Wrestlemania VI: The Ultimate Challenge

Intensity Personified

Wrestlemania went north of the border to Canada. It was held on April 4, 1990 in the Toronto Skydome in front of over 65,000 fans, making this the second largest Wrestlemania held up to that point behind WM III. Wrestlemania VI's main event would pit champion vs. champion, both of them top faces in the WWF at the time to boot. The WWF Heavyweight Champion was Hulk Hogan, a veteran of the WWF ring wars. He had been on the top of the WWF ladder for the better part of a decade. His challenger, the Ultimate Warrior, was the Intercontinental Champion going into WM VI. This match was hyped as being a match for the ages, and it would be. However, it was not the only match on the card that night (though it seemed like it).

The hosts of Wrestlemania VI are Gorilla Monsoon, and Jesse “The Body” Ventura. This would be Ventura's last Wrestlemania in the broadcast booth.

Robert Goulet kicks off the festivities with singing “O'Canada”.

Koko B. Ware vs. Rick “The Model” Martel

Rick Martel was at the beginning of his push to be a top mid-card heel. Martel starts off the match by attacking Koko when he was getting his boots checked by the referee. Koko his with a flying cross body, and the action would move to the outside of the ring. Koko uses the ropes to slingshot Martel back into the ring. Martel regains the advantage by tossing Koko outside the ring. Back in the ring, Martel hits with a suplex, and goes for the Boston Crab. Koko breaks the hold by grabbing a rope. Martel goes for a corner turnbuckle face smash, but Koko blocks it and does it to Martel. Koko, a high flyer, did his usual dropkicks, a flying headbutt and other aerial moves. Koko goes to the top rope for a flying cross body, but Martel anticipates it. With Koko on the mat, Martel puts on the Boston Crab, and wins by submission. A decent curtain jerker match. ** ¾

Mean Gene Okerlund is in the interview area with Colossal Connection, and calls them the “Colostomy Connection”.

Sean Mooney is in the locker room interviewing Demolition. I really liked this promo for some reason.

Tag Team Title Match: Demolition (Ax and Smash) vs. Colossal Connection (champions) w/ Bobby “The Brain” Heenan

The Colossal Connection were Haku and Andre the Giant, and were the tag champions going into the match. Sadly, Wrestlemania VI would be the last one Andre the Giant would physically compete in. His physical health was deteriorating, and had been for a few years by this point. As a result, he was used sparingly in this match, but did his job well pushing the story of the match along.

Colossal Connection begin the match by attacking Demolition from behind. Smash punches Haku, and tags in Ax. Ax winds up close to the Connection's corner, where Andre hits him from behind. Demolition tags a lot in this match, making it look like they were the more fluid of the two teams. Smash is back in, and puts Haku in a backslide too close to the Connection's corner. Andre kicks Smash to disrupt the pin attempt.

Ax is tagged back in, and Haku hits him with a thumb throat thrust. Haku has been doing all the in-ring work for Colossal Connection so far. He follows up the thrust with a back breaker close to his corner. The Connection double team Ax in their corner. Haku goes for the pin, but Smash breaks it up. Ax, still close to the Connection's corner, is choked by Andre with the tag rope while Smash has the ref distracted.

Ax was able to get to his corner and tag in Smash, who proceeds to backdrop Haku. Andre enters the ring, and Demolition start double teaming the Connection. Smash was momentarily taken out of the picture while Andre comes up to Ax from behind.

Andre held Ax for Haku. Haku goes for a crescent kick. Ax ducks, and the kick hits Andre, who goes into the ropes and is tied up. With Andre helpless in the ropes, Demolition gives Haku the Demolition device. After the match, Bobby Heenan rips into Andre for losing the match. Andre had enough and starts slapping Heenan around, much to the delight of the fans. Andre returns to being a face to a standing ovation. A very fitting way for Andre to leave his final Wrestlemania as an in-ring competitor.

Decent match for what it is. I don't think Haku gets the credit he deserves sometimes. He had to carry this match for his team considering Andre's health issues, and did a fine job with it. This match had an ending that always puts a smile on my face no matter how often I see it. A fitting ending for Andre, as this was his final in-ring appearance at Wrestlemania. ***

Mean Gene is in the interview area with Earthquake and Jimmy Hart.

Hercules vs. Earthquake

Earthquake was in the midst of getting a push as an unstoppable monster , a push I clearly remember. The push is emphasized by Monsoon stating “he has put 27 men in the hospital”, or was it 28? Hercules, despite his best efforts, was just outmatched size and strength wise against Earthquake. The match starts with Earthquake trying to attack Hercules from behind in the corner. Hercules dodges, and punches Quake. Quake gets out of the ring to regroup. Back in the ring, there is a test of strength. Quake breaks it with a clubbing forearm to Hercules's back. Hercules regains the advantage with some running shoulder blocks to Quake. The match ends with Hercules attempting a torture rack back breaker, but Quake was too heavy. He uses a clubbing forearm to bring Hercules to the ground, follows it up with a couple elbow drops, and then the Earthquake Splash. No rating to this match. However, it did progress the push for Earthquake, who would go on to feud with Hulk Hogan later that year.

Rona Barrett with Miss Elizabeth. Barrett asks what Elizabeth was up to, and she replied that she was in an “advisory” role.

Sean Mooney interviews Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake.

Brutus Beefcake vs. Mr. Perfect w/ The Genius

The people in attendance most probably wanted to see Beefcake cut the golden locks of Mr. Perfect. Ventura gives his yearly shout out to his family back in Minnesota. There’s nothing to really say about this match. It starts with both competitors brawling. A punch blasts Perfect outside the ring. Back in the ring, he gets atomic dropped by Beefcake, and outside the ring Perfect goes once again. Perfect regains edge with some punches. Beefcake counters an Irishwhip by Perfect, and follows up with a stomp and clothesline.

Genius distracts Brutus. The Genius lays his metal scroll in the ring mat. With the referee distracted, Perfect nails Beefcake with the scroll. Perfect follows up with a somersault neck snap. Fans at ringside held up signs showing the number 10.

We get a funny debate here between Monsoon and Ventura. Monsoon says “the pendulum has swung 360 degrees”. Ventura corrects him. Funny stuff here to break up a somewhat boring match.

Perfect with a knee lift, some slaps to the face, and a clothesline. But Beefcake would get Perfect on the mat by a corner...

Beefcake wins the match after a slingshot to Perfect into the ring post. Perfect is out, and Beefcake gets the pin. Beefcake does not cut Perfect’s hair, but he does give the Genius a hair cut. No doubt to the disappointment of the fans.

A lackluster match. Fortunately Perfect would have epic matches against more capable competition. * ½

A recap of the Roddy Piper and Bad News Brown Feud is shown.

Mean Gene interviews Roddy Piper.

“Rowdy” Roddy Piper vs. Bad News Brown

Piper comes out with half his body painted in black, and does a jive dance in the ring. The match itself was nothing but punches being thrown around. The result, a double count out to a match that was a yawn fest. No rating.

Steve Allen is in a shower room with a piano with the Bolsheviks.

Hart Foundation vs. Bolsheviks

Bolsheviks begin to sing the Soviet national anthem, but the Hart Foundation attack from behind. Boris Zukov gets the Hart Attack, and the match is over in half a minute. Normally, I wouldn't give a rating to this, but this squash was very well done. The Foundation were in the midst of a major push. *

There's a promo for Wrestlemania VII. This was the first time the WWF promoted the following year's Wrestlemania.

Mean Gene interviews Tito Santana.

Tito Santana vs. The Barbarian w/ Bobby “The Brain” Heenan

Much like the rest of the matches so far, there was little build up to this one. The WWF likes to push the big guys, and the Barbarian, who was close to a solid 300 pounds with athletic skills, fit the bill. The Barbarian easily disposes of the veteran Santana with an awesome clothesline off the top rope. Tito did show some offense, but this was a squash match. *

Recap of Dusty Rhodes and “Macho King” Randy Savage feud.

Sean Mooney is in the locker room with Dusty Rhodes and Sapphire. Dusty mentions something about a “crown jewel”.

Mixed Tag Team Match: Dusty Rhodes and Sapphire vs. Macho King Randy Savage and Sensational Queen Sherri

Jesse Ventura makes a funny comment while Rhodes and Sapphire come down to the ring. When Howard Finkel announces them at a combined weight of 465 pounds, Ventura goes “Wait a minute! Sapphire has to be 2 and change herself”. He’d go on to insult Sapphire during match, but that’s not the point. This match was royalty versus common people, and it was a sloppy clash indeed.

Rhodes and Sapphire have a third teammate, the “crown jewel” in Miss Elizabeth. Savage’s former manager/valet. Savage and Rhodes start the match. Rhodes gets the upper hand. Sherri sneaks into the ring and hops on Rhodes' back. He goes back to his corner, and tags in Sapphire. Sapphire with an airplane spin. Her other offensive moves consist of hitting Sherri with her hips, and punches...

Sherri gains an advantage over Sapphire, but attempts a bodyslam. Sapphire is too heavy, and falls on top of Sherri. Rhodes is tagged back in. Sapphire slaps Savage. Rhodes and Savage take it outside the ring. Sherri attacks Rhodes. Savage connects with a double ax handle off the top out to the outside of the ring. Sherri takes advantage and attacks Rhodes again. Savage with another double ax handle off the top rope to Rhodes. He tries it for a third time, but Sapphire gets in the way. Savage, frustrated, grabs Sapphire and shoves her to the mat.

Back in the ring, Savage hits with a double ax handle off the top rope, followed by a suplex. Savage grabs his scepter, and with the ref not looking, comes off the top rope to hit Rhodes with it. Sherri attempts a pin cover. Rhodes breaks the pin, and with a surge of adrenaline, gives a double noggin knocker to Sherri and Savage. Rhodes connects with some elbows. Sapphire is tagged in, and Elizabeth gets involved.

She interjects herself in the match by pushing Sherri back from the ropes. Sapphire does a schoolboy trip, and rolls her up for the pin. Rhodes, Sapphire, and Elizabeth dance in victory. The match itself would never be considered a classic. Unfortunately, Sapphire took this down a couple notches, but Ventura’s banter with Monsoon during this match can’t be missed. Overall, a fun match. ***

At this point, we're at about halfway through the event.

Another Wrestlemania VIII tease.

Mean Gene interviews Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, who is irate about Andre the Giant.

Monsoon and Ventura are with Rona Barrett. She claims she has footage of Ventura in an adult movie.

Sean Mooney is with an irate Macho King and Sherri.

Mean Gene interviews Demolition.

Sean Mooney interviews the Ultimate Warrior, who cuts an awesome promo..

Rockers vs. Orient Express w/ Mr. Fuji

Monsoon mentions contenders and “the championship committee” regarding how one of these teams can rise up the ladder to contend for the tag title. I miss how they tried to make this come off as a legitimate sport...

The Rockers perform their typical flashy, quick in ring style. The Orient Express were a quick team as well. There were some nice double team moves, especially by the rockers, who performed a double dropkick, a double hip toss, and a double crescent kick to Tanaka. This match was well paced, and with action going back and forth between the teams. The Rockers climb to the top turnbuckle on opposite ends of the ring for a double dropkick. Marty Jennetty of the Rockers gets his leg hit by Mr, Fuji with his cane. Janetty goes after him. Sato comes from behind, turns Janetty around, and tosses salt in his eyes. Jannetty stumbles around the outside of the ring. Express win by count out.

Fun, fast-paced tag match. These teams would face each other again (though Sato would be replaced), in an awesome tag match at Royal Rumble 1991. ***

Steve Allen interviews Rhythm and Blues. Honky Tonk Man is excited to unveil “Honka Honka Honka Honky Love”. Bring it on!

“Hacksaw” Jim Duggan vs. Dino Bravo w/ Jimmy Hart and Earthquake

Hacksaw came down the ring waving the stars and stripes - in CANADA! However, the USA gimmick was his, so I guess I can let that slide. Bravo came down with Earthquake. Foreshadowing anyone? Monsoon comments on how Quake shouldn't be down at ringside because you “can't have both a managerial and wrestling license”. Awesome! Dugan starts out strong with a clothesline, followed up by a back bodydrop. He clotheslines Brave outside the ring.

Back in the ring he punishes Bravo some more, with an atomic drop. With Bravo in a corner, Duggan charges towards him, but Bravo ducks it, and clotheslines Duggan, following that up with an atomic drop and choke, right by Earthquake, who decides to take a liberty and hit Duggan.

We get more punches, kicks, and clotheslines. The ending of the match comes with Jimmy Hart distracts the ref. Hacksaw would win by pin fall by nailing Bravo with his 2 x 4 while the ref wasn't looking. Earthquake gets in the ring, hits Duggan from behind, and squashes Dugan with two elbow drops and an Earthquake splash. Make that three of them... This was a match creative just tossed together to push Earthquake I realize now... * ½

We are now shown a feud recap between “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase and Jake “The Snake” Roberts.

“Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase w/ Virgil vs. Jake “The Snake” Roberts.

As DiBiase goes down to the ring, Mean Gene interviews Roberts, who gives an awesome promo. The Million Dollar Belt is on the line for this match.

This was one of the better matches on the WM 6 undercard. A good amount of ring psychology between two of the better WWF competitors at the time. The fans were going nuts for Roberts to apply his DDT, which he attempted to do from almost immediately as the match began. DiBiase escapes to the outside of the ring after escaping a DDT attempt.

Back in the ring, Roberts works on DiBiase's arm. DiBiase would regain the advantage, and whip Roberts into a corner. He attempts a charge, but Jake lifts the knee. He follows up with a high knee lift, but DiBiase gets out of the way. Roberts is outside the ring. DiBiase takes advantage, and pulls him into a ring post. DiBiase tosses Roberts back into the ring, and executes a piledriver.

DiBiase goes for his Million Dollar Dream sleeper hold. Roberts falls to the mat, and grabs a rope to break the hold. DiBiase goes for a move off the second turnbuckle, but Robers punches him in the gut on the way down. Roberts executes a high knee lift, and short clothesline, teasing the crowd with a prospect of a DDT.

Virgil, DiBiase’s bodyguard, gets himself involved. Helping DiBiase, he pulls Jake out of the ring. DiBiase wins the match via count out. Post-match fun ensued when Roberts gets his revenge on Virgil and DiBiase. He’d take DiBiase’s money (but not before DDT'ing DiBiase), and pass it around to some ring side fans, including Mary Tyler Moore. Jesse Ventura said she didn’t need it. I agree with him on that one.

One of the better matches of the night with an actual story to it. *** ¼

Sean Mooney interviews Akeem and Slick.

Mean Gene interviews the Big Boss Man.

Big Bossman vs. Akeem w/ Slick

The only entertaining part of this match was seeing Akeem, and wondering if there were really any 450lb white men from deepest, darkest Africa who wore African tribal garb and did bad hand jives and dancing. Bossman wins easily against his former tag team partner, despite being attacked by DiBiase as he was coming down to the ring. No rating.

Sean Mooney with some fans. He asks a couple of kids if they are excited to see the debut of “Honka, Honka, Honka Honky Love”. Of course, he has to ask Mary Tyler Moore while he was around.

Here come Rhythm and Blues riding in a pink Cadillac driven by one “Diamond” Dallas Page. Jimmy Hart is holding up a gold record. Some funny banter between Monsoon and Ventura over that. This performance was the best part of the show – almost. It was obvious Greg Valentine couldn't sing, which made it even funnier. I give him props for giving it a go though!

The performance is interrupted by the Bushwhackers, who chase Rhythm and Blues out of the ring. They take the guitars left behind, and smash them.

Yet another Wrestlemania VII promo. “California, here were come!”, Vince McMahon states.

Howard Finkel announces the crowd for this event set a Skydome attendance record. A camera zooms up to the Skydome scoreboard. Attendance: over 65,000. 67,678 to be exact. Back to the matches.

Jimmy Snuka vs. Ravishing Rick Rude w/ Bobby “The Brain” Heenan.

Steve Allen joins Ventura and Monsoon for commentary. Allen makes some jokes, which weren't funny at all, and Monsoon forces laughter (or it sounded like it). This match was a complete waste of
time. Rude wins against jobber Snuka. Another randomly put together match. No rating.

We get a recap of the events that led to the main event between Hogan and Warrior.

Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior in a Title Vs. Title Match

The undercard for this WM led to this - the Ultimate Challenge. Both competitors come out to huge ovations. It was difficult to know who had the crowd behind them more. In the ring stood two larger than life characters, staring at each other face to face, title versus title. Who would come out the victor?

This would be an intense match, back and forth. Strength versus strength. For every move one man would make, the other one would come back. Both men put on a great show for this match. Ventura and Monsoon’s commentary added to the excitement and awe of the match. Even watching this on video was intense, one can only imagine how it was to actually be there.

You won't see any high flying moves, big spots, and numerous near falls. This match was a lot of power vs. power, and move mirroring. For example, at one point in the match, they criss cross the ring. Hogan drops first, and grabs Warrior coming off the ropes into a body slam. Warrior no sells it. The criss cross again. This time, Warrior drops, and slams Hogan. All the meanwhile, Ventura is really selling this match.

Towards the end of the match, Warrior does his splash. Hogan kicks out, and Hulks up. Hogan gives some punches, tosses Warrior into the ropes, and gives the big boot. Hogan goes for his finisher leg drop, but Warrior moves out. Warrior goes off the ropes and gives Hogan a big splash. Warrior wins.

Hogan hands over his belt, with Monsoon and Ventura commenting on how Hulkamania will live forever. As mentioned earlier, this match won't win any awards for work rate, but all the ingredients were there to make this one of the greatest main events in WM history. The Wrestlemania VI main event had it all: drama, suspense, anticipation, a lot of hype, and an ending that I certainly didn’t expect at the time. The match was so big, they talking about it on a radio morning show the following day - the first time I ever heard wrestling being talked about on the radio. To this day, as we approach the 27^th installment of WM, I'd put this in the top five of WM main events. A blast of a match that even fans of today would enjoy. ****

That hype perhaps drained the life out of the undercard. Most of the matches seemed to be just thrown together. However, that's how things were back them. Outside of the DiBiase and Roberts match, there was not a match that as anything must see. Most of the matches were average, with a couple duds. With that being stated, this card was much more watchable than the previous year's Wrestlemania.

Some highlights on the undercard include: Andre the Giant turning into a fan favorite once again, the rise of one of my favorite all-time heels - Earthquake, the promo Jake Roberts cut before his match, Greg Valentine’s lack of singing talent and guitar playing skills; and of course, Gorilla Monsoon commentating with Jesse Ventura. They were a great duo in the broadcasting booth, and they only got better each Wrestlemania.

Wrestlemania VI gives a nice glimpse into the characters the WWF paraded around back in 1990. I easily recommend checking out this event. You can find it either on VHS, or on DVD in the Wrestlemania Anthology Vol. 2 set.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Wrestlemania V: Mega Powers Mania

Savage and Hogan square off to settle an emotional feud.

Just one year before, at Wrestlemania IV, the Mega Powers team of Hulk Hogan and “Macho Man” Randy Savage was born. The Mega Powers were really a dream team back then, as you had two of the most over performers in the company working together. However, cracks would surface in the Mega Powers, which would surround Savage's jealousy of Hogan. Their manager, Miss Elizabeth, would prove the be the lightening rod. The Mega Powers came to an end on an episode of The Main Event. The Mega Powers had a tag match, and during the early portion of the match, Savage was tossed into Elizabeth. She was carried to the back by Hogan, who leaves Savage at the mercy of the Twin Towers. Of course, this doesn't sit well with Savage. When Hogan returned to the ring, Savage slapped him across the face, and walked off. Wrestlemania V would be the event where the two would square off to settle this feud, which was extremely well done. Of course, there's other stuff on this card too.

Wrestlemania V was held at the Trump Plaza for the second year in a row. To this day, the Trump Plaza is the only venue to host back-to-back Wrestlemanias. The WWF apparently used the same banners for this one (as it looks like they took out the I from the IV). As a result, the appearance of V is identical to IV. Celebrities for this Wrestlemania are Run DMC, Morton Downey Jr., and Donald Trump, who sat at ringside during the event in the same spot he did at the previous year's event. Your hosts are Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura.

Rockin' Robin sings “America the Beautiful”. Her rendition of it was terrible. Ventura summed it up the best. “She better keep her day job”.

“King” Haku w/ Bobby “The Brain” Heenan vs. Hercules

Haku comes down to the ring being carried on a throne. Heenan grabs the microphone and tells the audience to show proper respect by bowing to the king.

As for the match itself, Haku attacks Hercules from behind. Hercules would regain the advantage with a hip toss and bodyslam. He clotheslines Haku to the outside of the ring, and brings him back in with a suplex, and gives and elbow drop. Hercules decides to chase after Heenan. Taking advantage of the distraction, Haku clotheslines Hercules.

Back in the ring, we get some back and forth action between the two. Nothing stands out this during this point of the match. Hercules irishwhips Haku into a corner. Haku does a nice spot where he jumps up to the second turnbuckle, and turns around to attempt a flying cross body. Haku misses however. Hercules hits some clotheslines and a powerslam. We get some more action here until Hercules executes a back suplex to Haku, and gets the pin.

Not too bad a match. I've always felt Haku is a capable worker, but Hercules ain't too shabby himself. ** ½

Mean Gene interviews The Rockers, who are wearing hot pink tops and bright green-yellow tights. I'd like to see a team try that today!

The Rockers (Marty Janetty and Shawn Michaels) vs. The Twin Towers (Big Boss Man and Akeem) w/ Slick

If you read my review for WM 4, you may recall the name The One Man Gang. Well, Akeem was OMG with a repackaged gimmick. Also remember the name Shawn Michaels kids. He's going to be star in this business one day... In all seriousness, this is the debut for the performer who'd become known as “Mr. Wrestlemania”. This was a tag match where the Rockers were the obvious underdogs going against two men with a big size advantage.

The Rockers show why they'd be one of the most popular tag teams. They move in the ring with fluidity, and hit some nice double team moves on the Twin Towers. The Towers would regain the advantage, and perform a usual large guy double move. Bossman has Janetty in a bearhug. Akeem runs off the ropes and avalanches into Jennetty's back. They make a mistake though shortly after, when Akeem collides into Bossman. The Rockers perform a double flying shoulder block, but Akeem would perform a hard clothesline which Michaels sells by flipping over. Nice spot there.

Towards the end of the match, the rockers perform a double drop kick from the top rope to Bossman. It looks like the Rockers may have this match in hand, but the tide turns. Janetty gets tossed from the ring, and we get a nice finishing spot here. Michaels comes off the top rope, but Bossman catches him, and powerbombs him to the mat. Akeem is tagged in, and hits with the Air Africa splash.

This was a fun tag match. ***

Tony Schiavone backstage with “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase

Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake vs. “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase w/ Virgil

This match starts out slow, with some back and forth action. Both men pound on each other. Virgil trips up Beefcake, allowing for DiBiase to hit a fistdrop, then clothesline. He hits Beefcake with a double axe handle from the top rope, and goes for a pin.

The momentum changes in Beefcake's favor when he small packages DiBiase, and follows up with a suplex. Both men hit each other with a running clothesline. DiBiase is the first to get up. He executes a suplex on Beefcake, and goes for The Million Dollar Dream (sleeper hold), but Beefcake breaks the hold by going to the ropes.

We get some more brawling. Beefcake puts his sleeper hold on DiBiase, but Virgil distracts him. Beefcake goes outside the ring to go after him, and DiBiase follows. Both competitors brawl outside the ring, and the match ends in a draw as a result of a double count-out. Beefcake goes after Virgil and beats up on him inside the ring. **

Lord Alfred Hayes is at the Wrestlemania brunch with the Bushwhackers. He tries to interview them, but they try to talk with food stuffed in their mouths. This, and a 5k segment later on, would be the first time we'd see events that tie in with Wrestlemania.

The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers w/ Jimmy Hart vs. The Bushwhackers

Ventura and Monsoon have a funny exchange between them.

As for the match itself, nothing much to write home about. The crowd is dead for this match. It's so quiet you probably could hear a pin drop. Bushwhackers win with a double gutbuster to Raymond. *

Sean Mooney is with some fans. Bushwhackers walk up to Mooney and start licking him. Mooney paid his dues this event!

Mr. Perfect vs. The Blue Blazer

I try not to think of Owen Hart's fate in 1999 in St. Louis wearing the Blue Blazer costume, as it makes me sad. Instead I did my best to focus on the match. Perfect gets in a nice hip toss. Blazer would get in a drop toehold. We get some face slapping action here. Blazer counters Perfect's hiptoss, and proceeds to bodyslam and dropkick Perfect, which takes Perfect out of the ring.

The match quickly gets back in the ring. Blazer goes for a splash off the top rope, which Perfect counters by lifting his knees. Ventura gives a shoutout to his family during this match.

Back to the match, Blazer executes a belly-to-belly on Perfect. Blazer executes a crucifix, but Perfect breaks the count. Perfect quickly regains the advantage, and executes a perfect-plex on Blazer. Good match, and one of the best on this card. There was excellent flow in this match, and the workers involved were two outstanding athletes. I miss both of them. *** ½

Howard Finkel introduces Jesse Ventura, who acknowledges the crowd.

Lord Alfred Hayes shows us the Wrestlemania 5k run. This is a funny segment, as Mr. Fuji supposedly participates in the run, and finishes it wearing his tuxedo. This segment closes with Fuji cutting a promo saying how the Powers of Pain were going to defeat Demolition.

Run DMC is in the ring, and they perform the “Wrestlemania Rap”. This segment ran a bit too long. It could have been cut down by a few minutes and still have the same effect. Run DMC was the the first musical act to put on a performance at a Wrestlemania.

Recap of the Demolition and Powers of Pain feud.

Mean Gene interviews Demolition.

Tag Team Championship: Demolition (champions) vs. The Powers of Pain and Mr. Fuji in a 3 v 2 handicap match

This is the match for which team is a better copy of the Road Warriors! The really isn't much to say about this match. Demolition appeared to be more crisp and fluid regarding tags. Fuji gets in the ring and actually does some things, including a splash from off the top rope that he missed.

Towards the end of the match, Warlord holds Smash. Fuji grabs salt and attempts to toss it into his eyes, by Smash ducks, and the Warlord is hit by the salt. Fuji gets clotheslined, and Demolition hit with the demolition device for the pin.

Blah match. **

Tony Schiavone is outside Randy Savage's dressing room attempting to get an interview.

Dino Bravo w/ Frenchy Martin vs. “Rugged” Ronnie Garvin

Both participants are in the ring, when Howard Finkel announces Jimmy Snuka. Poorly done. If they were to announce him, it should NOT have been done when a match was about to start.

Another lousy filler match here. The best part of the match was the commentary. Monsoon and Ventura argue over Bravo's “unlimited power potential” comment Ventura had made. Fans are dead during this match too, which lead to Monsoon to comment, “the crowd kind of in awe”. That was funny.

There's really nothing to this match. All you need to know is Dino wins after executing his sidewalk slam finisher on Garvin. After the match, Garvin attacks Frenchy, and proceeds to Garvin Stomp (one of the worst finishers ever), him. This match gets no rating because it was so bad.

We're about half-way, perhaps a little more into this event. Outside of a couple matches, this card is dull so far. There's still a chance this event can be redeemed...

Brain Busters (Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard) w/ Bobby “The Brain” Heenan vs. Strike Force (Tito Santana and Rick Martel)

Strike Force starts the match by executing a double dropkick on the Busters, who then proceed to put double figure-four leglocks on them. A couple of nice spots to start this match. Strike Force looks good here, until Santana goes for the flying forearm on one of the Busters, who ducks. Martel gets hit instead.

The Busters execute fluid tags, and look beating up on Santana. Martel is on the ring apron for several minutes selling the hit he took. Anderson goes to top rope, but Santana goes over to him and slams him. Santana goes for the tag, but Martel doesn't reach out for the tag. Instead, he jumps off the ring apron, and walks to the back to a chorus of boos.

Back in the ring, Santana gets beat down again. Anderson gives Santana his well-known spinebuster. Santana shows a light of hope, but the numbers are against him. Brain Busters defeat Strike Force after hitting Santana with a spike piledriver. Decent tag match that told a story as it went along. Not a classic, but one of the better matches of the evening. ***

Mean Gene interviews Rick Martel regarding his actions leaving Santana in the ring to fend for himself.

We get a Piper's Pit segment. His theme plays, but he doesn't come out. Instead, it's Brother Love! He introduces Morton Downey Jr. who comes down to the ring. They jabber it up in the ring, and then Roddy Piper comes down. We get a boring segment here that runs too long. As one fan made it audibly known, “this is stupid”. Most fans may recognize the end of this segment when Piper takes a fire extinguisher to put out Downey's cigarette. This segment could have been cut by at least five minutes.

Mean Gene plugs Hulk Hogan's movie, “No Holds Barred”, followed by a preview of the movie.

Sean Mooney is with Donald Trump for quick interview. The only dignified task he had that night...

We go back to broadcasting booth, and Ventura is fuming that Hogan is taking over his “territory”. If it's any consolation to him, he was in “Predator”. Hogan never did a B grade movie, let alone a blockbuster like “Predator”.

Now it is time for a Hogan/Savage feud recap. In my opinion, this was one of the best feuds during the 80s for WWF. The recap is followed up by Mean Gene interviewing Hulk Hogan.

Gosh this Wrestlemania seems long...

...and it continues on.

Jake “The Snake” Roberts vs. Andre the Giant w/ Bobby “The Brain” Heenan

Big John Studd is the guest referee for this event. The theme he comes out to would be used by Jim Duggan not too long after...

Andre by this point was really suffering physically. Even getting in the ring looked like it was a task for him. However, once in the ring, he was dominant, Roberts had very little offense against him. However, Roberts gets a couple of running moves in, and Andre goes into the ropes and gets tied up. He gets out, and chops Roberts who falls outside the ring.

Studd and Andre mouth off to each other. Ted DiBiase comes down the ring, and attacks Roberts from behind, taking Damien. In the ring, Andre starts attacking Studd. Roberts gets Damien back, and Andre flees the ring. Roberts wins by DQ. I hate to do this because I respect Andre as a performer, but this match gets no rating.

Sean Mooney is with fans in the nosebleed section. One of them yells, “Jake is number one”. Sorry pal, your yell is fruitless. Jake won't hear you from where you're at.

Tony Schiavone interviews “Sensational” Sherri, who takes a jab at Rockin' Robin's performance of “America the Beautiful”. Sherri was the top contender for the women's title, at the time. Well done!

Greg “The Hammer” Valentine and Honky Tonk Man w/ Jimmy Hart vs. The Hart Foundation

Bret Hart and Honky start the match, and gains the advantage. He atomic drops Honky. Valentine gets in the ring and he gets an atomic drop as well. Bret tags Neidhart, who gets slungshot over the top rope and hits with a flying shoulder block. Bret is tagged back in, and misses with an elbow drop. Valentine takes advantage and his with and elbow drop of his own. The referee gets distracted by Neidhart.

Honky is back in the ring, and his the shake, rattle and roll neckbreaker. Honky doesn't go for the pin, and tags in Valentine instead, who goes for the figure-four leg lock. Bret counters. The match finishes when Neidhart chases Jimmy outside the ring. Jimmy leaves his megaphone on the ring apron. Neidhard grabs it, and tosses it to Bret, who hits Honky with it while the referee was distracted. Bret pins Honky and gets the win for his team.

Another good tag match! *** ½

A recap of the Rick Rude and Ultimate Warrior feud is shown.

Intercontinental Title Match: “Ravishing” Rick Rude w/ Bobby “The Brain” Heenan vs. The Ultimate Warrior

Warrior manhandles Rude to start the match, and puts in a bear hug. Rude breaks it with a rake to the eyes, and goes to the top turnbuckle where he hits with a real nice looking drop kick. Warrior no sells it by kicking out before the one count. Rude's advantage doesn't last long as Warrior gives him another bear hug. Warrior proceeds to bite Rude, and backdrops him. He goes for his splash, but Rude lifts his knees to counter it. Ventura has another good line here, this time regarding the Warrior. “He's got a million dollar body & a ten cent brain”.

Rude gets in a piledriver. Warrior starts getting an adrenaline surge and starts shaking the ropes. He connects with a flying shoulder block to Rude. Rude would regain the advantage, and goes for the Rude Awakening. However, Warrior gets out of it, and hits with some clotheslines. Rude gets knocked outside the ring. Warrior attempts to suplex him back in, but Heenan grabs Warrior's leg. Rude falls on top of him, gets the pin, and is the new intercontinental champion.

Decent match for what it was. ** ¾

“Hacksaw” Jim Duggan vs. Bad News Brown

A boring brawling match that doesn't tell much of a story. To skip to the end, Brown goes for the ghetto blaster, but misses. He grabs a chair, while Duggan gets his 2 x 4. The weapons collide, and the ref disqualifies both competitors. No score for this one.

Mean Gene interviews Red Rooster.

Bobby “The Brain” Heenan vs. The Red Rooster

Heenan comes down to the ring with the Brooklyn Brawler. Hum... Anyway, a quick match here. Heenan runs into the corner where Red Rooster was. He moves out of the way, Heenan hits the ringpost. Rooster pins him for the win. Brawler gets in the ring to attack Rooster after the match. Another no score match.

Mean Gene with Miss Elizabeth, who says she'll be in a neutral corner.

Sean Mooney is with more fans. His grunt work better pay off...

WWF Championship: Randy “Macho Man” Savage (champion) vs. Hulk Hogan

Elizabeth is announced separately, and goes to a neutral corner. Ventura is funny all during this match bashing Hogan and his fans, calling the Hogan “The Luster”, “puke-a-mania” and his fans “the pukesters”.

We get a really good match here that was a fitting climax to the Savage-Hogan feud. Savage headlocks Hogan. Hogan chases Savage, and both me go outside the ring. Savage grabs Elizabeth and puts her in front of him to stop Hogan. Back in the ring, Hogan takes Savage down with a toehold, and follows up with a headlock. Momentum goes Savage's way when he breaks the headlock with a back suplex. He proceeds to hit Hogan with a double axe handle.

Hogan plays dirty by grabbing Savage's tights and sends him to the outside of the ring. Back into the ring, Hogan his Savage with a clothesline, followed by a couple elbow drops, and rakes Savage's eye with this boot. Hogan not looking like a good guy here. The camera shows Hogan busted open, and we get another funny Ventura comment, “those are champions kids can be proud of”, regarding Rick Rude and Savage. While Savage has Hogan in a headlock.

Hogan hits Savage with a shoulder block, and atomic drops, and sets up Savage for an elbow drop, but Hogan misses. Hogan would proceed to slam Savage's head into the top turnbuckle. Hogan lifts up Savage for a bodyslam. However, he goes to the ropes and tosses Savage outside the ring!

Outside the ring, Hogan, slams Macho into the ring apron. He attempts to put Savage into the post, but Liz gets in the way. Savage takes advantage of the distraction, and pushes Hogan into the post. Savage berates Liz. The referee sends her to the back.

Savage climbs to the top rope, and hits Hogan with a double axe handle outside the ring. Back in the ring, Savage drops Hogan's throat on the top rope. Savage proceeds to choke Hogan, who looks in trouble now. Savage climbs to the top turnbuckle to set Hogan up for his flying elbow, and hits. However, Hogan kicks out of Savage's pin attempt and we get Hogan's hulking up spot. It's clear now what's going to a happen. Hogan hits Savage with a couple punches, big boot, and leg drop. Hogan wins the match, and the WWF championship.

Excellent match! We get above average in-ring work, storytelling (Liz's role in the match and Hogan's heel tactics), and was a very fitting way to tie-up the feud between Hogan and Savage. While this lacks the historic importance of Hogan-Giant, from an overall standpoint, this was the best Wrestlemania event up to this point. **** ½

Unfortunately, while the main event match was outstanding, and we get a couple of decent matches on this card, there is way too much filler. This event would have been much better off if several of the matches were scrapped from the card. The commentary between Monsoon and Ventura peaked at this event, and made watching even some of the bad matches tolerable.

Due to the length of this event, and how long some of the segments dragged on, it may be difficult to watch this in one sitting. I'm not the biggest fan of this show, but there's more good than bad. It's also one fun nostalgic trip as well. This event may not be for everyone, but I recommend giving this a viewing. It can be found on either VHS, or on DVD in the Wrestlemania Anthology: Vol. 1 set.

Overall rating: 3/5

My Top Five Wrestlemania Icons

Wrestlemania has always been the showcase of WWE's top talent, but there are certain performers who have defined moments, and shaped the event into what it has become today. They are the icons of Wrestlemania. Here is my list of the top five icons of Wrestlemania. I really wanted to put Vince McMahon on the list as he was mind behind it; but this list will focus on the talent he utilized. Some of the talent who will always be associated with WWE's showcase event.

1. Hulk Hogan

Hogan really was the showcase of Wrestlemania during its early days. He appeared in the main event for Wrestlemanias I-IX, and during this run, he had memorable matches. From Andre the Giant, to Randy Savage, to Ultimate Warrior, he was there. Many early 'mania moments focus around Hogan, and if it weren't for him, one can only speculate as to whether or not Wrestlemania would even be around today.

2. Shawn Michaels

Michaels is well-known to wrestling fans as being “Mr. Wrestlemania”, and there is a reason for that. Many Wrestlemania moments can be attributed to him. From winning the WWF title from Bret Hart in the 60 minute iron man match at Wrestlemania XII, to his retirement match with the Undertaker at last year's Wrestlemania XVI. His charisma, in-ring ability, and the hold he had on audiences meant he'd always put on a good show at the biggest one of the year.

3. The Undertaker

When fans think of The Undertaker, “The Streak” comes to mind for many of them. Coming into this year's Wrestlemania XVII, Undertaker is 18-0. While many of those matches would never be considered classics, the fact is, he has a streak that may never be broken. Let's also not forget his impressive entrances!

4. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin

I almost put Austin third on the list. Though he may not have had as many Wrestlemanias under his belt as the men above him (though he was close to Hogan in number of appearances), the ones he participated in were legendary. It's safe to say that nearly every match he was in was a moment within itself. From his epic encounter with Bret Hart at WM 13, to his three matches with The Rock (15, 17, 19); Austin always opened up a can of whoop ass.

5. Bobby “The Brain” Heenan

Another difficult selection, as I was torn between Heenan, Randy “Macho Man” Savage, and The Rock. Heenan gets the nod because he did it all from Wrestlemanias I-IX. He was a manager. He wrestled (IV and V), and did commentary (VII – IX). His pre-match interviews were epic, as was his time in the commentary booth. The humor he utilized no matter what he was doing is stuff of legend. When I think of early Wrestlemanias, Heenan comes to the top of my mind along with Hogan.

This was a difficult list to make, as there were several other choices that could have easily made this list as well. Randy Savage, The Rock, I even considered Jim Ross and Gorilla Monsoon. Wrestlemania is a special event in the world of sports entertainment, and there are certain performers who will always be associated with it. I'm certainly hoping, and looking forward to, seeing new icons that will be known as making 'mania special one day.

Wrestlemania IV: It's Not March Madness...It's Macho Madness!

Get your brackets ready!

Wrestlemania IV was held on March, 24, 1988 from the Trump Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. This event is unique in that most of the event was in a tournament format. The competitor who won the tournament would also win the vacant WWF Championship, which was vacated. The backstory was that “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DeBiase wanted to buy the championship. Hulk Hogan, who was the champion at the time, refused. Instead, DiBiase went to Andre the Giant, who was more than willing to offer his services, especially considering he still had a feud giong on with Hogan. As it would play out, Andre would win the title, then hand it over to DiBiase, just as planned. This did not sit well with WWF President Jack Tunney, who declared the title vacant, setting up the tournament for WM IV.

The event begins with Gladys Knight performing “America the Beautiful”. Gorilla Monsoon and Jessie “The Body” Ventura are the hosts. Celebrity guests are Bob Uecker, Vanna White, Robin Leach, and Donald Trump (who was sitting at ringside during the event).

20-man Invitational Battle Royal

A couple referees come down to the ring carrying a super tall trophy which appeared to be 7 ft. tall. The winner of the battle royal would in the trophy. This was basically a showcase for the midcard performers at the time, and for wrestlers who weren't in any major storylines.  Some of the participants include the Hart Foundation, Junkyard Dog, Hillbilly Jim, George “the Animal” Steele, Harley Race, the Bolsheviks, Bad News Brown, The Fabulous Rougeau among others.

This was a good battle royal. Steele is announced, but never gets in the ring. Monsoon and Ventura argue over that, with Monsoon claiming Steele was eliminated early in the event. Ventura says he never got in the ring, while the action continues on. The pace of this battle royal was good. The final three men in the ring are JYD, Bret Hart, and Bad News Brown. JYD makes a good showing here, but Hart and Brown were too much for him, and gets eliminated. We have two heels in the ring. What's going to happen? Well, Brown hits Hart with the ghetto blaster, and eliminates him. Hart, upset being eliminated, gets in the ring, sneak attacks Brown, and destroys the trophy. Hart gets a face turn, and Jim Neidhart, his tag team partner, by association.

Nice way to start the event. Gets and extra half-star for the aftermath. ***

Howard Finkel explains to the audience the rules of the tournament, and introduces Robin Leach. Leach reads off a proclamation from a scroll.

Opening Round Match: “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan vs. “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase w/ Virgil & Andre the Giant

I really enjoy how Ventura dislikes Duggan. He makes a few comments during this match that got me laughing. Duggan really doesn't do much besides throw punches, which isn't surprising. DiBiase whips out his arsenal, such as his fistdrop. He goes to the second rope, and falls back with an elbow. Duggan moves out of the way. Duggan gets set for his running clothesline, but Andre grabs his foot. Duggan turns around to go after Andre, when he gets nailed with a giant fist. DiBiase hits Duggan from behind with a knee, and fistdrop for the pin.

Nothing mind blowing with this match, and considering it had Duggan, it was a passable contest. ** ½

Mean Gene interviews Brutus “the Barber” Beefcake.

Opening Round Match: Dino Bravo w/ Frenchy Martin vs. Don “The Rock” Muraco w/ “Superstar” Billy Graham

Raise your hand if you knew there was “The Rock” in the WWF before Dwayne Johnson. A side note about Graham. His influence was obvious in performers who'd follow his footsteps such as Jesse Ventura and Hulk Hogan. To an extent, he has become a forgotten icon in the industry.

Not much to this match. These were two big guys with little mobility. In fact, Muraco tries a move off the second rope on Bravo, but misses the spot. Monsoon does a good job of selling it, saying he slipped off the rope. I didn't see it, but oh well... Bravo throws the ref in front of Muraco while he's in a corner. Ref calls a DQ on Bravo for that action. Ok match. ** ½

Bob Uecker is in the backstage interview area with Honky Tonk Man and Jimmy Hart.

Opening Round Match: Greg “The Hammer” Valentine vs. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat

Steamboat carries his infant son to the ring, who's now a wrestler himself. I think to myself how I'm starting to get old...

This is an okay match due to the contrast of styles, which also made it interesting. Steamboat's faster pace style vs. Valentine's more methodical method of ring work. I've enjoyed how Valentine sells moves (falling down like a tree). He does plenty of it in this match. Valentine wins when he uses the momentum of Steamboat's flying body press from the top rope to roll over on top of him. He holds the trunks for the 1-2-3. Yet another lousy finish.

Had to believe Steamboat had the legendary match with Randy Savage just a year previous. However, he was about to depart from the WWF, so I guess it makes sense. Just kind of sad to see that kind of finish for him. Otherwise, a decent match. ***

Mene Gene interviews the British Bulldogs w/ Koko B. Ware.

Opening Round Match: “The Natural” Butch Reed w/ Slick vs. “Macho Man” Randy Savage w/ Miss Elizabeth

“You're drooling so much you look like Matilda” - Jesse Ventura to Gorilla Monsoon when he complimented on how Elizabeth looked.

Man, I was watching WWF back then, and I don't really remember Butch Reed, only very vaguely. If you read my review on WM 3, you'll know I remember him mostly from late 80s – early 90s WCW.

This match short, with not much to really detail. In summary, Reed dominated most of this match. He actually looked strong here. He goes to climb the top rope in the corner by where Elizabeth was standing, starts jawing off to her. Savage comes over, knocks him off the top rope. Savage then climbs to the top rope to give Reed his finishing flying elbow. **

Bob Uecker interviews Bobby Heenan and The Islanders.

Opening Round Match: One Man Gang w/ Slick vs. Bam Bam Bigelow w/ Oliver Humperdink

Bigelow, billed from Asbury Park, NJ, gets some pop coming down to the ring. Not much to describe regarding this match. Basically two large guys going at it. Bigelow kinda looks small compared to OMG. Bigelow does a couple cartwheels, punches are thrown. He's not being used to his capabilities here. Either due to how the match was booked, or to how OMG was as a worker. Anyway, Bigelow runs to the ropes. Slick pulls down the top rope, giving OMG a win via count-out. This finish is terrible. *

Mean Gene interviews the egomaniac, um Hulk Hogan I meant.

Opening Round Match: “Ravishing” Rick Rude w/ Bobby Heenan vs. Jake “The Snake” Roberts w/ pet snake Damien

This is the final opening round match. I'm surprised people didn't head out to the casino for a bit during this one. This match was extremely boring, and it felt like Rude had Roberts in a chinlock for most of the match. The crowd, relatively quiet up to this point, starts a “boring” chant. Not much offense here. Roberts gets in his short clothesline, but that's really about it.

The match went to a draw due to the time running out. Nobody advances, and One Man Gang gets a bye to the semi-finals.

Disappointing match. *

Mean Gene is backstage with Vanna White going over the bracket. Hogan and Andre both get first round byes, and will face each other in the first match of the second round.

Hercules w/ Bobby “The Brain” Heenan vs. The Ultimate Warrior

This is the Wrestlemania debut for the Ultimate Warrior. Both men collide, then have a face off. Hercules clotheslines Warrior, who no sells the first two, but the third one takes him down. Hercules puts Warrior in the full nelson. Warrior kicks off the top turnbuckle, falling on Hercules. The shoulders of both men were on the mat, but Warrior gets his up right before the ref counts to three. Warrior wins via pinfall.

After the match, Hercules attacks Warrior with his chain. He goes to choke him, but Warrior escapes, and swings the chain around. Nothing must see with this match. *

We get a recap of the feud between Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant, and the events DiBiase put into motion in his effort to get the WWF title.

Second Round Match: Andre the Giant w/ Ted DiBiase and Virgil vs. Hulk Hogan

If anyone was expecting an epic rematch of Hogan and Andre's famous match the previous WM, you'd be very disappointed. Andre gets and early edge by attacking Hogan as soon as he enters the ring. Hogan would regain the advantage, and give DiBiase and Andre a double noggin knocker. Andre would do his spot where he gets caught up in the ring ropes. DiBiase and Virgil get him out. Hogan clotheslines Andre, knocking him down. Hogan goes for pin, but Andre breaks it, grabs Hogan, and chokes him.

Hogan would break out of the choke, and starts punching Andre. Virgil would distract the referee. DiBiase grabs a chair and hits Hogan with it. Hogan takes the chair, and nails Andre with it. Hogan bodyslams Andre, but too little too late. Hogan also grabs Virgil and gives him a suplex on the entrance ramp. Both competitors are eliminated from the tournament, giving DiBiase a bye to the final match if he wins his second round contest. Hogan poses after the match like he won. Lame.

This match served the purpose it was designed for, to set DiBiase up to where he has to compete to win the title. ** ¾

Mean Gene interviews Macho Man and Miss Elizabeth

Second Round Match: Don Muraco w/ Billy Graham vs. Ted DiBiase

DiBiase comes out by himself, after the mayhem from the previous match. Muraco starts the match out strong. He performs a nice neck snap. DiBiase gains the edge. He goes for a pin, but Muraco, puts a foot on the rope to break it.. DiBiase goes to the second rope, falls back to drop an elbow, but Muraco moves out of the way. Muraco gets some offense in until DiBiase gets back on track by catching Muraco, and dropping his throat on the top rope for nice looking clothesline spot. DiBiase wins. ** ¾

Bob Uecker is in the interview area with Demolition.

Second Round Match: Greg “The Hammer” Valentine with Jimmy Hart vs. “Macho Man” Randy Savage with Miss Elizabeth

Valentine dominates the first half or so of this match. He gets some basic offense in, including a nice looking running shoulder breaker. While Valentine may have had a deliberate offense, his moves looked as if they'd hurt.

He goes for his figure-four leglock. Savage gets to the ropes to break the hold. Valentine drops a knee on Savage. Savage would eventually gain the upper hand, getting in a couple double axe handles. One of them looked as if Valentine may have caught Savage on the way down. Valentine is between the top and second ropes. Savage goes for a knee in the back, but Valentine gets out of the way. With Savage on the mat, Valentine goes for the figure-four again, but Savage rolls him up in a small package for the three count.

Solid match, even if the outcome of Savage winning was predictable. ***

Mean Gene is backstage with Vanna White going over the updated tournament bracket.

Intercontinental Title Match: Honky Tonk Man w/ Jimmy Hart and Peggy Sue vs. Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake

Before the match starts, Ventura gives a shoutout to his family back in Minneapolis. Match starts with both men in a tie-up. Beefcake hits Honky with an atomic drop. Honky rolls outside of the ring, and gets back in. Another tie-up. Beefcake smashes Honky's face onto the turnbuckle, and hits a high knee. Honky rolls out of the ring again. Beefcake chases after him, and brings him back inside the ring. Beefcake misses with an elbow drop. Honky takes advantage by stomping Beefcake. Hits with a fist drop.

Jimmy Hart gets involved, distracting Beefcake. Honky takes advantage. He'd attempt the shake, rattle and roll, but was too close to the tops, as Beefcake grabbed the top rope. Gaining momentum, Beefcakes backdrops Honky, and puts him in a sleeper hold.

Jimmy Hart distracts the referee, and hits the ref with the megaphone. Beefcake wins by DQ. Post-match antics ensue when Beefcake chases down Jimmy Hart and starts cutting his hair. **

Bob Uecker is in the interview area with Andre the Giant.

The Islanders (Tama and Haku), and Bobby Heenan vs. The British Bulldogs and Koko B. Ware w/ Matilda and Frankie

Heenan is wearing a dog training suit for this match. We get some decent tag team action here, and even Heenan gets into the match a few times, and actually does decent. Though this is a 6-man match, it basically flows back and forth like a standard tag match. Koko has a nice spot where he takes down both islanders at the same time with a headlock and head scissors.

Islanders and Heenan win when the Islanders get in the ring, lift Heenan, and drop him on Koko for the pin. After the match, Matilda goes after Heenan.

A decent tag match, though nothing spectacular. Fun to see Heenan in the ring and holding his own. ** ½

Howard Finkel announces Jesse Ventura to the crowd. Ventura gets a decent pop here, and starts posing for the fans.

We have one semi-final match, as DiBiase gets a bye from the Hogan-Giant contest ending with the double DQ.

Semi-final Match: One Man Gang w/ Slick vs. “Macho Man” Randy Savage w/ Elizabeth

Savage had already been in two matches. Monsoon and Ventura paint him as an underdog going into the match with a OMG, who had only one match under his belt, and weighing in at 450 pounds, had the definite size advantage.

Very ho-hum match. To sum up the climax of it, OMG goes for his 747 splash finisher. Savage gets out of the way. OMG rolls out of the ring. While out there, Savage does his signature double axe handle from the top rope.

Back in the ring, Savage goes for a body slam. Doesn't work. Slick goes towards Elizabeth and starts bothering her. Slick's cane gets tossed into the ring, and OMG hits Savage with it. Savage wins via DQ *

Mean Gene is with Vanna White again in front of the bracket board. It will be Savage vs. DiBiase for the WWF Championship.

Tag Team Championship Match: Strike Force (champions) vs. Demolition w/ Mr. Fuji

There's nothing outstanding to this match. Basic tag format match where you get the spot where all four guys get in the ring, ref loses control, then things settle down. Towards the end of the match Rick Martel of Strike Force has Smash of Demolition in the boston crab. Tito Santana of Strike Force distracts the ref, allowing Mr. Fuji's cane to find its way into the ring. Ax hits Martel with the cane, and Smash rolls over for the pin. There's a small chant of bullshit that starts with the crowd. Can't blame them, as some of these fans are probably frustrated out of their minds by now with these finishes.

Demolition wins the titles in a match with yet ANOTHER cheap finish. * 1/5

Howard Finkel announces that we're not at the championship match. Robin Leach comes down to the ring displaying the title belt. Bob Uecker is the guest announcer, and Vanna White is introduced as the timekeeper.

WWF Title Match: Randy “Macho Man” Savage w/ Elizabeth vs. Ted DiBiase w/ Andre the Giant.

Andre gets involved in the match right off the bat, tripping up Savage a couple times. The tide of the match swings back, and is pretty even. Savage does one of his signature moves, dropping an opponent's neck on the top rope. He hits a knee to DiBiase, and goes outside the ring.

Savage sends Elizabeth back, and guess who'd be coming down to the ring with her...

DiBiase regains the upper hand in this match, with a bodyslam, and fistdrops to Savage. He attempts a pin after a nice suplex to Savage, who kicks out. The crowd starts to pop a little as Hulk Hogan comes down to the ring. While in the ring, DiBiase puts Savage in a gutwrench suplex that looked nice. DiBiase climbs to the top rope. Savage recovers, goes to DiBiase, and slams him to the mat. Savage climbs the top rope, and goes for his flying elbow drop, which he misses. DiBiase takes advantage of the mistake, and puts Savage in the million dollar dream (sleeper hold).

Guess who gets involved? If you said “Hogan”, you get a gold star. The ref gets distracted. Hogan grabs a chair, comes in the ring, and nails DiBiase from behind. Savage goes to the top rope, hits the flying elbow, and gets the 1-2-3 count. Your winner and new champion: “Macho Man” Randy Savage. The match itself was a decent match, but the ending... I guess it was predictable considering how the rest of this show went. Savage was also deserving of the title. I'd venture to say this was the best match on this card. *** ¼

Overall, Wrestlemania IV could be considered weak. Finishes to pretty much all the matches were terrible. I can understand with the tournament matches to push the story along, and to make sure faces took on heels, but in the tag team and IC title matches? If fans at this show live were frustrated, or those who ordered it on pay-per-view, that feeling would be very justified. There were manager interferences, disqualifications, count-outs, Hogan with chairshots... If there was some underhanded way to win a match, you'd see it on this card most likely. On a related note, there weren't any standout matches here. The main event match had potential considering who the performers were, but it was poorly booked (except for Savage winning, of course). Most matches were around average quality, give or take. This WM would have been better served if there weren't so many matches crammed onto the card.

On that note, this WM did a good job with telling a story. If there's one thing WWF did much better back then than they do now is tell stories, and they created characters you actually got behind. This whole WM told a story, and the pages seamlessly flowed over the course of the event, if not predictable. It was good to see Savage win the title. From an overall standpoint, he was the best worker the company had at that time (though it was unlikely he drew more than Hogan). We also see the continuation of the Hogan-Andre feud that was going on for over a year by this point. We also get a side story of Bob Uecker and his quest to find Vanna White. Uecker once again put on a good performance at this event.

As for recommending Wrestlemania IV? Despite my gripes with the finishes, the tournament format was interesting, and with the exception of a couple matches, the in-ring action was watchable. Another reason to consider watching this is of course the Monsoon and Ventura commentary.  As a result, I'd recommend giving this at least a viewing.

You can find Wrestlemania IV on VHS, or as part of the Wrestlemania Anthology, Vol. 1 DVD set.

Final score: 3/5

Wrestlemania III: The Vision Comes to Fruition

Wrestlemania goes epic!

The date March 29, 1987 will go down as the night when perhaps the greatest event in professional wrestling ever occurred. Wrestlemania III emanated from the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan in front of over 93,000 fans, or 75,000 depending on the source (there's some dispute on the attendance number). Either way, a highly impressive number of fans turned out for this event. This WM had it all. It had an epic main event pitting two legends against each other, an intercontinental title match for the ages, and it did a great job pushing story lines.

This is the first Wrestlemania to be held in a dome stadium. The show starts with an impressive far shot of people in the arena. A foreshadowing to just how big this event was going to be. On a side note, I've always liked major wrestling events held in domed stadiums. The fact that they can hold a huge capacity of people adds an epic feel to the event, and light comes through the dome roofs; so you can see the transition from late afternoon to evening as the event progresses along.

Vince McMahon is in the ring welcoming everyone to Wrestlemania III. He then introduces Aretha Franklin, who performs an excellent version of “America the Beautiful”.

The camera then goes to the broadcasting booth where Gorilla Monsoon introduces himself, Jesse “The Body” Ventura (who, as usual, does a great job commentating during this event), and the celebrity guest hosts; Bob Uecker and Mary Hart. Thank goodness there weren't fifty (exaggeration of course) celebrities like at WM 2. With that, it is time for the first match.

Bob Orton & Don Muraco with manager Mr. Fuji vs. the Can-Am Connection

I definitely remember Orton, Muraco, and Martel, but who is Tom Zenk? Anyway, this was a decent tag team match designed to get the Can-Am connection over. They did some nice double team moves such as a double monkey flip, and a nice looking double arm drag. Orton and Muraco didn't do a whole heck of a lot in this match, but as mentioned before; WWF appeared to have plans for the other team in action. Can-Am Connection wins. This was a good match to start the event. ***

Billy Jack Haynes vs. Hercules with manager Bobby Heenan

Before the match we get a recap of the feud between these two. We are also shown a backstage interview with Hercules and Heenan. Hercules says that “thousands of years ago I pulled these chains...” or something close to that.

Anyway, this match is really a full nelson challenge. Both men were using it as finishing move at the time, so this was one of those “mine is better than yours” type of deals. We get some good one-liners from Ventura during this match from stating the obvious, “Heenan isn't exactly Mr. Popularity” regarding all the boos Heenan received coming down to the ring, to telling Monsoon “I remember 1932 too when you were at your prime, the Hoover days.” in response to a comment Monsoon had made to him.

This is your usual big, strong guy match. Though it's actually good! Early in the match Haynes puts Hercules in an overhead press slam. Hercules would regain the edge with a hard clothesline that looked nice, and would perform an overhead press slam of his own on Haynes. Hercules would be the first to put on the full nelson, though he didn't lock the fingers, so Haynes was able to break it, and would regain the advantage with an atomic drop. Eventually, Haynes would lock in his full nelson, but Hercules gets to the ropes, forcing Haynes to break the hold.

Both men go outside the ring, and Haynes puts Hercules in another full nelson. Heenan comes from behind to hit Haynes, who chases Heenan back into the ring. Hercules takes his chain and nails Haynes with it, busting him open. Both men are counted out. Normally I'd dislike this type of finish, but it only served to push the feud, and the fans get to see some fun heel antics! ***

King Kong Bundy, Little Tokyo and Lord Littlebrook vs. Hillbilly Jim, the Haiti Kid, and Little Beaver

Bob Uecker joins Monsoon and Ventura in the broadcast booth for this match. I like his commentary here, as he makes some funny jokes. He's probably the best celebrity ever at Wrestlemania.

This is a mixed tag match, which means the little guys have to fight each other, and Bundy would have to square off against Hillbilly. Not much of interest happens in this match, until the end. Ventura has a couple good lines in this match. “I'm hoping Bundy puts the kabash on one of the little guys.” Towards the end of the match, Little Beaver gets in the ring and instigates Bundy. Bundy eventually gets him, and executes a bodyslam. Ventura says emphatically, “Smash him Bundy!”.

The ref didn't see the bodyslam, but did see Bundy plant an elbow drop on Little Beaver. Bundy and his team get disqualified. The rest of the little guys get into the ring and chase Bundy out. As a fan of heels (always have been), I can't get enough seeing 450 pound Bundy drop the elbow on Little Beaver! This was nothing more than comic relief. *

Mary Hart is in the backstage interview area getting ready to interview Miss Elizabeth. Macho Man charges in and starts talking before Elizabeth can get a word in!

“King” Harley Race with Bobby Heenan and Fabulous Moohlah vs. Junkyard Dog (Loser Must Bow Match)

We get another feud recap before this match starts. These recaps are well done. Both contestants have backstage interview segments. I watched JYD's and realized why he was one of my favorites as a kid...

Not much happens during this quick match. Race does a lot of falling out of the ring. Heenan gets involved by grabbing JYD's leg, distracting him. Race does a nice looking spot. JYD is laying outside the ring. From the apron, Race does a diving headbutt, but misses. Race eventually does a belly-to-belly suplex on JYD, for the pin.

After the match, JYD does a quick bow to Race. Once Race gets out of the chair he was sitting in, JYD takes it, and nails Race with it. He proceeds to put on Race's robe, to which the crowd goes nuts. *

Vince McMahon interviews Hulk Hogan.

The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers vs. The Dream Team (Brutus Beefcake and Greg Valentine) with Johnny Valiant and Dino Bravo

As the Dream Team comes down to the ring, Monsoon wonders why Dino Bravo is with them. As we'd find out, Dino would be a bit of a plot device... Bobby Heenan joins the Monsoon and Ventura in the broadcasting booth, where he goes on about how great he is. Heenan rules! This probably won't be the only time you'll see me state that during my reviews.

Back to the match. We get a decent tag team match here. It's a little quick, but that's okay. Brutus starts the match for the Dream Team, but seems Valentine is doing most of the work taken the match as a whole. The Rougeau Brothers got in some nice double team offense. They hit Valentine with their finishing move. The ref gets distracted. Dino Bravo climbs the top rope, and comes down on Jacques; turning over Valentine for the pin.

Valentine and company leave Beefcake behind in the ring, and the plot thickens... Overall, a sustainable match. Nothing outstanding, but nothing terrible either. ** 1/2

“Adorable” Adrian Adonis with Jimmy Hart vs. Roddy Piper (Loser gets hair shaved match).

We are provided with another feud recap. This was one of the best recaps of the event. Once again, we get interviews with both participants. Adonis has a pair of hair clippers. Keep that in mind for later on.

Piper comes to the ring to the biggest pop of the night so far. Hard to believe that just a couple years ago he was one of the WWF's top heels. However, he made a great face as well. People could just relate to him. This was supposed to be his final match...

We are treated to a fun match here between two legit tough guys (despite Adonis's gimmick). There's a lot of brawling, however, it's not boring. I don't lose interest in watching this match. Jimmy Hart keeps involving himself in the match (WWE, please bring back managers), which was great. Adonis gets Piper in the “Goodnight Irene” (sleeper hold), but releases it too soon. Piper puts on his sleeper hold, and would take home the victory. We have an early WM moment here with the crowd reaction to Piper's victory. There's a fan who enters the ring to celebrate with Piper. A bunch of security guys come in the ring and tackle him. Funny stuff there.

I really liked this match due to how it told a story. As mentioned earlier, this was supposed to be Piper's final match, and there was the hair shave stipulation. As a kid, nothing seemed to strike fear in the hearts of wrestlers more (besides Damien, Jake Robert's pet snake), than prospect of getting their hair shaved.

Brutus Beefcake comes into the ring! He starts shaving Adonis's head while Piper holds on to Jimmy Hart. Beefcake makes his face turn, and will become “the Barber”. ***

Howard Finkel announces Jessie Ventura! Ventura gets in the ring and acknowledges the crowd.

British Bulldogs & Tito Santana with mascot Matilda the Bulldog vs. The Hart Foundation & Danny Davis with Jimmy Hart

We've got some outstanding talent in the ring here! The story with Davis was he was a referee who showed outright bias towards heels, and caused the Bulldogs to lose the tag team titles to the Hart Foundation. As a result, Davis was banned for life from refereeing.

As the match comes to a start, there's a shot of Ventura on a mini-ring cart heading back to the locker room holding Matilda.

Davis gets a LOT of heat during this match. While not much of a wrestler, he performed his role perfectly. He'd get in the ring for a quick moment, then tag in one of the Hart Foundation members. The crowd didn't like this, as they obviously wanted him to get his butt kicked!

With both teams (Bulldogs and Hart Foundation), you know you're going to get great team work, which is the case here. Add in character with a lot of fan heat (Davis) and a performer who knows what he's doing in the ring (Santana), you get the makings of a good match!

The luck of Danny Davis runs out as he gets in the ring with Davey Boy, who puts the beat down to Davis. Smith executes not only his running powerslam move, he also does a tombstone piledriver (or reverse piledriver pre-Undertaker). The crowd is popping because this is what they wanted to see this match for. However, the heels have Jimmy Hart...

The referee gets distracted while Jimmy Hart tosses in his megaphone to Davis. He nails Smith with the megaphone and gets the pin, and win. An appropriate finish considering how Davis was being booked. Fun tag match. ***

Mean Gene interview Bobby Heenan and Andre the Giant. Andre doesn't say anything here. Doesn't need to. Heenan does all the talking, and a fantastic job of selling Andre as being nearly invincible. Wrestling needs managers like Heenan these days.

Koko B. Ware vs. “The Natural” Butch Reed with Slick

This is definitely a filler match, squeezed in between the previous six-man tag match and the Intercontinental Title match that would follow. Nothing really noteworthy here. However, there were some good camera shots of Koko's bird Frankie! Reed wins by holding Koko's tights.

We get more post-match activity. Slick nails Koko with his cane. Tito Santana comes down the ring, rips off Slick's suit jacket, and rips his shirt up. Reed didn't last too long in WWE. I remember him most in WCW as “Hacksaw” Butch Reed teaming up with Ron Simmons in the late 80s, who'd become far more memorable in the minds of WWE fans than Reed; but you'll just have to wait about ten years for Ron Simmons (Farouq). ½ *

Ricky “the Dragon Steamboat with George “the Animal” Steele vs. “Macho Man” Randy Savage with Miss Elizabeth for the Intercontinental Title

“We've reached our moment” - Ricky “the Dragon Steamboat” in a pre-match interview before meeting Savage at WM 3. That quote says it all.

The feud between Steamboat and Savage was hot going into this title match. Like most of the previous matches, we get a recap of the events that led to this encounter. From an athletic standpoint, Savage and Steamboat were two of the top athletes the WWF had at the time, and their kayfabe personas couldn't be more opposite. Steamboat was the overly nice face who always did the right thing. Savage on the other hand, not only resorted to dastardly tactics such as ramming a timekeeper's bell across Steamboat's throat; he didn't treat Elizabeth too kindly at times. The stage was set for a great match.

The match starts off with Steamboat getting an upper hand using some awesome looking armdrags, then puts Savage in a choke hold. Savage gets out of the ring, and Steamboat goes to follow. Savage rolls back into the ring first, and takes advantage by attacking Steamboat as he rolls back into the ring. Steamboat regains the advantage for a bit, and the action goes outside the ring again. Savage executes his signature double ax handle from the top rope to Steamboat outside the ring. Both men get back in the ring, and Savage does another ax handle from the top rope. Savage executes another of his trademark moves when he uses to top rope as a clothesline on Steamboat.

Really enjoying Ventura's commentary during this match, as he's harping on the referee.

Steamboat regains the advantage, and performs and impressive looking chop from the top rope. He got a lot of air, and looked like he went half-way across the way to nail Savage. Steamboat goes for the pin, but Savage puts his feet on the ropes to break it. Ventura says a funny comment here “first good call of the night”.

The crowd is REALLY into this match, as they should be. You'd have to have no pulse not to.

We get the contest changing spot with a ref bump. Steamboat is on the canvas. Savage climbs the top rope and delivers his finishing move – the off the top rope elbow. The ref is still down. Macho then grabs the bell from the timekeeper, and proceeds to climb to the top rope. However, Steele gets involved, and pushes Savage, who loses balance and falls to canvas. Steamboat rolls up Savage for the 1-2-3, and wins the IC title!

Ventura cries out there's been a “miscarriage of justice”, but he also states that was the greatest match he's ever seen. The camera gets a great shot of a dejected Savage in the ring cart, head down. The camera stays on Savage as the view of him gets smaller, and smaller... Very well done production here.

My brief description of this match doesn't do it justice, and only serves to provide a small taste of how it went. It was a fantastic match, and nearly twenty-five years later is still an amazing match to watch. A top ten WM match, easily. *****

Mean Gene interviews Jake Roberts and Alice Cooper. They go back to a quick clip of the crowd and Ventura is still gushing over the last match. Then it's back to the interview area with The Honky Tonk Man and Jimmy Hart. I like this interview, because it's funny watching Honky strum the guitar. As a guitar player, it's obvious to me he really doesn't know how to play! We get another feud recap segment.

Jake “the Snake” Roberts with Alice Cooper vs. Honky Tonk Man with Jimmy Hart

Who WOULDN'T feel bad for these guys. They have to follow what was to that point the greatest WM match in history. Roberts starts the match out strong, and hits Honky with the short clothesline. Action goes outside the ring, and Honky whips Roberts into the ring post.

The action returns to the ring. Honky goes for the Shake, Rattle and Roll neckbreaker, but Robert's counters it.

Honky wins by grabbing the top ring rope while pinning Roberts. We get more post-match antics as Roberts grabs Jimmy Hart and Cooper takes Damien out of his bag. Ventura has a funny comment on the very scrawny Cooper. “You can tell he's been in the weight room for a while”, and goes on to say he has “a sunken chest compared to an expanded chest”. Not a great match by any stretch of the imagination, especially following the match that came before it. ** ½

Mean Gene announces that the WM 3 crowd broke the indoor attendance record with 93,173 spectators.

The Killer Bees vs. Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff with Slick

Before the match begins, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan (ugh), comes down to the ring. He interrupts Volkoff singing the national anthem, saying “You can't sing your national anthem. This is the home of the free...” Um...okay...

Not too much to highlight here. Jim Brunzell executes an awesome dropkick. The tide changes in favor of the heels. Shiek has one of the bees in the camel clutch when Duggan decides to enter the ring and nail Shiek with his 2 x 4. Boo! He cost the Killer Bees the match, and for some reason they were celebrating with him. However, this is just a filler match for what is about to come up next... **

We are shown the recap for the Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan feud. Basically what it comes down to is Andre is jealous of Hogan being champion, and wants the title for himself. However, and I remember this as a kid, the build up was fantastic.

Mean Gene interviews Hogan. We also get another interview with Heenan and Andre. This time, Andre does most of the talking.

Howard Finkel announces Bob Uecker as the guest ring announcer. Uecker announces Mary Hart as the guest timekeeper. Ventura takes this moment to give a shout-out to his family back in Minneapolis.

Andre the Giant with Bobby Heenan vs. Hulk Hogan for the WWF Heavyweight Championship

Here we go. The match that most, if not all the fans wanted to see. Andre came in to this match undefeated for fifteen years. This really was a case where Hogan was the major underdog, and I remember this too, Andre was pushed as being nearly unstoppable. Ventura goes over the tale of the tape for the two competitors.

A stare down that will live in WM history starts this match. Hogan goes for an early bodyslam, but doesn't work. Andre falls down on top of Hogan, and goes to work on Hogan. Andre may not have been the best worker, but when he hit, he really looked like he hit!

Andre goes for a headbutt in the corner, but Hogan ducks and regains the edge for a quick moment or two. While Andre is sill in the corner, Hogan tries running towards him, only to be met with a boot from Andre. Andre proceeds to put Hogan in a bear hug. Hogan looks in trouble here. He breaks out of the hold though, and tries to shoulder block Andre a few times, with no success. He tries it again, but Andre hits him with a nice looking chop.

The match goes outside the ring. Hogan is leaning against the ring post and Andre goes for a headbutt. Hogan moves out of the way. Hogan moves the mats outside of the ring to clear room for a piledriver on Andre, who reverses it into a backdrop. Things really aren't looking good for Hogan here. Great job by both men to tell a story with this match.

The action goes back into the ring. Hogan gives Andre a running clothesline, knocking the him down. All of a sudden, it is Hogan who is in control. Hogan proceeds to Hulk Up, and executes the “bodyslam heard around the world”. With Andre down, Hogan runs off the ropes and gives Andre his leg drop. 1-2-3, Hogan retains!

This match IS what Wrestlemania is all about. While neither Hogan or Andre were the best workers in the ring, the match they put on here is legendary. As a kid, I remember all the heat on Andre after he did his heel turn. The WWF did a great job pushing him as nearly unstoppable, and the question on the minds of most fans could have been if Hogan would be able to stop him. So there was huge build up for his match, and as mentioned earlier, both men were outstanding in letting the match tell a story. When his match was over, Andre had wrestled perhaps his finest match as a pro, and Hogan became stuff of legend. Absolutely fantastic, and another top ten WM match *****

While Hogan was posing, Monsoon stated that this was “the greatest wrestling event of all-time”. Up to that point, and well beyond, it probably was. This is a must watch Wrestlemania for any fan of professional wrestling. While the first two 'mania's laid the foundation, this installment defined what a Wrestlemania should be. It had two all-time matches. It was held in front of a huge crowd. Most of the matches were provided with backstories to fill the viewer in. Some storylines were resolved, while others would continue on. There was a face turn (Beefcake), and matches with stipulations. There were managers aplenty (a lost art that NEEDS to come back), and let us not forgot there were several WM “moments” here. This event was the pinnacle of 1980s WWF. It really didn't, and still doesn't, get any better than this WM.

You can find this WM on VHS, in DVD as part of the Wrestlemania Anthology Vol. 1 set, or the DVD “Championship Edition” set that came out in 2007 to mark the 20^th anniversary of the event.

Overall rating 5/5.