WWF: The Golden Age...and beyond?

[The Final Countdown]

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!)

Your comment made me curious, so I just tracked down the quote. Sounds like more Hulkster BS to me. I cannot see Hulk, in the aftermath of that Mania III match, wanting to turn heel and help get his successor over. It goes against everything I've ever heard about him.

 

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.

When I hired him, my plan wasn't for him to ever be anything more than a skilled jobber. But seeing him come in at #3 on the Hot Prospects list has me thinking that he might eventually become something more. As long as he's working under his real name, though, don't expect him to pick up too many wins.

 

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.

I wanted to throw a curve or two in there, and that match seemed like an ideal place to do it. Plus, it gives me an excuse to continue on with that feud, and considering how well that Mania match went, that's one heck of a positive.

[1234]

Some very good signings made in March, will be interesting to see where they fit into your plans. Although I find it very cruel of you leaving Marty Jannetty behind in the AWA...he was meant to have a bit longer before being left behind by Shawn .

 

Hogan vs. Bundy will be interesting to see, given Hulk/Andre was a weak end to 'mania I am curious to see whether you can get Bundy to put on a better ending to a show.

[rjhabeeb]

So interested in how you treat these lower tier PPVs I'm very curious to see how you build your card without giving away marquee matches....Your ROH roster was brilliantly balanced and kept fresh so I'm sure you will do well here

[The Final Countdown]

April 9th and 10th, 1987: Superstars and Challenge

 

In pre-show matches, Adrian Adonis defeated Brad Rheingans with Goodnight Irene at 05:52 (D+) and Bret Hart defeated Lanny Poffo with a Bulldog at 07:29 (C+).

 

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

April 9th, 1987

From the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland

Attendance: 17,959

 

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/RoddyPiper.jpg:original

 

Viewers were informed that Roddy Piper would step into his famous Pit later in the night, and would finally address the rampant speculation about his future.

 

 

Grade: B-

 

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

10-Man Battle Royal

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/DinoBravo.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/GregValentine.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/Hercules.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JimBrunzell.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JimDuggan.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/KokoBWare.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/OutbackJack.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/RickMartel.jpg:original

 

The stakes were high in this Battle Royal, with the winner to go down in the history books as the first-ever World Television Champion. As such, each man was desperate to try and hang in as long as possible, but that didn't stop powerhouses like Duggan and Hercules and alliances like the Dream Team from gradually whittling the field down.

 

It came down to Duggan vs. Hercules as the final two. Duggan had Hercules reeling against the ropes with a barrage of punches, and lined him up for the 3-point stance Clothesline. But Hercules surprised him with a knee to the gut and hurled him over the ropes to win the match and the title.

 

 

Winner: Hercules, last eliminating Jim Duggan at 09:47

Hercules won the WWF World Television Championship

Grade: C-

 

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

 

After the match, a jubilant Bobby Heenan grabbed the belt and handed it to Hercules before getting on the microphone and telling the world all about how lucky they were to have him as their champion.

 

Heenan: ”Hercules is the perfect World Television Champion. He's everything a TV star should be. Powerful. Good-looking. Charismatic. Unstoppable. You have a truly mighty World Television Champion, and with Hercules on top, this TV show is going to be bigger than ever before!”

 

 

Grade: B-

 

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

 

Highlights were shown of the match between JYD and Race at WrestleMania, and JYD's actions after the match. It was then announced that there would be another match between the two at the upcoming Big Apple Brawl PPV, and per an agreement between both men, the loser will be forced to kiss the winner's feet.

 

 

Grade: C+

 

The British Bulldogs vs. Nikolai Volkoff and The Iron Sheik (w/Slick)

http://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/NikolaiVolkoff.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/TheIronSheik.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/Slick.jpg:original

 

The British Bulldogs were angry about their controversial loss to the Hart Foundation at WrestleMania, and they took that anger out on Volkoff and Sheik. Volkoff and Sheik are former tag champions in their own right, and did their best to fend off their foes. The Bulldogs were just too much, though, and Davey launched Dynamite up for their Gorilla Headbutt to close out the match.

 

 

Winners: The British Bulldogs with a Gorilla Headbutt on Sheik at 07:33

Grade: B-

 

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

 

While Bundy stood menacingly in the background, Heenan promoted his upcoming title match against Hulk Hogan at the Big Apple Brawl. He claimed that the outcome would be much different than the Hulk's match with Andre at WrestleMania III—and his match with Bundy the year before at WrestleMania II.

 

Heenan: ”You see Hogan, this time you won't be able to climb out of some cage and run from Bundy like a coward. This time, you're going to have to pin King Kong's shoulders to the mat. But that's never gonna happen. This time around, Bundy's gonna squash you like the insect that you are—and Hulkamania's gonna be crushed along with you.”

 

 

Grade: A

 

Jake Roberts vs. Kamala (w/Kim Chee)

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JakeRoberts.jpg:original vs. http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/Kamala.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/KimChee.jpg:original

 

Jake was riding high after his win at WrestleMania, but he was in the ring with an extremely unique opponent on this night. Roberts performed well, but the untamed assault of the Ugandan Giant gave him all kinds of problems. Kamala had Jake in trouble after throwing him to the mat with a Body Slam, but then his attention shifted to the bag that contained Jake's pet snake Damien. Kamala left the ring to get a closer look at the moving bag, and despite Kim Chee's urging, he was counted out by the referee.

 

 

Winner: Jake Roberts via countout at 10:17

Grade: B-

 

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

 

Even after the match, Kamala continued to stare at Jake's bag in fascination. He poked and prodded at the bag, and seemed very intrigued when it moved in response. The Ugandan Giant lowered his head very close to the bag, sniffing at it, and then opened his mouth, apparently intending to chew on it. Before he could do so, though, Roberts rolled out to the floor, spun him around and unloaded with a series of jabs. The blows knocked Kamala away from the bag, and Kim Chee successfully led him away from ringside—though he stared at both Jake and his bag the entire way.

 

 

Grade: B

 

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

 

Okerlund asked Tito to comment on Paul Orndorff, who attacked him after his victory over Honky Tonk Man last week.

 

Santana: ”Mr. Wonderful, I don't know what your problem is, hombre. I eliminated you from the Battle Royal fair and square. But if you wanna see if you can take me one-on-one, come on and try. Arriba!”

 

 

Grade: C+

 

Ricky Steamboat vs. Honky Tonk Man

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

 

Steamboat gave Honky a wrestling lesson in this main event contest, controlling the match with his skill, speed and martial arts strikes. Honky kept up as best he could, and frequently set Ricky up for his signature Shake, Rattle & Roll. But Ricky always had a counter ready, and a Jimmy Hart-less HTM couldn't seem to adjust with his primary weapon neutralized. Steamboat took to the air with a Flying Cross Body to record the pin.

 

 

Winner: Ricky Steamboat with a Flying Cross Body at 12:53

Grade: B

 

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

 

As Steamboat was celebrating his win, color commentator Jesse Ventura stood up and announced that he had just received word through his headset that Jack Tunney had reached a decision. Tunney had approved Steamboat's request: he would receive another Intercontinental Championship match against his rival Randy Savage at the Big Apple Brawl. That wasn't all: this time, the match would be contested under best Two out of Three Falls rules. Steamboat was excited about this announcement, but Ventura wasn't done just yet.

 

Ventura: ”I wouldn't throw any parties just yet, Steamboat, because there's a catch. Tunney has also made it official that this is your last chance. If Randy Savage leaves New York City with the belt, you will never get another title match as long as he's the champ. So, Dragon, I guess it's time to put up or shut up.”

 

 

Grade: A

 

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

 

Roddy welcomed us into his Pit, and finally answered the rumors about him possibly leaving the WWF for Hollywood. Piper said that, while he enjoys making movies and hopes to continue to do so, the WWF is his home, and he will always be a wrestler at heart. Simply put: he's not going anywhere!

 

The fans erupted at the news that the always entertaining Hot Rod would continue to be part of the Federation, but an uninvited guest crashed the party.

 

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

 

WWF newcomer DiBiase strolled into the Pit, surrounded by his team of servants, and said that Piper should stop lying to people. He wasn't staying in the WWF because it was his home or because he loves it, but because he depends on it to make a living.

 

DiBiase: ”Money makes the world go 'round, Piper. It's why I am where I am, and it's why you're staying exactly where you are. You can't afford to try to make a name for yourself in Hollywood, because without the WWF, you'd be dead broke. If I were in your shoes, I'd simply buy a Hollywood studio and make myself a movie star, but you can't do that. You're just like all of these nine to five, nickle and dimers who live paycheck to paycheck. And so, you hang around the WWF, fighting desperately every single match, knowing that your livelihood depends on it. I, on the other hand, am here because I enjoy humbling people. I enjoy crushing people under my boot. Proud people, like you, Piper.”

 

Piper was not amused, and said that if DiBiase got such enjoyment out of crushing people less fortunate than him, maybe he'd like to try doing it to the Hot Rod right then and there. DiBiase laughed and said that he didn't operate on any schedule but his own. He would gladly prove his superiority over Piper—but on his time.

 

 

Grade: B-

 

Overall Show Grade: B

 

(Backstage Note: After instigating a fight with Roddy Piper, Billy Jack Haynes had his WWF contract terminated.)

 

<hr noshade size=3>

 

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

April 10th, 1987

From the Retriever Activities Center in Catonsville, Maryland

Attendance: 3,199

 

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

 

Ken Resnick interviewed the Hart Foundation, who said that the British Bulldogs were acting like a couple of sore losers. They didn't lose at WrestleMania because of Danny Davis: they lost because they just aren't as good as the Foundation. (C-)

 

Rick Rude went through his prematch routine, demanding silence so he could show the ladies what a real man should look like. (E)

 

Rick Rude defeated El Dandy with the Rude Awakening at 04:52. (E+)

 

The Rougeau Brothers defeated The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff (w/Slick) with a Boston Crab by Jacques on Sheik at 06:46. (C-)

 

Ken Resnick interviewed The Fabulous Moolah, who said that Velvet McIntyre winning the Women's Championship was a fluke, and she would win it back soon. (D-)

 

The Young Stallions defeated Demolition (w/Johnny Valiant) by disqualification at 08:37 when Ax refused to listen to the referee's commands. ©

 

After the match, both teams continued to fight until more referees came out to pull them apart. (C+)

 

Paul Orndorff (w/Bobby Heenan) defeated Hillbilly Jim with the Piledriver at 09:47. (C-)

 

After the match, Mr. Wonderful got on the microphone. He and Heenan let Tito Santana know that he would be happy to prove his point by defeating “Chico” (as they called him) at the Big Apple Brawl. (B-)

 

Overall Show Grade: C

 

(Backstage Note: When Honky Tonk Man's behavior continued to grow worse, he was fired.)

[guyver3]

NNNNOOOOOOO not HTM he's cool, he's cocky, he's bad, and nobody in the WWF can compare to him. ok got that out but I'm still bummed.

[The Final Countdown]

Some very good signings made in March, will be interesting to see where they fit into your plans. Although I find it very cruel of you leaving Marty Jannetty behind in the AWA...he was meant to have a bit longer before being left behind by Shawn .

 

Hogan vs. Bundy will be interesting to see, given Hulk/Andre was a weak end to 'mania I am curious to see whether you can get Bundy to put on a better ending to a show.

I definitely pushed hard to stock for the future in March. The likes of Shawn, Taker, Sting and Foley are cutting their teeth in developmental, just waiting for the call-up. I've also added a couple more to USPW this month, but you'll have to wait until after the Big Apple Brawl to hear about those.

 

I've got an idea of how I'm going to handle Hogan/Bundy, but again, you'll have to wait and see.

 

So interested in how you treat these lower tier PPVs I'm very curious to see how you build your card without giving away marquee matches....Your ROH roster was brilliantly balanced and kept fresh so I'm sure you will do well here

One thing that I've carried over from the ROH game is booking backwards from my biggest shows. The WrestleMania IV lineup is already rapidly taking shape in my head, and those plans are going to factor into how I book things every step along the way. It's all subject to change, of course, but knowing well in advance where I want to go and what I envision as the marquee matches of my biggest shows has always helped me.

 

Another way I'm creating separation between the bigger PPVs and the lower tiers (like my next one) is by varying the length of the shows. Most of the low-tier PPVs should only be around 2 hours and feature six matches or so, while shows like Summerslam, Rumble and the Survivor Series will be 2 and a half. Mania III was 3 hours, and I'm considering bumping it up to 3 and a half next year. That's a decision that's a long way out, though.

 

NNNNOOOOOOO not HTM he's cool, he's cocky, he's bad, and nobody in the WWF can compare to him. ok got that out but I'm still bummed.

His days were numbered when he blew me off after his failed drug test after Mania. There are a select few guys that I will tolerate that kind of stuff from, and he's not one of them.

 

I was planning to keep him around for a bit and have him job to some faces lower on the totem pole than he is, but he continued to cause problems and drag backstage morale down, so he had to go.

[olympia]

 

One thing that I've carried over from the ROH game is booking backwards from my biggest shows. The WrestleMania IV lineup is already rapidly taking shape in my head, and those plans are going to factor into how I book things every step along the way. It's all subject to change, of course, but knowing well in advance where I want to go and what I envision as the marquee matches of my biggest shows has always helped me.

 

.

 

what? you don't decide the matches a week or two before the event? how are you ever going to succeed in the WWF like that?

 

of course that is why your ROH diary flowed so well and was so well received by the masses. Sage advice for any one starting out

 

also hate to see HTM go so soon. Maybe its for the best if he was just going to be a jobber. The greatest of all time must have known that and pushed the envelope so he could go some place and be appreciated. lol Keep us posted if he lands somewhere else and how his alternate universe turns out.

[The Final Countdown]

April 16th and 17th, 1987: Superstars and Challenge

 

In a pre-show match, Greg Valentine (w/Johnny Valiant) defeated El Dandy with a Figure Four at 04:59 (C-).

 

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

April 16th, 1987

From the Omni in Atlanta, Georgia

Attendance: 16,282

 

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

 

George Steele vs. Ted DiBiase

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/GeorgeSteele.jpg:original vs. http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/TedDiBiase.jpg:original

 

The Animal's unconventional brawling style presented an interesting challenge for The Million Dollar Man, who didn't seem to know how to respond at first. But as he proved in this match, DiBiase is a tremendous wrestler underneath all his riches. He was able to put Steele on the defensive with his wrestling skills before sending him to la la land with the Million Dollar Dream.

 

 

Winner: Ted DiBiase with the Million Dollar Dream at 08:02

Grade: B-

 

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

 

Piper appeared in the aisle after the match, with a big grin on his face. He informed DiBiase that he'd gone to WWF President Jack Tunney with a request, and Mr. Tunney had happily granted it to him. As a result, it would be the Rowdy Scot vs. the Million Dollar Man at the Big Apple Brawl.

 

Piper: ”Last week you said we'd do this on your time. Well, the time is gonna be April 26th. And it's a good thing you got all that money, Mr. Million Dollar Man, because on April 26th, it'll be time for you to pay the piper!”

 

 

Grade: B

 

Rick Martel vs. The Iron Sheik (w/Slick)

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/RickMartel.jpg:original vs. http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/TheIronSheik.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/Slick.jpg:original

 

Most probably would have considered the veteran Iron Sheik to be the favorite heading in, but his younger and faster opponent was consistently one step and one move ahead throughout this match. The end result of all this was Martel trapping his foe in a Boston Crab and forcing a submission out of the former WWF World Heavyweight Champion.

 

 

Winner: Rick Martel with a Boston Crab at 07:04

Grade: C

 

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

 

Mean Gene interviewed the Young Stallions, who by virtue of several recent victories have been named the #1 contenders to the WWF World Tag Team Championship. Both Roma and Powers indicated that they would welcome another match against Demolition after their DQ win on Wrestling Challenge, but it was clear that their focus was on their title opportunity at the Big Apple Brawl.

 

Roma: ”Hart Foundation, you guys are on top of the tag team world right now. But there's a new team on the rise, and it's the Young Stallions. So shine those belts up really nice, because at the Big Apple Brawl, these Stallions are riding out with the gold.”

 

 

Grade: D

 

Davey Boy Smith vs. Danny Davis

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

 

Revenge was on the mind of Davey Boy Smith. He spent the entire match throwing Danny Davis around the ring in retribution for Davis hitting him in the head with the tag team championship belt at WrestleMania. Davis was thoroughly dominated until, mercifully, Smith pinned him after a Running Powerslam.

 

 

Winner: Davey Boy Smith with a Running Powerslam at 05:23

Grade: D-

 

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

 

Davey Boy's partner the Dynamite Kid joined him in the ring after the match, and both Bulldogs took great pleasure in what had just transpired. The Hart Foundation came down to the ring to retrieve a motionless Davis, and traded heated words with the Bulldogs as they did so.

 

 

Grade: C

 

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

 

Footage was shown of the strange finish to the match between Jake Roberts and Kamala, with Kamala's fascination with the bag containing Jake's snake Damien leading to a count out. After the footage rolled, Jake commented on the matter.

 

Roberts: ”Kamala, I don't know what runs through that brain of yours, or if you are capable of complex thought. But I do know this: always be careful around a snake. Weak or strong, cowardly or brave, unintelligent or genius, a snake does not discriminate when it's mealtime. That goes for Damien...and me too.”

 

 

Grade: B-

 

Junkyard Dog and Tito Santana vs. King Harley Race and Paul Orndorff (w/Bobby Heenan)

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

 

This high profile tag team contest was a preview of two of the announced matches for the Big Apple Brawl, and so it came as no surprise to see plenty of action between the two sets of opponents. It was a very even, back-and-forth match, with all four competitors getting in their fair share of offense. The x-factor was Bobby Heenan, who sucker punched JYD behind the ref's back. The unexpected shot allowed Race to drop his rival on his head with the Piledriver and win the match for his team.

 

 

Winners: Race and Orndorff with a Piledriver by Race on JYD at 11:08

Grade: B-

 

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

 

In a backstage segment, Bobby Heenan posed the question of who could defeat Hercules for the WWF World Television Championship. He then answered his own question: no one.

 

Heenan: ”There's not a man on the planet that can take this belt away from the mighty Hercules. He's going to be such a dominant champion that they'll eventually just have to retire the belt due to lack of credible competition, but not before he humbles every single man foolish enough to step up to the plate, and proves himself to be the true star of WWF television.”

 

 

Grade: B

 

Koko B. Ware vs. Randy Savage (w/Miss Elizabeth)

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

 

Koko is touted by many as a hot prospect with the potential to be a champion, and this match went a long way towards validating that opinion. He brought the fight to the Intercontinental champion with a fast-paced attack. But Savage is truly one of the elite in-ring competitors, and he kept up with the agile Koko, matching him move for move. Both men let it all hang out in pursuit of the W, and in the process they had a tremendous match that would not have been at all out of place in the main event of a pay-per-view spectacular. While Koko turned in an amazing performance, it was the Macho Man who walked away a winner thanks to his signature Flying Elbow.

 

 

Winner: Randy Savage with the Flying Elbow Drop at 09:46

Grade: B+

 

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

 

After the match, the Macho Man went on the microphone to address his 2/3 Falls rematch with Ricky Steamboat scheduled for the Big Apple Brawl. He promised that the outcome would be no different than WrestleMania.

 

Savage: ”One fall, two falls, three falls, ten falls, it makes no difference, no it doesn't! Ricky Steamboat, the bottom line is that you just aren't as good as the Macho Man, dig it! And after the Big Apple Brawl, you'll be all out of chances! OOH YEAH!”

 

 

Grade: A

 

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

 

Hulk Hogan came to the ring to speak to all his Hulkamaniacs. He apologized for not wrestling, but said he was reluctantly following doctor's orders and staying out of action until the Big Apple Brawl to give his ribs time to heal. But he promised that he would be 100% at the Big Apple Brawl, where he'd take care of another one of Heenan's giant henchmen, King Kong Bundy. This brought out the two men in question.

 

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

 

Heenan encouraged Hogan to take all the time he needed to heal up, because it wouldn't make any difference.

 

Heenan: "The last time King Kong hit New York City, it took a whole squadron of military planes to shoot him down. And frankly, Hogan, I don't think you and your Hulkamaniacs are gonna be up to the task."

 

Hogan: "Well you know something Bobby The Weasel Heenan, you said I didn't have a prayer against big Andre at WrestleMania, but I chopped that giant down, brother! And you can throw King Kong, Godzilla, Frankenstein or whoever else you want at me, but as long as I've got my Hulkamaniacs behind me, none of 'em are gonna stop Hulkamania, dude!"

 

 

Grade: A

 

Overall Show Grade: B+

 

(Backstage Note: After the show, The Iron Sheik was released from his pay-per-appearance deal.)

 

<hr noshade size=3>

 

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

April 17th, 1987

From the Forum Civic Center in Rome, Georgia

Attendance: 3,116 (sell-out!)

 

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 Young Stallions defeated The Wild Samoans with the Double Back Suplex on Afa at 07:27. (C-)

 

After the match, the Hart Foundation appeared in the aisle. They verbally insulted the Stallions, and promised they would be defeated just like the Bulldogs were defeated at WrestleMania. ©

 

Rick Rude defeated Siva Afi with the Rude Awakening at 05:38. (D)

 

Jesse Ventura interviewed WWF Women's Champion Velvet McIntyre, who said she would be happy to prove she was no fluke by beating former champion The Fabulous Moolah any time, any place. ©

 

Jim Duggan defeated Adolfo Tapia with the 3-Point Stance Clothesline at 04:32. (D+)

 

Backstage, Johnny Valiant and Demolition said it was a joke that the Young Stallions had become the #1 contenders after their match had been ended due to a “squeamish referee”. ©

 

Ted DiBiase welcomed us into one of his many homes, and assured everyone that he had no problem with Jack Tunney's decision to put him in a match against Roddy Piper at the Big Apple Brawl. Rather, this was a golden opportunity for him to put Piper in his place. (C+)

 

King Kong Bundy (w/Bobby Heenan) defeated Jim Brunzell with the Big Splash at 05:40. ©

 

After the match, Heenan got on the microphone and promised everyone that Bundy would squash Hogan at the Big Apple Brawl just like he'd squashed Brunzell. (B)

 

Overall Show Grade: C+

[The Final Countdown]

Big Apple Brawl Fan Scorecard

 

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

 

Official Commemorative Program

 

Fan Scorecard:

 

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy

WWF Intercontinental Championship (2/3 Falls): Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The Young Stallions

Roddy Piper vs. Ted DiBiase

Kiss My Foot: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

Tito Santana vs. Paul Orndorff

What was the best match of the night?

[HEEL]

Fan Scorecard:

 

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy

WWF Intercontinental Championship (2/3 Falls): Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The Young Stallions

Roddy Piper vs. Ted DiBiase

Kiss My Foot: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

Tito Santana vs. Paul Orndorff

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

[michgcs]

Fan Scorecard:

 

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy

WWF Intercontinental Championship (2/3 Falls): Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

Hogan's gonna run out of hosses to fight, and when that happens, Macho Man's gonna be ready and waiting

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The Young Stallions

Not yet time to lose

Roddy Piper vs. Ted DiBiase

Gotta keep him strong, right?

Kiss My Foot: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

I picked him at WM and he didn't win, so I pick him again in the rematch

Tito Santana vs. Paul Orndorff

Thanks to Heenan

What was the best match of the night? Most will go Savage-Steamboat, so I'm gonna stray from that and say Hart Foundation vs Young Stallions

[franticloser]

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy

WWF Intercontinental Championship (2/3 Falls): Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The Young Stallions

Roddy Piper vs. Ted DiBiase

Kiss My Foot: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

Tito Santana vs. Paul Orndorff

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

[Beejus]

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy

Hogan is definitely your cash cow, and while by Summerslam I'm sure you'll have found him a very suitable foe, Bundy is not gonna be it.

 

WWF Intercontinental Championship (2/3 Falls): Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

I dunno, I just think it'll be fun watching Steamboat try to get back into contention.

 

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The Young Stallions

If the Harts aren't going singles anytime soon, then they shouldn't be dropping the belts very soon either.

 

Roddy Piper vs. Ted DiBiase

DiBiase may be the suitable foe I was mentioning earlier.

 

Kiss My Foot: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

Neuter this dog already please?

 

Tito Santana vs. Paul Orndorff

I could see Tito being Macho's next opponent.

 

What was the best match of the night? Definitely going Savage/Steamboat II.

[edenborn]

Enjoying this dynasty quite a lot, Final Countdown. The booking feels very natural and I particularly like the graceful way you're shedding difficult workers--I have a bad habit of holding onto them too long and/or trying to squeeze every drop of popularity from them before tossing them. Piper's a great choice for DiBiase's debut match. I doubt he'll be eager to put the Million Dollar Man over but DiBiase's so talented that it might be worth insisting.

 

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy

 

Bundy's awesome menace makes him super useful but Hogan's simply better as WWF champ.

 

WWF Intercontinental Championship (2/3 Falls): Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

 

To save his title, Savage intentionally gets himself DQ'd during the third fall. Since Savage left NYC with the Intercontinental belt, Steamboat legally can't challenge him again. The injustice of the situation boils over until Jack Tunney relents and sets up an epic no-DQ third title match which will main event the next PPV (because Hogan's been injured by Heenan's stable.)

 

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The Young Stallions

 

The Young who?

 

Roddy Piper vs. Ted DiBiase

 

DiBiase wins by cheating and you slip Piper $10,000 under the table to keep him from wondering why he didn't walk away and focus on his movie career.

 

Kiss My Foot: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

 

JYD ties up the series 1-1 and Race low blows him during the post-match stipulation to set up a third match with a steel chain.

 

Tito Santana vs. Paul Orndorff

I'm a fan of both but I particularly enjoy the Hogan-Orndorff dynamic so I'm rooting for Mr. Wonderful to win and be the next of Heenan's stable to lose to Mr. Red And Yellow.

 

Match of the night: Savage-Steamboat

[guyver3]

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy

WWF Intercontinental Championship (2/3 Falls): Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The Young Stallions

Roddy Piper vs. Ted DiBiase no contest of some sort double countouts and DQs were pretty common back then

Kiss My Foot: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

Tito Santana vs. Paul Orndorff

What was the best match of the night? Savage Steamboat

[1234]

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy

-No chance for Bundy here, Hulkamania goes marching on.

 

WWF Intercontinental Championship (2/3 Falls): Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

-Guess work here, either could win, but I see Steamboat having the belt as the better option.

 

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The Young Stallions

-The Hart's still have beef with The Bulldogs and I see the titles being kept in that feud (unless the Bulldogs cost The Foundation this match).

 

Roddy Piper vs. Ted DiBiase

-I see a DQ finish here, maybe have someone attack Piper on DiBiase's behalf (Maybe Virgil "Wrestling Superstar" ). Can't see Piper losing here, but the feud could continue until DiBiase is in a position to beat Piper.

 

Kiss My Foot: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

-Guess work, leveling up the series seems like a good bet though.

 

Tito Santana vs. Paul Orndorff

-Again, no idea. (Unfortunately I am a lot less familiar with this time period compared to your ROH dynasty)

 

What was the best match of the night? Savage vs. Steamboat seems to have a lock on this.

[RKOwnage]

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy

- The one lock on the list here.

WWF Intercontinental Championship (2/3 Falls): Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

- Like last time, another guess, I can see either one winning though.

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The Young Stallions

Roddy Piper vs. Ted DiBiase

- Probably by DQ

Kiss My Foot: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

- JYD will probably win but Race is the man here.

Tito Santana vs. Paul Orndorff

- Tito puts in a good effort but loses.

What was the best match of the night? It has to be Savage/Steamboat

[Minarin]

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy

WWF Intercontinental Championship (2/3 Falls): Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The Young Stallions

Roddy Piper vs. Ted DiBiase

Kiss My Foot: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

Tito Santana vs. Paul Orndorff

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

[rjhabeeb]

Fan Scorecard:

 

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy

Too many Hulkamaniacs

WWF Intercontinental Championship (2/3 Falls): Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

I have no idea which is really exciting

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The Young Stallions

Roddy Piper vs. Ted DiBiase

Piper will not want to do the job but I'm guessing building Ted Dibiase as a top heel threat is a priority

Kiss My Foot: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

JYD is too hard to use unfortunately and King Harley Race is a more than suitable next opponent for Race

Tito Santana vs. Paul Orndorff

Orndorff could be Hogan's next and I see you keeping the Heenan family strong for a little bit longer but If Steamboat is out of the title picture than both Savage and Dibiase need credible challengers and "Chico" is one of the best JTTS ever

What was the best match of the night? I'll go out on a whim and pick Piper-Dibiase even though Dibiase's lack of popularity will drag it down.......BTW a Brawl based rematch would be my dream these two will get the random good chemistry note here

[olympia]

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy

WWF Intercontinental Championship (2/3 Falls): Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

both winning a fall - then ends in a time limit draw or some other Dusty finish

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The Young Stallions

Stallions have a few good wins under their belts, but this is the world champs they are facing

 

Roddy Piper vs. Ted DiBiase

Kiss My Foot: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

Race could be a good challenger for Hogan while Dibiase builds more momentum

Tito Santana vs. Paul Orndorff

If Steamboat is off the IC trail for a while, Santana would be a decent contender

What was the best match of the night?

Steamboat -Savage

[BHK1978]

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy

 

I used to hate Bundy when I was a little kid. If this match happened now I would love to see KKB kick the crap out of Hogan.

 

WWF Intercontinental Championship (2/3 Falls): Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

 

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The Young Stallions

 

I am not sure if the Young Stallions will ever be good enough to win the gold.

 

Roddy Piper vs. Ted DiBiase

 

Kiss My Foot: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

 

This match was made for JYD to win.

 

Tito Santana vs. Paul Orndorff

 

What was the best match of the night? Macho Man/Steamboat

[christmas_ape]

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy

 

WWF Intercontinental Championship (2/3 Falls): Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

 

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The Young Stallions

 

Roddy Piper vs. Ted DiBiase

 

Kiss My Foot: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

 

Tito Santana vs. Paul Orndorff

 

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

[Bestintheworld]

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy

 

WWF Intercontinental Championship (2/3 Falls): Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat

 

WWF World Tag Team Championship: The Hart Foundation vs. The Young Stallions

 

Roddy Piper vs. Ted DiBiase

 

Kiss My Foot: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

 

Tito Santana vs. Paul Orndorff

 

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

[The Final Countdown]

April 23rd and 24th, 1987: Superstars and Challenge

 

In pre-show matches, Adrian Adonis defeated Danny Spivey in 04:59 (C-) and Butch Reed (w/Slick) defeated S.D. Jones in 05:15 ©.

 

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

April 23rd, 1987

From the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts

Attendance: 15,000 (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

 

Jim Brunzell vs. Rick Rude

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

 

Now flying solo, the former Killer Bee Brunzell looked to make his mark with an up-tempo attack against his more muscular opponent. But Rude used that superior size and strength to slow Brunzell down and soften him up before putting him away with his Rude Awakening Neck Breaker.

 

 

Winner: Rick Rude with the Rude Awakening at 06:18

Grade: D

 

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

 

Bobby Heenan and two of his men promoted their upcoming matches at the Big Apple Brawl. Orndorff said he was going to pay “Chico” Santana back for costing him glory in the WrestleMania Battle Royal and send him back to Tijuana a loser, while Race talked about making the uncouth Junkyard Dog kiss his feet and pay him homage.

 

 

Grade: B

 

 

A brief video was played, announcing that legendary former WWF Champion Bruno Sammartino would be honored at the Big Apple Brawl for all of his contributions to both the Federation and Madison Square garden.

 

 

Grade: B-

 

Paul Roma vs. Bret Hart

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/PaulRoma.jpg:original vs. http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BretHart.jpg:original

 

In the interest of fairness, both mens' partners had been barred from ringside for the duration of this match. But both Roma and Hart are plenty capable of getting the job done by themselves. It was a fairly even battle pitting Roma's strength against Hart's scientific wrestling skills, until a third party got involved...

 

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

 

Smash of Demolition appeared at ringside, and blasted Roma with a clothesline as the referee was temporarily down. Hart seemed surprised, but had no qualms about picking up the pieces and defeating Roma with a Bulldog.

 

Winner: Bret Hart with the Bulldog at 07:34

Grade: C

 

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BretHart.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/Smash.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/PaulRoma.jpg:original

 

The violence carried over after the match, as Bret and Smash double-teamed Roma. This set off a chain reaction in which four other men hit the ring one by one...

 

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JimPowers.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/Ax.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JimNeidhart.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/DaveyBoySmith.jpg:original

 

It was nothing short of chaos, with the Young Stallions and Davey Boy battling both Demolition and the Foundation, holding their own despite the absence of the Dynamite Kid. The fight didn't end until a swarm of officials pulled everyone apart.

 

Grade: D+

 

The Rougeaus vs. The Dream Team (w/Johnny Valiant)

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JacquesRougeau.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/RaymondRougeau.jpg:original vs. http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BrutusBeefcake.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/GregValentine.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JohnnyValiant.jpg:original

 

The tension that had existed between the Dream Team appears more and more to be a thing of the past. The former tag champions were on the same page once again, and they needed to be, as Jacques and Raymond gave them quite a challenge. Still, Valentine and Beefcake fended off the game Rougeau Brothers with a Double Suplex.

 

 

Winners: The Dream Team with a Double Suplex on Jacques at 07:20

Grade: C+

 

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

 

Roddy welcomed the Million Dollar Man into his Pit (but only after giving Jack Tunney his word that he would not resort to violence just days before the two men would fight on PPV.) Piper spent most of his time mocking DiBiase, asking him sarcastic questions such as, “Can you actually go to the bathroom all by yourself like a big boy, or do you need a paid servant to go in and help you with that?” When DiBiase responded with some digs about Piper's movie career and dedication to the WWF, though, Hot Rod got serious in a hurry.

 

Piper: ”Now you listen here, Mr. Moneybags. You might walk around here thinking you're some big shot because you've got a lot of money, but there are some things more important than the almighty dollar, jack. Yeah, I'm dippin' my toe into the water out in Hollywood, but the WWF? This here's my home, Teddy boy. I love the WWF, and that's the one and only reason I stayed. And as for you, well...whether I get paid $100, $1000 or $1000000, I'm gonna enjoy kicking your rich keester all over New York!”

 

 

Grade: B

 

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

Hercules (w/Bobby Heenan) vs. Jim Duggan

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/Hercules.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/BobbyHeenan.jpg:original vs. http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JimDuggan.jpg:original

 

Hercules' first title defense was a tough one, as he had to take on the last man he'd eliminated in the Battle Royal to become champion. Hacksaw lived up to his nickname, as he and Herc had quite the heated brawl. Duggan staggered the new champion several times, but as has often happened, Bobby Heenan's presence was a huge factor. The Brain slipped Hercules' chain into the ring, and distracted the referee as Herc clobbered Duggan in the head with the weapon. Hercules got the win and retained his title under tainted circumstances.

 

 

Winner: Hercules after hitting Duggan with his chain at 09:07

Hercules retained the WWF World Television Championship

Grade: C

 

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/Kamala.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/KimChee.jpg:original

 

A WWF camera crew caught up to the Ugandan Giant and his handler, Kim Chee. Kim Chee appeared to be trying to explain something to Kamala, but if his loud bellows while slapping the stars painted on his chest were any indication, the message wasn't sinking in.

 

 

Grade: B-

 

Ricky Steamboat vs. Dino Bravo (w/Johnny Valiant)

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/RickySteamboat.jpg:original vs. http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/DinoBravo.jpg:originalhttp://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/JohnnyValiant.jpg:original

 

Just days before his last chance at Randy Savage's Intercontinental belt, Steamboat could ill afford a loss here. But Bravo proved to be a very tough challenge, perhaps tougher than The Dragon had anticipated. The Canadian strongman used his power game to great effect, and the dynamic of Bravo's strength versus Steamboat's speed and skill made for an excellent main event bout that the crowd very much enjoyed. Despite Dino's best efforts, though, he fell victim to a Karate Chop off of the top rope, and Ricky made sure he would head into the Big Apple Brawl as a winner.

 

 

Winner: Ricky Steamboat with a Flying Karate Chop at 10:12

Grade: B+

 

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

 

Almost as soon as Steamboat's hand was raised, he found himself standing face to face with his once and future opponent, the Macho Man. Ricky tensed when he saw his rival, but it was unnecessary, because Randy came out strictly to talk.

 

While Elizabeth stood passively in the background, Savage explained that he actually respected Steamboat. Few men in the world could have pushed him as hard as The Dragon pushed him at WrestleMania, and for that, Macho tipped his cap, yeah. But it came as no surprise that Macho pulled it out in the end, and it shouldn't surprise anyone when the exact same thing happened at the Big Apple Brawl. The only differences would be that Ricky's shoulders would be pinned to the mat twice instead of just once—and after it was over, he'd be out of the IC title picture forever.

 

In contrast to Savage's lengthy monologue, Ricky's response was short and to the point.

 

Steamboat: ”This time, Macho Man, I will be victorious. Why? Because I have to be.”

 

 

Grade: A

 

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

 

The Hulkster came down to the ring, and told all his Hulkamaniacs that he would be fired up and ready to go this Sunday at the Big Apple Brawl for his championship match against King Kong Bundy. He knew that, with the power of Hulkamania behind him, Bundy didn't stand a chance.

 

Hogan: ”But Maniacs, why wait until Sunday? My doctors might have told me not to wrestle until the Big Apple Brawl, but they didn't say anything about fighting, dudes! So big bad Bundy, if you're back there, why don't you come out here and get yourself a piece of the Hulkster, brother!”

 

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

 

Bundy answered the challenge, with Heenan trailing close behind. Bobby was clearly trying to convince his charge NOT to go to the ring, but Bundy ignored him. The champion and his next challenger met in center ring, and both came out swinging. The Hulk rocked King Kong with furious right hands, but Bundy answered with clubbing swings of his own. Neither man was able to win the scuffle as the show went off the air.

 

 

Grade: A*

 

Overall Show Grade: B+

 

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April 24th, 1987

From the Matthews Arena in Boston, Massachusetts

Attendance: 4,900

 

Announce Team: James Hill and Lord Alfred Hayes

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Koko B. Ware defeated Jimmy Jack Funk in 05:08 with the Bird Buster. (D+)

 

The Hart Foundation cut a promo, saying they had no problem with the recent announcement that Demolition and the British Bulldogs would be banned from ringside during their tag title match against the Young Stallions. (C+)

 

Dynamite Kid defeated Adolfo Tapia with a Diving Headbutt in 05:52. (D+)

 

Ken Resnick interviewed Tito Santana about his match with Paul Orndorff at the Big Apple Brawl. (C-)

 

The Islanders defeated Barry Horowitz and Steve Lombardi with a Throat Kick at 04:43. (D)

 

Ken Resnick interviewed Velvet McIntyre about her WWF Women's Championship rematch against The Fabulous Moolah scheduled for next week's Wrestling Challenge. (D)

 

Rick Rude defeated Danny Spivey in 06:28 with the Rude Awakening. (E)

 

In a backstage segment, Junkyard Dog promised to serve “the king” some humble pie when he made him kiss his feet at the Big Apple Brawl. (C-)

 

Magnificent Muraco defeated Outback Jack with a Shoulderbreaker in 06:32. ©

 

While lounging by his pool, Ted DiBiase said the time was drawing near for him to prove he'd been telling the truth about Piper all along. Not to worry, though—he said after he'd run Piper out of the WWF and after he realized he'd never make it in Hollywood, Hot Rod would be able to pay his bills by cleaning one of the Million Dollar Man's pools. (C+)

 

Overall Show Grade: C

[The Final Countdown]

I'm aiming to get the PPV up sometime tomorrow. We'll see.

 

also hate to see HTM go so soon. Maybe its for the best if he was just going to be a jobber. The greatest of all time must have known that and pushed the envelope so he could go some place and be appreciated. lol Keep us posted if he lands somewhere else and how his alternate universe turns out.

I wasn't planning on cutting him loose so soon, but he forced my hand. At the time he was fired, he had three or four incidents negatively impacting backstage morale (I don't think anyone else had more than one.) Dude had to go. He hasn't caught on anywhere else yet, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time.

 

Kiss My Foot: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

I picked him at WM and he didn't win, so I pick him again in the rematch

"Insanity is repeating the same mistakes and expecting different results."-Albert Einstein.

 

Kiss My Foot: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

Neuter this dog already please?

His drug problems may do it for him.

 

Enjoying this dynasty quite a lot, Final Countdown. The booking feels very natural and I particularly like the graceful way you're shedding difficult workers--I have a bad habit of holding onto them too long and/or trying to squeeze every drop of popularity from them before tossing them. Piper's a great choice for DiBiase's debut match. I doubt he'll be eager to put the Million Dollar Man over but DiBiase's so talented that it might be worth insisting.

Thanks for the kind words. Honestly, there hasn't been much planning behind the releases of guys like HTM, Billy Jack Haynes and the like--I had them job a few matches and fired them once they caused an incident. (I'm assuming that firing someone in that manner means you don't have to pay them the remainder of their written contract. Is that correct?)

 

I knew it was important to match Ted up with someone who could help him gain overness via angles quickly, and Hot Rod fit the bill. Prior to the PPV, Ted had gone up a level (so like, D to D+) in every region I have TV.

 

Roddy Piper vs. Ted DiBiase

-I see a DQ finish here, maybe have someone attack Piper on DiBiase's behalf (Maybe Virgil "Wrestling Superstar" ). Can't see Piper losing here, but the feud could continue until DiBiase is in a position to beat Piper.

What will the world of random small conventions be like in this universe if I never sign Virgil?

 

-Again, no idea. (Unfortunately I am a lot less familiar with this time period compared to your ROH dynasty)

Thanks for hanging around anyway! And think how cool it'll be if/when I get far enough to hire guys like Punk, Dragon and Joe!

 

Fan Scorecard:

Kiss My Foot: Junkyard Dog vs. King Harley Race

JYD is too hard to use unfortunately and King Harley Race is a more than suitable next opponent for Race

I know you're speaking from experience with this mod, because yeah, he really is hard to book.

 

WWF World Heavyweight Championship: Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy

 

I used to hate Bundy when I was a little kid. If this match happened now I would love to see KKB kick the crap out of Hogan.

FIVE!