R.I.P. Randy "Macho Man" Savage

I had posted a blog post on the loss of Randy Savage on my Random Thoughts blog.  Here's a link to it: 
http://cyclepoet77.blogspot.com/2011/05/rip-macho-man-randy-savage.html

Losing Traction

Oh how I wish I could be twelve again, when watching wrestling was an integral part of my life. Every Saturday morning, I had to be in front of my television at 10am for "Superstars". On Sunday mornings, it was "Wrestling Challenge". Monday nights it was "Primetime Wrestling" before "Raw" replaced it. Oh, there was also "WCW: Saturday Night" for good measure. The performers were larger-than-life.  The action and drama exciting.  While my peers watched "real" sports, wrestling was where it was at.  I never felt any embarassment for admitting my fandom.  It was my enjoyment.  My escape.

Oh how I wish I could actually care to watch WWE...

Thoughts on WWE Rebranding

Browsing lordsofpain.net today, I saw a headline regarding the WWE and how it wants to rebrand itself.  One major change is simply going by the name of WWE, to take wrestling out of the company's name.  In addition, they want to expand their offerings beyond their in-ring product.  Reading comments, a lot of people are viewing this change negatively, but was this announcement really a surprise?  They stopped calling their performers "wrestlers" a long time ago, have movies they created ("Knucklehead" and "The Chaperon"), and Vince McMahon even tried the XFL a decade ago.

My thoughts on this change are mixed, with my biggest fear being that the WWE will begin straying from the in-ring product that it always has been known for.  As a viewer of WWE since 1985, this prospect is distressing to me.  What is also distressing is the fact that WWE became as huge as it did for its wrestling, and it almost feels like a slap in the face to fans who've helped make the company what it is today by going to live shows, purchasing merchandise, etc.

Another thing I personally didn't understand is why are they making this move now.  As mentioned in my opening paragraph, they've been dipping their fingers in other entertainment avenues for awhile now.  Back in 2001, when WWE had their restaurant in NYC, and the XFL, the company was in the tail end of their mega-successful "attitude era".  Back then, it was okay to say you watched professional wrestling.  In 2011, it's not as hip.  Try to think if you saw anyone recently wearing a piece of WWE merchandise (and not a kid in a John Cena shirt).  Chances are, you probably haven't.  The WWE is going through a time now where their product just isn't going over with fans, and they are having difficulty with bringing new fans into the fold.  This was reflected in last Sunday's Wrestlemania XXVII, where they had to bring in The Rock and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.  There are possible reasons for this, but now is not the post for it.  What it comes down to is the WWE realizes their in-ring product now caters to a niche market (as it did before the attitude era), and their current entertainment offerings don't expand outside of this market.

In the end, Vince McMahon and the WWE want to disassociate with wrestling as much as they possibly can in order to make money.  Why?  Perhaps McMahon is being greedy, but at the end of the day (or financial quarter), they have to answer to their shareholders as WWE is a publicly traded company on the NYSE. Despite my lack of embrace with this rebranding it is understandable.  In the business world, companies are always changing strategy to earn profits.  However, I am very concerned about the future of the in-ring product, or at least how they approach it IF their expanded entertainment offerings are actually successful.  Only time will tell.

Views of Wrestlemania 27

I was looking forward to Wrestlemania 27 due to how well I thought the event was being built up.  What was my ultimate opinion of the show?  It was ultimately average. It had some good things, and some bad.  Here's my quick take on the show.

What was good?  We get a few quality matches.  The Edge vs. Alberto Del Rio championship match (which was the first match for some reason), was well done.  It had a good pace to it, Del Rio was excellent in the ring, and the ending that nearly everyone thought would happen didn't.  Christian didn't turn on Edge, which I'm glad they didn't do.

Cody Rhodes vs. Rey Mysterio.  We get an entertaining match here that had a nice pace to it.  Cody looked real good in this match, and I was impressed. After his performance tonight, I'm hoping he gets a serious push.

CM Punk vs. Randy Orton.  Very good match here, and a testament to how good a worker Punk is.  He carried this match.  He did an outstanding job working with Orton's slow, deliberate style.  Randy gets move to the night so far.  Punk comes off the top rope, and Orton counters it into an RKO.

Undertaker vs. Triple H.  Match of the evening hands down.  While not as good as 'Taker vs. Shawn Michaels matches from WM 25 and 26, it was still outstanding. Especially the selling of both competitors.  Triple H hits with three Pedigrees and a Tombstone piledriver, yet taker still won with the Hell's Gate submission move.  If it weren't for this match, this 'Mania would've felt like an exaggerated RAW.

John Cena vs. The Miz.  This isn't good for the match itself, or the outcome. In fact, this was one of the least overwhelming Wrestlemania main events.  However, there were a lot of old school heel actions going on here.  Miz taking off a turnbuckle cover.  Alex Riley, Miz's lackey interfering, Miz using a metal briefcase to hit Cena as examples. Nice homage to the style of heel antics I recall fondly from my youth.

Segment with Rock and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin stare down.

Once again, the WWE has an awesome stage set up.

Now for the bad...

Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole.  While better than Vince McMahon vs. Bret Hart from last year, this could have been cut by a few minutes.  There were funny moments, but this match would have been better served at a lesser PPV event.  However, Stone Cold tosses out some Stone Cold Stunners.

8-man tag match.  Yawn.  Out of the 8 men, only two do anything.  Santino wins with the Cobra to Heath Slater.

Mixed tag match.  Only special guest Snookie did anything of interest in this match.  John Morrison and Dolph Ziggler did next to nothing.  However, I was impressed with Snookie's athleticism.

John Cena vs. The Miz. An underwhelming main event.  If anything, Triple H and Undertaker should have been here.  Anyway, the ending kinda sucked, with the Rock getting involved, giving Cena a Rock Bottom, and allowing Miz to win. Once again, The Miz comes off looking like a weak champion.  However, if we get a payoff of an awesome Cena/Rock feud, then perhaps my gripe was in vain.  Speaking of the Rock...

The Rock's promo to start off Wrestlemania.  This promo ran WAY too long.  I felt like I was watching an episode of RAW.  Is this why Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan didn't take place?  I hope not, because that would be unfortunate.

Overall, this Wrestlemania was okay, and as usual with these events, only time will tell how it ultimately measures up in the scheme of things.  I feel that Wrestlemania is where most feuds end and new ones begin, but I didn't feel that way for this one. An over glorified RAW would be the best way to sum this one up.

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.