The Hitchhiker's Guide to Wrestlemania

[MainOffender]

PRIME TIME WRESTLING

March, Week 3, 1989.

 

Monsoon and Heenan present some exclusive footage from before the show. Randy Savage – who has been MIA since his loss to Harley Race at Saturday Night’s Main Event – arrives at the arena and immediately heads for Jack Tunney’s office.

GRADE:

80

 

Jim Duggan beats Tama with a shoulder tackle.

GRADE:

72

 

Duggan is joined by fellow tag champ Paul Roma. As a couple of red-blooded patriots, they’ve got no time for Demolition’s un-American Satanism. At WrestleMania, they’re going to teach those demons a lesson – HOOOOOO!

GRADE:

65

 

In a non-title affair, Paul Orndorff pins Hercules after a piledriver. He locks eyes with Bobby Heenan as three is counted.

GRADE:

78

 

After the Hercules loss, Heenan frets about losing his managing license. Andre the Giant soothes him by palming his head and promising to crush Orndorff.

GRADE:

86

 

In a skit from before the show, Honky Tonk Man and Nikita Koloff have set up a booth in front of the arena where they’re selling copies of

Honky Tonk: Live in Moscow

. “This record’s going to win us the Nobel Peace Prize,” claims Jimmy Hart via his megaphone. Bob Orton and Brutus Beefcake happen by and heckle HTM and Koloff, eventually inviting the scant fans in line to come inside for free drinks on the Kings. Koloff and HTM are left fuming.

GRADE:

91

 

Ron Simmons defeats Tito Santana with a Dominator. During the match, Razor Ramon again comes to ringside. Simmons takes advantage when Tito tries to shoo Razor away.

GRADE:

74

 

While Tito recovers from the Dominator, Razor gets a mic and steps on Tito’s head. “Since you don’t want my help, chico, maybe I make my name off you instead…” A beaten Tito gets a toothpick to the face.

GRADE:

66

 

The Kings Club defeat the Wild Samoans by DQ after Honky Tonk Man and Nikita Koloff rush the ring and beat down Orton and Beefcake.

GRADE:

76

 

Jake Roberts addresses Ricky Steamboat from an undisclosed location. Roberts claims they were never friends and that Steamboat always knew what kind of man he was. Their partnership was only ever a convenient stepping stone for Roberts on his way to bigger things. “You’ve got the Snake’s venom in your veins, Dragon. You’re finished… you just don’t know it yet.”

GRADE:

100

 

The Furies (the team of Luna Vachon and Dump Matsumoto) defeat WWF Women’s champion Desiree Petersen and former champ Tina Ferrari in a pretty one-sided encounter. Monsoon gets across how the Women’s Division has never seen the like of Vachon and Matsumoto.

GRADE:

64

 

In the main event, the Junkyard Dog defeats Davey Boy Smith by DQ after the British Bulldog takes the fight to the outside and smashes JYD’s back repeatedly into the railing, ignoring multiple warnings by the ref to stop.

GRADE:

84

 

Adrian Adonis welcomes Harley Race and Hulk Hogan into the Flower Shop. The two are separated by layers of security and Adonis warns them not to damage any of his precious plants. Due to their behavior over the last few weeks, no WWF official wants to work their match at WrestleMania. Therefore, it is Adrian’s duty to announce the special guest referee, as decided by President Jack Tunney…

 

“Macho Man” Randy Savage.

 

Race takes the announcement in stride, but Hogan is furious that his old rival is now in charge of his fate at WrestleMania.

GRADE:

100

 

OVERALL GRADE:

86

[alpha2117]

This is just so much old school fun

[Chikbot]

Oh my god this Diary is amazing! Keep it up

[MainOffender]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="alpha2117" data-cite="alpha2117" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47165" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>This is just so much old school fun</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Chikbot" data-cite="Chikbot" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47165" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Oh my god this Diary is amazing! Keep it up</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Thanks for reading! I'm having a lot of fun with it.</p>

[MainOffender]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p> </p><img alt="SI0QVUj.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/SI0QVUj.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> <span style="color:#4169E1;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>PRIME TIME WRESTLING</strong></span></span></p><p> <strong>March, Week 4, 1989. </strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47165" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> “I want all my little Hulkamaniacs out there to write some strongly worded letters to protest this miscarriage of justice, brother.” Hogan opens the show, complaining about the appointment of Randy Savage as ref for his title match at WrestleMania V. </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 92</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Ron Simmons squashes Tom Magee who I don’t think is going to make it.</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 55</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Backstage, Jim Neidhart cuts a promo on Simmons and the Hart Foundation’s rivalry with Doom. At WrestleMania, the Anvil promises to pick up a win for the injured Hitman. </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 61</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Tito Santana and the Kings Club defeat Razor Ramon, Honky Tonk Man, and Nikita Koloff by DQ after Ramon blatantly shatters a copy of </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>Honky Tonk: Live in Moscow</em></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> over Santana’s head. </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 82</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Backstage, Demolition receive a special delivery from Hollywood. They’re excited to open a pair of leather kilts, courtesy of their old boss Roddy Piper. “Some teams might be after the gold, but Smash and I – we’re all about that leather, baby.”</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 71</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> In a one-sided match, Randy Savage defeats Hillbilly Jim with a flying elbow drop. </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 80 </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Before he can exit, Harley Race arrives to confront Savage. “If the definition of compromise is both sides hating the result… then you’re it, Randy.” Race wants Savage to prove that he can call a match down the middle, so he’s gotten President Tunney’s permission for Savage to referee tonight’s main event. </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 99</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Davey Boy Smith defeats Don Muraco with a running powerslam. The British Bulldog shows off his superior power.</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 84</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Davey Boy gets on a mic to discuss how he’s been signed for a match with Junkyard Dog at WrestleMania. He thinks that JYD is too hurt to wrestle after the beatings he’s taken these last few weeks. If JYD dares to show up for their match, Smith promises to put him down for good. </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 89</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Koko B Ware and Jacques Rougeau battle to a double DQ after the match breaks down following interference from Raymond Rougeau and Dino Bravo. </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 68</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> A video recap of the friendship and ensuing feud between Ricky Steamboat and Jake Roberts. </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 74 </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> With Macho Man as referee, Paul Orndorff and Harley Race defeat Hercules and Andre the Giant when Race pins Hercules after a piledriver. At one point, Savage knocks Heenan off the apron and nearly comes to blows with his old rival Andre. Hogan comes out to observe and shakes his head in disgust when Savage raises Race’s hand in victory. </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 82</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>OVERALL GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 86</div></div></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Here's the full WrestleMania V card:</p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><img alt="Ww76qBR.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Ww76qBR.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47165" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>FOR THE WWF WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP</strong></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>Special Guest Referee: “Macho Man” Randy Savage</em></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Harley Race © vs Hulk Hogan (w/ Jimmy Hart)</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>FOR THE WWF INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP</strong></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>If Andre loses, Bobby Heenan is banned from managing!</em></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Paul Orndorff © vs Andre the Giant (w/ Bobby Heenan)</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>FOR THE WWF WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES</strong></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The Patriots (Jim Duggan and Paul Roma) © vs Demolition</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>FOR THE WWF WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP</strong></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Desiree Petersen © vs Luna Vachon</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>OF SNAKES AND DRAGONS</strong></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Jake “The Snake” Roberts vs Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>LAST DOG STANDING</strong></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Davey Boy Smith vs The Junkyard Dog</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>RUSSIAN ROYALTY</strong></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The Honky Tonk Man & Nikita Koloff (w/ Jimmy Hart) vs The Kings Club (Bob Orton & Brutus Beefcake)</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>FRENCH CANADIAN FOES</strong></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The Flamingos (Dino Bravo & Koko B Ware) vs The Rougeaus (w/ Frenchy Martin)</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>DON’T CALL ME CHICO</strong></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Razor Ramon vs Tito Santana</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRUDGE MATCH</strong></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Jim Neidhart vs Ron Simmons</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>PLUS!</strong></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>Another pre-show Battle Royale!</em></div></div></div><p></p><p> </p><p> <strong>PREDICTION FRIENDLY VERSION:</strong></p><p> Race vs Hogan</p><p> Orndorff vs Andre</p><p> Patriots vs Demolition</p><p> Petersen vs Vachon</p><p> Roberts vs Steamboat</p><p> Bulldog vs Junkyard</p><p> HTM/Koloff vs Kings Club</p><p> Flamingos vs Rougeaus</p><p> Razor vs Tito</p><p> Neidhart vs Simmons</p></div></blockquote>

[alpha2117]

<p>PREDICTION FRIENDLY VERSION:</p><p>

Race vs <strong>Hogan</strong></p><p>

Orndorff vs <strong>Andre</strong></p><p>

Patriots vs <strong>Demolition</strong></p><p>

<strong>Petersen </strong>vs Vachon</p><p>

Roberts vs <strong>Steamboat</strong></p><p>

<strong>Bulldog</strong> vs Junkyard</p><p>

<strong>HTM/Koloff</strong> vs Kings Club</p><p>

Flamingos vs <strong>Rougeaus</strong></p><p>

Razor vs <strong>Tito</strong></p><p>

Neidhart vs <strong>Simmons</strong></p><p> </p><p>

My Take:</p><p> </p><p>

- Simmons has a lot more potential - the best booking decision is him going over.</p><p>

- Razor is pretty young still and losing to Tito here wont hurt his long term development</p><p>

- The Flamingos suck - one is a career criminal with Mafia ties - the Rougeaus are good - that's a no brainer.</p><p>

- I love Koloff</p><p>

- Bulldog has a bigger upside at this point - although either one dying of a overdose in ring is a possibility.</p><p>

- Roberts is a mess - Steamboat is clean and great - If Jake is cleanish this could be an all-time banger.</p><p>

- Petersen or Vachon - it's not exactly a compelling choice. Vachon is problematic personality wise so lets say Debbie.</p><p>

- Ask yourself - Do you want to live in a world where Jim Duggan and Paul Roma are being pushed? I don't.</p><p>

- The stip means Andre has to win surely - Heenan is too entertaining as a Manager to kill that. Andre in 1989 is problematic health wise but a cheat to win angle should see him win.</p><p>

- Hogan or Race it's like being asked to cheer for Hitler or Stalin in WW2 all refereed by Savage who I guess is Mussolini in this analogy. This will be horrible but the right choice is Hogan I guess.</p>

[MainOffender]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="alpha2117" data-cite="alpha2117" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47165" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> - The Flamingos suck - one is a career criminal with Mafia ties - the Rougeaus are good - that's a no brainer.</p><p> - Bulldog has a bigger upside at this point - although either one dying of a overdose in ring is a possibility.</p><p> - Roberts is a mess - Steamboat is clean and great - If Jake is cleanish this could be an all-time banger.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Great predictions! Although I will not tolerate too many more of these anti-Flamingo takes. <img alt=":o" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/redface.png.900245280682ef18c5d82399a93c5827.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> A couple notes since we're talking potential and drug use. Surprisingly, I haven't had any problems with Roberts. He hasn't reformed himself or anything; I think I'm just getting lucky on the rolls. Davey Boy, on the other hand, is juicing like muscles are going extinct and he's turning into just a tremendous prick. I've been wanting to share this screen shot of his personality's evolution (this takes us a bit beyond WM but whatever):</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47165" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><img alt="3xYe335.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3xYe335.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Note the transition from Muscular to RIPPED. My man is shredded. As we reach WrestleMania V, his 94 star quality is behind only Savage and Hogan.</p>

[smw88]

<p>Race vs <strong>Hogan</strong></p><p>

Orndorff vs <strong>Andre</strong></p><p>

Patriots vs <strong>Demolition</strong></p><p>

Petersen vs <strong>Vachon</strong></p><p>

Roberts vs <strong>Steamboat</strong></p><p>

<strong>Bulldog</strong> vs Junkyard</p><p>

<strong>HTM/Koloff</strong> vs Kings Club</p><p>

Flamingos vs <strong>Rougeaus</strong></p><p>

Razor vs <strong>Tito</strong></p><p>

Neidhart vs <strong>Simmons</strong></p>

[BHK1978]

<p>Race vs <strong>Hogan</strong></p><p>

Orndorff vs<strong> Andre</strong></p><p>

Patriots vs <strong>Demolition</strong></p><p>

Petersen vs <strong>Vachon</strong></p><p>

Roberts vs <strong>Steamboat</strong></p><p>

<strong>Bulldog</strong> vs Junkyard</p><p>

<strong>HTM/Koloff</strong> vs Kings Club</p><p>

Flamingos vs <strong>Rougeaus</strong></p><p>

<strong>Razor</strong> vs Tito</p><p>

Neidhart vs <strong>Simmons</strong></p>

[joshbrady91]

<p>Race vs <strong>Hogan</strong></p><p>

Orndorff vs <strong>Andre</strong></p><p>

Patriots vs <strong>Demolition</strong></p><p>

<strong>Petersen</strong> vs Vachon</p><p>

Roberts vs <strong>Steamboat</strong></p><p>

<strong>Bulldog </strong>vs Junkyard</p><p>

HTM/Koloff vs <strong>Kings Club</strong></p><p>

Flamingos vs <strong>Rougeaus</strong></p><p>

<strong>Razor </strong>vs Tito</p><p>

Neidhart vs <strong>Simmons</strong></p>

[alpha2117]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="MainOffender" data-cite="MainOffender" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47165" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Great predictions! Although I will not tolerate too many more of these anti-Flamingo takes. <img alt=":o" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/redface.png.900245280682ef18c5d82399a93c5827.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p> A couple notes since we're talking potential and drug use. Surprisingly, I haven't had any problems with Roberts. He hasn't reformed himself or anything; I think I'm just getting lucky on the rolls. Davey Boy, on the other hand, is juicing like muscles are going extinct and he's turning into just a tremendous prick. I've been wanting to share this screen shot of his personality's evolution (this takes us a bit beyond WM but whatever):</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Note the transition from Muscular to RIPPED. My man is shredded. As we reach WrestleMania V, his 94 star quality is behind only Savage and Hogan.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> So essentially Smith is following the real world pretty closely. The Steroid and other substance issues actually did make him more violent and problematic behaviour wise as he rose up the card</p>

[MainOffender]

WE! ARE! LIVE! From a sold out Metrodome in Minnesota! A venue I actually picked on purpose for once.

 

A handful of early arrivals watch Luna Vachon demolish Desiree Petersen to win the WWF Women’s Championship. One day, this division might escape pre-show purgatory.

GRADE:

21 (oof)

 

In our annual pre-show Battle Royale, the Big Bossman outlasts 19 other competitors. Adrian Adonis is the last man knocked over the top rope.

GRADE:

65

 

The PPV kicks off with the National Anthem and WWF World Champion Harley Race! Still popular from his AWA days, Race thanks the crowd for their support and reflects on his 30 year career. He sees a bit of his younger self in Hulk Hogan – a man who let ambition cloud his judgment. “I wish someone would’ve whipped me 10 years ago like I’m going to whip Hogan tonight!”

GRADE:

93

 

In our opening contest, Razor Ramon’s size advantage and willingness to bend the rules proves too much for Tito Santana. Ramon wins with a Razor’s Edge.

GRADE:

68

 

After a real slugfest, Ron Simmons puts away Jim Neidhart with a Dominator.

GRADE:

63

 

Honky Tonk Man and Nikita Koloff arrive for their match. But first – a sample from Honky Tonk: Live in Moscow! The Honky Tonk Man performs his hit song "Breadline Blues" while Koloff shouts the lyrics in Russian.

GRADE:

83

 

After a back-and-forth match, the Kings Club defeat Honky Tonk and Koloff after Beefcake puts Honky to sleep.

GRADE:

73

 

The Junkyard Dog arrives for his match against Davey Boy Smith with his ribs taped. It’s a bad sign for JYD as the British Bulldog takes him apart with repeated backbreakers and slams. Eventually, the ref calls for an end to the match as JYD can’t stand.

GRADE:

81

 

Next, Ricky Steamboat and Jake Roberts meet in a 30+ minute showcase of technical wrestling and drama. Roberts continuously tries to take the match outside and force Steamboat to engage in his violent ways, but Steamboat refuses to be baited. At one point, after Roberts swats him across the back with a chair, Steamboat begs the ref not to DQ his opponent. Finally, after an attempted DDT on the exposed floor that could’ve ended Steamboat’s career, the Dragon loses his temper. The crowd is hot for the match ending flurry that sees Steamboat pin Roberts after a vicious head kick.

GRADE:

94

 

Hulk Hogan is backstage with Mean Gene. Responding to Race’s earlier promo, Hogan calls the champion a sad old man and a cautionary tale. He promises to retire Harley and then force Randy Savage to raise his hand.

GRADE:

89

 

Demolition defeat the Patriots after Paul Roma falls victim to the Decapitation. Demolition at last win the WWF World Tag Team titles!

GRADE:

81

 

Once the bout between Andre the Giant and Paul Orndorff begins, it becomes very clear that Orndorff studied the Coliseum Video of Andre’s WrestleMania III match with Hogan. He copies Hogan’s strategy successfully, even managing to body slam the Giant. Bobby Heenan is in disbelief as the pinfall is counted.

GRADE:

76

 

In front of a sobbing Bobby Heenan, Paul Orndorff tears up The Brain’s managing license. The Heenan Family is officially dead.

GRADE:

90

 

The Flamingos defeat the Rougeaus in a hotly contested match with a lot of sequins.

GRADE:

60

 

Finally, in the main event, Harley Race battles Hulk Hogan in a hard-hitting brawl. The grizzled veteran is on the ropes multiple times, but always manages to come back – “Harley-ing Up” if you will. Randy Savage calls the match down the middle, at least until Jimmy Hart attempts to slide the World Title to Hogan. Savage rips the weapon away from his old rival…

 

…and cracks Harley in the face with it. Hogan hits a leg-drop to seal the victory and claim the WWF World Heavyweight Championship for the second time.

GRADE:

99

 

As boos rain down, Savage happily raises Hogan’s hand. “The MANIA and the MADNESS, yeah, we run this business… not Harley Race… not PRESIDENT Jack Tunney yeah…” Hogan and Savage shake hands as Jimmy Hart dances around them. “Welcome to the era of the Mega Powers, brother.”

GRADE:

100

 

 

OVERALL GRADE:

100

 

PREDICTION RESULTS:

BHK1978 – 7/10

Joshbrady91 – 7/10

smw88 – 6/10

Alpha – 5/10

 

*puts a gun to Bobby Heenan’s head* YOU DON’T THINK I’LL DO IT???

[alpha2117]

Nice twist ending

 

I despise the Flamingos and not in a heel way in a X-Pac go away way

[EBEZA]

In an interview with Mean Gene, Nikita Koloff explains why he’s allied with Jimmy Hart. “Who ended the Cold War and saved the world from nuclear annihilation? Your Ronald Reagan? NO. The peasant reformer Gorbachev? NO. It was the music of one man that warmed the cold hearts of my comrades and showed us the gentle soul of the American people…” He holds up the Russian release of a Honky Tonk Man album.

GRADE: 85

 

Actually laughed out loud at that. Love the whole HTM & Koloff story!

 

*puts a gun to Bobby Heenan’s head* YOU DON’T THINK I’LL DO IT???

 

<div class="tenor-gif-embed" data-postid="5362498" data-share-method="host" data-width="100%" data-aspect-ratio="0.8591549295774649"><a href="https://tenor.com/view/calm-down-gif-5362498">Calm Down Chill GIF</a> from <a href="https://tenor.com/search/calmdown-gifs">Calmdown GIFs</a></div><script type="text/javascript" async src="https://tenor.com/embed.js"></script>

[Aurora]

Evil Mega Powers is a great idea. Could Steamboat be the one to stop them, now that would make for a very different future for wrestling.

[MainOffender]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="alpha2117" data-cite="alpha2117" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47165" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Nice twist ending <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p> I despise the Flamingos and not in a heel way in a X-Pac go away way <img alt=":mad:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/mad.png.69834f23b9a8bf290d98375f56f1c794.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> *rewrites plans for Mega Powers vs Flamingos*</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="EBEZA" data-cite="EBEZA" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47165" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Actually laughed out loud at that. Love the whole HTM & Koloff story! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> This is that weird thing in TEW where I'm now really enjoying booking two guys that I was never a fan of in real life. </p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Aurora" data-cite="Aurora" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47165" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Evil Mega Powers is a great idea. Could Steamboat be the one to stop them, now that would make for a very different future for wrestling.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Hmmm... <img alt=":cool:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/cool.png.f00d2562b2c1d873a09323753efdb041.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[MainOffender]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><span style="font-size:24px;"><strong>1989: (MOST OF) THE YEAR IN REVIEW</strong></span></span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47165" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="2wi7DDq.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2wi7DDq.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <strong>OFF TO THE JUNKYARD</strong>: Shortly after his defeat at WrestleMania V, the Junkyard Dog was released from WWF. Many attributed this to the continuing distraction of his drug problems. </p><p> </p><p> <strong>THE MEGA POWERS DOMINATE:</strong> The alliance between Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage would be WWF’s main story for the rest of the year. Freed from the influence of Bobby Heenan, Andre the Giant turned face so that he could oppose the Mega Powers. He was joined by the likes of Ricky Steamboat and Harley Race in an ongoing war that raged across multiple events. Thanks to interference from Savage and the rest of Jimmy Hart’s cronies, Hogan managed to retain the World title through the end of the year. </p><p> </p><p> <strong>REDECORATING THE FLOWER SHOP:</strong> In June, Adrian Adonis defeated Paul Orndorff to win the Intercontinental title. That would be the only title change after the events of WrestleMania V.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>PIPER’S QUIET RETURN:</strong> Roddy Piper returned to the company in July but failed to recapture his spot as top heel with the Mega Powers running hot. Rumors persist that an icy relationship between Piper and Vince McMahon may have contributed to Piper’s diminished role. He began the year as the hottest star in wrestling and ended it jobbing to the Big Boss Man. </p><p> </p><p> <strong>THE KING OF THE RING:</strong> Bob Orton Jr won the King of the Ring tournament for the second straight year, making sure the Kings Club continued on. He defeated Davey Boy Smith in the Finals, gaining some measure of revenge for WrestleMania IV. After the tournament, Davey Boy showed respect to Orton, turning face.</p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47165" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="wWF8VpX.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wWF8VpX.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ixrz2KN.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ixrz2KN.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <strong>THE AWA YOUTH MOVEMENT: </strong> After reigning as champion since 1986, 54 year old Nick Bockwinkel finally dropped the strap… to 46 year old Jimmy Snuka. (Days later, the two had a falling out after Bockwinkel made a crack about being afraid to share a motel room with Snuka.) The AWA remains the U.S.’s 3rd most popular company behind WWF and WCW, largely thanks to their deal with ESPN. The roster features a dozen wrestlers over 40 and only four under 30. Those youngsters – Buzz Sawyer, One Man Gang, and the Rockers – might not be content waiting their turn forever. </p><p> </p><p> <strong>FRITZ RETURNS:</strong> Using the money from Ted Turner’s buyout of WCWA, Fritz Von Erich leapt right back into the wrestling business, founding the USWA. It remains to be seen if inaugural champion Jim Powers can be a draw. (Spoiler: nah.) </p><p> </p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47165" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="gnhOg5U.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gnhOg5U.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="jQS1gKt.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jQS1gKt.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <strong>TRIPLE CROWNED:</strong> In March, AJPW ran a very special Champion’s Carnival to unify their three main event titles under the Triple Crown. It was won by Yoshiaki Yatsu. The interest in the tournament was enough to push AJPW ahead of NJPW for the first time. </p><p> </p><p> <strong>INTERNATIONAL WRESTLING GRAND PRIX: </strong> In New Japan, Hiroshi Hase won his first Grand Prix. </p><p> </p><p> <strong>AMERICAN EXODUS: </strong> In October, the AJPW contracts of Stan Hansen and the Funks expired. The three immediately defected for NJPW, wounding AJPW’s momentum and restoring NJPW as the top company in the country. </p><p> </p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47165" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="iGjPD8P.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iGjPD8P.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> <strong>A RATINGS DISASTER: </strong> Ted Turner’s big investment in WCW has so far failed to capture the interest of wrestling fans. Despite its talented roster, the Bill Watts booked promotion is seen as a distant #2 behind WWF. The mix of colorful characters with more old school NWA style performers has alienated various pockets of fans. Meanwhile, rumors persist that the backstage environment is ugly, with huge egos clashing and the party culture imported from WCWA not going over well with Turner’s idea of corporate professionalism. </p><p> </p><p> <strong>HORSEMEN ON HOLD:</strong> Arn Anderson won the WCW US title in February, but a storyline where the Horsemen collect all the gold before revealing their mysterious fourth member was put on hold when Anderson broke his leg that summer. </p><p> </p><p> <strong>BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE</strong> At August’s Hog Wild PPV, the three year reign of Ric Flair as NWA/WCW World Champion ended in a shocking upset by the Dynamite Kid. The dirt sheets insist that this victory was originally intended for Kerry Von Erich, but that Watts refused to put the Texas Tornado over until he cleaned up his act. Regardless, at Halloween Havoc, Dynamite Kid would lose the title to Flair friend Tully Blanchard. </p><p> </p><p> What does that mean heading into Starrcade ’89….?</p><p> </p></div></blockquote>

[alpha2117]

So someone refused to put the belt on a Von Erich because they weren't clean and put it on Dynamite Kid instead … What the Actual Frak?

[MainOffender]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="alpha2117" data-cite="alpha2117" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47165" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>So someone refused to put the belt on a Von Erich because they weren't clean and put it on Dynamite Kid instead … What the Actual Frak?</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Dynamite Kid starts the mod as reformed from his hard drug abuse; not sure where the mod makers learned that DK got clean by the mid-80s because it seems unlikely, but I'm running with it. He's still in rough shape physically. Seeing him go over Flair was a real shocker to me, particularly because he's pushed as an upper midcarder. </p><p> </p><p> KVE, meanwhile, is a mess. More on that when I start posting the WCW shows leading to Starrcade.</p>

[EBEZA]

Still loving this! Poor Piper, though

[alpha2117]

Dynamite Kid starts the mod as reformed from his hard drug abuse; not sure where the mod makers learned that DK got clean by the mid-80s because it seems unlikely, but I'm running with it. He's still in rough shape physically. Seeing him go over Flair was a real shocker to me, particularly because he's pushed as an upper midcarder.

 

KVE, meanwhile, is a mess. More on that when I start posting the WCW shows leading to Starrcade.

 

Tom Billington is clean … Tom Billington? That seems unlikely doesn't it? A great talent but by most accounts a pretty terrible human being whose consumption of dangerous substances is legendary. The Von Erichs were at least niceish guys although some of them had some pretty serious issues.

[MainOffender]

<p>And now... a bit of WCW. I decided to activate the Cruiserweight title earlier than historically accurate because I like it. Although all belts except for the World Title were vacated when WCW launched, they are still respecting the JCP/NWA lineage. </p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47165" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="Gw9OPYd.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Gw9OPYd.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION</strong></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><ul><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Ric Flair [6] (August, 1986 – August, 1989)</div></div><br /></li><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">The Dynamite Kid (August, 1989 – October, 1989)</div></div><br /></li><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Tully Blanchard (October, 1989 – Present)</div></div><br /></li></ul><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47165" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="s1rWA9i.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/s1rWA9i.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> WCW US CHAMPION</strong></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><ul><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Arn Anderson (February, 1989 – September, 1989) *vacated due to injury</div></div><br /></li><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">The Iron Sheik (September, 1989 – Present)</div></div><br /></li></ul><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47165" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="wBiAgq8.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wBiAgq8.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> WCW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS</strong></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><ul><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">The Blade Runners (February, 1989 – July, 1989)</div></div><br /></li><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">The Awesome Twosome [2] (July, 1989 – Present)</div></div><br /></li></ul><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47165" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><img alt="ES9wNMD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ES9wNMD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> WCW TV CHAMPION</strong></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><ul><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Cactus Jack (February, 1989 – Present)</div></div><br /></li></ul><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47165" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> </strong></div></div><img alt="t3zSzOT.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/t3zSzOT.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong> WCW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION</strong></div></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><ul><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Sweet Sugar Brown (February, 1989 – July, 1989)</div></div><br /></li><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Eddie Gilbert (July, 1989 – Present)</div></div><br /></li></ul><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>***</p><p> </p><p> <img alt="R2GItUK.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/R2GItUK.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> <span style="color:#800080;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>WCW SATURDAY NIGHT</strong></span></span></p><p> <strong>December, Week 1, 1989. </strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="47165" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Our show begins with the team of Lex Luger and Barry Windham squashing the Nasty Boys. </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 69</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> After the match, Luger and Windham join the Jims at the announce desk. They lay down a challenge for Starrcade, daring the Awesome Twosome to finally put the tag titles on the line against them. </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 85</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Magnum TA arrives at the desk. While his in-ring career was cut short, Magnum still loves the business and wants to give back. He’s decided to begin managing young talent, guiding their careers to the next level. “The Magnum Talent Agency… the Magnum TA… is open for business.” He introduces his first client: a young man named Owen Hart. </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 52</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Owen Hart defeats Tommy Rogers with a northern lights suplex. </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 52</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> The US Champion Iron Sheik, Vader, and Kevin Sullivan defeat Sweet Sugar Brown and the Rock N Roll Express following a Vader Bomb on Ricky Morton. Jim Ross hypes this unholy alliance between Iran and the Sovereign Territory of the White Castle of Fear. </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 82</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> “I have seen *snarl* the blood of heretics *snort* boil on the burning sands *hork* of the endless wastes…” The Blade Runners cut a promo where they promise vengeance against the boys from the White Castle of Fear. Warrior is gunning for Sheik’s US title (or so our translators believe) while Sting promises to cut the head off the snake by defeating Kevin Sullivan at Starrcade. </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 64</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Footage from before the show airs. “Billion Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase arrives with his bodyguard Bruiser Brody and his technical wrestling advisor Curt Hennig. Also exiting the Money Inc limo is young Dustin Rhodes. The camera picks up DiBiase pitching Dustin on “the good life… the life that only real money can buy.”</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 57</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Bruiser Brody & Curt Hennig defeat the Steiner Brothers in a back-and-forth match. The Steiners are up for the challenge, but Money Inc eventually overwhelm them. Hennig finishes Rick Steiner with a Perfect-Plex. Ted DiBiase looks on from ringside. </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 77 </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> After the match, Dusty Rhodes storms the ringside area, shouting at the Billion Dollar Man to stay away from his son. He’s held at bay by Brody & Hennig until DiBiase, cackling, can make his exit. </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 82</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Cactus Jack and Rick Martel battle to a double count out in their match for the WCW TV title. It proves a big mistake on Martel’s part to engage with Jack on the outside as the vicious Cactus Jack never lets the match go back inside. </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 76</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Leading into our main event, Ric Flair and Tully Blanchard stop by the announce desk. Flair talks about how proud he is to see Tully, under his guidance and with his assistance, finally win the world title. Flair doesn’t mind sharing the wealth – “I had her first and I had her more often WOO!” Blanchard seems increasingly annoyed throughout.</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 97</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> In the main event, Ric Flair and Tully Blanchard take on Kerry and Kevin Von Erich. Astute viewers will note that Kerry is moving at a different speed than his competitors – his punches are hot and his timing is all over the place. After an even contest, Blanchard finds himself getting worked over by the brothers’ teamwork. He goes for a tag to Flair and finds his partner distracted by a babe in the front row. As a result, Blanchard gets caught with a Tornado Punch. Kerry Von Erich pins the WCW World Heavyweight champion!</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 86</div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>OVERALL GRADE:</strong></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> 85</div></div></div></blockquote>

[alpha2117]

The Von Erichs vs the Horsemen - now that takes me back.

[MainOffender]

WCW SATURDAY NIGHT

December, Week 2, 1989.

 

We opened the show with Dustin Rhodes picking up a hard fought victory over Jimmy Garvin. Ted DiBiase appeared during the match to root on Dustin.

GRADE:

55

 

After the match, Dusty Rhodes rushed the ring to tell DiBiase to stay away from his son. DiBiase exited while Dustin tried to calm down his father.

GRADE:

80

 

Rick Martel stopped by the announce desk to demand another shot at Cactus Jack and the TV title. He made a mistake last week sinking to Jack’s level, but he won't get fooled again.

GRADE:

70

 

The Midnight Express defeated the Blade Runners by count out after Sting and Warrior abandoned the match to chase down Kevin Sullivan and the Iron Sheik. Sullivan and Sheik disappeared into a cloud of smoke, leaving a confused Warrior holding an Iranian flag.

GRADE:

79

 

Kerry Von Erich joined the Jims to discuss being named #1 contender for Tully Blanchard’s World Title. Von Erich, a mess, slurred his way through a promo about Starrcade. He was bailed out by Tully, who raged his way onto the scene, saying that Kerry only won last week because Ric Flair let him down. “That’s a laugh, mate,” said the Dynamite Kid, arriving on stage to remind Tully that he only won the World Title in the first place because of Flair’s interference. Thus summoned, Flair strutted on stage to claim Dynamite beating him was a fluke and that he’d get his win back at Starrcade. Tully, increasingly livid at the attention paid to Flair, flipped out and left the set, bellowing about how he’d prove that he’s really #1 in WCW.

GRADE:

85

 

Vader beat the snot out of Ricky Morton, finishing the match with a Vader Bomb. Conveniently, the Jims wondered if anyone can match the monster Vader…

GRADE:

73

 

The lights dimmed and supernatural cowboy The Gunslinger appeared. “I take my bounties from the devil himself… Vader… you and Kevin Sullivan have toyed with the dark side for too long. At Starrcade… The Deadman collects.”

GRADE:

71

 

“Billion Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase defeated Kevin Von Erich after DiBiase’s bodyguard and longtime Von Erich hater Bruiser Brody knocked Kevin out while the ref was distracted.

GRADE:

79

 

Tag champions Rick Rude and Manny Fernandez stopped by the desk to accept Lex Luger and Barry Windham’s challenge for Starrcade. Fernandez ran down Luger and Windham as a couple of wannabes while Rude posed and gyrated.

GRADE:

72

 

In a back-and-forth contest, Eddie Gilbert defeated Brian Pillman to retain the WCW Cruiserweight title.

GRADE:

65

 

“Folks, we’ve just received word that Starrcade will feature not just one World Title defense… but two!” At Tully Blanchard’s request, he will defend the title first against Kerry Von Erich and then against the winner of a match between Ric Flair and Dynamite Kid. “Blanchard’s need to prove he’s the top dog might just be his undoing!”

GRADE:

72

 

In the main event, Dusty Rhodes defeated Bruiser Brody by DQ after Ted DiBiase and Curt Hennig crashed the ring to beat down the American Dream.

GRADE:

88

 

“Keep your nose out of my business, Rhodes, you hear me?” DiBiase and his Money Inc boys put the boots to Dusty. Kevin Von Erich, angry about his earlier loss, attempted to even the odds, but he too got crushed by Money Inc. Finally, Dustin Rhodes came out from the back to beg Mr. DiBiase to stop. Billion Dollar Ted at last called off the beating and left with his arm around young Dustin.

GRADE:

80

 

 

OVERALL GRADE:

84

[joshspicer]

So I'm assuming part of this Kerry stuff is a work and other parts are him actually having issues in the game.

 

Also, loving this Terry stuff and what's going on with Ted and the Rhodes.

 

Nice to see Bruiser doing well.