Mid card match. **3/4

– Monsoon promises the fans he will find out what’s going on with the Andre/Heenan situation as the show ends.

Final Thoughts: Strange they gave Roma a win early on the show then buried him only a few segments later. This was either a dumb move or they were really trying to build Adonis up for his feud with Roddy. The Honky Tonk Man & Andre the Giant segments stole the show. All this plus a 20:00 bout with Reed & Santana. This is a must see PTW episode. Match of the Night: Butch Reed v. Tito Santana

Video Review: WWF Prime Time Wrestling 12/2/86

By
K.F. Brodzensky
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1

WWF Prime Time Wrestling 12/2/86

Almost all matches hail from MSG, unless noted otherwise. Your hosts as usual, the Gorilla and the Brain.

Match #1: Karate Kid & Pepe Gomez v. Lord Little Brook & Little Tokyo: The referee, Gilberto Roman appears to be about 4 inches taller than the midgets themselves. The usual comedy is done here, along with some mat work w/Karate Kid v. Little Brook. All 4 men are eventually in for a little row boat action. Little Brook chokes out the faces using the middle rope then chokes out his own partner Tokyo without noticing in advance. Tokyo in return accidentally hits Little Brook. Just wanted to note I think it’s great that the tag rope is hanging from the middle rope. Hot tag to Pepe, Little Brook tries a middle rope body block on Pepe but Gomez moves and Brook cross bodies Tokyo. The faces pile on top for the comedic like pinfall at 13:20. Rating: It’s a midget match, not a DUD but not much more 1/2*

Match #2: Intercontinental Champ Randy Savage v. Ricky Steamboat (In Progress): This match is not from MSG. Steamboat gets a near fall body block on Savage to start. Macho throws Steamboat out of the ring but Ricky skins the cat back in and rolls Savage up for a two count. The Dragon leap frogs Macho and Savage runs into referee Dave Hebner. Steamer gets another body block and Hebner begins to count slowly, but referee Danny Davis hints to more of his heel turn by stopping the count to “check on” Dave Hebner. Savage pitches Ricky to the floor and drapes his throat across the guardrail and delivers a top rope double axe handle to boot. Savage then rolls Steamboat inside and proceeds to leap from the top rope with the ring bell in hand and drives it into The Dragon’s throat, “crushing” his larynx. Savage is DQ’d or something. We only get 4 minutes of this bout. Rating: The complete bout is something like ** due to being somewhat short. I won’t rate this since only a bit was shown.

– Update on Ricky Steamboat. Mean Gene talks to Ricky Steamboat’s wife, Bonnie, about The Dragon’s recent injury. She says Ricky can’t speak and is pondering retirement.

Match #3: Hercules Hernandez (w/Bobby Heenan) v. Pedro Morales: Herc attacks Morales, Pedro fires back and Hercules takes a powder. Back inside Hercules takes control with some power offense and follows up with a little choking. Morales gets a come back, small package for two, a back drop and goes for a finisher. Pedro hits a back suplex into a back breaker (very nice move BTW). Morales goes for the cover and Bobby Heenan pulls Morales off of Herc. Pedro goes after Heenan which allows Herc to sneak up from behind and roll Morales up for the win with the hook of the tights at 7:00. Rating: Not too shabby *1/4

Match #4: Lanny Poffo v. Steve Lombardi: Poffo reads a poem to the fans….”delight”. Lanny has a VERY gay haircut here, I don’t know why he didn’t stick with it for the Genius gimmick. Super Perm. The basic tackle, leap frog, dropdown spot to start. Poffo sends Lombardi to the floor shortly after but Steve comes back in and takes control for what seems like an eternity. Ever wonder why you never saw the Brooklyn Brawler climb the ropes? Because he can’t. Lombardi struggles to get to the top rope and is slammed off by Poffo. This sets Lanny up to hit a top rope somersault senton for the pin at 10:20. Rating: Wow, was that a waste of 10:00 of my life. BUT it wasn’t bad, just boring. 1/4*

– Gorilla Monsoon makes mention that Terry Garvin had a piece of Lombardi’s contract, that explains sooooooo much. 😉

– We are treated to Piper’s Pit with Jimmy Hart. Jimmy demands respect from Hot Rod. Hart starts poking at Piper’s chest and even slaps Roddy. Piper tells Jimmy to leave because George Steele is his real guest. Hart refuses and slaps Piper again!! Roddy can take no more and goes after Jimmy, only to be attacked from behind by Adrian Adonis. The two brawl for a bit until Adonis slaps on “Goodnight Irene” & puts Piper to sleep. Jimmy Hart stuffs flowers in Piper’s mouth as the segment ends. This was Adonis’ return after an “arm injury”.

– Jack Tunney has recently announced he has lifted the suspension of Andre the Giant; we are treated to an interview w/Andre. The Giant says he has a surprise for the fans upon his return. The interview is conducted by Gary Davie. Upon return to the PTW set, Bobby Heenan gives a very small hint at Andre’s heel turn by repeatedly ignoring any questions about Andre.

Match #5: Koko B. Ware v. Jimmy Jack Funk: HAHA! What a great start….On Koko’s way to the ring, Frankie jumps off his shoulder and onto the concrete! JJ Funk hits a big slam on Ware to start but Koko comes back with a pair of slams and sends Funk to the floor. Back inside we get a Greco Roman knuckle lock. Funk seems to be winning the lock up so Koko dropkicks his way out of it, VERY NICE! Jimmy Jack finally gets the cut off with a Hot Shot on Ware. Basic heel moves here. Koko comes back with a dropkick and a top rope dropkick. Ware hits his “Ghostbuster” for the pin at 8:40. Rating: Okay undercard match 3/4*

– Bobby Heenan says Koko’s mother’s name is Tupper. LOL, classic Bobby!!!

Match #6: Billy Jack Haynes v. “Cowboy” Bob Orton (w/Jimmy Hart): Orton is now managed by Hart, for the whole 2 months it lasted. The two trade blows with Haynes getting the upper hand. Orton tries a charge at Billy Jack but misses and posts his shoulder. Haynes works on Orton’s arm but the Cowboy breaks lose and begs off. Haynes thinks the wiser and goes right back to work on Orton’s arm. Cowboy breaks free again but runs into an Atomic Drop. Orton takes a sweet bump to the floor….Head First!!!  Cowboy recuperates and takes control, nailing a shoulder breaker for two. Orton tries a superplex but Haynes straddles the Cowboy. Haynes gets a quick comeback and slaps on the Full Nelson. Both men spill to the floor and continue to brawl for a double count out at 14:24. Rating: Not a bad match but the finish sucked, *

– We close the show with Heenan ready to talk about Andre the Giant, only we’re out of time!!!

Final Thoughts: This was definitely not one of their better shows. The Piper’s Pit and the Savage match help things out but the undercard matches were just too much to overcome. Match of the Night: I would actually call it segment of the night, the Piper’s Pit with Hart & Adonis is a classic!

WWC: Up to Speed with the Old School Territory

By
Noah Mark
-
1

I discovered WWC about 2 years ago through youtube.  Now granted I’ve always known of it’s existence, I just never followed it like I have been.  The promotion is owned by Carlos Colon, the father of former WWE star Carlito Caribbean Cool.  WWC is based out of Puerto Rico and uses the old school style of booking, and in my opinion it works most of the time for them.  They promote their stadium shows and iPPV’s on their tv show “Super Estrellas”, which is shown Saturday & Sunday at Noon on WAPA.  They normally air the matches from their stadium shows from the week prior.  They have a mixed amount of talent, some young, some old.

For the last several months Carlos Colon has been involved in a bitter feud with Invader #1, who turned heel on him last year.  For all you newbies, Invader #1 was the man who killed Bruiser Brody in the shower during an event in Puerto Rico during 1988, but he was found innocent after pleading self defense and a lack of witness testimonies.  For years the promotion suffered and had droughts where their talent had not been paid, but I would say last year they turned a corner.  They began pushing some of their new and younger talent such as The Precious One, Gilbert, Chris Angel, and it just clicked with the fans.  They have used their veteran tag team, Thunder & Lightning, to feud with some of the new talent that they have been bringing in such as the Sons of Samoa.  The matches and feuds have been fantastic, climaxing with chain matches and “extreme rules” matches.  They have been using Andy Leavine, who was a former WWE Tough Enough winner, as one of their top heels, and he has feuded with the likes of WWC regulars Ray Gonzalez & El Leon Apollo.  Leavine recently turned face and the people have really gotten behind him.  In my opinion, the WWE really missed the boat with him.

Recently WWC has had a mass exodus of wrestler’s leaving and I think the reason is because of the push of Invader #1, who is notably almost 70 and the lead heel.  Recently, they brought in Sting to wrestle on their Anniversario show, where he defeated Carlito in a good match.  Their next big show is “Euphoria” which is celebrating 3 Kings Day in Puerto Rico.

This was a synopsis on the current state of the company to bring you up to speed on the current WWC.

Video Review: Prime Time Wrestling 11/11/86

By
K.F. Brodzensky
-
0

Prime Time Wrestling 11/11/86

– Heenan & Gorilla kick off the show complete with a Bobby Heenan LJN figure and a stuffed Gorilla on their desk. All matches are from MSG 10/20/86. All matches are singles bouts involving tag team superstars.

Match #1: The Iron Sheik v. Jacques Rougeau: Sheik attacks Jacques to start, but Rougeau fires back and Sheik takes a powder. Back inside Jacques delivers a standing dropkick, hiptoss, an atomic drop and a kneedrop for two. Rougeau tries a backdrop but Sheik kicks him in the throat with the loaded boot. Sheik backdrops Jacques and applies an abdominal stretch. Rougeau breaks out but Sheik gets a gut wrench suplex for two. Jacques reverses a suplex but Sheik pitches him to the floor. Rougeau returns with a sunset flip into the ring on Sheik for the pin however at 7:30. Rating: Not bad at all *3/4

Match #2: Mike Rotunda v. Jim Brunzell: We have a baby v. baby match here joined in progress, but not too far in. Not much here, basic face v. face stuff. Brunzell applies an abdominal stretch incorrectly but Rotunda reverses it. Jumping Jim breaks out but the two crack heads. Back up Brunzell slaps on the sleeper but Mike gets out. Both men fall over the top rope to the floor and are both counted out at 5:04 after fighting to keep one another out of the ring. Rating: Would’ve been more possibly if complete. *

Match #3: Greg Valentine v. Davey Boy Smith: Valentine gets in a back breaker early in the contest and applies a bear hug. Smith breaks out and puts the Hammer in a bear hug of his own. Valentine eventually gets out of the hold and regains control of the bout and throws Davey to the concrete. Smith returns to the ring only to be greeted with a shoulder breaker and a suplex. DBS finds a way to get an inside cradle for two but the Hammer gets right back on top of Smith. Valentine begins to work over Davey’s leg but Smith finds a way to regain control and applies a sharpshooter submission hold. The Hammer gets to the ropes for the break but Smith stays on top with a delayed suplex and the running powerslam for two. Davey chases Valentine around the ring but Hammer suckers him back into the ring and hits an elbow drop. Valentine applies the figure four but Smith gets to the ropes. Davey gets on top of Valentine but the Hammer double legs Smith and covers him, using the ropes for leverage and the win at 12:34. Rating: Very good **1/2

– Ken Resnick is with the Hart Foundation. They get Resnick to call the British Bulldogs’ mascot a “Bitch”. Resnick would later claim that this promo was one of the main reasons he was released by the WWF.

Match #4: Moondog Spot v. SD Jones: Not much going on to start. SD gets a weak body slam but Spot cuts him off with a clothesline and a middle rope fit drop. Spot goes to one of his favorite moves next, the chin lock. Jones breaks the hold so Spotty sends him to the floor. Now inside again Spot gets a suplex and a kneelift on Jones. SD has enough finally and ties Spotty up in the ropes. SD gets an Irish whip but Spot catches him with a knee. Moondog tries an elbowdrop but misses. SD nails a standing head butt for the ridiculous pin. Rating: SD got like no offense, then won with a friggin headbutt, what’s that about? 1/4*

Match #5: Nikolai Volkoff v. Haku: Volkoff begins to sing the Russian Anthem but Haku attacks. Nikolai returns the favor but nailing Haku with a Russian Sickle if I ever saw one. and a kneedrop only gets him one. Nikolai pitches Haku to the outside (ever notice this happens in EVERY SINGLE match back then?). Much like African Americans, Islanders also have very hard heads, so Haku no sells some turnbuckle shots but Volkoff cuts him off with a foreign object. Moments later Volkoff misses a charge and Haku rolls him up for a rather quick win at 4:36. Rating: DUD, really not much else to say.

Match #6: Tama v. Moondog Rex: Tama uses some fancy footwork at first but eventually goes to the chin lock. Rex breaks out but Tama ties him in the ropes. Tama takes a charge but Rex moves and Tama falls to the floor. Moondog suplexes Tama back into the ring and applies a bear hug. Tama gets out and fires away with dreaded Samoan chops on Rex. Tama gets a backdrop and hits a top rope body block for the pin at 8:19. Rating: Okay, but not great 1/2*

Match #7: The Dynamite Kid v. Jim Neidhart: The Kid gets some flashy offense early on but the Anvil takes control and drops Dynamite on the floor. Back inside Anvil misses a splash and the Kid hits a missile dropkick. Dynamite charges at Anvil but Neidhart moves. The Kid somehow catches himself on the ropes and back flips himself back inside the ring (not skinning the cat) and rolls Anvil up from behind for a win at 5:49. Rating: Kind of quick but there were 11 matches on the MSG card. 3/4*

Match #8: King Kong Bundy v. Super Machine: The Machine is Demolition Ax/Masked Superstar. The Machine’s theme music SUCKED BTW. Machine gets a cross body for a near 3 count to start. Bundy floors the Machine but misses an elbow drop. KKB then tries a backdrop but gets nailed by the future Ax. Machine tries another cross body but Bundy catches him and gives him a back breaker. Machine attempts a comeback but Bundy reverses an Irish whip and hits the Avalanche in the corner and covers for the pin at 3:16. The Machines gimmick was on it’s deathbed, but we would soon see Demolition debut. Rating: Really Nothing, DUD

Thoughts: The show started off great but the middle really dropped the overall rating dramatically. Still some good matches.

Match of the Night: Greg Valentine v. Davey Boy Smith.

Video Review: WWF Prime Time Wrestling 11/3/86

By
K.F. Brodzensky
-
0

Prime Time Wrestling 11/3/86

A Special 1 hour version of PTW with your hosts as usual Monsoon & Heenan. Gorilla presents Heenan with his Bobby Heenan LJN figure. Monsoon has glued a weasel tail to the behind of the doll. These guys are something else. Heenan is the host this week BTW. All Matches are from the Summit in Houston, Texas, taped 10/19/86.

Match #1: Brutus Beefcake v. SD Jones: Bruti stomps on SD to start off. SD tries a come back but misses a charge into the corner. Beefcake takes over again but SD fights his way back and hits a slam and a series of jabs. Jones charges at Beefcake and ducks a clothesline. SD again hits the ropes but runs right into a high knee to give Beefcake an easy win at 3:26. Match was about 2 minutes in progress but it was all stalling until then. Rating: DUD, all the way.

Match #2: Greg Valentine v. Steve Gatorwolf: The Hammer works over Gatorwolf’s arm for quite a bit and then throws the Native American to the outside. Steve has had enough and Indian chops his way back into the ring. Gatorwolf goes to work on Valentine with even more Stereotypical Tomahawk Indian Chops. The Hammer powders and has Steve chase him around ringside. Gatorwolf chases Greg back into the ring where the Hammer is waiting and slaps on the figure four. Steve makes it to the ropes for the break. Valentine misses a middle rope elbow drop and Gatorwolf comes back with MORE TOMAHAWK CHOPS! Valentine reverses an Irish whip and Steve falls right into a vertical suplex for the win at 8:29. Rating: Valentine tries his best to carry a guy with one move. 1/2*

Match 3: Dynamite  Kid v. Moondog Rex: Match is In Progress. Rex sends Dynamite to the concrete for a breather. Back inside Rex gets a powerslam for two and then bear hugs the Kid. Moondog with a side suplex for two and back into the bear hug. Dynamite breaks the hug goes to work on Rex and gets a crucifix for the pin at 3:50. Rating: Not bad, I’m sure the worst was cut out. 1/4*

Match #4: Bret Hart v. Raymond Rougeau: Bret does quite a bit of stalling to start. The Hitman frustrates Ray early on and takes control. Hart eventually pitches Raymond to the concrete but Ray comes back in with a sunset flip over the top rope for two. Bret gets in a back breaker for two, but Raymond takes over. Ray with the savatte kick to the ribs of Bret and hits a sit-down splash for two. Ray with a dropkick gets 2. Rougeau tries a rollup but Bret reverses it and hooks the tights for the win at 8:31. Rating: Okay considering 3:00 of stalling to start. This isn’t Memphis ya know, Bret. 3/4*

– Bobby Heenan promises a special guest and brings “The King” Harley Race into the PTW studio. Gorilla & Race have a great argument going. Monsoon makes fun of Race’s ring attire. Heenan storms off the set nearly falling. Good closing segment.

Final Thoughts: These matches derived from what appeared to be an almost all tag team card, which had the teams broken up into singles competition. The matches were not very spectacular, but it was a one hour show and the ending is pretty good.

Match of the Night: Bret Hart v. Ray Rougeau

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