https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/breaking-seth-rollins-reportedly-suffers-torn-mcl-partially-torn-mensicus/

So Seth Rollins has torn his MCL and part of his meniscus, which means things are getting very complicated very fast. The biggest problem here is that we’ll have to see how long Rollins is going to be out of action. It’s going to be at least a few weeks, but there aren’t that many weeks to go before Wrestlemania. You can all but guarantee that he will be out of the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber, which means we’re stuck waiting, as usual.

Now what does that mean for the title situation? Well assuming Rollins is going to be out of action for a long time and has to vacate the title (which hasn’t been announced), the best bet would probably be to have the Rumble for the title. It instantly raises the stakes and lets WWE go wherever they want in a single night. If you don’t know where you want to go then the Rumble can proceed as usual, but WWE might be needing to come up with another idea for Wrestlemania. Since that was all but guaranteed to be Rollins vs. CM Punk, Cody Rhodes or Drew McIntyre might be having another story.

Or Damian Priest finally gets rid of the briefcase on Raw and everything is solved at once.

I’m a bit late to this but I’d like to do some more of these big story bits.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/watch-rock-returns-monday-night-raw-teases-roman-reigns-match/

So that happened. This is the biggest story in wrestling right now and that shouldn’t be any kind of a shock. The idea of the Rock teasing a match against Roman Reigns is amazing enough and now it seems like we might be seeing it. Save for a scheduling conflict, the match, should it happen, would be one of the biggest in modern wrestling and make WWE its latest fortune.

As for the match itself, I’m not sure I can imagine Rock doing a full on match given that he hasn’t had a long one in more than ten years and is in his fifties, but the smoke and mirrors could help out with quite a few of those issues. Other than that, we should be in for one heck of a ride, as the promos between these two can write themselves. I was excited when they were getting to the reveal and then it got even better when they finally said something. WWE continues to have one big name involved after another and this is the biggest one yet.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/hes-done-longtime-wwe-executive-reportedly-leaving-wwe-30-years-big/

You know, you always imagine this kind of thing happening but you can never believe it would take place. Kevin Dunn has reportedly given notice to WWE and will no longer be running WWE’s production. He allegedly hadn’t been interested in doing anything that Endeavor told him, so there was almost no reason to believe that he was going to be around long term.

As for the actual change of pace, my goodness it sounds great. While there is the chance that things might not exactly change overnight, just having something fresh for the way WWE television is presented is rather great. It has been the same thing for so long now and hopefully things change in some positive way. I’m not sure how fast the changes are going to take place, but dang this is rather interesting to think about after waiting on it for so long.

ECW On Sci Fi
Date: July 8, 2008
Location: River Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Commentators: Tazz, Mike Adamle

Things are changing a bit around here as we are firmly in the Mark Henry era. Last week saw Henry wrecking Colin Delaney, which might earn him the ire of Tommy Dreamer. In addition, we saw the debut of Atlas Ortiz, which really was not the most thrilling start. Maybe the second week can go better so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

Here are the Miz and John Morrison for a chat. They introduce themselves, with some jokes about hurricanes wrecking things around here. With that fairly disturbing line out of the way, they say they want new challengers for the Tag Team Titles so here is Finlay to interrupt. Finlay doesn’t think people want to see them run their mouths, but rather someone come out there and shut those mouths. Hornswoggle sneaks in with a water gun and the champs are quickly cleared out.

Finlay vs. Miz

We’re joined in progress with Finlay taking Miz down and doing it again with some uppercuts. A headlock on the mat has Miz in trouble and Adamle not being clear on who Finlay is facing. They go outside with Miz being rammed into the apron, followed by some stomping inside.

An atomic drop has Miz in more trouble and Finlay beats on him in the ring skirt to make it even worse. A cheap shot lets Miz ram him into the apron though and we hit the chinlock. Miz drops a leg and bends Finlay’s arm around the rope, setting up the logical armbar. The corner clothesline connects but Hornswoggle offers a distraction, allowing Finlay to grab the Celtic Cross for the fast pin.

Rating: C+. Finlay is the guy to put in there if you need to make someone look good and that was the case here. Miz is still nowhere near ready to be a featured star so having Finlay out there to walk him through a match is a good idea. That being said, Miz has come a long, long way in a relatively short time and that deserves a lot of praise.

Teddy Long and Tiffany are in Teddy’s office when Armando Estrada interrupts. Long isn’t happy with the lack of respect but asks what Estrada wants. That would be a contract, but instead Long gives him a match with the newest ECW star. Cue a man behind Estrada, who says knock knock. Apparently his name is Braden Walker, and he’s going to knock Estrada’s head off. That would be former TNA star Chris Harris under a really stupid name.

Raw Rebound.

Armando Estrada vs. Braden Walker

Walker snaps off an armdrag to start but Estrada drives him into the corner without much trouble. Walker charges into an elbow to the face though and we hit the chinlock. That doesn’t last long so Estrada elbows him down and stomps away, setting up a waistlock. Some slow stomps set up another waistlock as you can hear some BORING chants pop up. Walker fights up with a running clothesline and a full nelson slam gets two. A high crossbody, with Walker almost landing on Estrada’s shoulder, is enough for the pin.

Rating: D. Somehow, Walker might have made Atlas Ortiz look good last week. Walker was slow, sluggish and had some very lame offense. He might not have been a top star during his time in TNA, but he was a lot better than this. I’m not sure what went wrong here, but this was rather horrible.

Teddy Long runs into Tony Atlas and wants to treat him well tonight. Atlas can even be the ring announcer for the main event. With that out of the way, Mark Henry comes in to say what a fan he was of Atlas growing up. Henry mocks Atlas’ 650lb bench press and doesn’t shake his hand before leaving.

Atlas Ortiz brags about being undefeated.

Video on Matt Hardy.

Tommy Dreamer is giving Colin Delaney a pep talk when Tony Atlas walks in. Dreamer talks about Atlas mentoring him and pleasantries are exchanged.

Evan Bourne vs. Nunzio

We get a voiceover from Bourne about how great of a high flier he is, but we don’t get any special kind of video so it’s quite the odd visual. Bourne takes him into the corner to start and snaps off a headscissors into a jumping kick to the head. Nunzio gets in a backbreaker and bends Bourne’s back over the knee for a bit. Bourne is back up with a kick to the head into something like a standing Sliced Bread. The shooting star press finishes Nunzio.

Rating: C. Well it was better than Braden Walker. Other than the ending, this wasn’t much of a showcase for Bourne, though that jumping kick to the head was good. The positive for Bourne is that he is by far the best of the newcomers so far and that should be enough to keep him in good graces until he gets something more important to do.

Mark Henry runs into Tony Atlas again and hears he needs a payday. How about Atlas carries his bags? Atlas thinks about it.

Tommy Dreamer vs. Mark Henry

Non-title with Tony Atlas as guest ring announcer and he introduces Henry from “Sillsville” as opposed to “Silsbee” Texas. Colin Delaney is here with Dreamer as well. Dreamer slugs away to start before Henry hits a standing body block. The comeback attempt is swatted away and Henry drops the rather large elbow. Delaney grabs Henry’s leg so the chase is on, with Atlas asking Henry to leave him alone….and then sending Delaney into the announcers’ table. Dreamer goes outside for the save and gets World’s Strongest Slammed onto the floor for the double countout.

Atlas announces Henry as the winner to end the show as Adamle thinks Dreamer invited Atlas to be ringside for the main event (Tazz thankfully ignores him).

Overall Rating: C-. The opener was good and the main event angle was…well it was something. Other than though, this was a rather weak show, with the new stars ranging from pretty good to dreadful. ECW is feeling like even more of a nothing show as WWE is now putting its newcomers on here rather than people you might want to see. Lame show, and I don’t see that getting much better.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

AND

Remember to check out Wrestlingrumors.net for all of your wrestling headline needs.

I’m not sure how to process this but yeah that just happened.  CM Punk actually returned at the end of the show, coming out after WarGames to the thunderous reaction you would expect, though he didn’t do anything but his catchphrase and hug fans.

I have no idea where this is going but I was genuinely shocked at the whole thing.  It’s probably not a long term situation due to his health, but he’s actually back after almost ten years away and this is a big deal for WWE.  Nice job, especially keeping it a secret.

ECW On Sci Fi
Date: July 1, 2008
Location: Tulsa Convention Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Commentators: Mike Adamle, Tazz

We’re all done with the Draft, including the Supplemental Draft, and we also have a new ECW Champion in Mark Henry. ECW needs a new direction and having someone to chase the monster champ could be a good way to go. Other than that though, it should be interesting to see what they go with from here. Let’s get to it.

Here is Night Of Champions if you need a recap.

We open with a recap of Mark Henry beating Big Show and champion Kane to win the ECW Title.

Opening sequence.

Here is Mark Henry to get things going. Henry brags about his dominance and proclaims himself as the savior of ECW. Cue Tommy Dreamer and Colin Delaney, with Henry saying he doesn’t like being interrupted. Dreamer issues a challenge to Henry, who tells both of them to get out of here. We hear about Delaney’s toughness before Dreamer goes into the history of the ECW Title. Dreamer points out Tazz breaking his neck for the title and how much of a legacy it carries. Henry says Dreamer has to earn a title shot, but only if Delaney can beat him. Delaney accepts and Henry promises to wreck him tonight.

Matt Hardy/Hornswoggle/Finlay vs. Miz/John Morrison/Chavo Guerrero

Bam Neely is here with the villains. Matt and Miz start things off with Matt winning the standard fight over arm control. The armbar goes on until Miz fights up and drives him into the corner. A front facelock cuts Miz off though and it’s off to Finlay, who atomic drops Morrison. Chavo comes in to hammer away but Finlay ties him up in the ring skirts and unloads with forearms. Hornswoggle gets tossed onto Chavo and we take a break.

Back with Matt fighting out of a chinlock but getting dragged back into the wrong corner. Morrison adds a slingshot elbow and we hit the chinlock. Miz gets his own chinlock before it’s back to Morrison for the third chinlock in about two minutes. Matt fights up and hits a Side Effect to escape, allowing the tag back to Finlay. Everything breaks down and Hornswoggle hits a Tadpole Splash on Chavo, setting up the Celtic Cross for the pin.

Rating: C+. Not a bad six man here as Chavo is starting to be treated a bit less seriously around here. Finlay being used in his standard tough guy role works well, even with Hornswoggle there to keep things light. Matt, Miz and Morrison feel like they should be bigger deals, but having them involved with this did add some star power.

Raw Rebound.

Tommy Dreamer and Colin Delaney have a pep talk.

Armando Estrada interrupts Teddy Long talking to Tiffany and someone with a lot of hair. Estrada wants to know about his contract status but Long says don’t interrupt. Long introduces Atlas Ortiz, part of the new Superstar Initiative. Estrada can face Ortiz next.

Armando Estrada vs. Atlas Ortiz

They go to the mat to start with Atlas grabbing a headlock. Said headlock goes on for a good while until Estrada fights up and starts working on the back. A few forearms set up an armbar as this isn’t exactly high speed stuff. Estrada pulls him down by the hair and the armbar goes on again. Back up and Ortiz snaps off an armdrag before a dropkick gets two. A backslide gives Ortiz the pin.

Rating: D+. I remember watching Ortiz back in OVW and he wasn’t interesting there either. Ortiz looks unique and unfortunately that’s about the extent of his positives. If this was supposed to be the match that makes me want to see more of Ortiz, WWE has missed pretty badly, as this was a lot of laying around before the most basic offense finished it off. If Ortiz is their best prospect, they’re in big trouble.

Colin Delaney vs. Mark Henry

Non-title but if Delaney wins, Tommy Dreamer (at ringside) gets an ECW Title shot. Delaney gets powered into the corner to start and a hair takedown makes it worse. A few shots to the head and chest have little effect on Henry, who gorilla press drops him. The World’s Strongest Slam finishes Delaney in a hurry.

Overall Rating: C. Well, it was certainly different, and that does at least address one of the biggest issues this show has had in recent weeks. That being said, Henry beating up Delaney feels like something we’ve been seeing for months now and Ortiz was hardly an interesting new direction. I like that they tried, but it didn’t exactly go in the right direction.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

AND

Remember to check out Wrestlingrumors.net for all of your wrestling headline needs.

ECW On Sci Fi
Date: June 24, 2008
Location: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
Attendance: 14,748
Commentators: Mike Adamle, Tazz

It’s the night after the Draft and ECW didn’t exactly do well. Not only did they lose the ECW Champion, but Mr. Money In The Bank is gone as well. With Kane and CM Punk gone, they now have Matt Hardy back as well, but we are still on for Kane defending the ECW Title against Big Show at Night Of Champions. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a recap of Million Dollar Mania, with Vince McMahon nearly dying at the end.

Teddy Long is in the ring to start things off and say that everyone in ECW has McMahon in their thoughts tonight. He can’t give out any information about McMahon’s status, but the show must go on. Therefore, here is the newest member of ECW, United States Champion Matt Hardy!

Matt Hardy/CM Punk vs. John Morrison/The Miz

Non-title. Matt armdrags Morrison down to start before it’s off to Punk. Miz comes in and gets kicked in the ribs so Matt can take over in the corner. Morrison manages to take Matt into the corner so Miz can take over and grab the chinlock. With that broken up, everything breaks down and Miz and Morrison get caught with running knees in the corner. Punk’s springboard clothesline is broken up for a crash out to the floor though and we take a break.

Back with Morrison hitting the slingshot elbow to Punk, whose back was bent over Miz’s knees. Morrison kicks Punk in the head but Punk manages a takedown on Miz. That’s still not enough for the tag though as Morrison is right there to cut it off and grab the chinlock. Punk fights up again and hands it back to Matt for the real house cleaning. The middle rope elbow to the back of the head gets two on Morrison and everything breaks down. Morrison blocks the Twist Of Fate and kicks Matt in the face for two. Cue Hornswoggle to distract Miz though and the Twist Of Fate finishes Morrison.

Rating: C+. The match got some time and thankfully it wasn’t another clean loss for the champs. They’ve had a rocky time with the titles so far and losing to a thrown together team wouldn’t have helped things in the slightest. At the very least though, the ending helps with Sunday’s title match, which could use the help.

Kofi Kingston vs. Shelton Benjamin

Extreme Rules. Kofi fights out of the corner to start but Benjamin runs him over with an elbow to the face. A suplex doesn’t work for Benjamin so Kofi hits a dropkick to put him outside. Naturally that means a dive to take Benjamin down again and they need a breather. Back up and Benjamin grabs the microphone to stagger Kofi, meaning it’s a whip into the steps to put him down again.

It’s time to bring in some weapons and a few shots put Kofi in more trouble. A trashcan to the head is blocked at first but Shelton just unloads on him with said can. Benjamin suplexes him onto the can and we hit the waistlock to stay on the ribs. Back up and Benjamin’s Stinger Splash is knocked HARD out of the air with a trashcan lid. More lid shots rock Benjamin even harder and Trouble In Paradise finishes for Kingston.

Rating: C+. It wasn’t a classic but it should serve as the big finale to their feud. These two have fought for a few months now and it’s nice to see Kofi getting the big win to end things. At the end of the day, Kingston feels like he could be moving up the ranks and it’s always nice to see some fresh blood. Benjamin knows how to make people look good in defeat and that was the case here.

We look at Mark Henry laying out Kane on Smackdown.

Raw Rebound.

Night Of Champions rundown.

Kane laughs a lot.

Mike Knox vs. Evan Bourne

Knox forearms him in the back to start but falls down, allowing Bourne to pick up the pace. Some kicks stagger Knox but he comes back with one heck of a clothesline. Knox grabs an abdominal stretch while pulling on Bourne’s leg to draw some nice screaming. Bourne fights out and hits a springboard kick before knocking Knox into the corner. A running spinwheel kick is cut off with a backbreaker though and Bourne is done.

Rating: C. This didn’t have time to get very far but the hard clothesline made up for Knox’s weird start. I’m not sure I get the point in having Knox go over a newcomer like Bourne clean but there is a good chance we’ll be seeing a rematch. For now though, Bourne’s comeback worked well enough and he should be fine with that kind of speed and high flying.

Kane vs. Mark Henry

Non-title and Big Show is on commentary. Henry powers him around to start and hammers away in the corner, which Show seems to like. A clothesline drops Kane rather quickly and a bearhug cuts off an uppercut comeback. Kane fights out and slugs away, setting up a running enziguri of all things. That lets Kane go up but he stops to look at Show, allowing Henry to crotch him down. The World’s Strongest Slam finishes Kane fast.

Rating: C. The bad night for champions continues as Kane gets beaten by a guest star. That being said, WWE has been pushing Henry in recent weeks and Kane is on his way out of ECW so this isn’t the worst thing. It wouldn’t shock me to see Henry wind up here with the title sooner than later, as they certainly had Kane put him over on the way out.

Overall Rating: C+. This was a bit of a weird show as they were wrapping up a bunch of stuff but didn’t have many people on hand to replace them. Instead we got Miz and Morrison and Kane losing, though at least Hardy got a win on his first night. Kofi got a nice win as well so we’ll say the good outweighs the bad, but this show is going to need some help soon.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

AND

Remember to check out Wrestlingrumors.net for all of your wrestling headline needs.

ECW On Sci Fi
Date: June 17, 2008
Location: HP Pavilion, San Jose, California
Commentators: Mike Adamle, Tazz

Things are still kind of sluggish around here, as we have Big Show set to challenge for the ECW Title but he has barely interacted with champion Kane whatsoever. Instead, Kane and CM Punk are still feuding with Miz and John Morrison, which isn’t exactly interesting stuff. Maybe they’ll find something new in next week’s Draft but that is still a long way off. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

Hornswoggle vs. Armando Estrada

No Finlay here with Hornswoggle for a change. The chase is on to start until Hornswoggle whips out a bag of marbles to make Estrada slip. Hornswoggle whips out a rubber mallet before running underneath the ring and escaping to the other side. Cue Finlay with a water gun, allowing Hornswoggle to hit a dive off the apron. Back in and the Tadpole Splash gives Hornswoggle the fast pin.

Post match Tazz asks Finlay what is under the ring. Finlay says leprechauns, hobbits and even people Tazz’s size. Tazz didn’t seem to see that coming so we’ll wrap it up there.

Layla danced during the break.

Evan Bourne vs. Matt Striker

Striker sends him to the apron to start and even catches Bourne in a top rope hanging DDT for two. The cravate goes on for a bit before Bourne fights up. What might have been a low blow cuts Bourne off but he gets his feet up in the corner. Bourne pulls himself up top and hits a shooting star press for the fast pin.

Post match Mike Knox runs in to hit Bourne with the spinning Downward Spiral.

Mike Knox vs. Kofi Kingston

Knox goes with the power to start but Kofi gets some boots up in the corner. It doesn’t really matter though as Knox throws him down and cranks on both arms at once. Kofi kicks his way to freedom and hits a dropkick, followed by the Boom Drop. Cue Shelton Benjamin to jump Kofi for the DQ. Well that was quick.

Post match the brawl is on but Shelton Dragon Whips Knox down by mistake.

Long look at this week’s Million Dollar Mania.

Finlay and Hornswoggle are in Teddy Long/Tiffany’s office for a contract signing. They sign, and get a Tag Team Title shot at Night Of Champions. Granted Hornswoggle signs with a big green marker and then goes after Finlay. That’s broken up but here is Miz to be incredulous about the title shot. Finlay drops him with a single shot.

CM Punk vs. John Morrison

Punk kicks away to start so Morrison hits him in the face. A high kick to the head gives Punk two but Morrison sends him into the ropes. Morrison grabs an arm and leg on the mat for some cranking. Back up and Morrison drives him into the corner, setting up a crank on the other arm and leg. Morrison drapes him over the top rope to stay on the ribs, followed by the seated abdominal stretch.

Punk fights up and tries the GTS but the ribs go out, allowing Morrison to drop him again. The bodyscissors goes on but Punk reverses into a giant swing of all things. Punk’s ribs are fine enough to snap off a powerslam and they’re both down for a bit. Morrison knees him in the face for two and loads up a springboard, only to dive into the GTS to give Punk the pin.

Rating: C+. It was nice to have a match that actually got a little bit of time here and Punk and Morrison’s chemistry made it that much better. I’m not sure if we need to keep going with Punk going after the titles, but at least they had a nice main event here. Punk is ready to go from ECW though and there is a good chance that the Draft will take care of that.

Post match Miz pops up to say Morrison is still a Tag Team Champion.

Teddy Long brings out Big Show and Kane for a showdown as this match is suddenly remembered. Show talks about their history together and promises to take the title again. Kane says Show has no idea what is coming for him but Show talks about how crazy he knows Kane is. Cue Mark Henry to say they better hope he gets drafted elsewhere, or he’s coming for the winner. Henry gets double chokeslammed to end the show.

Overall Rating: C-. Well that was quite the nothing show. I get that we are coming up on the Draft and the Show vs. Kane match, but this was a bunch of nothing until a good enough main event. I’m not sure how anyone thought this was a show worth presenting, but at least they should be shaking things up after next week.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

AND

Remember to check out Wrestlingrumors.net for all of your wrestling headline needs.

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/breaking-wwe-releases-nine-wrestlers-including-former-world-champion/

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/wwe-releases-eight-wrestlers/

Rick Boogs

Aliyah

Mustafa Ali

Emma

Top Dolla

Riddick Moss

Elias

Shelton Benjamin

Dolph Ziggler

Dana Brooke
Mansoor
Mace
Quincy Elliott
Bryson Montana
Yulisa Leon
Dabba Kato
Shanky

Their 90 day no compete clauses would be up on December 20.

Dang.  You knew something like this was coming but it is still hard to fathom that it actually happened.  At the end of the day though, most of these names aren’t surprising, as a lot of them haven’t been on WWE TV or used in any meaningful way in a very long time.  That doesn’t make it any better for them, but it’s also not so much of a surprise.

WWF House Show
Date: July 15, 1988
Location: Los Angeles Sports Arena, Los Angeles, California
Attendance: 15,000
Commentators: Gorilla Monsoon, Sean Mooney, Superstar Billy Graham

I was feeling a little house showish and we might as well take in a city that doesn’t get a lot of attention. We’re in between Wrestlemania IV and Summerslam and that means we’ll probably be seeing some stuff that would be on WrestleFest later in the month. Oddly enough I’ve done the Los Angeles show that follows this, so I’m kind of in for a prequel here. Let’s get to it.

Opening sequence.

Big Boss Man vs. Scott Casey

This is still the very Big Boss Man as he was around 400lbs and had only been in the company about two months. We pause to start because the referee doesn’t like some of the things on Boss Man’s gear. With that out of the way, Boss Man shoves Casey around as commentary tries to figure out how Slick (Boss Man’s manager, not here at the moment) met Boss Man in the first place.

Casey works on the arm but gets sent over the top, meaning it’s time to skin the cat. A backbreaker cuts off Casey and it’s time to work on said back (which does not appear to be broken yet). We hit the bearhug so Casey claps him in the head a few times. That doesn’t work either so Graham suggests going to the eyes.

Boss Man takes him to the mat so Casey makes the rope, meaning the bearhug goes on again (the rare heel logic). This time Casey bites Boss Man’s face, much to Graham’s approval of course. Boss Man charges into a boot in the corner so Casey slugs away, only to charge into a HORRIBLE Boss Man Slam (I don’t think Casey left his feet) for the pin at 7:26.

Rating: C-. Not exactly a great opening here as Boss Man was still figuring out the whole thing. The ending didn’t make it much better, as it was like some weird tackle instead of any kind of a slam. Casey was a good hand but never did much in the WW. Instead he would be a bit better as a trainer, including training Booker T.

Post match Boss Man handcuffs him to the ropes for the nightstick beating.

Rockers vs. Los Conquistadors

The Rockers are new, and come out to what would become the Ultimate Warrior’s music (that fits well actually). Uno wrestles Marty to the mat to start so everything quickly breaks down. That doesn’t go anywhere so it’s back to Marty for a crossbody on Uno. A headlock works a bit better for Marty but Dos comes in to catch another crossbody. That draws Shawn in for a dropkick to Marty’s back and put both of them down for a double knockdown.

Some Rockers’ near falls have Uno and Dos on the floor before we settle down to Shawn slamming both of them. The double dropkicks send Uno and Dos outside again, meaning that it’s time for the stereo dives. Back in and it’s Shawn vs. Dos but here is Jesse Ventura to yell at Billy Graham and then join commentary. The Rockers start taking turns on Dos’ arm, with Marty grabbing an armbar.

Uno tries to come in so Shawn does a fake tag to come in for an armbar of his own. The armbar stays on for a bit as Jesse wants to see the Rockers vs. Demolition. Back up and Michaels gets knocked out of the air so Dos can choke away. There’s the big Flair flip in the corner for two on Shawn and some ax handles to the back make it work. This leaves commentary to talk about Graham’s calves as Los Conquistadors change places outside.

Shawn powers over to the corner for tag to Marty but no one sees it, meaning the beating continues. Uno rips at Shawn’s face in the corner but Shawn comes back with some right hands. Shawn is so banged up that he can’t even slam Dos, but he can hit something like a dropkick. The diving tag brings in Marty for the house cleaning as everything breaks down. Shawn hits the top rope fist drop so Marty can finish Uno at 14:39.

Rating: C+. This got some time and while the heat segment on Shawn wen ton a good bit too long, the rest of the match worked out well. You could tell that the Rockers were WAY different than any other WWF team at the time and they were getting to showcase themselves here. This would have been better if it was a bit shorter, but it was better than the opener.

Post match Jesse goes on a rant about how Shawn was illegal when he hit the fist drop and Gorilla goes into his “they have five seconds” thing. Jesse wants to know why Gorilla only brings that up when it’s someone in the ring that he likes and Gorilla just cracks up for some reason.

Jim Duggan vs. Andre The Giant

Duggan has an extra long 2×4 here, which Graham says represents the people who hold this country together. They stare at each other for a good bit to start as Andre doesn’t like the 2×4 being in the ring. Well, yeah. Duggan finally hands it off to Graham but Andre still isn’t happy. For some reason Graham yells at the referee over this so the ring announcer gets the 2×4.

Now they’re both in and Andre starts the choking nearly four minutes in. Duggan has to crawl to the floor to escape so Andre chokes away back inside. A big chop puts Duggan on the floor again but he…uh, Duggans up. Back in and Andre grabs a standing chinlock for another few minutes before slowly hammering in the corner. Andre crushes him in the corner until Duggan avoids one more hip shot (the fans are right back into it).

The raining right hands stagger Andre but he’s fine enough to grab a bearhug. Duggan tries a headbutt but only knocks himself out, giving us that required confused Duggan look. A bite to the nose finally gets Duggan out of trouble (it worked for Scott Casey 30 minutes ago) and it’s time to slug away.

Some running shoulders set up the three point clothesline and Andre is mostly down in the corner. Duggan does it again and Andre FINALLY goes down. A running knee drop is cut off by a raised…something that wasn’t clear and Duggan is staggered. Duggan tries another three point clothesline but charges into a raised boot, allowing Andre to put his feet on the ropes for the pin.

Rating: B-. Action wise, this match was terrible as it was a bunch of punches and slow motion offense. That’s not the point though, as this was ALL about Duggan trying to chop down the tree and the fans wanted to see him take Andre out. They were getting more and more into everything that Duggan was throwing out there and the reactions were incredible. Very fun match.

Post match Andre celebrates so Duggan beats the fire out of him with the 2×4 to clear him out.

Jerry West of the Los Angeles Lakers is here.

Jake Roberts talks about being in the middle of everything with Rick Rude but he didn’t want it to happen this way. Rude made a decision to get involved with this and now it’s time to pay for it. We recap the angle with Jake’s wife Cheryl Roberts and Jake is ready to get some revenge.

Rick Rude isn’t worried about Roberts and is going to give him a Rude Awakening. Then it’s time to do downtown Los Angeles the ravishing way.

Ultimate Warrior vs. Bobby Heenan

That is some rather strong heat on Heenan and Warrior has the weasel suit with him. Heenan hits the stall button to start (you might have seen that coming) and even grabs a chair but Warrior pulls him into the post instead. Warrior throws him inside so Heenan DIVES over the top to start the chase.

In a rare show of intelligence, Warrior drops down and catches Heenan to start the beating. Warrior sends him into the corner over and over (With the fans counting to eight, but Graham insisting it was fifteen. Graham isn’t that bright.) but Heenan pulls out a foreign object for a throat shot. Heenan slowly strikes away but Warrior catches a big shot with the object. The sleeper finishes Heenan at 7:23.

Rating: C. This was a match where you were waiting on the only possible outcome and there is nothing wrong with that every so often. The fans wanted to see Heenan get humiliated and that is exactly what happened here. Go with what makes sense and let the fans have a good time, as it might make them come back next time.

Post match Warrior puts Heenan in the weasel suit (taking his sweet time to do so). Heenan wakes up, gets confused, and falls down (Gorilla: “He took a bump!”).

Bad News Brown vs. Jim Neidhart

Before the match, Brown tells the beer bellied sharecroppers that he does NOT like the reception he received. He mentions Bret Hart but Neidhart runs in to jump him from behind. A dropkick has Brown on the floor and we hit the stall button. Neidhart slingshots him back inside though and we get our third bite of the show. A variety of choking ensues and we hit the chinlock on Brown.

There’s a shoulder block or two but Brown avoids a middle rope ax handle. The beating is on with Brown hammering away with shots about the head and shoulders. Neidhart charges into a shot in the corner and even commentary blames him or taking too long. Brown makes the mistake of grabbing the goatee though and Neidhart apparently Hulks Up as a result.

They head outside with Neidhart being sent into the barricade and a headbutt knocks him silly again. Some heavy right hands have Neidhart in more trouble but he grabs a bearhug out of nowhere. Brown goes to the eyes to escape, only to miss a middle rope fist drop. A running shoulder sends Brown to the floor where he manages to post Neidhart. Back in and the Ghetto Blaster (not buster, Graham) finishes Neidhart at 12:41.

Rating: C. Neidhart was good enough as a power guy but this wasn’t the most thrilling but match. It was a lot of punching and running into each other until Brown hit the Ghetto Blaster. Brown was getting a nice push around this time and the fallout from the Wrestlemania battle royal giving him a feud with the Harts isn’t a bad thing. Not bad here, but the longer time hurt it a bit as they kind of ran out of things to do.

Rick Rude vs. Jake Roberts

Rude does his usual intro but references Jake’s wife again, drawing out Jake to jump him fast. Jake knocks Rude to the floor and the referee has to hold him back. Back in and Rude gets in a kick to the ribs for a breather as commentary tells snake stories (which may or may not be euphemisms). Jake comes back with a quick DDT attempt and Rude bails straight to the floor again.

For some reason Rude grabs the snake bag and teases leaving with it but then puts it right back down. Rude takes over again and we hit the chinlock for a bit. Some stomping keeps Jake in trouble as Mooney mocks the lack of intricate offense. We hit the chinlock again for a good while until Roberts fights up and elbows his way to freedom. Rude isn’t having that and drops Roberts again, meaning it’s time for some gyrating.

The chinlock goes on again but this time Roberts drives him into the corner for the break. Rude drops him again and a top rope fist knocks Roberts even sillier. A sunset flip annoys Rude so much that he drives in a bunch of forearms before we hit the chinlock AGAIN. They did this at Wrestlemania to fill in time for the draw and they’re doing it again here because….I have no idea why.

Roberts FINALLY jawbreaks his way to freedom but Rude pounds him down one more time. This time Roberts shrugs it off and tells him to bring it so Rude goes to the eye. Rude goes up but gets crotched back down s the real comeback can be on. The big backdrop has Rude in more trouble and there’s the short clothesline. Roberts loads up the DDT but Rude grabs the referee for the smart counter. That’s enough for Rude to try and run off but Roberts cuts him off. Rude gets in a cheap shot though….and Roberts trips over Damien’s bag for the countout at 17:49.

Rating: C-. The ending was certainly different but I’m not sure if that is the best idea in this case. Roberts literally tripped over his own bag to lose, which came after quite the lengthy series of chinlocks. These two had great chemistry in just about everything but the ring, as I don’t recall seeing what I would consider a good match between them. This was better than the Wrestlemania match, though that’s quite the low bar to clear.

Post match Roberts puts Damien on Rude, who finally runs off. Gorilla Monsoon talks to Roberts, who is sick and tired of Rude because it isn’t a game when family is involved. Rude has made some decisions and it is time to pay the price.

And that’s it, without even a goodbye.

Overall Rating: C. These shows aren’t exactly known for their quality and this wasn’t one of the better editions, but what makes them work is how easy they are to watch. There’s nothing big and heavy to the shows (outside of Andre) as you’re given either cold matches or something with an easy to explain story. That doesn’t make it a great show, but it’s so nice to have something different than modern times where everything is packed in as tight as it can be. This stuff wouldn’t do so well today, but for a quick flashback, there’s not much I enjoy more.

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