Sage Cortez
When I was a kid, I went to a video store that had a pretty large collection of wrestling videos. Most of them were WWF videos from early 1990 through the middle of 1992. While there were quite a lot of them, it would often turn out that I’d default to watching a certain few of them over and over again. WrestleMania VI was one of those videos. I think the most rational explanation for that was that they showcased the roster so well, and there was so much talent on it that it was a consistent draw for kids. As an adult, the matchups aren’t so great at all, and that’s easy for everyone to see. In an effort to get everyone on the card, they trotted out some things that weren’t so good. They could have done even better. Anyway, it’s time to watch THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE!
– April 1st, 1990, from the Skydome in Toronto, Ontario
I just noticed that this video is about 35 minutes longer than the one that was rented out in video stores. Interesting. I love the opening, too. I have now been sufficiently hyped up to watch this. Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse Ventura are doing commentary for this thing, and first up we have the Canadian national anthem, sung by Robert Goulet. OH CANADA, etc.
Rick Martel vs. Koko B. Ware
Pre-Match Thoughts: The long entrances mean I’ll have time to type something up before each match without having to pause. I have no idea why they’d open with this match. This could have been a good match given time, but otherwise, I prefer my idea of Rick Martel facing Bret Hart at WrestleMania a little more. Although then, you’d have to get Koko, Jim Neidhart, and the Bolsheviks on the card in some other way. Whatever, I don’t really care that much.
Match Review: Martel attacks Koko quickly, and we’re off. He hammers him with right hands, but Koko blocks a charge to the corner. After that, Koko tries a springboard cross body from the second rope that gets 2. Koko then fires off some dropkicks, and a backdrop. He clotheslines Martel out of the ring, not too bad a start. Koko brings Martel back in the hard way, and Martel has to respond by throwing Koko off the top. That was a close call, nearly threw Koko on top of the bird. Martel rams Koko’s back into the apron, then gets back in to wait for him. Once Koko gets back in, Martel suplexes him for 2. Martel follows that by heading up to the second rope, and comes down with a weak looking double axehandle. Martel then uses a backbreaker, and goes for the Boston crab. Koko crawls to the ropes before Martel can put it on, and starts no-selling turnbuckle shots. He rams Martel into the buckle, and hits Martel with jabs and a kick to the head. Koko uses a few headbutts too, and those get a 2 count. Koko tries his cross body again, and this time he wipes out. So, Martel puts the Boston crab on him, and it gets the victory for the Model at 5:30.
My Thoughts: This had a nice start, and was about the proper length to ensure that people couldn’t get bored by it. As stated, some of Martel’s offense was weak, and perhaps that’s why he didn’t get pushed harder. In any case, not too bad at all. It also wasn’t their job to steal the show by pulling off all sorts of silly high spots. *3/4.
Demolition vs. The Colossal Connection (w/Bobby Heenan) for the WWF Tag Team Championships
Pre-Match Thoughts: While everyone knows this was Andre’s last televised WWF match, at the time, I don’t think anyone had an inkling that would be the case. It’s strange to see Andre as a champion on such a big event. As for thoughts on the match beforehand, anyone’s expectations would be low. Haku was a decent hand, and Demolition were also decent. That’s about it though. In the back, Mean Gene accidentally calls them the Colostomy Connection before their interview. Bad idea. Not an interesting interview at all, either. Demolition were interviewed by Sean Mooney, they didn’t say a whole lot, other than that they’d be the next champions. Nice to see Demolition using the mini-rings for their entrance, although it was a bit out of character.
Match Review: The Connection attacks, and dumps Ax from the ring so that they can work on Smash. Smash comes back with punches, as it’s mentioned that the Hart Foundation have already challenged the winners. Sounds good! Ax tags in to work Haku over, then Andre walks in and clobbers him. Smash switches in for a neck vice, and in comes Ax shortly after. Ax is looking pretty old, I should say. Smash tags right back in and gets a thumb to the eye, but Smash blocks a hip toss and fights with Haku over a backslide, with Smash winning that fight and Andre having to come in to break the count up. Ax tags in and gets hit in the throat, and Haku follows with a backbreaker for 2. Haku follows that with some kicks, one of them going a little low, too. Andre headbutts Ax from the apron, and Haku covers for 2 as the referee was distracted. Couldn’t see why. Andre headbutts Ax again, but still no tag in. Haku chokes away at Ax, then chops him before putting him in a nerve hold. A distraction then allows Andre to choke Ax with the tag rope, and now I realize why the Coliseum Video had some cuts. This match has gone on a little too long, and it was certainly chopped a little bit. Haku picks Ax up for a shoulder-breaker, it got a 2 count. Haku misses a charge to the corner and gets clotheslined as well, and now Ax makes a tag! Smash rams Haku into the buckle, and nails him with a back elbow too. He then backdrops Haku, and takes him down with a cross body. Now Andre finally gets in the ring, and Smash hits him. Demolition knocks him into the corner with a double clothesline, and they hit Haku with one too. Andre then gets up and holds Smash in place, but Haku kicks him in the face on accident, causing him to get tied up in the ropes. Demolition picks Haku up and drops him throat-first on the top rope, then hit him with DEMOLITION DECAPITATION for the finish at 9:15! New champions!
After the match, Heenan went crazy. Understandable if you see the state of his family after this loss. His ire was geared towards Andre more than anyone else. Ice cold. Heenan even slaps Andre, then Andre grabs him. About time! Andre slaps Heenan around a bit, knocking him down. Haku tries to kick Andre to help his manager out, but Andre catches that kick and knocks him out of the ring with a headbutt. Lastly, Haku and Heenan try to get in Andre’s cart, and he throws them out of it. Andre gets the free ride!
My Thoughts: I don’t like that they completely disregarded the story of the match where the Colossal Connection won these titles. Remember, they kept Demolition from ever making a tag in that match. In this one, they attacked early, and Demolition made multiple early tags even after being attacked. I didn’t like that at all. I did like that Andre left the company with dignity, and while being cheered. He deserved that. The match itself wasn’t any good, and Andre didn’t work in it, or it would have been worse. *1/2, not as good as the first match, but they really popped the crowd and this worked far better as an appetizer than the first match did.
Earthquake (w/Jimmy Hart) vs. Hercules
Pre-Match Thoughts: This match sounds awful, and doesn’t even seem to be a step up from the squashes of Ron Garvin that Earthquake had been doing. No build for this one, Hercules was just an opponent for Earthquake to run through. Before the match, Jimmy Hart and Earthquake had a few things to say, and all the stuff about tremors and aftershocks really cracks me up. Good character promo. Hercules didn’t tan his armpits by the look of it. Sorry, but that was easy to notice and it was weird looking.
Match Review: Earthquake attacks when Hercules has his back turned, but Hercules dodges the charge he tried to do it with. About time a babyface smartened up. Earthquake eats some right hands, and heads to the outside for a break. When he’s done, he gets back in there and shakes the ring, getting quite the reaction from the crowd. They test each other’s strength, and Earthquake gets the better of it, then decides to knock Hercules down. Earthquake must have gotten stiffed by a punch as he’s now bleeding from the lip. Earthquake puts his head down like an idiot, and Hercules hits him. He tries some shoulderblocks too, but they don’t move the big guy. A series of clotheslines does, though, and Earthquake goes down to one knee. He gets up, and Hercules goes for his backbreaker. Yeah, right. Earthquake drops an elbow on him, and follows with a second. After that, he drops on Hercules with the BUTT SPLASH, and that’s it at 4:54. After one more BUTT SPLASH, he leaves.
My Thoughts: This match was totally unremarkable, but Hercules really jacked Quake up with those punches.At least it was totally clean, too. Funnily enough, it looked like Quake’s outfit was almost busting at the seams. That’s probably not such a good thing! Hercules went on to better things, or at least more watchable things as part of Power and Glory. 1/2*.
Now we have an interview aired, where Rona Barrett (there’s a throwback) is talking with Elizabeth. Elizabeth says that she may return to ringside in a far more active role than before. Hm.
Mr. Perfect (w/the Genius) vs. Brutus Beefcake
Pre-Match Thoughts: This match has always annoyed the absolute shit out of me. I can’t believe they pushed Perfect forward only to have him put in this match for WrestleMania. Shows who they think the real stars are and aren’t. In the back, the Barber was looking at Mr. Perfect’s record, and says that everyone makes mistakes, and it may be time for Perfect to lose that perfect record of his.
Match Review: Beefacke took a really long time to get ready to wrestle, and in the fashion of the other matches, I must point out his tan. He looks absurd. Beefcake clobbers Perfect until Perfect goes out over the top, and he drags him up to the apron for an atomic drop that sends Perfect back over the top. He gets back into the ring, and the Barber tells him that he’s going to win the match. Okay. Perfect responds with chops, but gets thrown hard into the corner and clobbered with double axehandles. Beefcake bodyslams him, then throws him into the corner once again. A clothesline knocks Perfect down, and the Barber signals for the sleeper. A bit early, no? Genius gets on the apron, which provides a sufficient distraction. He drops the scroll, and Perfect blasts Beefcake with it. Nicely done! Perfect uses the neck snap, which looks so much better than it actually is. That got a close 2 count. Perfect continues to beat Beefcake down, and gives him a knee lift as part of the punishment. Beefcake trips him and catapults him into the post, then covers for a 3 count at 7:47! WHAT?
Beefcake teases cutting some hair, but Genius steals the clippers. This guy is so smart. Sadly, Beefcake notices and drags him back towards the ring. Remember that he already cut his hair once before? Beefcake puts him in the sleeper, and there goes the rest of Poffo’s hair. Poor guy.
My Thoughts: Not a whole lot happened in this match. The beginning was good, but the middle was a total lull and really boring. Also, the way Perfect lost was a bit unceremonious, although it did help him save face because it looked like a fluke. The post-match also helped get people to forget about Perfect losing, which seeing as they wanted to put the Intercontinental Championship on him, was probably the right thing to do. If not for Beefcake wrecking his face, I bet they would have had a feud with each other over that title. I guess this was **, I wouldn’t dare rate it any higher, though.
Bad News Brown vs. Roddy Piper
Pre-Match Thoughts: I thought this was a massive mis-use of Piper, and Bad News was always poorly used so that would apply to him as well. The racial connotations of this feud are not cool with me, either. The events of the Royal Rumble are shown beforehand, as I’m now realizing that this is the first WrestleMania with so many different issues heading in since WrestleMania III. That figures. I liked Bad News criticizing Piper for wearing a skirt. Good moment. Before the match, Piper revealed that he’s painted half black. This was so dumb. Piper was so far over, I don’t understand why they wouldn’t have him in something better for this. Whatever. I didn’t like it as a kid nor do I now.
Match Review: It takes a while for this to start, and unlike the others, the heel doesn’t attack at the start. Instead, they tackle each other and roll around the canvas. Piper then tries a cross body that gets 2, and Bad News goes to his trunks when they break. I don’t know if he had something or not, but Piper hit him with right hands until these guys were forced to break again. Piper got rammed into the turnbuckle, but he isn’t selling those. Why? Bad News puts a nerve hold on him, then they get up and trade punches again. Bad News goes to a choke after a shot to the throat, and slams Piper afterward. After an elbow, he covers for 2. Finally some wrestling! Piper pokes Bad News in the eye, and Bad News returns the favor. Bad News then unties a turnbuckle pad, but Piper throws him in there instead of his intended plan. Then, for whatever reason, Piper grabs a glove. I get it now, after all these years! It’s to counter the glove of Bad News! He hits him with a punch from the second rope, then knocks Bad News out of the ring. Bad News drags Piper out there, and accidentally punches the post. Piper grabs a chair, and misses with a big swing. So, both guys get counted out at 6:47. What’s the point of that? Piper and Bad News brawling to the back was as good as the match, which wasn’t too good.
My Thoughts: I hate to answer my own question when I know the answer, but this match went down the way it did because Piper was on his way out of there. I don’t know if the WWF knew Piper was going to come back, or if Piper intended to come back. But he was on his way out. As we know, Piper came back to do commentary when Jesse Ventura got in his argument with Vince and left. Piper was right to leave here, they had nothing going on for him at all. As for Bad News, he said that he was tricked into staying after WrestleMania, so I’ll take him at his word. They had nothing for him either. 3/4*.
The Bolsheviks vs. The Hart Foundation
Pre-Match Thoughts: This is an extremely poor use of the Hart Foundation. Even though they challenged the winners of the tag title match, they also deserved better at WrestleMania given that they had remained in the WWF for so long during their boom period without bailing. This match was cut out of the version of WM VI that I rented at the video store, so I’ve never seen this match. For some reason, they’ve decided to use Steve Allen in a backstage skit with the Bolsheviks. That was funny.
Match Review: The Bolsheviks try to do their routine, and the Hart Foundation attacks them from behind. The Anvil clotheslines Volkoff over the top, and Zhukov gets set up for THE HART ATTACK. Bret pins Zhukov, and that’s it at 0:18!
My Thoughts: Like I said, this was a waste of the Hart Foundation. However, they looked strong heading into their title challenge. That’s the only thing in their favor, really. DUD.
Nice promo for WrestleMania VII at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. That totally happened! The pre-sales were so good that people thought it would happen, based on people buying tickets to a show with no main event. Will update that story in future articles.
The Barbarian (w/Bobby Heenan) vs. Tito Santana
Pre-Match Thoughts: The Barbarian finally shed the dead weight, and I think he should have been pushed a lot harder after doing it too. In any case, he’s with Bobby Heenan now, and while that used to mean a guy was about to get pushed to the top, in 1990 it really did not. Tito is a total jobber at this point and in need of something new, even though he was a really good worker. Barbarian didn’t have a new look yet, though. He looked the same. Santana was interviewed in the back, where Mean Gene bigged him up as one of the guys who had been at every WrestleMania as a singles and tag wrestler. Gene then asked him if Barbarian could do the same thing. He didn’t know the answer. Also, for all the babyfaces on the show, Santana got the least reaction. Also, he’s announced as being from Tocula, Mexico. That isn’t even a place.
Match Review: These guys lock up, and Barbarian has the power advantage, with Santana having the speed. Barbarian takes a break after their first lock up, and gets back in there only for Santana to kick him and try a cross body that gets 2. Santana then goes to a headlock, but Barbarian hip tosses him. He misses a headbutt though, and Santana climbs onto his shoulders for punches that knock him down and get a 2 count. Barbarian responds with a big boot, then picks Santana up for a shoulder-breaker. He heads up to the second rope, and comes down with an elbow drop that misses. He then misses a charge to the corner, and tries a big boot that gets blocked. Santana knocks Barbarian down with a dropkick, then lands a double axehandle from the second rope. He nails him with the flying forearm, but of course, Heenan makes a save by putting Barbarian’s foot on the bottom rope during the count. They then do something sloppy looking where Santana gets clotheslined by the top rope, and Barbarian heads up for a clothesline FROM the top rope. Barbarian covers, and that’s it at 4:33.
My Thoughts: The sloppy thing was probably a botch, and Santana was probably supposed to get launched into the air. In any case, the finish and the camera angle used for that finish, was really impressive. It made it look like the clothesline Barbarian gave out turned Santana inside out. Other than that, not too much happened. Not much else to comment on, either. *.
The Macho King & Queen Sherri vs. Dusty Rhodes & Sapphire in a MIXED TAG MATCH
Pre-Match Thoughts: In the WWF or really anywhere, this kind of match was quite rare. Based on the singles match before this, I think Sherri and Sapphire will have the best spots. They did in that one too. The video package before the match was fantastic. When I was a kid, I hadn’t seen any of that stuff. So I really didn’t understand the feud or anything like that. Dusty’s promo was good too, I don’t know why the other team didn’t have one. Ventura having issue with the announced weight for Dusty and Sapphire was as funny as it was messed up. Dusty grabbed the microphone after entering the arena, and started running down Savage, leading to an introduction of Elizabeth! Good surprise there. The way the rules are supposed to work for this, is that women are in with women, and men in with men only.
Match Review: Dusty and Savage will start it, and Savage gets drilled by a back elbow. Sherri runs in with a punch from behind, she broke the rules! So, Sapphire grabbed her, only for Savage to knee Dusty from behind. Savage gets caught on a leap from the top, and Dusty throws him into Sherri. Dusty then tags out and brings Sherri into the ring, where Sapphire pushes her into Savage to knock him off the apron. Sapphire knocks Sherri down with her butt, that’s really funny. She then gives Sherri an airplane spin and drops her for 2. Haha. Sherri clocks her, then goes for a slam only for Sapphire to fall on top for 2. Dusty tags in, and teases the idea of wrestling Sherri. That’s not going to happen, though. Dusty then grabs Savage and holds him in place for a slap from Sapphire, then Sherri rushes in and Savage throws her into Sherri. Dusty shoves Sherri and Savage hits him with a knee to knock him out of the ring, then Sherri clocks Dusty too. Savage heads up top and flies to the outside with BOMBS AWAY, it got a cheer from the crowd. Maybe Canadians don’t like the American Dream. Who would have guessed? Savage hits him with another for good measure, then Sapphire gets in the way to block a third. He jumps down and throws Sapphire to the floor, then heads up top and hits Dusty with another double axehandle back in the ring, which gets 2. Savage suplexes Dusty, it gets 2 as well. Savage then grabs his scepter, and nails Dusty from behind with it. Sherri tags in, comes off the top with a big splash, and only gets 2 on the cover. Damn. Savage tags in and gets hit on his way in the ring, then Macho and Sherri take a noggin-knocker. Haha. Dusty nails Savage with repeated elbows, until Sherri jumps on his back. Dusty tags in Sapphire for an elevated snap mare that gets 1, and Sapphire gets slapped around a little. They grab each other and Sherri gets thrown out of the ring, only for Elizabeth to throw her back in. Sapphire DDT’s Sherri, and Savage comes in to break the cover. Sherri then goes after Elizabeth, Sapphire comes up from behind for a trip, and Elizabeth pushes Sherri. So, Sapphire covers Sherri for the victory at 7:31.
My Thoughts: This was a good comedy match, although the crowd wasn’t quite as loud as expected given how loud they were every time these four got involved with each other. I thought it was sufficient for the feud, and the feud was given importance. People also liked the feud so I can’t say Savage should have been doing something better. ** seems appropriate for this as well, there wasn’t a lot of wrestling. They also busted out their best spots in that singles match to hype up this show.
It’s intermission, so it’s time for them to go through a lot of time filling things. First was a hype package for WrestleMania VII.
After that, we had Bobby Heenan in the back talking about what happened in the Colossal Connection’s match. He was extremely angry to say the least, and said he’d bring in new members to his family.
Rona Barrett then talked with Jesse Ventura and Gorilla Monsoon, I’ve definitely never seen this before. She said she had a video of Jesse doing something, and Jesse rushed the segment to cut away. Slightly funny.
The Macho King and Queen Sherri were really mad. REALLY, REALLY MAD!
Mean Gene was with Demolition, who were going to talk about their title victory. Ax said this victory was a natural high, seeing as it was the third time they became champions. That shows pretty good longevity.
Next up, it was Mean Gene with Hulk Hogan! He was talking about the positive vibes, and that the fans in this building were HIS PEOPLE. He said that if Ultimate Warrior wants to keep living, breathe into his body. WTF. He also said it doesn’t matter whether you win or lose, but that he hopes Warrior is a good loser. So, that sounds like foreshadowing a loss. A little bit.
Ultimate Warrior then kicked Sean Mooney out of the interview area, and went completely crazy with his interview. He says that he came to take Hogan’s HULKAMANIA further than Hogan took it. Okay, then. Time for the next match.
The Orient Express (w/Mr. Fuji) vs. The Rockers
Pre-Match Thoughts: I guess it’s good that Fuji got on this show, and this is a good matchup even though this wasn’t the best edition of the Orient Express. The Rockers should have ran to the ring, but that would have ruined Warrior’s thing later. It being after intermission and all, who knows if the crowd will even care. I’ve never really paid attention to this match before. The heel teams were so bad after the Colossal Connection broke up that the Orient Express were arguably now the #1 heel team.
Match Review: Tanaka and Marty lock up, then Sato rushes in for him to whip Tanaka into Marty with a back elbow. Marty comes back with a powerslam, and the Rockers give Sato a double hip toss and double elbow drop. Tanaka gets thrown into Sato, then those guys fall onto the floor only for the Rockers to give them planchas in stereo! Things reset, and it’s Marty and Tanaka still in there. Marty puts a headlock on Tanaka, only for Tanaka to shoot him into the ropes and Fuji pull down the top one to send Marty to the outside. He then hits Marty with his cane and Tanaka posts him. Ouch. Sato finally tags in for some double kicks, and right back out he goes. Tanaka backdrops Marty and Marty flips all the way through it, then tags in Michaels for a double superkick. Michaels slams Tanaka, and follows that with a backdrop. Sato tags in, and Michaels gives him a swinging neckbreaker. Tanaka kicks Michaels as he runs the ropes, and Sato uses a gutwrench stomach-breaker. Interesting! Tanaka drills Michaels with a forearm to the head, and brings his partner back in there. Tanaka slams Michaels, Sato lands a knee drop from the top, and that gets 2. Sato goes to a nerve hold, then tags out. Tanaka blocks a backdrop by flipping through, but Michaels turns around and clotheslines him. Marty makes a big tag in, and beats both guys up with right hands and a flying back elbow. A noggin-knocker follows that, and Marty covers for 2. A double dropkick knocks Sato out of the ring, and they give Tanaka a double backdrop. Fuji attacks Marty to prevent a double dropkick from the top, and Marty now has the canse. Referee’s not paying attention, and Sato throws salt in Marty’s eyes for a count-out at 7:36. Marty’s bump over the railing was the most realistic selling I’ve seen in a while.
My Thoughts: I’m slightly surprised they put the Orient Express over in any fashion. Besides the finish, the match was good. Lots of hard work, interesting double teams, and quick usage of moves. Exactly what I’d want to see in a Rockers match. I’d say “imagine if it was longer,” but I know what a longer match between three of these four guys equates to, and it’s absolutely great when it happens. *** seems fair, I think these were the first guys on this card who actually tried to steal the show in any way.
In the back, we have a thing with Steve Allen introducing Rhythm and Blues. Sounds good to hear a promo from these guys seeing as they aren’t wrestling. Rhythm and Blues also have a concert later in the show!
Dino Bravo (w/Jimmy Hart and Earthquake) vs. Jim Duggan
Pre-Match Thoughts: I really don’t want to watch this match. Bravo looked really bloated up, and Hacksaw is Hacksaw. I find it interesting that this is the kind of match they book when they have somewhat decent plans for each guy. Why wouldn’t people in Canada cheer Bravo over Duggan? Hacksaw’s attempts to start a USA chant looked so dumb.
Match Review: Once the match starts, Bravo pushes Duggan back into the corner. Hacksaw nails Bravo with a clothesline, and backdrops him too. A clothesline sends Bravo over the top, and he needs a little bit to recuperate. He gets back in and Hacksaw uses an atomic drop on him, then he climbs up in the corner for a series of punches. Hacksaw misses a charge to the other corner, and Bravo clotheslines him. Some big right hands knock Hacksaw down, and Bravo gives him an inverted atomic drop as well. Earthquake nails Hacksaw as the referee is distracted, and Bravo follows that with an elbow drop for 2. Hacksaw starts his comeback, only for Bravo to block a backdrop. Didn’t take long to stop it! Bravo misses his own charge to the corner, and Hacksaw clotheslines him a few times. Jimmy Hart gets on the apron, Earthquake grabs onto Hacksaw, and Bravo winds up having the 2×4. Or not, as Hacksaw gets it first and clobbers Bravo while the official tries to get Earthquake off the apron. That picks up the win for Hacksaw at 4:15!
After the match, Earthquake goes to work and hits Hacksaw with three BUTT SPLASHES. That’ll teach people not to mess with him!
My Thoughts: This wasn’t a good match, but they tried hard and kept things moving. That’s always a good thing, isn’t it? I would rather never see a match with Bravo in it again, but if I have to, one like this is better than the usual. *1/4, like I said, it wasn’t good.
Jake Roberts vs. Ted DiBiase (w/Virgil) for the MILLION DOLLAR CHAMPIONSHIP
Pre-Match Thoughts: Roberts does possess the title, but he is not the champion. In this match, the title can change hands regardless of how the match ends. I deliberately avoided watching matches between these two so I didn’t burn myself out on them before the big show. They tied a lot of things into this angle, so it’s interesting to see how they are all blown off. Before the match, a video package is shown that sums this whole feud up. Then, we get a promo from Jake Roberts that is possibly the best he had ever come up with.
Match Review: These guys lock up quick, so here we go. Roberts hits DiBiase with a knee lift, and he goes for the DDT only for DiBiase to get out there. He gets back in, and gets taken down by a hip toss. Both guys miss elbow drops, and again Roberts fails with the DDT. Close calls. Roberts goes to a hammerlock, and DiBiase reverses it only for Roberts to use momentum and throw DiBiase out of the ring. DiBiase says he’s going to leave, but Roberts follows and sends him back in there. DiBiase then elbows Roberts, and he misses a charge to the corner. Roberts goes for a knee, and takes his big bump on his neck after a missed charge. DiBiase stomps away and puts him in a front face-lock, as the crowd does the wave or something. Smart workers, they knew what to do if that happened. Anyway, Roberts got kicked out to the floor, and rammed shoulder-first into the post for good measure. They get back in and DiBiase piledrives Roberts, which got some heat. About time the crowd got back into it. Roberts cradles DiBiase up after a cocky pin, and it got a close 2 count. DiBiase then slaps the Million Dollar Dream on Roberts, and Roberts has to fight out of it by reaching the ropes. Got lucky! DiBiase gets a few 2 counts, then heads up to the second rope only for Jake to hit him on the way down. Roberts follows that with a clothesline, then an inverted atomic drop. Roberts clotheslines DiBiase again, then backdrops him. He now signals for the DDT, and DiBiase grabs the referee. Virgil then pulls Roberts out of the ring, and Roberts clocks him. After slamming Virgil, DiBiase puts the DREAM on Roberts again. Roberts breaks it by posting DiBiase, but Virgil puts DiBiase back in for the count-out victory at 11:53! He wins!
DiBiase and Virgil celebrate with the title, until Roberts clotheslines them. Virgil grabs the belt and leaves, as Roberts and DiBiase continue their match, with Roberts planting the Million Dollar Man with a DDT! Virgil runs back out before Roberts can pull out the snake, and he saves DiBiase. What a great guy!
My Thoughts: This match was acceptable, the finish being good enough to end the feud too. Look, you can’t have Roberts or DiBiase pin the other clean on PPV. It’s a major step down for both guys to take that kind of loss, as they weren’t going to go challenge for titles. With that being the case, they had to come up with something. What they came up with was fine with me. It was also smart for them to discontinue their match instead of go through spots as the crowd was doing the wave. **1/2, at least these two matches after intermission picked things up some from what they were before. Otherwise, not such a good show.
Akeem (w/Slick) vs. The Big Boss Man
Pre-Match Thoughts: Damn, Mr. Fuji and Slick barely even made this show. Akeem and Slick were interviewed, it was entirely predictable. You know what else is predictable? The result of this match. Nobody would expect Akeem to win after a tag team breakup. Much more money in Boss Man, who was also interviewed. He said Ted DiBiase was scum, and that Akeem was going to be dealt with too. Before the match, Ted DiBiase attacks Boss Man! You thought he forgot about what happened leading into his own match at WrestleMania? NOPE. Great storytelling. Anyway, the attack consisted of a clothesline, a bodyslam, and DiBiase sending Boss Man into the post.
Match Review: After DiBiase throws Boss Man in the ring, the match starts. The bell never rang. Akeem hits Boss Man with a splash in the corner, it gets 2. He repeatedly squashes Boss Man in the corner, and punches away until Boss Man gives him an inverted atomic drop. A big boot knocks Akeem down, and he throws Akeem into the buckles repeatedly until clotheslining him. Boss Man then gives Akeem the BOSS MAN SLAM, and that’s it at 1:50.
After the match, Boss Man gets hands on his former manager, and clocks him.
My Thoughts: Not much to talk about here, except that it was obvious Akeem was going to become a jobber. As a kid, I never understood the Akeem character and didn’t even know why this match happened. I didn’t even realize that Boss Man was a bad guy. DUD. There was no way these two could have had a good match.
Now we roll into some non-match related things. Sean Mooney was on the floor, and hyped up the size of the crowd, leading into a performance from RHYTHM AND BLUES. YES! He even interviewed Mary Tyler Moore. This is just making her look bad. She didn’t know anything about wrestling and was completely surprised by the questions she was being asked.
Time for the Rhythm and Blues concert! Awesome! As we know, the guys were driven to the ring by Diamond Dallas Page. This is awesome. Valentine was so bad you couldn’t even hear him on the microphone. When they’re done, two vendors head to ringside and HTM points out that they’re the Bushwhackers! The Bushwhackers don’t even get to attack, they simply clear the ring and stert destroying the guitars of our singers. Good segment until the end.
Before the next match, Finkel announces the attendance. Impressive crowd.
Rick Rude (w/Bobby Heenan) vs. Jimmy Snuka
Pre-Match Thoughts: This is a total dead spot. Who would be interested in this with the main event ahead? I assure you, I am not. Given the dead spot and lack of plans for Rude, it’s funny they’d push him into the SummerSlam main event against a guy who he was programmed with 3 times on PPV in 1989. Steve Allen is going to be on commentary for this.
Match Review: Snuka looks like he was just told he was jobbing. Rude attacks him from behind, and winds up missing a dropkick after dishing out a lot of punches. Snuka follows with a flapjack, and a backdrop after that. He dropkicks Rude over the top, but Rude flies back in with a sunset flip attempt…only for Snuka to block it. Snuka goes for another backdrop, so Rude gives him a snap suplex. Rude gives out his own backdrop too, but Snuka comes back with a face smash into the canvas. Rude knocks Snuka down with a shoulder, but Snuka has a flying headbutt to follow. Snuka heads up top, and Rude gets up, so Snuka has to leap over him. He sends Rude into the buckle, then bodyslams him. Snuka heads up to the second rope, and misses a flying headbutt. Rude grabs him, gives him the RUDE AWAKENING, and that’s it at 3:51.
My Thoughts: This match was fine filler before the main event. Rude winning served its purpose, given that they pushed him towards a feud with Warrior again. Not that they needed to, they certainly didn’t. But, there’s something related to that which I’ll talk about after the main event. *1/2, for the most part I could do without ever seeing this show again.
The Ultimate Warrior (WWF Intercontinental Champion) vs. Hulk Hogan (WWF Champion) in a TITLE VS. TITLE MATCH
Pre-Match Thoughts: Going in, nobody expected this match to be great. Expectations don’t always work out, and sometimes they’re even exceeded. The fan hype for this match was enormous though, that’s why they filled the building. I haven’t watched this match in a really long time, either. Warrior’s entrance by running to the ring was epic stuff, that guy could never take one of those mini-rings down to ringside. It would be a massive break of character. He had a lot of time to get his wind back when Hogan walked to the ring, anyway.
Match Review: These two exchange shoves, and lock up with Warrior launching Hogan into the corner. Hogan does the same, and Warrior wants a test of strength. They work on that test of strength, and Warrior gets the better of it. Hogan fights back up to his feet, and now he puts Warrior on the canvas for an elbow drop that gets a 1 count. Then they do a criss-cross, and Hogan bodyslams Warrior. Warrior gets up and doesn’t sell it, then the criss-cross resumes and Warrior gives Hogan a bodyslam. Warrior then clotheslines Hogan over the top, and Hogan starts selling his knee. Warrior follows and kicks Hogan, then sends him back in. Hogan goes to the eyes, and they start choking each other. Hogan hits Warrior with some right hands, and clotheslines him in the corner too. Hogan slams Warrior as well, then drops elbows on him for 2. He puts Warrior in a front face-lock, then tries a small package that gets 2. He chops Warrior a few times, then clotheslines him again for 2. Hogan follows that with a backbreaker for 2, then puts Warrior in a brief chinlock. Hogan follows that with a back suplex, and gets 2 on the cover. Back to the chinlock again, and Warrior fights out of it with some elbows. They hit each other with a clothesline, just like at the Rumble, and we’ll see who gets up first. It’s Hogan, as Warrior starts shaking the ropes. The crowd was getting so hyped for a comeback. Warrior nails him with right hands and some clotheslines, then signals for the GORILLA PRESS. Nope, not yet though. He sends Hogan into the corner, and Hogan clutches onto Warrior’s boot for dear life. Warrior suplexes Hogan for 2, and puts him in a bear hug. The crowd stayed hot even through such a boring hold, I’m impressed. Hogan gets out and Warrior runs into the referee, so now what? Warrior heads up top, and he hits Hogan with a double axehandle. Another trip up top leads to another double axehandle, and Warrior follows that with his flying shoulderblock that misses. Hogan covers, but there’s no referee. Warrior gives him a back suplex as he’s in the middle of complaining, and there’s no count for that either until Hebner gets up for a long count of 2. Hogan cradles Warrior up, and that gets 2 as well. Hogan hits Warrior with a back elbow to send him over the top, then they trade punches. I bet the crowd thought a count-out was going to happen. Warrior posts Hogan, and they head back in. Warrior then nails Hogan with a clothesline, and picks him up for the GORILLA PRESS! Warrior hits Hogan with the big splash, turns him over, and only gets 2! Hogan starts HULKING UP, and hits Warrior with his big three punches, a big boot, and he misses the leg drop! Warrior splashes Hogan, and that’s it at 22:50! WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION!
After the match, Hogan grabs the title belt, brings it into the ring, and presents it to the new champion. Hogan then takes a trip to the back, and Warrior continues to celebrate until fireworks go off both above his head and in the ring as the show closes!
My Thoughts: This match was the most perfectly booked match ever. Very little, if anything had to have been called on the fly. It’s funny seeing the reactions to things now as compared to then. Everything that happened after the match was considered to be great at the time. Nobody thought Hogan stole the show with anything he did, and people thought he was doing the right thing for business. Most of all that it was the right thing for business. Now, I don’t know if it was or wasn’t. But this match was really good. They worked a slow pace, but they were able to keep the crowd hanging off everything they did. The time was filled well, with both guys having the right moves in the right spots. Best of all, the match made sense. Both guys were treated like a big deal, and properly sold, or didn’t sell, all of the moves that were given out. I’d rate this ****, it just felt like a big deal and a classic match. Obviously, every wrestling fan has or should watch this, so it’s recommended.
So, with Warrior as champion, it’s time to take inventory on what they could have had him do. On his way to the top, they had him feud with and beat pretty much every heel on the roster besides Earthquake, Randy Savage, Ted DiBiase, and Rick Martel. Two of those guys were beaten by Hulk Hogan too. Now what? They handcuffed Warrior from the start of his run because people around the horn had already seen him wrestle the guys he was going to face. To say he failed as champion is a bit unfair because he never really had a chance. It was obvious looking back that he wasn’t handed the torch and wasn’t the top guy either. Warrior wasn’t a great worker, but even still, he didn’t have much of a shot. For me, the match holds up too. As for the other stuff on this show, of the most importance is that the Hart Foundation were challenging Demolition. With Demolition getting older and a total lack of heels on the roster, I think a heel turn was fairly certain to be on the cards from the point they got those tag titles. I think Perfect loss to Beefcake to set up title matches after the tournament for the Intercontinental Championship. Anyway, this show was no better than average, but the main event delivered and that’s what people pay their money to watch. Next up for me, I’m going to watch NWA/WCW matches leading into Capital Combat!
Wrestling Time: 1:38:50. There was a ton of filler, and this show ran for about 3 and a half hours. Until the Orient Express/Rockers match, this was a tough watch.
Best: Hulk Hogan vs. The Ultimate Warrior. There’s no doubt. Iconic match with great booking and a hell of a finish.
Worst: The way the Hart Foundation were used really got to me.
Card Rating: 4.5/10. I just don’t like this WrestleMania, I never have. WrestleMania VII on the other hand is a great show, I can’t wait to get to that one. There was just too much here that wasn’t good and didn’t matter.
