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