WWF: The Golden Age...and beyond?

Minarin · March 20, 2013

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant

WWF Intercontinental Championship: Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The British Bulldogs

Hair vs. Hair: Roddy Piper vs. Adrian Adonis

Loser Must Bow: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

Jake Roberts vs. Honky Tonk Man

Full Nelson Challenge: Billy Jack Haynes vs. Hercules

15-man Over the Top Rope Battle Royal, featuring: Brutus Beefcake, Butch Reed, Don Muraco, Greg Valentine, Jacques Rogeau, Jim Duggan, Jim Powers, King Kong Bundy, Koko B. Ware, Nikolai Volkoff, Paul Orndorff, Paul Roma, Raymond Rogeau, Rick Martel and Tito Santana

Who was the last man eliminated from the Battle Royal? Paul Orndorff

What was the best match of the night? Randy Savage vs Ricky Steamboat

NWAvsWWF · March 20, 2013

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant

WWF Intercontinental Championship: Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The British Bulldogs

Hair vs. Hair: Roddy Piper vs. Adrian Adonis

Loser Must Bow: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

Jake Roberts vs. Honky Tonk Man

Full Nelson Challenge: Billy Jack Haynes vs. Hercules

15-man Over the Top Rope Battle Royal, featuring: Brutus Beefcake, Butch Reed, Don Muraco, Greg Valentine, Jacques Rogeau, Jim Duggan, Jim Powers, King Kong Bundy, Koko B. Ware, Nikolai Volkoff, Paul Orndorff, Paul Roma, Raymond Rogeau, Rick Martel and Tito Santana

Who was the last man eliminated from the Battle Royal? Jim Duggan

What was the best match of the night? Seem to remember Savage vs Steamboat scoring high but never higher than the main event when i played this mod on 2010 so going with Hogan/Andre

The Final Countdown · March 20, 2013

March 26th and 27th, 1987: Superstars and Challenge

In pre-show matches, The Young Stallions beat Jimmy Jack Funk and Iron Mike Sharpe with a Double Back Suplex on Funk at 04:49 (D), and Butch Reed (w/Slick) defeated Outback Jack with a Shoulder Tackle at 04:40 (C-).

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/SOW.jpg

March 26th, 1987

From the KeyArena in Seattle, Washington

Attendance: 17,254

Announce Team: Gorilla Monsoon, Vince McMahon and Jesse "The Body" Ventura

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/GorillaMonsoon.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/VinceMcMahon.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JesseVentura.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/HulkHogan.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/MeanGene.jpg:original

Mean Gene was eager to get Hulk's thoughts on his looming match for the ages against Andre The Giant just days away, and also wanted to know if Hulk would confront his former friend when he showed up later that very night. Hulk evaded the second question, but had no problem answering the first one.

Hogan: ”WrestleMania III is gonna be the biggest match of all times, brother. And I know that this is the toughest challenge I've ever had or will ever have as the champion of the world. For fifteen years, nobody's been able to beat Andre—that's a record that will never be topped. But at WrestleMania, I will do what nobody else has ever done—I will slay the giant! And when I do, me and all my Hulkamaniacs will live forever through that one shining moment of ultimate victory! WHATCHA GONNA DO?!”

Grade: A

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/RandySavage.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/MissElizabeth.jpg:original

Randy Savage had a message for Ricky Steamboat just days before they were set to compete for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania.

Savage: ”Do you feel it yet, Dragon? Do you feel it? That shaky feeling in your legs, the knot in the pit of your stomach, the chill running down your spine, yeah? It means that WrestleMania III is right around the corner, which means that you're about to realize that this comeback you've been on? It's all been for nothing, yeah. Last time, I crushed your throat. This time, I CRUSH YOUR PRIDE! OOOH YEAH!”

Grade: C+

Koko B. Ware vs. Paul Orndorff (w/Bobby Heenan)
http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/KokoBWare.jpg:original vs. http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/PaulOrndorff.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BobbyHeenan.jpg:original

With both of these men set to take part in the 15-man Battle Royal at WrestleMania, neither man wanted to suffer a loss just days before the big show. Orndorff was full of confidence as the match began, but Koko surprised him by taking control with a series of Drop Kicks and Arm Drags. Just when Koko was building some momentum, Heenan reached out from the floor and hooked his leg, tripping him. That interference allowed Orndorff to hit the Piledriver soon thereafter and win the match.

Winner: Paul Orndorff with the Piledriver at 06:40
Grade: B-

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BobbyHeenan.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/MeanGene.jpg:original

Straight after the end of the previous match, Heenan raced out of the arena and to the parking lot. He was just in time as a stretch limo arrived, and out of the limo stepped none other than the 8th Wonder of the World himself.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/AndreTheGiant.jpg:original

WWF backstage reporter Gene Okerlund had been hot on Heenan's trail the entire way, and approached the pair for a comment. As Andre stood as still (and as large) as a mountain, Heenan spoke on his behalf.

Heenan: ”I'm a man of my word, am I not, Okerlund? I promised that Andre would be here, and here he is. I've promised that Andre will become the WWF Champion at WrestleMania, and he will. And I will also promise that later on tonight, Andre will deliver a giant message to the soon-to-be former champion, Hulk Hogan.”

Grade: B+

Jake Roberts and The British Bulldogs vs. Honky Tonk Man and The Hart Foundation (w/Jimmy Hart)
http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JakeRoberts.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/DaveyBoySmith.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/DynamiteKid.jpg:original vs. http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/HonkyTonkMan.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BretHart.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JimNeidhart.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JimmyHart.jpg:original

This was a preview of two of the huge matches scheduled for WrestleMania, and as such, there were two distinct dynamics. The British Bulldogs and the Hart Foundation wanted a piece of each other, and went out of their way to get it by tagging in whenever the opportunity for a confrontation presented itself. Conversely, Honky did not seem the least bit interested in dealing with Jake. He would tag out quickly whenever Jake was in the ring, and eventually just flat-out ran away from ringside, with Jake following right after him. The referee lost all control after that, and as the remaining four men slugged it out on the floor, he had no choice but to count both teams out and declare the match a no contest.

Double Count Out at 13:02
Grade: C+

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JimDuggan.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/MagnificentMuraco.jpg:original

Duggan and Muraco were scheduled to go one-on-one, but before the match could begin it was interrupted by...

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/AndreTheGiant.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BobbyHeenan.jpg:original

The match was completely forgotten as both men watched the imposing giant step over the ropes. Andre calmly shoved Duggan backwards with one gargantuan hand. Duggan had no choice but to fight back now, so he threw everything he had into trying to take the giant down with punches. But even with Duggan's considerable punching power, the blows had no effect. Andre felled Duggan with one massive headbutt, and hurled him over the top rope. He then glanced at Muraco, who was wise enough to step away from the giant and leave ringside as quickly as he could. Heenan then verbally lit into Hogan a bit before calling him out for a face to face meeting—if he had the guts to show.

Grade: A

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BobbyHeenan.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/AndreTheGiant.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/HulkHogan.jpg:original

To the surprise of no one, the Hulkster accepted Heenan's challenge and came down to the ring. He ignored Heenan, and instead walked right up to Andre.

Hogan: ”I don't know what happened to you, Andre. I thought I knew you, brother, but maybe you had me fooled. Or maybe that lying little weasel over there poisoned your mind. But none of that matters any more, dude. All that matters now is you, me, WrestleMania III, the heavyweight title...and most important of all, all my little Hulkamaniacs who look up to me, who idolize me, and who believe in me. And those Hulkamaniacs are going to be the difference, brother. You may be bigger than me, you may be stronger than me, you might not have been beaten in 15 years. But the Hulkamaniacs inspire me to be far greater than I could ever be on my own. Knowing that they're saying their prayers and taking their vitamins, knowing that they're counting on me to come through, is all the motivation I'm gonna need to chop you down to size, jack!”

Heenan: ”That's great stuff, Hulkster! It's so moving that it brings a tear to my eye, I kid you not. But unfortunately, all your millions of little Hulkamaniacs are going to be sobbing into their red and yellow pillows after Andre's through with you. As much as you and they may hate to admit it, it's inevitable. I mean, come on. Even with all things being equal, you'd be a massive underdog against the 8th Wonder of the World, the most dominant professional wrestler of all time. But things certainly aren't equal...my Family and I saw to that. I'm betting that if you were to tear off that hideous yellow t-shirt you're wearing, we'd see that your ribs are still heavily taped up. Tell me, do you honestly think you even have a prayer at beating the unbeatable, stopping the unstoppable, damaging the invincible, in the shape that you're in?”

Hogan: ”Why don't I show you what kind of shape I'm in, brother!”

With that, Hogan ripped his t-shirt (confirming Heenan's assumption about his ribs), and took a threatening step towards “The Brain.” He got no further, as Andre yanked Hogan back with one hand and spun him around so they were face to face once again. They stared each other down for several tense moments, exchanging words that only the two of them could hear.

And then, they collided. Hogan went after Andre with punch after punch, and unlike earlier with Duggan, these blows were having a visible effect on the giant. But it wasn't enough to stop Andre from driving his leg up, his knee connecting with Hogan's injured ribs. That blow dropped Hulk to his knees, and Andre did not let up, hitting Hulk right in the ribs with blow after blow.

Then, acting on orders from Heenan, Andre pulled a struggling Hogan up and wrapped his huge arms around him in a massive bear hug that threatened to squeeze the breath right out of him. Hulk struggled desperately to break free, but it was in vain: he did not have the strength or the leverage to budge Andre's bulk. The hold was released only when Andre voluntarily let go and allowed the champion to crumple to the mat in a heap. With that, Andre and a laughing Heenan walked off, leaving carnage in their wake. The WWF's medical staff rushed to help the injured champion, who was convulsing in agony on the mat as thousands of Hulkamaniacs watched on in concern.

Grade: A*

Overall Show Grade: B+

(Backstage Notes: Randy Savage and Dynamite Kid got into a fight. When I tried to discuss the incident with Savage, he brushed me off.)

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/Challenge.jpg

March 27th, 1987

From the Balch Fieldhouse in Boulder, Colorado

Attendance: 3,432

Announce Team: James Hill and Lord Alfred Hayes

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JamesHill.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/LordAlfredHayes.jpg

The Rougeau Brothers defeated Danny Spivey and Jimmy Jack Funk with La Bombe de Rougeau on Funk at 04:45. (D)

Ted DiBiase visited a prestigious golf course. After hitting a short drive, he paid his playing partner off to purposely mishit his own ball, thus insuring that Ted would have the better score. ©

Junkyard Dog defeated Iron Mike Sharpe with the Thump at 05:28. (C-)

Gene Okerlund conducted an interview with Jimmy Hart and the Hart Foundation, where Jimmy once again proclaimed that the Foundation would have no problem beating the British Bulldogs at WrestleMania. ©

King Kong Bundy (w/Bobby Heenan) defeated SD Jones with the Avalanche at 04:51. (C-)

After the match, Heenan got on the microphone and questioned the fans on which of their heroes had any hope of eliminating the massive Bundy from the Battle Royal at WrestleMania. (B)

Ricky Steamboat (w/George Steele) defeated Tiger Chung Lee with a Diving Cross Body at 05:58. (C+)

A video package recapped the feud between Ricky Steamboat and Randy Savage, focusing particularly on Savage crushing Steamboat's larynx with the ring bell, and Steamboat's recuperation and comeback from that injury. (B)

A final video package was aired. It highlighted several of the prominent matches scheduled for WrestleMania, and urged fans to witness the spectacle. (C+)

Overall Show Grade: C+

olympia · March 21, 2013

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant

much rather see Andre win, but I doubt that is in the cards. Hogan is the future and Andre's days of high level performance are numbered,

WWF Intercontinental Championship: Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat -- Savage can be made more interesting without the belt, but Ricky given the chance to have a longer title reign will cement his star atop the food chain. Love to see Steamboat vs Bret Hart in a few months(after they lose the tag straps)

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The British Bulldogs

Hair vs. Hair: Roddy Piper vs. Adrian Adonis

often the bald heel can generate so much heat for himself. So what if Piper leaves for Hollywood, he gets a hero's send off. I'm sure he'll be back some day

Loser Must Bow: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

Jake Roberts vs. Honky Tonk Man

I may be in the minority, but HTM could entertain and give a good show. I remember him as the Blonde Bomber and the feud where the loser had to dye their hair black - and the future I/C champ was born. Could be interesting to have him in a match some day where loser dyes their hair blonde to pay homage to that feud. Also agree that Snake heel turn could breathe life into his character.

Full Nelson Challenge: Billy Jack Haynes vs. Hercules

15-man Over the Top Rope Battle Royal, featuring: Brutus Beefcake, Butch Reed, Don Muraco, Greg Valentine, Jacques Rogeau, Jim Duggan, Jim Powers, King Kong Bundy, Koko B. Ware, Nikolai Volkoff, Paul Orndorff, Paul Roma, Raymond Rogeau, Rick Martel and Tito Santana

Who was the last man eliminated from the Battle Royal? Don Muraco

that would give reason to have the match that was interuppted

What was the best match of the night? Hogan-Andre

skills wise we know Savage-Steamboat will be 5 star, but the mega star power of these two could make it an all-time great match

guyver3 · March 21, 2013

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant

WWF Intercontinental Championship: Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The British Bulldogs

Hair vs. Hair: Roddy Piper vs. Adrian Adonis

Loser Must Bow: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

Jake Roberts vs. Honky Tonk Man

Full Nelson Challenge: Billy Jack Haynes vs. Hercules

15-man Over the Top Rope Battle Royal, featuring: Brutus Beefcake, Butch Reed, Don Muraco, Greg Valentine, Jacques Rogeau, Jim Duggan, Jim Powers, King Kong Bundy, Koko B. Ware, Nikolai Volkoff, Paul Orndorff, Paul Roma, Raymond Rogeau, Rick Martel and Tito Santana

Who was the last man eliminated from the Battle Royal? Jim Duggan

What was the best match of the night? Hogan vs Andre

RKOwnage · March 21, 2013

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant

WWF Intercontinental Championship: Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The British Bulldogs

Hair vs. Hair: Roddy Piper vs. Adrian Adonis

Loser Must Bow: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

Jake Roberts vs. Honky Tonk Man

Full Nelson Challenge: Billy Jack Haynes vs. Hercules

15-man Over the Top Rope Battle Royal, featuring: Brutus Beefcake, Butch Reed, Don Muraco, Greg Valentine, Jacques Rogeau, Jim Duggan, Jim Powers, King Kong Bundy, Koko B. Ware, Nikolai Volkoff, Paul Orndorff, Paul Roma, Raymond Rogeau, Rick Martel and Tito Santana

Who was the last man eliminated from the Battle Royal? Beefcake.

What was the best match of the night? Savage/Steamboat

BHK1978 · March 21, 2013

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant

Well ya know brother, what cha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you!

WWF Intercontinental Championship: Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The British Bulldogs

Hair vs. Hair: Roddy Piper vs. Adrian Adonis

There is just more payoff if Adrian loses.

Loser Must Bow: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

Much like the Adonis match, there is just more of a payoff in Race losing and being forced to bow.

Jake Roberts vs. Honky Tonk Man

Full Nelson Challenge: Billy Jack Haynes vs. Hercules

A classic affair between two roided up drug addicts...

15-man Over the Top Rope Battle Royal, featuring: Brutus Beefcake, Butch Reed, Don Muraco, Greg Valentine, Jacques Rogeau, Jim Duggan, Jim Powers, King Kong Bundy, Koko B. Ware, Nikolai Volkoff, Paul Orndorff, Paul Roma, Raymond Rogeau, Rick Martel and Tito Santana

Who was the last man eliminated from the Battle Royal? Brutus Beefcake

What was the best match of the night? Tough call with this being a popularity fed, I could see the main event being the best match of the night. However, I have no idea how kind Andre's stats are so I will go with Macho Man/Steamboat

The Final Countdown · March 21, 2013

We're probably looking at one more day before Mania is done. Two days max. So if anyone else wants to submit predictions for the show, now's the time.

Speaking of which: I probably should have mentioned it before, but Mania will be the beginning of a (PPV only) prediction contest. I'm thinking it'll run for three months before we declare a winner and start a brand new one. The winner will get to name someone for me to hire.

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant

The Giant is a special attraction alright but the most iconic moment in our sport just has to happen... I just hope he doesn't die a couple of days later this time...

I know, right? Who knew the Hulkster's body slams were delivered with such deadly force?

Jake Roberts vs. Honky Tonk Man

I've never been fond of Honky Tonk as a wrestler or a character - he was an effective heel, I guess, but Jake could be gold if handled correctly... and it's not as a face!

Also agree that Snake heel turn could breathe life into his character.

I left out one or two other comments that said something similar, but you get the idea. People clearly want Jake as a heel, and I understand why. He can play face or heel equally well in this mod, but in reality, I don't think there's any doubt that he did his best work as a heel. Will I turn him heel, though? Only time will tell...

Hair vs. Hair: Roddy Piper vs. Adrian Adonis
Need to find someone to face Hulk with weekly ppvs....in my TGA game Vince told me to bury Adrian

I'm assuming you meant monthly PPVs, as I'm not NWA-TNA.

I'm kind of glad I'm not playing with Owner Goals on, seeing as Vince seemingly has a problem with half the roster. Who would I push?

What was the best match of the night?
Based on TEW ratings? Hogan vs Andre if booked correctly which you are an expert at

I am far from an expert. Especially when you consider that 99% of my TEW time has been spent booking a vastly different product (ROH), and this is my first real TEW2013 game, and I didn't play 2010 at all. I'm still adjusting, and only just starting to figure out how to book a popularity-based fed.

WWF Intercontinental Championship: Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat -- Savage can be made more interesting without the belt, but Ricky given the chance to have a longer title reign will cement his star atop the food chain. Love to see Steamboat vs Bret Hart in a few months(after they lose the tag straps)

Doesn't Steamboat vs. Bret just scream "five star match" to you? Shame their primes didn't quite match up in real life.

Full Nelson Challenge: Billy Jack Haynes vs. Hercules

A classic affair between two roided up drug addicts...

Hey now, Herc's cleaned up his act. No, seriously, he has. Dude responded well to the booker man.

(Of course, coming from booking ROH, I have no idea how the lifestyle mechanics work. Can he fall back into old habits despite reforming?)

Nobby_McDonald · March 21, 2013

Hmmm... I wonder how close TFC's WMIII will mirror reality...

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant

WWF Intercontinental Championship: Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The British Bulldogs

Hair vs. Hair: Roddy Piper vs. Adrian Adonis

Loser Must Bow: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

Jake Roberts vs. Honky Tonk Man

Full Nelson Challenge: Billy Jack Haynes vs. Hercules

15-man Over the Top Rope Battle Royal, featuring: Brutus Beefcake, Butch Reed, Don Muraco, Greg Valentine, Jacques Rogeau, Jim Duggan, Jim Powers, King Kong Bundy, Koko B. Ware, Nikolai Volkoff, Paul Orndorff, Paul Roma, Raymond Rogeau, Rick Martel and Tito Santana

Who was the last man eliminated from the Battle Royal? Jim Duggan

What was the best match of the night? Savage v Steamboat

HEEL · March 22, 2013

I haven't been on this board in a week and for a moment I thought that I'd missed your WM III!

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant (Hogan slams all 5 tons of Andre in front of a record crowd of 2 million fully paid at the Pontiac Silverdome!)

WWF Intercontinental Championship: Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The British Bulldogs

Hair vs. Hair: Roddy Piper vs. Adrian Adonis

Loser Must Bow: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

Jake Roberts vs. Honky Tonk Man

Full Nelson Challenge: Billy Jack Haynes vs. Hercules

15-man Over the Top Rope Battle Royal, featuring: Brutus Beefcake, Butch Reed, Don Muraco, Greg Valentine, Jacques Rogeau, Jim Duggan, Jim Powers, King Kong Bundy, Koko B. Ware, Nikolai Volkoff, Paul Orndorff, Paul Roma, Raymond Rogeau, Rick Martel and Tito Santana

Who was the last man eliminated from the Battle Royal? Paul Roma (In all his "greatness")

What was the best match of the night? Savage v Steamboat

The Final Countdown · March 22, 2013

March 29th, 1987: WrestleMania III

In a pre-show match, Ted DiBiase defeated Jim Brunzell with the Million Dollar Dream at 06:30. ©

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/wrestlemania_three.jpg:original

March 29th, 1987

From the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/PontiacSilverdome.jpg:original

Attendance: 93,173 (sell-out!)

Announce Team: Gorilla Monsoon, Vince McMahon and Jesse "The Body" Ventura

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/GorillaMonsoon.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/VinceMcMahon.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JesseVentura.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/VinceMcMahon.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/ArethaFranklin.jpg:original

Vince McMahon welcomed everyone to WrestleMania III, and announced that 93,173 WWF fanatics had packed the Silverdome—a new indoor attendance record! He then introduced the “Queen of Soul”, Aretha Franklin, who performed a rousing rendition of “America the Beautiful” to begin the show.

Grade: C+

15-Man Battle Royal, featuring:
http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BrutusBeefcake.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/ButchReed.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/GregValentine.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JacquesRougeau.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JimDuggan.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JimPowers.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/KingKongBundy.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/KokoBWare.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/MagnificentMuraco.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/NikolaiVolkoff.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/PaulOrndorff.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/PaulRoma.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/RaymondRougeau.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/RickMartel.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/TitoSantana.jpg:original

There were several preexisting alliances among the 15 participants (the Dream Team, the Young Stallions, the Rougeaus, and the Heenan Family's Bundy and Orndorff), and unsurprisingly, those pairings each banded together and aided each other throughout the Battle Royal. This team warfare accounted for the majority of the eliminations, with the Orndorff/Bundy tandem being the most successful and racking up the greatest number of eliminations.

Ultimately, the final four came down to Orndorff, Bundy, Duggan and Santana. The four paired off, with Duggan fighting Bundy while Santana took on Orndorff. Duggan tried to lift Bundy over and out, but he could not get his mass over the top rope. Bundy fought him off and crushed him in the corner with an Avalanche, which made it easy for him to throw “Hacksaw” out.

This left Tito alone against both members of the Heenan Family. Knowing the odds were against him, Tito wasted no time in throwing everything he had at his two opponents. He utilized an evasive, fast-strike offense, and in doing so he was able to catch “Mr. Wonderful” with a Dropkick that narrowed the field down to two. Santana continued doing what he'd been doing, but Bundy caught him out of the air on an attempted Flying Forearm and easily chucked him to the floor to win the show-opening Battle Royal.

Winner: King Kong Bundy, last eliminating Tito Santana at 13:58
Grade: B

The Full Nelson Challenge:
Billy Jack Haynes vs. Hercules (w/Bobby Heenan)
http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BillyJackHaynes.jpg:original vs. http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/Hercules.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BobbyHeenan.jpg:original

Even though this was technically a standard match that could be won in all of the usual ways, it was clear that both men wanted to prove their point by making their opponent submit to their version of the Full Nelson. As a result, the match consisted of both powerhouses using that strength both to weaken their foe, and to try and trap them in the Full Nelson. There was not a single pin attempted during the entire match.

The race to apply the Full Nelson was won by Haynes, who trapped Hercules in the hold right in the center of the ring as Heenan urged his man not to quit. And Hercules obliged him: he showed incredible strength in not only withstanding the hold, but actually powering out of it. The escape stunned Billy Jack and made him easy prey for Hercules, who secured his own version of the Full Nelson and won the match.

Winner: Hercules with the Full Nelson at 09:47
Grade: C

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/HulkHogan.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BobUecker.jpg:original

Celebrity guest interviewer “Mr. Baseball” Bob Uecker asked Hulk how he was feeling, knowing that his long-anticipated clash with Andre was just an hour or two away. A noticeably amped-up Hogan said he'd never been more ready for a match in his life, and he thanked the Hulkamaniacs for their support and belief in him as he prepared for the biggest match of his career. He also had the following to say, directed at Andre:

Hogan: ”You threw away decades of love and support from the fans to follow around that weasel, Bobby Heenan, and it's all been about this, this match, this showdown. And Andre, when it's all over, I hope you're able to live with yourself and the choice you made, brother. For the rest of your life, you're gonna know that you threw it all away for nothing, because thanks to all the 90 thousand Hulkamaniacs here in the Silverdome, and all the millions all around the world, there's no way you're gonna beat me tonight! So Andre, whatcha gonna do when Hulk Hogan and 93,173 Hulkamaniacs run wild on you?!"

Grade: B

Hair vs. Hair:
Roddy Piper vs. Adrian Adonis (w/Jimmy Hart)
http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/RoddyPiper.jpg:original vs. http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/AdrianAdonis.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JimmyHart.jpg:original

Hatred was in the air between these two men, who had been at each others' throats ever since Adonis' Flower Shop had replaced Piper's Pit during Roddy's absence from the Federation. And yet, knowing that the loser would have their head shaved, both men were wary of being disqualified. Their intense battle went right to the edge quite frequently, but they would always pull themselves back when it seemed that referee Joey Marella had had enough. Marella did allow them some leeway though, and every fan in attendance and watching at home would thank him, because Piper and Adonis had a very physical and intense fight that would stand out as one of the highlights of WrestleMania III.

Thanks to the interference of Jimmy Hart, Adonis was able to lock Piper in the Goodnight Irene. The Adorable One had a big smile on his face as Roddy was fading fast, but the Rowdy Scot had more fight left in him. He made it to the ropes, and shortly thereafter made a huge comeback, peppering Adrian with punches and rattling his jaw with a Knee Lift before putting him in his own version of a Sleeper. Hart shouted encouragement through his megaphone, but it was a lost cause. Adonis was out cold.

Winner: Roddy Piper with the Sleeper at 11:35
Grade: B+

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/RoddyPiper.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/AdrianAdonis.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JimmyHart.jpg:original

With Adrian fast asleep, Piper took great pleasure in cutting his hair. He took his time, playing to the crowd and taunting Jimmy Hart before he ever put the scissors to use. But put them to use he did, no matter how loud Hart shouted. After he was through with Adonis, Piper chased a terrified Jimmy Hart around the ring, and cut off some of his hair for good measure.

Grade: B-

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/Tag.jpg:original
The Hart Foundation vs. The British Bulldogs
http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BretHart.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JimNeidhart.jpg:original vs. http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/DaveyBoySmith.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/DynamiteKid.jpg:original

Conspicuous by his absence was Jimmy Hart, who would not be seen for the rest of the night following his run-in with Roddy Piper and a pair of scissors. But the Hart Foundation are the real deal, and did not look nervous or directionless without their manager. Instead, they went toe-to-toe with the former champions in an exciting back-and-forth contest that once again proved that these are two of the best tag teams in the world. Both teams pulled off some impressive double team combinations, and there were numerous near-falls for both sides.

The Foundation looked to be on their way to defending their belts when they isolated and double teamed Dynamite, but he was able to hit a Snap Suplex that bought him enough time to tag out. Davey Boy immediately went on a tear, using his power to throw both members of the Foundation around the ring. But then, something unexpected happened:

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/DannyDavis.jpg:original

Danny Davis, the crooked ex-referee that played a major role in the Foundation winning the belts from the Bulldogs back in January, slipped into the ring and blindsided Davey Boy with one of the tag team championship belts to the back of the head while referee Dave Hebner was focused on keeping Neidhart and Dynamite out of the ring. Bret then covered a motionless Davey Boy to retain the gold for his team, but the real story was Danny Davis' interference marring what had been a great championship contest.

Winners: The Hart Foundation by pinfall at 13:03 after Danny Davis struck Davey Boy Smith with the championship belt
The Hart Foundation retained the WWF World Tag Team Championship
Grade: B

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/AndreTheGiant.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BobbyHeenan.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BobUecker.jpg:original

Bob Uecker interviewed Andre and Heenan—or more accurately, he interviewed Heenan and shot Andre repeated nervous glances. Heenan was amused by Uecker's obvious intimidation, but his focus was mainly on the success his Family had already enjoyed at WrestleMania—and what was still to come.

Heenan: ”Bundy won the Battle Royal. Hercules broke out of that pretender Billy Jack Haynes' poor excuse for a Full Nelson, and taught him how to properly apply it. Up next, the great Harley Race will put that peasant Junkyard Dog in his place and force him to bow to the King of the WWF. And it all leads up to the grand finale, the feature attraction, the main event, where the mountain of a man standing to my left will...”

Heenan abruptly stopped in mid-sentence when the giant placed his massive left hand on his shoulder. Andre nodded at Heenan, then looked into the camera.

Andre: ”Hulk Hogan, tonight...you fall.”

Grade: A

Loser Must Bow:
Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race (w/Bobby Heenan)
http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JunkyardDog.jpg:original vs. http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/KingHarley.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BobbyHeenan.jpg:original

Despite his insistence about being above a 'commoner' like the Junkyard Dog, Race refused to fight JYD conventionally. The King used constant stall tactics to avoid contact, much to the displeasure of both JYD and the fans in the Silverdome. When JYD was able to actually catch up to Race and attack, he made the King pay for his cowardice with some solid punches and hard slams. Race was able to turn the tide after a thumb to the eye, and he continued to use whatever tactic necessary to try and gain and maintain the advantage.

JYD put Race down for the count with his signature Thump powerslam. Unfortunately for him, Heenan had the referee's attention, and the three count was not made. JYD got up and charged at Heenan, forcing “The Brain” to hop off of the ring apron to avoid being hit. But the distraction gave Race the opportunity to catch JYD with a knee to the back, which was quickly followed by a match-ending Piledriver.

Winner: King Harley Race with the Piledriver at 11:50
Grade: B-

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/KingHarley.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BobbyHeenan.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JunkyardDog.jpg:original

The King and The Brain were all smiles, knowing that per the pre-match stipulations, the proud Junkyard Dog would now be forced to bow to the arrogant King. Naturally, Heenan decided this was a perfect time to gloat.

Heenan: ”And that's three-for-three for the Heenan Family! Just one more to go, and all of you humanoids will have no choice but to admit that we rule the World Wrestling Federation! But before Andre closes this night out with the victory to end all victories...Mr. Dog, sir, I believe you have some bowing to do?”

JYD was understandably reluctant; bowing to any man, much less an arrogant one like Harley Race, went against everything he'd ever been taught. But he'd signed the contract, and knew he had no choice. So JYD did what he had to do, and bowed to the King...only to immediately punch him in his royal face! Race and Heenan fled the ring as quickly as they could, while JYD stayed behind to play to the crowd.

Grade: B-

Jake Roberts vs. Honky Tonk Man
http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JakeRoberts.jpg:original vs. http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/HonkyTonkMan.jpg:original

In contrast to the Hart Foundation, who adapted well to the absence of Jimmy Hart, the Honky Tonk Man looked lost without his “colonel” by his side. He didn't seem to know what to do to try and combat Jake, who punished HTM with a barrage of jabs and clotheslines. Even when Honky would roll out of the ring to try and regroup, “The Snake” would pounce on him swiftly.

It had been a one-sided match for the most part, but Honky changed all of that with a well-timed thumb to the eye, quickly followed by a series of hard right hands to the face. He did not waste this opening; he dropped Jake with the Shake, Rattle & Roll. But to his shock, Jake kicked out before the 3-count. Honky never really recovered from that mental blow; Jake soon regained control and put him away with a devastating DDT.

Winner: Jake Roberts with the DDT at 13:49
Grade: B

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JakeRoberts.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/HonkyTonkMan.jpg:original

Jake was victorious, but he wasn't finished with Honky just yet.

Roberts: ”Hey, Honky, Mr. wanna-be rock star? Remember how I promised I'd introduce you to a real rock star? Well, I wasn't bluffing. You see, several weeks ago, you said that you would show 'Detroit Rock City' how it's done. So I went out and invited along someone who knows 'Detroit Rock City' far better than you or I ever could."

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/GeneSimmons.jpg:original

'Detroit Rock City' by Kiss played as the lead singer of that selfsame band, Gene Simmons, walked down to the ring. He greeted Jake, who handed him the guitar that Honky had brought with him at the beginning of the match. Simmons waited as a groggy HTM got to his feet, turned around...and then he struck. Gene swung with all his might, and Honky Tonk Man had his own guitar smashed right over his head! Jake laughed at the poetic justice, and held Gene's arm in the air in celebration.

Grade: B

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/IC.jpg:original
Randy Savage (w/Miss Elizabeth) vs. Ricky Steamboat
http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/RandySavage.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/MissElizabeth.jpg:original vs. http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/RickySteamboat.jpg:original

For months, there had been a serious grudge between Savage and Steamboat, highlighted by the unforgettable sight of the Macho Man coming off of the top rope with the ring bell and sending The Dragon to the hospital with an injured larynx. Because of the animosity that had built, many fans may have expected this to be a wild brawl, but the exact opposite happened. The blood feud took a back seat to the prestigious Intercontinental title, and both champion and challenger competed for the right to walk out with that championship in their possession. The result: nothing short of a wrestling classic that will be talked about for years—decades, even. Savage and Steamboat put on an absolute clinic, a match so good that it will likely inspire many future wrestlers in generations to come.

They matched each other move for move, hold for hold, counter for counter. There were too many pinning combinations to count, but the fans counted along with every one of them, growing louder and more invested the longer the matchup lasted. As the minutes passed and the momentum built, it became clear that regardless of who had their hand raised at the end of the match, both men would come out the stronger simply for having been part of it.

Savage positioned Ricky exactly where he wanted him with a Scoop Slam, and came off of the top rope with his big Elbow Drop. But incredibly, Steamboat somehow kicked out just before the decisive 3-count. Savage could not believe it, and his infamous temper flared up. He yelled at the referee for the speed of his count before he angrily marched out to the floor and retrieved the timekeeper's bell, the same weapon he'd used to injure Steamboat's throat months earlier. Savage brought the weapon into the ring with him and prepared to swing for the fences.

Before he could do so, Miss Elizabeth entered the ring and placed herself between the two athletes. Savage yelled at her to get out of the way, but just as she did weeks earlier on TV, she refused. Savage threw the bell out of the ring and wagged his finger in Elizabeth's face before returning his attention to Steamboat—who unloaded on the champion with a flurry of karate chops that knocked Macho onto his back. As Elizabeth exited the ring, Steamboat scaled the ropes and launched himself off with a Flying Cross Body onto the champion. However, Savage rolled through with the move, using Steamboat's own momentum to wrap him up in a textbook Cradle. Before he could even react, Steamboat's shoulders had been pinned to the mat for a count of three, bringing a sudden end to what had been perhaps the greatest match in WrestleMania history.

Winner: Randy Savage with a Cradle at 18:39
Randy Savage retained the WWF Intercontinental Championship
Grade: A

A short video was aired. The video announced that WrestleMania IV will be held on March 27th, 1988 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Grade: C

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/World87.jpg:original
Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant (w/Bobby Heenan)
http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/HulkHogan.jpg:original vs. http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/AndreTheGiant.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BobbyHeenan.jpg:original

This, as Gorilla Monsoon dubbed it, was “The Irresistible Force meets the Immovable Object.” It was Hogan's three years as champion vs. Andre's 15-year undefeated streak. Something had to give.

At the forefront of the minds of all concerned Hulkamaniacs were Hogan's ribs, initially injured during an attack by the Heenan Family several weeks earlier, and compounded by the massive giant on the final “Superstars” before the big show. Andre knew full well that he was dealing with an injured, weakened champion, and he sought to exploit his advantage by zeroing in on the Hulkster's taped ribs. He attacked Hogan with punches, kicks and knees to the ribs, each blow causing the Hulk to wince in pain. Hogan valiantly fought on, trying to stagger the big man with punches, but Andre would always land a shot to the ribs before Hulk could build any considerable momentum.

After about ten minutes of action, Andre got Hogan in the same hold that had been so effective during their “Superstars” confrontation—a Bearhug. The giant wrapped his massive arms around Hogan's frame and squeezed, compressing the chest of the champion and preventing him from breathing properly. The fans watched in concern (and Heenan watched in glee) as the Hulk's body gradually went slack, and he fell to first one knee, then the other. Not getting a response, referee Dave Hebner raised Hulk's arm, and it dropped. He raised it again, and once again, it dropped. He raised it a third time...

..but it stayed up, to the delight of the Hulkamaniacs and the despair of The Brain. With the 'maniacs cheering him on, Hulk struggled back up to his feet and pummeled the giant with fists to the face until he finally released the hold. Hogan continued the assault, landing close to a dozen punches, and Andre staggered a bit. Hulk hit the ropes and connected with a clothesline, and the giant nearly went off of his feet entirely. Then, summoning all his strength and mentally blocking out the pain in his ribs, Hogan lifted the mammoth giant in the air and dropped him to the canvas with a thunderous Body Slam! Heenan watched in horror, helpless to prevent Hulk from bouncing off of the ropes, dropping the Big Leg and slaying the giant.

Winner: Hulk Hogan with the Big Leg Drop at 13:01
Hulk Hogan retained the WWF World Heavyweight Championship
Grade: B-

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/HulkHogan.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/AndreTheGiant.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BobbyHeenan.jpg:original

The Hulkster dropped to his knees in exhaustion and relief shortly after he was handed his championship belt, but that didn't stop him from getting up and celebrating his victory with all 93,173 of his Hulkamaniacs. WrestleMania III signed off with a triumphant Hulk Hogan standing in the ring, his belt held high---and Andre and Heenan making the slow walk back up the aisle, Andre with his head slumped, and Heenan actually on the verge of tears.

Grade: A

Overall Show Grade: B

Prediction Points:

michgcs: 8
Nobby_McDonald: 8

franticloser: 7
Ritchardo: 7
Beejus: 7
Minarin: 7
NWAvsWWF: 7
#HEEL: 7

rjhabeeb: 6
RKOwnage: 6

olympia: 5
BHK1978: 5
edenborn: 5

guyver3: 4

((How 'bout that main event score, huh? More on that tomorrow in an in-character post.))

Gentleman Raven · March 22, 2013

Though I didn't get the time to predict, great diary so far. A little surprised at the Hogan/Andre score. A 'B-?' Really? But the match that made up for it, of course, was the Savage/Steamboat encounter. Looking forward to seeing where you go from here with that storyline as you deviate a little from real life.

edenborn · March 22, 2013

Great show, despite the main event score! Got my prediction in too late. Oh well. Here's where my head was...

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant

Just to be a contrarian, I'll say Andre over Hogan with the idea that a debuting Ted DiBiase will distract Hogan during the match, and then proceed to buy the title from Andre.

WWF Intercontinental Championship: Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

The crushed larynx must be avenged.

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The British Bulldogs

The Excellence of Execution is a midcard tag wrestler? I think not. The Bulldogs pin Neidhart to get the tag belts so you can start pushing Bret as the unstoppable singles wrestler he's meant to become.

Hair vs. Hair: Roddy Piper vs. Adrian Adonis

Piper finds himself all out of bubblegum, settles for kicking ass, shaving head.

Loser Must Bow: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

Race is getting old but he's too good not to push. I'd have him cheat to win the match and give JYD some revenge after.

Jake Roberts vs. Honky Tonk Man

♫ "I'm just a Honky Tonk Man. I'm cool, I'm cocky, I'm DDT'd." ♫

Full Nelson Challenge: Billy Jack Haynes vs. Hercules

Billy Jack loses the challenge, wins a pink slip, wonders where everything went so wrong.

15-man Over the Top Rope Battle Royal, featuring: Brutus Beefcake, Butch Reed, Don Muraco, Greg Valentine, Jacques Rogeau, Jim Duggan, Jim Powers, King Kong Bundy, Koko B. Ware, Nikolai Volkoff, Paul Orndorff, Paul Roma, Raymond Rogeau, Rick Martel and Tito Santana

Who was the last man eliminated from the Battle Royal? Greg Valentine

And so ends the Dream Team.

What was the best match of the night? Savage vs. Steamboat

Unless there's some truly ridiculous bad chemistry that brings it down.

christmas_ape · March 22, 2013

great show, I'm annoyed I forgot to predict in time.

It is strange to see Hogan/Andre get a B- although I guess it's not so surprising, assuming you have Perfect Match Theory on, following Savage/Steamboat would always be tough.

guyver3 · March 23, 2013

great show as already said not surprised at the Hogan Andre rating after Savage Steamboat. Glad to see Hercules get the win I tend to give him a bit of a push (and anyone else for that matter) after they clean up their act, not sure if it affects loyalty or not but I'd like to think so.

The Final Countdown · March 23, 2013

March 30th, 1987

Last night, post-WrestleMania III company party

"Something wrong, James?"

I looked up from my beer, surprised to hear that question from my boss. Maybe he was just toying with me before throwing me out on my ass for ruining his signature event? It would serve me right, though I had to admit that being fired at the post-WrestleMania company party would be incredibly humiliating.

"Of course. This was supposed to be the biggest show ever, but it was a letdown," I answered truthfully, unable to decide whether his question was legitimate and so just saying what was on my mind.

"How was it a letdown?” Vince questioned. “We drew the biggest attendance we've ever had, and I'm sure the pay-per-view figures will be similarly positive.”

“But Hogan vs. Andre was a flop,” I pointed out. “That was supposed to be the biggest match of all time, but in reality it was one of the worst matches of the night. And it dragged the entire show down.”

“I wouldn't exactly classify it as a 'flop', but I understand your point,” Vince remarked. “I'm just as disappointed as you are in how that match turned out. I know Hulk feels the same way too. But it's not nearly so bad as you make it out to be. I agree that had that match turned out the way we all hoped it would, this show would have been so much the better for it. But WrestleMania III was not a failure, not by any means. I'm perfectly content with the show as a whole, and based on the general vibe from the locker room, I think most of the boys agree.”

He had a point, I suppose. Hogan was understandably disappointed, yes, but the locker room as a whole had been in pretty good spirits following the show. Savage and Steamboat were particularly pleased, especially when I singled them out for their amazing performance in my post-show speech.

“Thanks for that, sir,” I said, relieved that a pink slip didn't seem to be in my immediate future. “I still wish Hulk and Andre could have gone out there and put it over the top.”

“So do I,” Vince agreed, “but I don't hold you responsible for that. At this stage of his career, Andre can't do much physically. You kept the match time about as short as you feasibly could. There was just no way they were going to go out there and follow that Savage/Steamboat match. If there was anything you should have done differently, perhaps it would have been putting those two earlier on the show so the crowd had more time to recover before the main event. But I understand why you structured the show the way you did; the semi main event is a very important slot, and if everything had gone to plan, Savage and Steamboat would have been the ideal choice for that position.”

“I also should have had Pat or Arnold work more closely with Hulk and Andre on laying their match out,” I offered, but Vince shook his head.

“Hulk and Andre both have years of experience,” Vince said. “In your shoes, I likely would have given them just as much freedom to put their match together as you did. Who could have predicted that it would come apart in the middle like it did?”

“I certainly couldn't have,” I admitted with a chuckle, my mood much improved since this conversation had started.

“Seriously, James, don't beat yourself up about this. It may not have been the home run you wanted, but this was still a good night for the company, and I believe in your plans for the future. Just treat this as a learning experience, and don't start doubting yourself now. I have faith in you.”

“Thanks. That means a lot to me.”

Vince nodded, shook my hand and walked off to rejoin his family at their table. So even if WrestleMania III had fallen a bit short of the mark thanks to a main event that didn't quite live up to the hype, it hadn't damaged the company. It was still a very profitable night, the locker room was pleased, and Vince still trusted me. Maybe it wasn't the night for the ages I'd been shooting for, but it would have to do.

And then came today.

We conducted some random drug tests at WrestleMania, and there were several issues. Adrian Adonis and Honky Tonk Man both tested positive for soft drugs, while Don Muraco was flagged for steroids. Adonis and Muraco both appeared to take our chat seriously, even if they weren't as emotional and apologetic as Hercules had been. Honky, on the other hand, made a production out of ignoring me and demonstrating how little he respects me. Maybe he's justified, given my inexperience, but this is a problem that will need to be dealt with. Unfortunately, word of these failed tests has hurt locker room morale, taking care of the positive post-Mania vibes (and then some.) I've cleared out a lot of the troublemakers, but some changes still need to be made in order for us to develop a more positive backstage atmosphere.

It's a time of change here in the WWF. Vince is preparing to step away from the announce table and tend to his other ventures once Gorilla and Jesse are a bit more comfortable working together. Rick Rude has become the first developmental call-up, and is set to debut on the main roster imminently. Ted DiBiase is about to become a regular after a couple of weeks of pre-taped segments to introduce his character. Superstars of Wrestling is expanding from 60 to 90 minutes on a trial basis. We're about to test out the new tiered monthly PPV concept, with a lower-level PPV to come just four weeks after Mania. We're even about to add an additional championship belt (but more on that later.)

My first month on the job was largely about continuing with existing plans to get us through WrestleMania. Now that that's finished, it's time for me to truly put my own stamp on the WWF.

Though I didn't get the time to predict, great diary so far. A little surprised at the Hogan/Andre score. A 'B-?' Really? But the match that made up for it, of course, was the Savage/Steamboat encounter. Looking forward to seeing where you go from here with that storyline as you deviate a little from real life.

Well, it sort of made up for it, but I think it also had something to do with the low main event score. Hogan/Andre probably wouldn't have scored so bad if, say, Race vs. JYD had been the semi main event instead.

Great show, despite the main event score! Got my prediction in too late. Oh well. Here's where my head was...

I saw that you were reading the thread as I was pasting the show in from OpenOffice, so I went ahead and counted your score.

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The British Bulldogs

The Excellence of Execution is a midcard tag wrestler? I think not. The Bulldogs pin Neidhart to get the tag belts so you can start pushing Bret as the unstoppable singles wrestler he's meant to become.

While the Foundation may have held onto their belts, Bret was included in the 'future' half of the introductory picture in the very first post, and may be my favorite wrestler ever. Safe to say that he figures heavily into my long-term plans.

Hair vs. Hair: Roddy Piper vs. Adrian Adonis

Piper finds himself all out of bubblegum, settles for kicking ass, shaving head.

And he didn't even stop with Adrian's hair!

Loser Must Bow: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

Race is getting old but he's too good not to push. I'd have him cheat to win the match and give JYD some revenge after.

Good call.

Jake Roberts vs. Honky Tonk Man

♫ "I'm just a Honky Tonk Man. I'm cool, I'm cocky, I'm DDT'd." ♫

And THEN he got smashed with his own guitar for good measure!

Full Nelson Challenge: Billy Jack Haynes vs. Hercules

Billy Jack loses the challenge, wins a pink slip, wonders where everything went so wrong.

No pink slip (yet.)

What was the best match of the night? Savage vs. Steamboat

Unless there's some truly ridiculous bad chemistry that brings it down.

In this mod, Savage/Steamboat and Hogan/Andre both have neutral chemistry.

great show, I'm annoyed I forgot to predict in time.

It is strange to see Hogan/Andre get a B- although I guess it's not so surprising, assuming you have Perfect Match Theory on, following Savage/Steamboat would always be tough.

Yeah, Perfect Match Theory was one factor for sure. I became worried when I saw the A for Savage/Steamboat, because I didn't know how Andre would perform. His stamina hurt the score even though I only went one minute over the minimum required for a major level PPV match. And then there was the fact that I originally included the 'Call in Ring' note because I assumed Hulk and Andre would both have great Psychology, and forgot to dump it even after seeing they were both in the 'B' range. I believe I got three different psychology-related penalties in that match (and none anywhere else.)

great show as already said not surprised at the Hogan Andre rating after Savage Steamboat. Glad to see Hercules get the win I tend to give him a bit of a push (and anyone else for that matter) after they clean up their act, not sure if it affects loyalty or not but I'd like to think so.

I had forgotten about Herc's general existence before starting this game, but he's become someone I want to try and elevate. He's not only loyal to me, but he's an extremely positive influence backstage. I need guys like him near the top of the card to balance out main event troublemakers like Savage and Hogan.

3k · March 23, 2013

I somehow managed to miss this dynasty up until today, but have just caught up and I like what I see. The new style should allow for quicker progress and it will be fun to see your game world develop.

Shame about the Hogan/Andre rating but overall a really good show, with a great grade for Savage/Steamboat (although who wasn't expecting that?).

Looking forward to seeing where you take the company from here, it should be a fun ride.

RKOwnage · March 23, 2013

That was an awesome writeup. I like how it was still a very successful event, but not the pinnacle of wrestling like it became in real life. It provides an interesting slight twist to the story.

The Final Countdown · March 24, 2013

March 1987 wrap-up and WWF post-WrestleMania creative meeting

THE FAB FIVE:

#1:

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/WWF.jpg:original

World Wrestling Federation

Size: National

Champions:

WWF World Heavyweight: Hulk Hogan

WWF Intercontinental: Randy Savage

WWF World Tag Team: The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart)

WWF Women's: The Fabulous Moolah

The Big Event: WrestleMania III

Main Event: Hulk Hogan over Andre The Giant to retain the WWF World Heavyweight Championship (B-)

Match of the Night: Randy Savage over Ricky Steamboat to retain the WWF Intercontinental Championship (A)

Overall Event Grade: B

Other News:

-New Signings: Al Snow, Sting, Joe Malenko, Dean Malenko, Mark Callous, Rick Rude, Ted DiBiase, Mick Foley, Mike Rotundo, Ricky Morton, Robert Gibson, Shawn Michaels, Sunshine, Nikita Koloff, Sherri Martel, Ashley Cartier

-Departures: Barry Orton, Moondog Rex, Corporal Kirchner, Ivan Putski, Curtis Iaukea, Paul Boesch, Tom Magee, Blackjack Lanza, Terry Garvin, Brian Blair, Tom Zenk

#2:

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/NJPW.jpg:original

New Japan Pro Wrestling

Size: National

Champions:

IWGP Heavyweight: Tatsumi Fujinami

IWGP Junior Heavyweight: Shiro Koshinaka

IWGP Tag Team:Yoshiaki Fujiwara and Seiji Sakaguchi

The Big Event: Master The Way

Main Event: Saito, Dr. Death and Choshu defeated Inoki, Kido and Kimura (B)

Match of the Night: Tatsumi Fujinami over Mr. Pogo to retain the IWGP Heavyweight Championship (B+)

Overall Event Grade: B

Other News:

-New Signings: Kousuke Takeuchi, Riki Choshu, Ryu Nakata, Toru Tanaka, Ernie Ladd, Hiro Matsuda, Kintaro Ohki, Joe Higuchi

#3:

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/AJPW.jpg:original

All Japan Pro Wrestling

Size: National

Champions:

NWA International Heavyweight: Jumbo Tsuruta

NWA United National: Genichiro Tenryu

PWF World Heavyweight: Vacant (vacated after Riki Choshu defected to NJPW)

AJPW Junior Heavyweight: Masanobu Fuchi

NWA International Tag Team:Genichiro Tenryu and Jumbo Tsuruta

PWF World Tag Team: Vacant (vacated after Ted DiBiase defected to WWF)

AJPW All-Asia Tag Team: Ashura Hara and Riki Choshu

The Big Event: Excite Series

Main Event: Jumbo Tsuruta over Hiroshi Wajima to retain the NWA International Heavyweight Championship (B)

Match of the Night: Genichiro Tenryu over Terry Funk (B+)

Overall Event Grade: B

Other News:

-New Signings: Akira Maeda, Hisashi Shinma

-Departures: Riki Choshu, Ted Dibiase, Dean Malenko, Joe Malenko, Kousuke Takeuchi, Ryu Nakata, Mil Mascaras, Art Crews, Killer Khan

#4:

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JCP.jpg:original

Jim Crockett Promotions

Size: Cult

Champions:

NWA World Heavyweight: Ric Flair

NWA United States Heavyweight: Tully Blanchard

NWA Florida Heavyweight: Ed Gantner

NWA World Television: Tully Blanchard

NWA World Junior Heavyweight: Denny Brown

NWA World Tag Team: New Breed (Sean Royal and Chris Champion)

NWA United States Tag Team: Ron Garvin and Barry Windham

NWA World Six-Man Tag Team: Dusty Rhodes and The Road Warriors

NWA World Women's: Tracy Richards

The Big Event: March Supercard

Main Event and Match of the Night: Big Bubba Rogers and Arn Anderson over The Road Warriors (B-)

Overall Event Grade: C+

Other News:

-New Signings: Wendi Richter, Vivian Vachon, Donna Christenello, Joyce Grable, Tracy Richards, Susan Sexton

-Departures: Rick Rude, Mike Rotundo, Nikita Koloff, Ricky Morton, Robert Gibson, Dark Journey, Kat LeRoux, Heidi Lee Morgan, J.D. Costello

#5:

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/AWA.jpg:original

American Wrestling Association

Size: Cult

Champions:

AWA World Heavyweight: Nick Bockwinkel

AWA World Light Heavyweight: Randy Rose

AWA World Tag Team: Vacant (vacated after Shawn Michaels defected to the WWF)

AWA World Women's: Sherri Martel

The Big Event: March Supercard

Main Event and Match of the Night: Curt Hennig and Wahoo McDaniel over Sgt. Slaughter and Larry Zbyszko (B)

Overall Event Grade: B-

Other News:

-Rose to Cult.

-New Signings: Vicki Williams

-Departures: Shawn Michaels, Cactus Jack, Nacho Berrera, Tom Stone

Other Industry News:

-Deaths: None

-Retirements: None

-New Workers: None

WWF Creative Meeting:

Roster Breakdown (Faces in blue, heels in red)

Main Eventers:

Hulk Hogan

Jake Roberts

Junkyard Dog

Ricky Steamboat

Roddy Piper

Andre The Giant

King Harley Race

King Kong Bundy

Magnificent Muraco

Paul Orndorff

Randy Savage

Upper Midcarders:

Tito Santana

Adrian Adonis

Bret Hart

Brutus Beefcake

Butch Reed

Hercules

Honky Tonk Man

Jim Neidhart

Kamala

Nikolai Volkoff

The Iron Sheik

Midcarders:

Billy Jack Haynes

Davey Boy Smith

Dynamite Kid

Jacques Rougeau

Jim Duggan

Jim Powers

Koko B. Ware

Paul Roma

Rick Martel

Afa

Demolition Ax

Demolition Smash

Dino Bravo

Greg Valentine

Rick Rude

Sika

Ted DiBiase

Lower Midcarder:

Haku

Jim Brunzell

Lanny Poffo

Outback Jack

Raymond Rougeau

S.D. Jones

Siva Afi

Tama

Opener:

Brad Rheingans

Danny Spivey

El Dandy

Barry Horowitz

Iron Mike Sharpe

Jimmy Jack Funk

Enhancement Talent:

Bill Mulkey

Randy Mulkey

Steve Lombardi

Adolfo Tapia

Occasional Wrestler:

Bruno Sammartino

George Steele

Hillbilly Jim

Omar Atlas

The Crusher

Danny Davis

Tiger Chung Lee

Women's Division:

Velvet McIntyre

Judy Martin

Lelani Kai

The Fabulous Moolah

Non-Wrestlers:

Gene Okerlund

Howard Finkel

Jack Tunney

Ken Resnick

Miss Elizabeth

Pedro Morales

Sunshine

Vince McMahon

Bobby Heenan

Frenchy Martin

Jesse Ventura

Johnny Valiant

Kim Chee

Lord Alfred Hayes

Mr. Fuji

Slick

Franchise Players:

1. Randy Savage

2. Hulk Hogan

3. Andre The Giant

4. Ricky Steamboat

5. Roddy Piper

Next Big Things:

1. Rick Rude

Hot Prospects:

1. Rick Rude

2. Dynamite Kid

3. Adolfo Tapia

4. Koko B. Ware

5. Davey Boy Smith

Talk the Talk:

1. Hulk Hogan

2. Jesse Ventura

3. Roddy Piper

4. Randy Savage

5. Bobby Heenan

Show Stoppers:

1. Randy Savage

2. Ricky Steamboat

3. Bret Hart

4. Jake Roberts

5. Ted DiBiase

Ring Generals:

1. Ricky Steamboat

2. Randy Savage

3. Bret Hart

4. King Harley Race

5. Ted DiBiase

Who's Hot:

1. Andre The Giant

2. Hulk Hogan

3. Roddy Piper

4. Randy Savage

5. Hercules

Who's Not:

1. Omar Atlas

2. Judy Martin

3. Outback Jack

4. Siva Afi

5. Billy Jack Haynes

Time Decline:

1. The Fabulous Moolah

2. The Crusher

3. Bruno Sammartino

4. Omar Atlas

5. King Harley Race

Hidden Gems:

1. Keiji Mutoh

2. Rick Steiner

3. Mike Kelly

4. Desiree Petersen

5. Vampiro

I won't be posting the creative meeting or roster breakdown very often; maybe 2 or 3 times a year. But post-Mania seemed like a good time to do it.

I somehow managed to miss this dynasty up until today, but have just caught up and I like what I see. The new style should allow for quicker progress and it will be fun to see your game world develop.

Shame about the Hogan/Andre rating but overall a really good show, with a great grade for Savage/Steamboat (although who wasn't expecting that?).

Looking forward to seeing where you take the company from here, it should be a fun ride.

Good to see you along for the ride! Missing Mania should mean you don't win the first prediction contest in this diary, which will be an interesting change of pace.

That was an awesome writeup. I like how it was still a very successful event, but not the pinnacle of wrestling like it became in real life. It provides an interesting slight twist to the story.

That's how I'm looking at it too. Glad you enjoyed the show.

HEEL · March 24, 2013

Interesting to see how Sting goes in the WWF, maybe Hogans recent comments about wanting to lose to the Stinger at WM could be done here!

(although at Mania 4 rather than 3!)

alvarasus · March 24, 2013

Like this a lot. Also see you have La Parka on the roster nice pick up. It will be interesting to see what you do with him.

rjhabeeb · March 24, 2013

Was worried about the Hogan Andre match.....exact same thing happened in my game although I did not get an A from Savage-Steamboat so well done

Coop · March 24, 2013

Great Mania show. I am sure this is vastly different than your other diary. But think you have done a great job of converting to the "dark side". Was shocked that you didnt have Ricky take the IC title. But thats ok to as I am sure we will just have to see what you have in store for us.

The Final Countdown · March 25, 2013

April 2nd and 3rd, 1987: Superstars and Challenge

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/SOW.jpg

April 2nd, 1987

From the Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri

Attendance: 16,916

Announce Team: Gorilla Monsoon, Vince McMahon and Jesse "The Body" Ventura

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/GorillaMonsoon.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/VinceMcMahon.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JesseVentura.jpg

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BobbyHeenan.jpg:original

After video highlights of the long-anticipated WWF Championship match between Hulk Hogan and Andre The Giant, viewers saw a scene recorded just minutes after WrestleMania went off the air. WWF cameras caught up to Andre and Heenan in Andre's dressing room. Andre was in no mood to speak, but Heenan had plenty to say. After complaining about everything from the officiating of Dave Hebner to a phantom kick to the groin that no one saw except for him, Heenan spoke about the future.

Heenan: ”You may have cheated your way to a victory tonight, Hogan, but you have not seen the last of Bobby The Brain Heenan or the Heenan Family, I can promise you that! No matter how long it takes, I will kill Hulkamania if it's the last thing I ever do on this earth!”

Grade: A*

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BretHart.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JimNeidhart.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JesseVentura.jpg:original

After WrestleMania III, Jesse Ventura interviewed the tag team champions the Hart Foundation. Jesse complimented the champs on doing whatever they had to do to hold onto their belts, and they thanked him. The champions didn't have any new information to offer about Jimmy Hart, but they did give their thoughts on the British Bulldogs:

Bret: ”We haven't seen Jimmy since that lunatic Piper cut his hair earlier tonight, but we proved tonight that the Hart Foundation can beat the British Bulldogs just fine even without him. And Bulldogs, I hope you don't take this loss too hard, but after we just beat you at WrestleMania, it's pretty obvious that the Hart Foundation is the greatest tag team in the world.”

Grade: C+

The Young Stallions vs. Nikolai Volkoff and The Iron Sheik (w/Slick)
http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JimPowers.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/PaulRoma.jpg:original vs. http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/NikolaiVolkoff.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/TheIronSheik.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/Slick.jpg:original

It was youth against experience in this matchup of two teams looking to make their way into title contention. The Stallions tried to keep the match going at a brisk pace, while Sheik and Volkoff aimed to slow things down. Both teams had their way for awhile, but it was the Stallions who knocked off the former tag team champions in what would have to be considered an upset.

Winners: The Young Stallions with a Double Back Suplex on Sheik at 06:11
Grade: C

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JackTunney.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/MeanGene.jpg:original

In an interview with Gene Okerlund, WWF President Jack Tunney showed off a brand-new title belt, the WWF World Television Championship.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/TV.jpg:original

Tunney explained that with all the other male championships being defended primarily on PPV and on live events around the world, the WWF board had decided to introduce a new championship that would be defended exclusively on the Federation's televised programs. He then announced that the very first champion would be crowned on next week's Superstars of Wrestling in a 10-man Battle Royal, featuring: Brutus Beefcake, Butch Reed, Dino Bravo, Greg Valentine, Hercules, Jim Brunzell, Jim Duggan, Koko B. Ware, Outback Jack and Rick Martel.

Shortly after Tunney's announcement, someone else appeared on-camera.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/RickySteamboat.jpg:original

Steamboat apologized for interrupting, and made one simple request: another shot at Randy Savage and the Intercontinental Championship.

Tunney: ”Mr. Steamboat, even though you were defeated fair and square at WrestleMania, it was one of the greatest Intercontinental title matches ever, and a rematch would obviously generate significant interest from our fans. I don't have an answer for you right now, Mr. Steamboat, but I will take this matter under consideration, and render a decision soon.”

Grade: C

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/Womens.jpg:original
The Fabulous Moolah vs. Velvet McIntyre
http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/TheFabulousMoolah.jpg:original vs. http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/VelvetMcIntyre.jpg:original

Moolah was angry about having lost a non-title match to McIntyre on the March 20th episode of Wrestling Challenge, and so she didn't want to merely win the match; she wanted to humiliate and injure Velvet. Moolah's demeanor made it clear that she considered her opponent to be beneath her, but the plucky challenger made her pay for her arrogance by wrapping her up in the McIntyre Roll and holding her shoulders to the mat for a 3-count to become the new WWF Women's Champion.

Winner: Velvet McIntyre with the McIntyre Roll at 06:55
Velvet McIntyre won the WWF Women's Championship for the 2nd time
Grade: D+

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/KingHarley.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BobbyHeenan.jpg:original

Even though the King had defeated Junkyard Dog in their Loser Must Bow match at WrestleMania, JYD had the last laugh when he punched Race immediately after bowing to him. Predictably, Race and Heenan were not amused, and they made their feelings known in a post-WrestleMania backstage segment.

Heenan: ”You think you're gonna get away with this, you lousy mutt? You think you can disrespect royalty and there won't be consequences? Think again, my friend!”

Race: ”Tonight, I proved that I was the better man by pinning you in front of the biggest crowd ever. And you...you lived up to your name by attacking me like the sore loser that you are. They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Well, I'm gonna prove them wrong, because I'm going to beat some manners into your mangy carcass one way or another.”

Grade: B-

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/RickRude.jpg:original

WWF newcomer “Ravishing” Rick Rude entered the ring for his debut match in the Federation. Before his opponent could be introduced, though, he grabbed the microphone.

Rude: ”Cut the music. Now what I'd like to have right now is for all you fat, out-of-shape, Kansas City Knuckleheads to keep the noise down while I take off my robe and show all the ladies what a real sexy man looks like.”

Rude removed his ring robe and gyrated his hips provocatively as his opponent was introduced.

Grade: D-

Billy Jack Haynes vs. Rick Rude
http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BillyJackHaynes.jpg:original vs. http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/RickRude.jpg:original

Billy Jack Haynes was not in a good mood after decisively losing the Full Nelson Challenge to Hercules at WrestleMania, and he sought to take out his frustration on the newcomer. But Rude was no slouch, and he gave every bit as good as he got against the strongman from Oregon. Rude proved that his impressive physique was not just for show, as he pulled a page out of Hercules' book by breaking out of the Full Nelson before dropping Haynes with a “Rude Awakening” Neckbreaker and picking up a nice debut win.

Winner: Rick Rude with the Rude Awakening at 08:29
Grade: C-

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/RandySavage.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/MissElizabeth.jpg:original

After he'd retained his Intercontinental Championship in an unforgettable match against Ricky Steamboat, Randy Savage was still fired up when WWF cameras caught up to him later on in the night. He claimed that while Hogan vs. Andre was the match people paid to see, what everyone would remember was his match, and his performance.

Savage: ”Tonight, everybody found out that the Macho Man is the most unstoppable wrestler in the WWF, yeah! Steamboat, you gave it everything you had, but it just wasn't enough, no it wasn't! There is no one who can take this Intercontinental heavyweight championship belt from the Macho Man, yeah. There is no stopping Macho Madness, the #1 force in the universe, for now and forever, for the rest of time, OOH YEAH!!!”

Grade: B

Tito Santana vs. Honky Tonk Man
http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/TitoSantana.jpg:original vs. http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/HonkyTonkMan.jpg:original

Both of these men had come up a bit short at WrestleMania; Santana was the final man eliminated from the 15-man Battle Royal, while Honky Tonk Man had been the victim of the deadly DDT from Jake the Snake, and then suffered the indignity of having his own guitar smashed over his head by Gene Simmons. Both were highly motivated to get back in the win column in this main event match. But Honky wasn't dealing only with Santana, one of the greatest Intercontinental champions ever. He was also trying to overcome the absence of Jimmy Hart, which was still visibly affecting his confidence. This would prove to be too much for Honky to deal with, and Tito applied a Figure Four in the center of the ring for a submission victory.

Winner: Tito Santana with the Figure Four at 11:02
Grade: C

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/TitoSantana.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/PaulOrndorff.jpg:original

Tito had no time to bask in his big win, because he was immediately jumped from behind by Paul Orndorff. Mr. Wonderful landed several clubbing forearms before spiking Santana on his head with the Piledriver. After that, he demanded the microphone.

Orndorff: ”WrestleMania was supposed to be my night, but you ruined it, Santana, so now I ruined YOUR night! It was a fluke that you eliminated me from the Battle Royal—a FLUKE! You could never beat Mr. Wonderful one-on-one, and everybody knows it!”

Grade: C+

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/HulkHogan.jpg:original

The Hulkster came to the ring and thanked all of his Hulkamaniacs for their support. Without them behind him, believing in him, he never would have been able to pick up the giant and slam him to the mat, brother. And now, after WrestleMania, Hulk Hogan and Hulkamania would truly live forever.

As Hogan continued to thank his fans, a familiar face stepped out from behind the curtain.

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BobbyHeenan.jpg:original

Hogan smiled when he saw Heenan, and asked him where his pet giant was. Heenan replied that, even though Hogan had somehow gotten past Andre, he wasn't even close to through with the Heenan Family yet. The Family would keep coming until Hogan was no longer the champion, and Hulkamania was dead and buried.

Heenan: ”And I think I just might know when that's going to happen, Hogan, because I know something you don't know. I know who the next challenger for your heavyweight title is going to be. He earned that spot by mowing down fourteen other men in the WrestleMania Battle Royal, and now he's going to mow through you on April 26th at the Big Apple Brawl in New York City. Hogan, I give to you...KING KONG BUNDY!”

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/KingKongBundy.jpg:original

Bundy stepped out alongside Heenan and glared menacingly at Hogan, who remained in the ring and invited Bundy to come join him.

Grade: B+

Overall Show Grade: B

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/Challenge.jpg

April 3rd, 1987

From the St. Joseph Civic Arena in St. Joseph, Missouri

Attendance: 3,667

Announce Team: James Hill and Lord Alfred Hayes

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JamesHill.jpghttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/LordAlfredHayes.jpg

Junkyard Dog defeated Barry Horowitz in 05:33 with the Thump. (D+)

Gene Okerlund interviewed the British Bulldogs, who said that they weren't finished with the Hart Foundation, and would make Danny Davis pay for interfering at WrestleMania. (C-)

When a WWF camera crew managed to catch up with Kamala, the Ugandan Giant actually attempted to chew on the camera! (C+)

Koko B. Ware defeated Adolfo Tapia in 05:20 with the Bird Buster. (D+)

Gene Okerlund interviewed new WWF Women's Champion Velvet McIntyre, who promised to be a fighting champion (and one who held the belt much longer than six days this time around.) (D+)

Johnny Valiant and The Dream Team cut a promo about the upcoming TV Title Battle Royal, and assured the fans that one of the Dream Team members would become the first champion. ©

Jim Brunzell and Rick Martel tried to avenge their fallen (former) partners, but were defeated by Demolition (w/Johnny Valiant) at 07:14 with the Demolition Decapitation. (C+)

Jake Roberts talked about how sweet it was to both drill HTM with the DDT and watch as his own guitar was smashed over his head. He also said that with Honky taken care of, he was excited to see what was next in the career of “The Snake.” (B-)

Backstage, Bobby Heenan gave a pep talk to Hercules, telling him that none of the other nine competitors in the Battle Royal were strong enough to throw him out, and he would have no problem become the first WWF World Television Champion. (B)

Ted DiBiase defeated Billy Jack Haynes at 08:26 with the Million Dollar Dream. (C-)

After the match, Ted Dibiase shoved a $100 dollar bill into Billy Jack's mouth, and took great pleasure in insulting both him and the fans at ringside. ©

Overall Show Grade: C+

Nobby_McDonald · March 25, 2013

Great WrestleMania III write up, and I was joint top with the predictions.

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