Category: TV Episodes & Movies

INTRO:

At WrestleMania VI in 1990, Vince McMahon’s WWE began its somewhat awkward phasing-out of Hulk-A-Mania.  Relying upon a mix of savvy veterans (i.e. Bret Hart, Randy Savage, Ted DiBiase, & Roddy Piper) and next-generation main eventers (i.e. The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, & Owen Hart), a distracted WWE sought to withstand a high-profile steroid scandal. 

The public controversy resulted in several months of creative mediocrity (i.e. Hogan’s brief return).  By 1994’s WrestleMania X, Bret Hart, among others, would reaffirm the WWE’s dominance of pro wrestling.         

SUMMARY (1990):                   RUNNING TIME: 218 Min.      

On April 1^st, from Toronto’s Skydome, the first Canadian edition of WrestleMania pairs Jesse Ventura & “Gorilla” Monsoon one last time, with “Mean” Gene Okerlund & Sean Mooney again running interviews. 

A tuxedo-clad Robert Goulet delivers Canada’s national anthem: “O, Canada.” Comedian Steve Allen has some light-hearted fun mocking the Bolsheviks in the locker room.  Gossip columnist Rona Barrett shares a classy ‘interview’ segment with Miss Elizabeth.  Diamond Dallas Page cameos driving a Cadillac to ringside.  Unexpectedly, actress Mary Tyler Moore appears in the crowd.      

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

• WWE World Tag Team Champions The Colossal Connection [André the Giant & Haku] (with Bobby Heenan) vs. Demolition [Ax & Smash].

• Hercules vs. Earthquake (with Jimmy Hart).

• “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig (with Lanny Poffo) vs. Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake.          
• Bad New Brown vs. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. Note: Piper’s controversial make-up job meant to racially provoke Brown is a new low for him.           

• The Bolsheviks (Boris Zhukov & Nikolai Volkoff) vs. the Hart Foundation (Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart). 

• The Barbarian (with Bobby Heenan) vs. Tito Santana.    

• Randy “Macho King” Savage & “Sensational Queen” Sherri vs. “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes & Sapphire (with Miss Elizabeth).     

• The Rockers [Marty Jannetty & Shawn Michaels] vs. the Orient Express [“Sato” & Pat Tanaka] (with Mr. Fuji).

• Dino Bravo (with Jimmy Hart & Earthquake) vs. “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. 

• “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase (with Virgil) vs. Jake “The Snake” Roberts (with Damian the snake) for “The Million Dollar Championship.”       

• Big Boss Man vs. Akeem (with Slick).            

• “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka vs. “Ravishing” Rick Rude (with Bobby Heenan).       

• WWE World Champion Hulk Hogan vs. WWE Intercontinental Champion the Ultimate Warrior in the “Ultimate Challenge” Title vs. Title Match.

REVIEW (1990):                           RATNG: 6/10

April Fool’s Day aptly describes WrestleMania VI.  Fans were supposed to gladly embrace the Warrior’s ascension replacing the older Hogan.  Yet, their so-called ‘Ultimate Challenge’ is a clichéd snooze-fest.  The WWE’s two super-heroes slowly exchange the same primitive moves and lengthy rest holds, as if they’re playing a prolonged game of ‘H-O-R-S-E.’  At a minimum, the 36-year old Hogan reassures fans that he’s a more versatile performer than the Warrior’s weak in-ring work. 

Failing to capitalize on its potential excitement, this double-title match concept also greatly diminishes the undercard.  Without an extra title bout, none of the remaining matches approach anything close to electrifying.  The closest one gets is the better-than-expected DiBiase vs. Roberts.

Steadfast veterans, such as André, DiBiase, Roberts, Savage & Elizabeth, and Hennig deliver satisfying individual performances.  Otherwise, they receive minimal help sustaining this show.  If the Hart Foundation had been assigned a significant role against quality opposition, they would have likely sparked some much-needed enthusiasm.  Inexplicably, Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart are stuck with a meaningless squash win, which ends in, pardon the expression, a Hart-beat. Go figure.

Despite an abundance of top-flight stars, the WWE squanders WrestleMania VI.  Minus two putrid exceptions (i.e. the tasteless Brown-Piper brawl; and the Boss Man-Akeem dud), the event is middle-of-the pack caliber, with nothing suggesting a Match-of-the-Year candidate. Still, no matter how dull WrestleMania VI often is, this show still easily surpasses WrestleMania VIII-IX (not to mention, I-II).  VI (mostly by default) scores second place on this anthology set.   

SUMMARY (1991):               RUNNING TIME: 211 Min.

On March 24^th, at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, “Gorilla” Monsoon & Bobby Heenan co-host the show, with some fill-in help from “Lord” Alfred Hayes and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. 

Celebrities include Alex Trebek; Marla Maples Trump; Regis Philbin; Henry Winkler; Chuck Norris; Macaulay Culkin; George Steinbrenner; and the original Incredible Hulk, Lou Ferrigno.  Shamelessly hawking WWE merchandise fresh from the souvenir table on his attire, Willie Nelson launches the show with his rendition of “America the Beautiful.” 

• Barbarian & Haku (with Bobby Heenan) vs. the Rockers [Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty].   

• “Texas Tornado” Kerry Von Erich vs. Dino Bravo (with Jimmy Hart).       

• Warlord (with Slick) vs. “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith (with Winston the Bulldog).

• WWE World Tag Team Champions Hart Foundation [Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart] vs. the Nasty Boys [Brian Knobbs & Jerry Sags] (with Jimmy Hart).

• Rick “The Model” Martel vs. Jake “The Snake” Roberts (with Damian the snake) in a ‘Blindfold’ Match.             

• “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka vs. Undertaker (with Paul Bearer).           

• Ultimate Warrior vs. “Macho King” Randy Savage (with “Sensational Queen” Sherri) in a ‘Loser-Must-Retire’ Match.  Note: Miss Elizabeth is seated in the audience. 

• Demolition [Smash & Crush] vs. Genichiro Tenryu & Kôji Kitao.                    

• WWE Intercontinental Champion “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig (with Bobby Heenan) vs. Big Boss Man (with André the Giant).          

• Greg “The Hammer” Valentine vs. Earthquake (with Jimmy Hart).

• The Legion of Doom [Hawk & Animal] vs. Power & Glory [Hercules & Paul Roma].           

• Virgil (with Roddy Piper) vs. “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase (with “Sensational” Sherri).

• Tito Santana vs. “The Mountie” Jacques Rougeau (with Jimmy Hart).

• WWE World Champion Sgt. Slaughter (with General Adnan) vs. Hulk Hogan.  Note: Hogan bleeds considerably in this bout.

REVIEW (1991):                        RATING: 8/10

Would have this show’s performance have justified filling the L.A. Coliseum, as originally planned? Hardly, not according to its weak ticket sales (necessitating a switch to a far smaller indoor venue) and some initially harsh reviews. Most notably, this show’s ultra-patriotic, stars-and-stripes theme comes off more as a cheap excuse to exploit the Persian Gulf conflict for entertainment’s sake than a legitimate thank-you to U.S. Armed Forces.

Yet, WrestleMania VII‘s in-ring performance is much more entertaining than VI, let alone its successors on this set. For instance, in a welcome nod to classiness, a long-awaited ‘reunion’ poignantly sets up a major WWE player’s apparent departure that would haven’t been predicted only a few months before.

Even more so, the WWE delivers fourteen matches — granted, four of which are squashes.  Among the non-squashes, seven bouts range from stellar to very watchable: Savage vs. Warrior (including its long-overdue Sherri vs. Elizabeth moment) the gory Hogan vs. Slaughter; the Harts vs. Nastys; Virgil vs. DiBiase; The Rockers vs. Barbarian & Haku; the gimmicky Roberts vs. Martel (as both are wearing sacks on their heads); and even a very routine Bulldog vs. Warlord.  Boss Man vs. Hennig; The Legion of Doom vs. Power & Glory; and Demolition vs. Tenryu & Kitao aren’t great, but these efforts aren’t dull, either. 

Supported by energetic performances (exemplified by The Rockers), VII’s ratio of good bouts vs. its few lousy ones justifies its hefty running time.  Despite an eye-rolling surplus of Gulf War propaganda, the rollicking WrestleMania VII prevails as this set’s best disc.       

SUMMARY (1992):           RUNNING TIME: 162 Min.      

On April 5^th, from Indianapolis’ Hoosier Dome, returning as co-hosts are “Gorilla” Monsoon & Bobby “The Brain” Heenan.  “Mean” Gene Okerlund & Sean Mooney again share the interviewing duties.  Ex-WCW World Champion Lex Luger is interviewed from ‘home,’ as he’s the short-lived World Bodybuilding Federation’s (WBF) latest acquisition.  Amusingly acknowledged by Heenan’s comment recognizing him, long-time manager Paul Ellering rejoins the Legion of Doom for an interview segment with Okerlund. 

The show’s sole celebrities are Reba McEntire and game show host Ray Combs from TV’s “Family Feud.”  Starting off, McEntire delivers a classy rendition of “America the Beautiful.”  Combs sporadically turns up, either on commentary or as a guest ring announcer.

• “El Matador” Tito Santana vs. “Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels (with Sherri).     

• Jake “The Snake” Roberts vs. The Undertaker (with Paul Bearer).

• WWE Intercontinental Champion “Rowdy” Roddy Piper vs. Bret “Hitman” Hart. Note: Hart sheds blood (aka blading).

• Repo Man (a re-packaged Smash of Demolition), “The Mountie” Jacques Rougeau, and the Nasty Boys [Jerry Sags & Brian Knobbs] (with Jimmy Hart) vs. Virgil, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Sgt. Slaughter, & Big Boss Man.          

• WWE World Champion “Nature Boy” Ric Flair (with “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig) vs. “Macho Man” Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth).  Notes: Flair sheds blood (aka blading).  WrestleMania VIII is Savage & Elizabeth’s final WWE PPV appearance together. 

• Tatanka vs. “The Model” Rick Martel.

WWE World Tag Team Champions The Natural Disasters [Earthquake & Typhoon] vs. Money Inc. -“Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase & I.R.S. (aka Mike Rotundo) (with Jimmy Hart). 

• Skinner (Steve Keirn) vs. “The Rocket” Owen Hart.

• “Sycho” Sid Justice (with Harvey Wippleman & Pago Shango) vs. Hulk Hogan (with The Ultimate Warrior).             

REVIEW (1992):                        RATING: 4/10

WrestleMania VIII falls far short on talent, as the WWE was plagued by a high-profile steroid scandal.  Reduced to nine matches (and an abbreviated running time), it’s all too obvious that the WWE’s top guns are less-than-superhuman this time.  Sporting two superb title matches and one above-average bout (Santana vs. Michaels), the detriment of a subpar undercard is too much to overcome this time.  The less said about the other six matches the better. 

Several familiar faces from the 1992 Royal Rumble, such as “Texas Tornado” Kerry Von Erich; “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith; and The Warlord, among others, are inexplicably absent.  Worse yet, veterans Randy Savage, Jake Roberts, Roddy Piper, and Hulk Hogan (all hovering around 40 years old) had all significantly aged since WrestleMania VII.  As the WWE World Champion, “Nature Boy” Ric Flair (already in his mid-forties) remarkably infuses some desperately-needed heel energy into his first WrestleMania.  Along with Curt Hennig, their chemistry working with Savage & Elizabeth is remarkable. 

Despite a heavy dependence on its veteran stars, the company’s future appears bright in the forms of Bret Hart, The Undertaker, Owen Hart, and Shawn Michaels.  A depleted WWE even gives the wonky Ultimate Warrior a second opportunity to replace a supposedly retiring Hogan on the roster.

VIII’s legacy is really memories of Savage & Flair’s explosive WWE World Title showdown.  Piper & Hart’s Intercontinental Title battle isn’t as flashy as Michaels vs. Ramon at ‘Mania X, but it’s still some dynamite viewing, as well. Like with WrestleMania’s I-IIs, the mostly dismal VIII requires sensible use of one’s remote control.  Accordingly, VIII descends into fourth place on this set. 

SUMMARY (1993):           RUNNING TIME: 164 Min.

On April 4^th, WrestleMania meets Las Vegas at its outdoor Caesar’s Palace venue.  Pushing a Roman toga party theme, co-hosting are Gorilla Monsoon, Jim Ross, Bobby Heenan, & color commentator Randy Savage.  The interviewers are “Mean” Gene Okerlund and Todd Pettengill.    

• WWE Intercontinental Champion “Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels (with Luna Vachon) vs. Tatanka.           

• The Headshrinkers [Samu & Fatu] (with Afa) vs. The Steiner Brothers [Rick & Scott Steiner].   

• Crush vs. Doink the Clown.            

• Bob Backlund vs. “Razor Ramon” Scott Hall.           

• WWE World Tag Team Champions Money Inc. – Ted DiBiase & I.R.S. (aka Mike Rotundo) vs. Mega-Maniacs [Hulk Hogan & Brutus Beefcake] (with Jimmy Hart).             

• “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig vs. “The Narcissist” Lex Luger. 

• Giant Gonzalez (with Harvey Wippleman) vs. The Undertaker (with Paul Bearer).  

• WWE World Champion Bret “Hitman” Hart vs. Yokozuna (with Mr. Fuji)  

• WWE World Champion Yokozuna (with Mr. Fuji) vs. Hulk Hogan (with Bret “Hit Man” Hart).

REVIEW (1993):                     RATING: 1/10

Resembling a garbage dump on the Vegas Strip, the stench emanating from the first outdoor WrestleMania lingers far worse than its mediocre predecessor.  Rarely has the announcing crew been given so little to work with.  Making this inane toga party even worse, only two matches out of a measly eight (nine, if you count Hogan’s last-minute charade) are remotely watchable.  Beyond shafting Bret Hart for no good reason, the WWE’s desperate re-launch of Hulk-A-Mania completes a tone-deaf disaster.         

Yes, the last seven bouts hover between filler material/dud and being tagged for trash pick-up.  Case in point: No longer in their late-80’s prime, a sluggish Luger and Hennig sleepwalk through a disappointing clash.  Sadly reduced to a jobber, former WWE World Champion Bob Backlund’s WrestleMania debut embarrasses him.  Vintage performers, such as The Steiners; DiBiase & Rotundo; The Headshrinkers; and especially The Undertaker, are unceremoniously wasted in utterly crummy matches. 

Working with Shawn Michaels, only Tatanka musters a better in-ring effort than he had at Mania VIII.  It’s beyond comprehension, with a dejected Savage readily available, why he wasn’t recruited for either a surefire I-C Title clash against Michaels — or finally settle last year’s score against Scott Hall.   For that matter, even pitting heroes Savage and Hart in a conclusive passing-of-the-torch World Title showdown would have made better sense.              

Note: Including the LOL airbrushed muscles on his ridiculous faux-furry costume, Giant Gonzalez’s clunker vs. the Undertaker might be WrestleMania’s worst-ever charade posing as a match lasting more than sixty seconds.

Re: the main event’s pair of pathetic finishes, it’s indefensible.  Adding further insult to both Hart’s unwarranted demotion and Yokozuna’s quickly-forgotten title victory, fans are force-fed Hogan’s undeserved romp to yet another championship.  This feeble cop-out predictably only benefits an aging Hogan himself. 

As the weakest WrestleMania up to that point, IX is assuredly this set’s biggest loser. Though a close call, this debacle gets the nod over Survivor Series 1990 as the absolute-worst WWE PPV of that era shoved down fans’ throats.  

SUMMARY (1994):             RUNNING TIME: 164 Min.

On Marth 20^th, returning to New York City’s Madison Square Garden for its tenth anniversary, WrestleMania X is co-hosted by Vince McMahon & Jerry Lawler.  Todd Pettingill is the bumbling interviewer. 

The event’s celebrities-for-hire are: Burt Reynolds; Jennie Garth; Donnie Wahlberg; USA Network’s Rhonda Shear; Sy Sperling of Hair Club for Men; and The Tonight Show’s wacky President Bill Clinton impersonator (Tim Watters). 

• “King of Harts” Owen Hart vs. Bret “Hitman” Hart.             

• Doink the Clown & Dink the Clown vs. Bam Bam Bigelow & Luna Vachon.          
• Randy “Macho Man” Savage vs. Crush (with Mr. Fuji) in a Falls-Count-Anywhere Match.

• WWE Women’s Champion Alundra Blaze (aka Madusa Micelli) vs. Leilani Kai.      

• WWE World Tag Team Champions The Quebecers [Jacques & Pierre] (with Johnny Polo) vs. Men on a Mission [Mabel & Mo] (with Oscar).

• WWE World Champion Yokozuna (with Jim Cornette & Mr. Fuji) vs. Lex Luger, with “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig as Special Guest Referee.        

• Earthquake vs. Adam Bomb (with Harvey Wippleman).          

• “Razor Ramon” Scott Hall vs. “Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels (with “Diesel” Kevin Nash) for the disputed WWE Intercontinental Title in a Ladder Match.          

• WWE World Champion Yokozuna (with Jim Cornette & Mr. Fuji) vs. Bret “Hitman” Hart, with “Rowdy” Roddy Piper as Special Guest Referee.    

REVIEW (1994):                  RATING: 6/10

With the Undertaker temporarily out-of-action, somehow scoring four out of nine winners is a minor miracle for the WWE.   Since a Bret Hart vs. Luger World Title showdown wouldn’t necessarily satisfy fan expectations, opting to redeem last year’s Hart vs. Yokozuna fiasco makes good sense.   Accordingly, the Hart Brothers share the event’s MVP honors for an expertly-played opener and giving the finale’s aftermath extra shine. 

Coming in as a close runner-up, Ramon & Michaels deserve considerable credit for mustering their epic ladder match, no matter how obviously choreographed it appears.  Returning to battle, Savage’s revitalized ‘Macho Madness’ vs. Crush makes their ruggedly short brawl worthy of Savage’s last WrestleMania.  An added sequence of Savage making a surprise visit to fans in an adjoining auditorium afterwards is a classy touch.

Signifying the forgettable mid-card is the first WWE Women’s Title defense at WrestleMania in nearly a decade.  While Leilani Kai’s return is welcome (considering that she lost this same title to Wendi Richter in the same building at WrestleMania I), neither Kai nor Blaze (for that matter, even combined) musters the same charisma Richter had.  Their title match-up is for die-hards only.  The same applies to Adam Bomb vs. Earthquake and a forgettable WWE World Tag Team title defense. 

Echoing SummerSlam 1993, Luger’s World Title rematch vs. Yokozuna is a middling sequel. Curt Hennig’s continuity grudge against Luger from ‘Mania IX only exacerbates the sluggish chemistry the ex-“Total Package” has with Yokozuna. WWE failed to grasp that Luger’s best NWA/WCW matches were against far more mobile and versatile adversaries (i.e. Ric Flair, Sting, Rick Steamboat, Brian Pillman, Nikita Koloff, etc.). It’s no wonder that Bret Hart would get to face Yokozuna.

In far worse shape, however, is Bigelow’s first ‘Mania since 1988 – he muddles through one of this franchise’s worst bouts of the decade.  Saving the worst for last is Pettingill’s insipid series of laugh-free skits with Tim Watters’ bogus ‘Mr. President.’ Not getting the tone-deaf hint, the WWE again recruited Watters’ ‘President Clinton’ for the 1995 Survivor Series for more supposed fun-and-games. 

Still, if one skips a slew of awful segments, this show still makes for some good viewing.  As for entertainment value, WrestleMania X takes third place on this set. 

QUALITY CONTROL:

Without re-mastering or HD upgrading, the picture quality remains excellent (despite a few blips).  As for remote control access, one can watch the entire event, or click on individual segments (including interviews).  More specific than what is seen on its packaging, the order of matches, special attractions, interviews, and even the announcers’ closing comments are thoroughly spelled out.  However, there aren’t any bonus features.     

PACKAGING:

Excellent!  Not only is the packaging well-produced with vintage images of the wrestlers, the DVDS are carefully encased on hard plastic DVD pages to help prevent scratching the discs.  On two inside jackets, each event’s match line-up is spelled out.  A commemorative booklet in the front left inside pocket lists each event’s matches and interviews in order. Each event’s running time is listed on the outside jacket.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              5½ Stars

INTRO:

In March 1985, by piggy-backing off MTV, Vince McMahon’s WWE launched WrestleMania by merging pro wrestling with mainstream pop culture.  It was initially dubbed the “Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Connection.”  Why else would one find Muhammad Ali, Liberace, Mr. T, Cyndi Lauper, baseball manager Billy Martin, etc. together in attendance, but at a pro wrestling show?  This glut of celebrity glitz evidently masked how putrid many of the 1985-86 matches actually were at the first two WrestleManias.

By 1987, the WWE grasped that a bigger event meant better everything.  Hence, the classic third WrestleMania enjoyed vastly upgraded production values and effectively balanced their hired celebrity guests.  As seen on this five-disc set, these improvements solidified the formula for the WWE’s biggest annual event for years to come.   

SUMMARY (1985):            RUNNING TIME: 137 Min.      

On March 31^st, at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, announcers “Gorilla” Monsoon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura co-host this inaugural event.  Celebrities include Muhammad Ali (as the main event’s special referee), ringside “manager” Cyndi Lauper, main event participant Mr. T, New York Yankees manager Billy Martin (as the main event’s ring announcer), and Liberace (as the main event’s time-keeper).

• Tito Santana vs. the (Masked) Executioner.

• S.D. “Special Delivery” Jones vs. King Kong Bundy.

• Ricky Steamboat vs. Matt Borne.   

• David Sammartino (with father Bruno Sammartino) vs. Brutus Beefcake (with Johnny Valiant). 

• Junkyard Dog vs. WWE Intercontinental Champion Greg “The Hammer Valentine (with Jimmy Hart).   

• WWE World Tag Team Champions U.S. Express (Barry Windham & Mike Rotundo, with Lou Albano) vs. Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff (with Freddie Blassie).

• André the Giant vs. “Big” John Studd (with Bobby Heenan) in a $15,000.00 Body Slam Match. 

• WWE Women’s Champion Lelani Kai (with the Fabulous Moolah) vs. Wendi Richter (with Cyndi Lauper).  

• WWE World Champion Hulk Hogan & Mr. T (with “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka) vs. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper & “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff (with “Cowboy” Bob Orton).  

REVIEW (1985):                             RATING: 3/10

If judged solely on its first four matches, then the original WrestleMania reeks.  These bores are one dose after another pitting a mid-card star vs. an expendable jobber TV junk.  The remaining five matches are watchable, as Hogan & Mr. T predictably deliver the goods in a short finale.  Though these bouts aren’t remotely stellar, a few (i.e. André vs. Studd; Hogan & Mr. T vs. Piper & Orndorff) still merit nostalgic viewings.  Of historical curiosity is a charismatic Richter’s only ‘Mania, considering how her rising-star WWE career tanked soon afterwards.  In terms of this set’s entertainment value, WrestleMania I is easily the least-satisfying. 

SUMMARY (1986):                RUNNING TIME:  183 Min.

On April 7^th, a star-studded WrestleMania 2 ambitiously featured three separate venues (New York, Chicago, & Los Angeles) via closed-circuit.  At the Nassau Coliseum, Ray Charles leads off with his classy, piano-accompanied rendition of “America the Beautiful.” 

In addition to celebrity co-hosts Susan St. James, Cathy Lee Crosby, and Elvira, pop culture cameos include: Joan Rivers; Smokin’ Joe Frazier; Cab Calloway; G. Gordon Liddy; basketball player Darryl Dawkins; Wendy’s Clara “Where’s the Beef?” Peller; and Burger King’s ad spokesperson, ‘Herb.’  In the Los Angeles segment, additional cameos are made by L.A. Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda and actors Robert Conrad & Ricky Schroeder.    

Note: Peller is the Chicago battle royale’s guest time-keeper.  Her two attempts at shouting her famous catch-phrase are completely inaudible.

NASSAU COLISEUM (Long Island) : (Co-Hosts: Vince McMahon & actress Susan St. James)

• “Magnificent” Muraco (with Mr. Fuji) vs. “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff.      

Note: Orndorff makes a despicable race-baiting gesture at Fuji.

• WWE Intercontinental Champion Randy “Macho Man” Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) vs. George “The Animal” Steele. 

• George Wells vs. Jake “The Snake” Roberts (with Damian the snake).

• Mr. T (with the Haiti Kid & “Smokin’” Joe Frazier) vs. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper (with “Cowboy” Bob Orton & Lou Duva) in a Boxing Match.   

Note: This segment includes a flashback to a recently televised Saturday Night’s Main Event, where Mr. T was infamously belt-whipped by Piper & Orton.  The set-up was a Mr. T vs. Orton boxing match.

ROSEMONT HORIZON (Chicago): (Co-Hosts: “Gorilla” Monsoon, “Mean” Gene Okerlund, & actress Cathy Lee Crosby)

• WWE Women’s Champion the Fabulous Moolah vs. Velvet McIntyre.

• Cpl. Kirschner vs. Nikolai Volkoff (with Freddie Blassie) in a “Flag Match.”

• 20-Man WWE vs. NFL Battle Royale (with Ed “Too Tall” Jones & Dick Butkus as guest referees).  NFL: William “The Refrigerator” Perry; Bill Fralic; Jimbo Covert; Russ Francis; Ernie Holmes; and Harvey Martin.  WWE: King Tonga (Haku); the Hart Foundation [Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart]; Pedro Morales; the Iron Sheik; Bruno Sammartino; the Killer Bees [B. Brian Blair & “Jumping” Jim Brunzell]; “Golden Boy” Danny Spivey; “Mr. USA” Tony Atlas; Ted Arcidi; Hillbilly Jim; “Big” John Studd; & André the Giant.  Guest Commentator: Ernie “The Cat” Ladd.   

• WWE World Tag Team Champions Greg “The Hammer” Valentine & Brutus Beefcake (with Johnny Valiant) vs. the British Bulldogs [Dynamite Kid & Davey Boy Smith] (with Capt. Lou & Albano & Ozzy Osbourne). 

L.A. SPORTS ARENA: (Co-Hosts: Jesse “The Body” Ventura, “Lord” Alfred Hayes, & actress Cassandra “Elvira” Peterson)

• Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat vs. Hercules Hernandez.

• Uncle Elmer vs. “Adorable” Adrian Adonis (with Jimmy Hart).   

• Terry Funk & Dory “Hoss” Funk Jr. (with Jimmy Hart & Jimmy Jack Funk) vs. The Junkyard Dog & Tito Santana.   

• WWE World Champion Hulk Hogan vs. King Kong Bundy (with Bobby Heenan) in a Steel Cage Match.  Note: This segment includes a flashback to a recently televised Saturday Night’s Main Event, where a triple-teamed Hogan’s ribs are ‘injured’ by Bundy, Muraco, & Heenan.  The set-up is his interrupted title defense vs. Muraco.

REVIEW (1986):                      RATING: 5½/10

It’s split down the middle — a half-dozen matches are terrific!  The other six, unfortunately, are putrid.  Due to its fractured tone, WrestleMania 2 relies far too much on its excessive horde of celebrities.  Case in point: McMahon fails to rein in St. James’ annoying commentary, other than her chuckle-worthy line: “Alright, George, eat his leg!” during the cartoony Savage-Steele title bout. 

Maintaining her dignity, Cathy Lee Crosby is reasonably good in the Chicago segment.  Elvira shares some fun chemistry with Ventura, which compensates for a blathering Hayes.  The WWE evidently realized the problem with too many talking heads, as Ventura & Monsoon effectively co-anchored the next four WrestleMania’s.  It’s too bad that Ernie Ladd only appeared at this WrestleMania, as his commentary is a treat.     

It’s best to ignore the glut of celebrity paycheck jobs, as only the NFL’s William Perry, Russ Francis and Bill Fralic contribute anything.  While Fralic shares a fun interview with Studd, Jimbo Covert’s post-match whining hardly boosts his image.  If anything, the show’s dubious achievement award for excessive celebrity flattery goes to McMahon’s straight-faced declaration introducing St. James to Nassau Coliseum fans as ‘America’s number one actress.’     

Overall, the L.A. segment prevails; its only trash is the Uncle Elmer vs. “Adorable” Adrian Adonis match.  Chicago evens out, as the Bulldogs’ historic victory and the high-profile battle royale far, far surpass the other two bouts.  For instance, what’s the credibility of a ladies’ title match that lasts a few seconds? 

At Nassau Coliseum, it’s a 3-1 ratio re: bad to good.  The main event boxing dud (including Piper’s tasteless interviews) is nothing short of atrocious.  Only the amusing Savage vs. Steele title showdown merits multiple viewings, no matter how routine their choreography seems.  Then again, how often does one see a flower bouquet being used as a weapon?  WrestleMania 2, accordingly, is the second-to-last on this set. 

SUMMARY (1987):                    RUNNING TIME: 186 Min.

On March 29^th, at suburban Detroit’s Pontiac Silverdome, WrestleMania III conjures up a cohesive formula with vastly improved production values (including pre-match flashbacks of various feuds).  Regardless of the incessant hype claiming a supposed in-door attendance record of 93,000+, the sweeping panorama of the in-house crowd is duly impressive.  At their best, “Gorilla” Monsoon & Jesse “The Body” Ventura co-host, with “Mean” Gene Okerlund, Craig DeGeorge, & Vince McMahon conducting interviews. 

This year’s celebrities are Bob Uecker & Entertainment Tonight’s Mary Hart, who contribute some fun match commentaries and a few interviews before assuming their main event gigs as ring announcer and time-keeper.  Late in the show, Alice Cooper shows up as Jake Roberts’ sidekick.  Introduced by McMahon, Aretha Franklin elegantly leads off with a poignant, piano-accompanied rendition of “America the Beautiful.” 

• “Magnificent” Muraco & “Cowboy” Bob Orton (with Mr. Fuji) vs. The Can-Am Connection [Rick Martel & Tom Zenk].

• Billy Jack Haynes vs. Hercules (with Bobby Heenan) in a “Full Nelson” Challenge.

Note: The event’s only bloodshed (aka blading) occurs after this match. 

• King Kong Bundy, Little Tokyo, & Lord Littlebrook vs. Little Beaver, Haiti Kid, & Hillbilly Jim. 

Note: As fair warning, Bundy’s stunt work with Little Beaver is offensive.

• Junkyard Dog vs. “The King” Harley Race (with Bobby Heenan & WWE Women’s Champion Fabulous Moolah) in a “Loser Must Bow Before the Winner” Match. 

• The Dream Team [Greg Valentine & Brutus Beefcake] (with Johnny Valiant & Dino Bravo) vs. The Fabulous Rougueau Brothers [Jacques & Raymond Rougeau].

• “Rowdy” Roddy Piper vs. “Adorable” Adrian Adonis (with Jimmy Hart) in a “Loser Gets His Head Shaved” Match.

Notes: Though hyped as Piper’s ‘retirement,’ he returned to part-time WWE duty in 1989.  This match also inspired Brutus Beefcake’s hair-cutting-and-strutting gimmick.  

• WWE World Tag Team Champions the Hart Foundation [Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart] & Danny Davis (with Jimmy Hart) vs. the British Bulldogs [Dynamite Kid & Davey Boy Smith] (with Matilda the bulldog) & Tito Santana in a Non-Title Six-Man Match. 

• “Birdman” Koko B. Ware (with Frankie the macaw) vs. “The Natural” Butch Reed (with Slick). 

• WWE Intercontinental Champion Randy “Macho Man” Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) vs. Ricky
  “The Dragon” Steamboat (with George “The Animal” Steele).    

• Jake “The Snake” Roberts (with Alice Cooper & Damian the snake) vs. the Honky Tonk Man (with Jimmy Hart).     

• The Killer Bees [B. Brian Blair & “Jumping” Jim Brunzell] vs. Nikolai Volkoff & the Iron Sheik (with Slick). 

Note: “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan makes a high-profile guest appearance. 

• WWE World Champion Hulk Hogan vs. André the Giant (with Bobby Heenan). 

REVIEW (1987):  RATING: 10/10

In the WWE’s Pay-Per-View (PPV) debut, WrestleMania III is the epitome of a perfect pro wrestling epic.  All of the necessary elements are in place: action; witty, tongue-in-cheek humor; slapstick; spot-on commentary; poignancy; well-produced interviews; smart pacing, crowd-pleasing moments, and especially the epic Savage-Steamboat title showdown that far surpasses the WWE’s comic book-brand of wrestling fare. 

All that’s missing are the few WWE stars left off the card: i.e. The Islanders, Kamala, and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff. Beyond the Hogan/Andre battle-of-the-titans, fans get their money’s worth and more.  In terms of balance and sheer entertainment value, III is the best and likely the most satisfying WrestleMania ever. 

SUMMARY (1988):                    RUNNING TIME:  215 Min.

On March 27^th, WrestleMania IV, at Atlantic City’s Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino, features a heavily-hyped, 14-man WWE World Title Tournament.  There are two other title defenses; a battle royale; a six-man tag bout; and a bonus grudge match. 

“Gorilla” Monsoon & Jesse “The Body” Ventura return as co-hosts, with “Mean” Gene Okerlund, Bob Uecker, Vanna White, and Robin Leach helping out on interviews.  Predictably, Donald Trump & his then-wife, Ivana, are shown at ringside.  Gladys Knight launches the show with a nice rendition of “America the Beautiful.”      

• 20-Man Battle Royale.  The participants are: Bad News Brown; Hillbilly Jim; Junkyard Dog; “The King” Harley Race; the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers [Jacques & Raymond Rougeau]; Sika; “Dangerous” Danny Davis; the Hart Foundation [Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart]; the Killer Bees [“Jumping” Jim Brunzell & B. Brian Blair]; Sam Houston; the Young Stallions [Paul Roma & Jim Powers]; “Outlaw” Ron Bass; Ken Patera; the Bolsheviks [Boris Zhukov & Nikolai Volkoff]; & George “The Animal” Steele.    

WWE World Championship Tournament (1^st Round):

1. “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan vs. “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase (with Virgil & André the Giant).

• Don “The Rock” Muraco (with “Superstar” Billy Graham) vs. Dino Bravo (with “Frenchy” Martin).

Note: André the Giant and Hulk Hogan each have 1^st Round byes.

• Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat vs. Greg “The Hammer” Valentine (with Jimmy Hart). 

• “The Natural” Butch Reed (with Slick) vs. Randy “Macho Man” Savage (with Miss Elizabeth).

• Bam Bam Bigelow (with Sir Oliver Humperdink) vs. One Man Gang (with Slick).

• “Ravishing” Rick Rude (with Bobby Heenan) vs. Jake “The Snake” Roberts (with Damian the snake).

• Hercules (with Bobby Heenan) vs. the Ultimate Warrior in a ‘Grudge Match.’   

WWE World Championship Tournament (2nd Round – The Quarterfinals):

1. Hulk Hogan vs. André the Giant (with “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase & Virgil).

• “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase vs. Don “The Rock” Muraco (with “Superstar” Billy Graham).

• Greg “The Hammer” Valentine (with Jimmy Hart) vs. Randy “Macho Man” Savage (with Miss Elizabeth).

Note: The One Man Gang gets an official 2^nd Round bye.

• WWE Intercontinental Champion Honky Tonk Man (with Jimmy Hart & ‘Peggy Sue’ aka WWE Women’s Champion ‘Sensational’ Sherri, in a peroxide blonde wig) vs. Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake.

• Islanders [Tama & Haku] & Bobby Heenan vs. Koko B. Ware (with Frankie the Parrot) & the British Bulldogs [Dynamite Kid & Davey Boy Smith] (with Matilda the Bulldog) in a Six-Man Tag Match.

WWE World Championship Tournament (3^rd Round – The Semi-Finals):

Note: “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase gets an official 3^rd Round Bye.

1. Randy “Macho Man” Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) vs. One Man Gang (with Slick).

• WWE World Tag Team Champions Strike Force [Rick Martel & Tito Santana] vs. Demolition [Ax & Smash] (with Mr. Fuji).      

WWE World Championship Match (4^th Round – The Finals):

1. “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase (with André the Giant) vs. Randy “Macho Man” Savage (with Miss Elizabeth & Hulk Hogan).

REVIEW (1988):                        RATING: 6/10

It’s purely quantity over quality.  This marathon is bogged down by monotonous pacing and its own elevated self-importance.  Ventura, for instance, condescendingly advises viewers that “only the winners advance” in the tournament. Hence, Monsoon & Ventura’s overblown commentaries wear out their welcome long before the final bell. 

The same applies re: far too much Bob Uecker (i.e. his ultra-tiresome storyline with Vanna White) – it’s no wonder that Uecker doesn’t three-peat at 1989’s WrestleMania V.  This time, IV’s dubious celebrity achievement award goes to Gladys Knight inexplicably hawking ad space (in racecar driver-style) on an otherwise classy outfit.  Not only diluting her rendition of “America The Beautiful,” it’s a crass reminder that WrestleMania’s paid celebrities are practically wearing blinking neon ‘For Rent’ signs.    

Exposing the WWE’s formulaic fan favorite vs. heel booking, any aura of unpredictability fizzles.  Hogan’s saving-face elimination at least confirms that the WWE sought a new torch-bearer after his four-year World Title run.  Though Savage scores this show’s MVP, his four matches still fall short of his phenomenal Intercontinental Title loss to Ricky Steamboat the year before.  Note: Savage and DiBiase’s March 1988 Saturday Night’s Main Event bout is an excellent precursor for their nearly six-month World Title feud.  

Beyond the tournament’s disruption of the show’s pacing, the undercard is disappointing.  The Bulldogs’ final WrestleMania should have rocked against the Islanders.  Instead, Dynamite & Smith’s cartoony six-man tag match merely copies last year’s far-better clash vs. The Hart Foundation.  The clunky Warrior-Hercules clash is expendable, as these two guys should have joined the battle royale (or eliminated each other in the tournament). 

Beefcake’s charade vs. Honky Tonk & Co. is the likely the most wasteful I-C title match in WrestleMania history.  Lastly, Demolition’s unimpressive work vs. Strike Force somehow launched their inexplicable two years plus of WWE dominance.  Speaking of tag teams, it’s disappointing that a cameo from the vibrant WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions (The Jumping Bomb Angels) wasn’t somehow added to IV.    

The WWE woefully miscalculated by overloading IV — of sixteen matches, only the main event is memorable – for historic purposes.  The other tournament matches are still decent viewing, as compared to the dreck-fests of WrestleMania’s I-II.  Ironically, IV’s yawn-inducing surplus of family-friendly entertainment ensures a safe third place for this set.               

SUMMARY (1989):                 RUNNING TIME:  219 Min.     

On April 2^nd, WrestleMania V, at Atlantic City’s Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino, features the first WWE World Title showdown between Randy “Macho Man” Savage and Hulk Hogan in nearly two years.  “Gorilla” Monsoon & Jesse “The Body” Ventura co-host again, with “Mean” Gene Okerlund & Sean Mooney on interviews.  Celebrities include Run-DMC, Morton Downey Jr. (in a “Piper’s Pit” segment with Roddy Piper), and, of course, Mr. Trump.  WWE Women’s Champion Rockin’ Robin starts things off with a modest rendition of “America the Beautiful.”   

• Hercules vs. “King” Haku (with Bobby Heenan).

• The Rockers [Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty] vs. the Twin Towers [Akeem & Big Boss Man] (with Slick).

• Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake vs. “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase [the self-proclaimed “Million Dollar Champion”] (with Virgil).   

• The Bushwhackers [Butch & Luke] vs. The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers (with Jimmy Hart). 

• “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig vs. “Blue Blazer” Owen Hart. 

• WWE World Tag Team Champions Demolition [Ax & Smash] vs. The Powers of Pain [Warlord & Barbarian] & Mr. Fuji in a 3-on-2 Handicap Match.

• Dino Bravo (with Frenchy Martin) vs. “Rugged” Ronnie Garvin.

• Strike Force [Rick Martel & Tito Santana] vs. The Brain Busters [Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson] (with Bobby Heenan).

• André the Giant (with Bobby Heenan) vs. Jake “The Snake” Roberts (with Damian the snake). 

Special Guest Referee: “Big” John Studd. 

• The Hart Foundation [Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart] vs. Rhythm & Blues [Honky Tonk Man & Greg Valentine] (with Jimmy Hart).

• WWE Intercontinental Champion the Ultimate Warrior vs. “Ravishing” Rick Rude (with Bobby Heenan).     

• “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan vs. Bad News Brown.

• Bobby Heenan (with “Brooklyn Brawler” Steve Lombardi) vs. “Red Rooster” Terry Taylor. 

• WWE World Champion Randy “Macho Man” Savage vs. Hulk Hogan (with Miss Elizabeth in a neutral corner).

REVIEW (1989):                   RATING: 7/10 Stars

Amazingly, this show drags on even longer than the over-booked WrestleMania IV.  The pattern, however, is familiar: too many matches (no matter how short) makes V a slog to watch in one sitting.   The blame is partially attributable to Piper’s excessive time-killer jawing away with Downey Jr. 

In comparison, Run-DMC’s “WrestleMania Rap” is short and stays on point.  Only the back-to-back bouts (Duggan vs. Brown & Taylor vs. Heenan) are awful, leaving the remaining undercard as generally solid.  Among these bouts, Strike Force vs. Brain Busters; Hennig vs. Owen Hart; the shockingly good Hercules vs. Haku; and Warrior vs. Rude’s I-C Title bout merit multiple viewings.  If anything, despite a predictable finish, V’s legacy is its timeless Savage vs. Hogan epic.  WrestleMania V, accordingly, earns second place for this anthology set.

QUALITY CONTROL:

Even without re-mastering or HD upgrading, the picture quality is still excellent (with just a few blips).  Re: remote control access, one can either watch the entire event by one command or click individual segments (including separate interviews).  Even more specific than what is seen on its packaging, the order of matches, special attractions, interviews, and even the announcers’ closing comments are spelled out.  However, there aren’t any bonus features.     

PACKAGING:

Excellent!  Not only is the packaging well-manufactured with vintage images of the wrestlers, the DVDS are carefully encased on hard plastic pages to help prevent scratching the discs.  On two inside jackets, each event’s match line-up is spelled out.  A commemorative booklet in the front left inside pocket lists each event’s matches and interviews in order. Each show’s running time is listed on the outside jacket. 

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                8/10 Stars

Note: This overall rating rewards the better content and the excellent packaging. 

INTRO:

In its post-Hulk-A-Mania transition, these five Survivor Series events are Pay-Per-View (PPV) pendulums re: consistency and good taste.  Yet, the 1992 main event accurately foretells the WWE’s two most pivotal mid-90’s players.

SUMMARY (1992):          RUNNING TIME: Not Specified               

From Cleveland’s Richfield Coliseum, commentators Vince McMahon & Bobby “The Brain” Heenan co-host the show. “Mean” Gene Okerlund and Sean Mooney are the backstage interviewers.  Doink the Clown makes an unnecessary early appearance. 

• “Reverend” Slick introduces the show with a ‘Survivor Series’ sermon.

• High Energy (Koko B. Ware & Owen Hart) vs. The Headshrinkers: Samu & Fatu (with Afa).

• Mooney interviews Nailz.  Okerlund provides Big Boss Man’s rebuttal.

• Big Boss Man vs. Nailz in a ‘Nightstick-on-a-Pole’ match.

• Okerlund interviews an overblown “Nature Boy” Ric Flair & Razor Ramon – their segment includes a flashback to Mr. Perfect’s defection during a recent “Prime Time Wrestling” TV episode.

• Tatanka vs. “The Model” Rick Martel.

• Mooney interviews Randy “Macho Man” Savage and “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig. 

• Randy “Macho Man” Savage &“Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig vs. “Nature Boy Ric Flair & Razor Ramon. 

• Okerlund interviews a fuming “Nature Boy” Ric Flair & Razor Ramon.

• Virgil vs. Yokozuna (with Mr. Fuji). 

• From the locker room, Mooney interviews Randy “Macho Man” Savage and “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig. 

Survivor Series Tag Team Elimination Match

• The Beverly Brothers & WWE World Tag Team Champions Money, Inc. (with Jimmy Hart & “The Genius” Lanny Poffo) vs. The Nasty Boys & The Natural Disasters. 

• A blatant plug (including cameos by Savage, Tatanka, & Hennig) for the Survivor Series ‘hotline’ is made.

• Kamala (with Harvey Wippleman & Kim Chee) vs. The Undertaker (with Paul Bearer in a ‘Coffin’ match (which includes a flashback recap).

• Mooney interviews WWE Intercontinental Champion  Shawn “The Heartbreak Kid” Michaels. 

• Okerlund interviews WWE World Champion Bret “Hitman” Hart. 

WWE World Title Defense

• WWE World Champion Bret “Hitman” Hart vs. I-C Champion Shawn “The Heartbreak Kid” Michaels.

• The winner is visited by Santa Claus.

REVIEW (1992):                            RATING: 5/10       

The 1992 Survivor Series (without Hulk Hogan, The Road Warriors, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, the Ultimate Warrior, & “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith, among others) should be kept in its proper mixed-bag perspective. In other words, the two main events are good, but the undercard splits the difference between ‘bad’ and ‘ugly.’

For starters, let’s just ignore Doink’s ridiculous cameo.  Instead of maybe a profitable heel turn (i.e., for main events vs. Bret Hart), the Big Boss Man is demoted into a garbage pile feud – it’s no coincidence that the ultra-clichéd Nailz’s effort reeks even by loose pro standards. 

The Undertaker/Kamala showdown is also predictable dreck, but Mark Calaway’s reliability as ‘The Undertaker’ at least delivers what his fans want.  The remaining undercard doesn’t inspire optimism.  Case in point: the sole tag elimination bout spells out how dismal the WWE tag team scene really was at the time.  

Flair & Ramon vs. Savage & Hennig, in contrast, is solid entertainment, in spite of its cheap finish.  With an aging Savage taking their bumps, Hennig returns in style fifteen months after dropping the I-C belt to Bret Hart at SummerSlam.  Despite its slow stretches, a vintage Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels World title showdown is a welcome antidote for this (at best) average Survivor Series. As for Santa’s cameo, suffice to say, it’s far better than earlier pushing Doink the Clown on fans in attendance.      

SUMMARY (1993):              RUNNING TIME: Not Specified

At the Boston Garden, commentators Vince McMahon & Bobby “The Brain” Heenan return as co-hosts, with Todd Pettengill as the new interviewer.  On behalf of WWE Radio, “Gorilla” Monsoon & Jim Ross make cameos.  “Family Feud” host Ray Combs introduces the ‘Family Feud’ tag elimination bout. 

• An awkward Lex Luger and his real-life family provide a Thanksgiving greeting in a brief intro.

• An unidentified performer (an opera tenor?) sings the national anthem.

MATCH 1:

Captain: WWE Intercontinental Champion Razor Ramon (Scott Hall).  Partners: Marty Jannetty; 1-2-3 Kid; and Randy “Macho Man” Savage (replacing “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig).

VS.

Captain: I.R.S. (Mike Rotundo).  Partners: Diesel (Kevin Nash); Adam Bomb; and “The Model” Rick Martel.

• Okerlund interviews Shawn “The Heartbreak Kid” Michaels.  Meanwhile, Combs interviews The Hart Family.

MATCH 2:

Captain: Bret “Hitman” Hart (with Stu Hart).  Partners: Owen Hart; Keith Hart; & Bruce Hart.

VS.

Captain: Shawn “The Heartbreak Kid” Michaels (replacing Jerry Lawler).  Partners: Four anonymous and masked ‘Knights’ (one of whom is evidently Greg “The Hammer” Valentine). 

• Flashback recap: The Foreign Fanatics vs. The All-Americans.

MATCH 3:

Smoky Mountain Wrestling Tag Team Champions: The Rock ‘N’ Roll Express: Robert Gibson & Ricky Morton vs. The Heavenly Bodies: Jimmy Del Ray & Tom Pritchard (with Jim Cornette).

• Pettengill interviews Bam Bam Bigelow’s squad..

MATCH 4:

Captain: Bam Bam Bigelow (with Luna Vachon & Afa).  Partners: Bastion Booger; Samu; & Fatu.

VS.

Captain: Doink the Clown.  Partners: Mabel; and The Bushwhackers: Butch & Luke. 

• Pettengill interviews The Foreign Fanatics.

MATCH 5:

Captain: Lex Luger.  Partners: Scott Steiner; Rick Steiner; & The Undertaker (with Paul Bearer).

VS.

Captains: WWE World Champion Yokozuna (with Mr. Fuji & Jim Cornette).  Partners: Crush; WWE World Tag Team Champion “Quebecer” Jacques Rougeau (with Johnny Polo); & Ludvig Borga.

• The ‘survivor’ is visited by Santa Claus.

REVIEW (1993):                            RATING: 4½/10

At times, this show is as much of a turkey as its campy promo posters would imply.  Most telling is an uncomfortable Luger struggling to live up to his ‘Total Package’ prime.  Even teaming with three fellow ex-WCW alums can’t spark him as a convincing main event super-hero.  It’s easy to blame his ultra-clichéd, straight-out of-the-WWE-marketing-department gimmick, but Luger fails to justify the showcase built around him.  Hence, the xenophobic main event is mostly a disappointment for all involved.  Against someone the caliber of Great Muta, maybe Luger would have brought his A-game.

The show’s best match comes first, as the fiery Savage vs. Crush feud resurfaces throughout the show. In particular, The 1-2-3 Kid, Adam Bomb, & Marty Jannetty get equal opportunities to shine, though Razor Ramon, I.R.S., & Savage reliably supply the star power. In an unsurprising rout, the subsequent ‘family feud’ caper meets modest expectations, despite an awkward pause for Michaels’ mid-match water break. 

Much like the illogic of defending the WWE European Championship in, say, South America, let’s not bother pondering a regional Tennessee promotion’s tag title defense in Boston.  Putting the ridiculous geography aside, the tag match is decent filler, as the Rock ‘N’ Rolls’ rehash their 80’s chemistry with arch-nemesis Jim Cornette.  Re: Bigelow’s first Survivor Series in six years, it’s the less said the better.  As fair warning, Bastion Booger’s gross physique is an eyesore demanding a six-pack of indecent exposure citations.         

Come the end, ‘The Lex Luger Show’ throws a bone to Scott Steiner, but it’s the brief Undertaker vs. Yokozuna fireworks that’s worth catching.  Along with Savage & Crush, they supply the other reason the live audience finally comes alive in the main event.  It compensates for a stagnant Luger vs. Borga showdown that fans demonstrate virtually zero interest in.

The 1993 Survivor Series offers okay viewing, due to Savage (in his last Survivor Series), the Undertaker, I.R.S., Bret & Owen Hart, and even a thirsty Michaels.  There aren’t any gems on this formulaic program, but it’s safe content for younger fans (aside from an eyeful of Mr. Booger). Like the year before, a Santa cameo concludes the festivities on an upbeat note.

SUMMARY (1994):                 RUNNING TIME: Not Specified

At San Antonio’s Freeman Coliseum, “Gorilla” Monsoon returns to team up with Vince McMahon as co-commentators.  Todd Pettengill is the overly enthusiastic interviewer.

MATCH 1:

The Teamsters: WWE World Tag Team Champions Diesel (Kevin Nash) & Shawn “The Heartbreak Kid” Michaels; Jeff Jarrett; Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart; & “King of Harts” Owen Hart.

VS.

The Bad Guys: WWE Intercontinental Champion Razor Ramon (Scott Hall); 1-2-3 Kid; “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith; & The Headshrinkers: Fatu & Seone (with Afa & Capt. Lou Albano).

MATCH 2:

The King’s Court: Jerry “The King” Lawler; Cheesy; Sleazy; & Queasy.

VS.

Clowns ‘R’ Us: Doink the Clown; Dink; Wink; & Pink.

• Pettengill interviews new WWE Women’s Champion Bull Nakano.

MATCH 3:

WWE World Title Defense (Submission Match Rules)

• WWE World Champion Bret “Hitman” Hart, with “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith & Helen Hart vs. Bob Backlund  with “King of Harts” Owen Hart.

• Pettengill interviews a gloating Owen Hart.

MATCH 4:

The Million Dollar Team: Bam Bam Bigelow; King Kong Bundy; Tatanka; & The Heavenly Bodies (with Ted DiBiase & Jim Cornette).

VS.

Pride & Glory: Lex Luger; Adam Bomb; The Smoking Gunns; & Mabel (with Oscar).

• Pettengill interviews Bob Backlund

MATCH 5:

Casket Match (with Chuck Norris as the Guest Trouble-Shooting Referee)

• The Undertaker (with Paul Bearer) vs. Yokozuna.

REVIEW (1994):                              RATING: 3½/10             

In a throwback to classy old school wrestling, Bret Hart vs. Backlund is this show’s unchallenged winner.  Still, there are dual problems: one is that Backlund’s charisma-free style ensures this World title match is mostly a bore, and the other is that Owen Hart’s telegraphed sub-plot becomes a foregone conclusion to really no one’s gain. 

If one prefers cartoony fun worthy of The Three Stooges, then look no further than the shameless Lawler-Doink farce.  Its exploitative slapstick spells out exactly why mainstream audiences shun midget wrestling.  In another decisive blow to good taste, the ‘casket’ match proceeds just as one might expect.  Celebrity guest Chuck Norris scores the show’s easiest paycheck, as all he has to do is show up and essentially do nothing.  A late intrusion by a horde of WWE villains (for no apparent reason) adds further nonsense to a lame finish.    

As for the other two tag elimination matches, they mostly consume oxygen.  One is ‘The Kliq Show,’ as its sole goal is ego-stroking Ramon, Nash, Michaels, and 1-2-3 Kid.  All others involved are simply there to help ‘bolster’ the suspense.  Still, the Kliq’s ongoing angle is relatively entertaining — notably, its ultra-improbable finish gives a peeved Owen Hart the night’s best line of dialogue.

As for the lackluster Bigelow vs. Luger tag match, it’s the equivalent of watching a mere contractual obligation.  Hence, an apathetic Luger’s descent to the undercard appears justified.  By no means is the 1994 Survivor Series the worst entry in this franchise (no, that’s the 1990 fiasco featuring the guy in the dancing turkey suit), but 1994 is definitely this set’s low point.   

SUMMARY (1995):                   RUNNING TIME: Not Specified

From the USAir Arena in Landover, Maryland, “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig joins Jim Ross & Vince McMahon at the commentators’ table.  Todd Pettengill and Michael “Dok Hendrix” Hayes conduct backstage duties.  The WWE’s Spanish language commentators, Hugo Savinovich & Carlos Cabrera, appear in a cameo late in the show. 

Like WrestleMania X the year before, the WWE hires The Tonight Show’s President Bill Clinton impersonator, Tim Watters, for multiple parody segments with Pettengill, Bob Backlund, and/or Sunny – let’s just say the WWE pushes this moronic excuse for comedy relief into overkill mode.   

• “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig receives a hero’s welcome on his way to the commentators’ table.

MATCH 1:

The Underdogs: Barry Horowitz; Hakushi; Bob Holly; & Marty Jannetty. 

VS.

The Bodydonnas: Chris “Skip” Candido (with Sunny) & Tom Prichard; Rad Radford; & the 1-2-3 Kid (with “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase & Sycho Sid).

• An incensed Razor Ramon (Scott Hall) is shown in the ‘good guys’ locker room.

• Mooney interviews Owen Hart; Shane “Dean” Douglas; Yokozuna; Mr. Fuji; & Jim Cornette.

MATCH 2:

WWE Women’s Champion Alundra Blaze; Kyoko Inoue; Sakie Hasegawa; & Chaparita Asari.

VS.

Aja Kong; Bertha Faye; Tomoko Watanabe; & Lioness Asuka (with Harvey Wippleman).

• Pettengill ‘interviews’ Tim Watters (as Mr. President).

MATCH 3:

• Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Goldust (with Marlena). 

• Pettengill ‘interviews’ Tim Watters (as Mr. President) again – this time, with Bob Backlund.

• Flashback recap: Undertaker vs. ‘King’ Mabel.

MATCH 4:

The Dark Side: The Undertaker (with Paul Bearer); Savio Vega; Henry O. Godwinn; & Fatu. 

VS.

The Royals: ‘King’ Mabel (with “Sir Mo”); Triple H; Jerry “The King” Lawler; & Isaac Yankem (aka “Kane”).

• Bret “Hitman” Hart & WWE World Champion Diesel (Kevin Nash) trade comments re: the imminent World Title showdown.

• Pettengill interviews “British” Bulldog Davey Boy Smith; Jim Cornette;“Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase; Sycho Sid; Shawn Michaels; & Ahmed Johnson.

MATCH 4: (The Wild Cards, with Jim Cornette playing both sides)

Ahmed Johnson; “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels; Sycho Sid (with Ted DiBiase); & “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith (with Cornette). 

VS.

“King of Harts” Owen Hart; Yokozuna (with Mr. Fuji & Jim Cornette); Shane “Dean” Douglas; & WWE Intercontinental Champion Razor Ramon (Scott Hall). 

• It’s Round 3, as Pettengill ‘interviews’ Tim Watters (as Mr. President) with Sunny.

MATCH 5:

WWE World Title Defense (No Count-Out, No DQ, & No Time Limit)

• WWE World Champion Diesel (Kevin Nash) vs. Bret “Hitman” Hart.

• The commentators offer concluding remarks, along with a program highlight reel.

REVIEW (1995):                       RATING: 7½/10

The bad news doesn’t take long:

In one of his worst-ever efforts, a distracted Bigelow is far off his game vs. the glittery Goldust.  It’s unknown if Bigelow simply had zero interest being there, but this match is putrid.  Considering the other glaring in-ring eyesore is Dustin Rhodes’ androgynous gimmick, a viewer’s best option is skipping this showdown entirely. 

Despite her considerable in-ring talents, Blaze’s timing appears off in the first women’s Survivor Series elimination tag match in eight years.  Unfortunately, this rout is mere filler.  The acrobatic magic The Jumping Bomb Angels & Velvet McIntyre displayed at the 1987 Survivor Series is dazzling by comparison. 

Lastly, lampooning tone-deaf politicians is all-too-easy, but the unfunny Pettengill-‘Mr. President’ segments should insult anybody’s intelligence.  The sleazy pick-up gag re: Sunny late in the game spells out this eye-rolling garbage.

Now, for the good news:

The other three elimination bouts are often dynamite.  In particular, the ‘wild card’ concept clicks,  despite too many smug wink-winks and nonchalant shrugs between buddies on opposing sides.  McMahon & Ross schmooze Michaels’ resiliency and in-ring talent far too much, but such shameless, Michael Jordan-esque fawning doesn’t impact the bout’s satisfying finish too much. 

The Undertaker-Mabel showdown is a hoot to watch, particularly when one participant is amusingly twice refused a tag-out by his three pals.  As for the opener, the undercard residents put forth a relatively good effort — the veteran Jannetty, in particular, deserves some kudos.

In a brutal masterpiece that nearly overstays its welcome, Bret Hart & Nash unleash the best effort of Nash’s year-long title reign (and, most likely, his career).  Nash’s post-match eruption appears legit enough, but the “Hitman” was seemingly the only guy outside the Kliq (aka Michaels & Nash’s backstage buddy squad) who could spark an extraordinary effort out of Nash.

With liberal use of the remote control, the 1995 Survivor Series still delivers the necessary goods.  Considering the impressive star power that rival World Championship Wrestling (WCW) possessed at the time, it’s a better-than-expected report card for the WWE.

SUMMARY (1996):                  RUNNING TIME: Not Specified

From New York’s Madison Square Garden, co-commentators Vince McMahon and Jim Ross get some help from Sunny and Jim Cornette.  Kevin Kelly, Michael “Dok Hendrix” Hayes, and Todd Pettengill handle backstage duties. 

MATCH 1:

Doug Furnas; Phil LaFon; & The Godwinns: Phineas I. & Henry O. (with Hillbilly Jim). 

VS.

Marty Jannetty; Leif Cassidy (aka Al Snow); & WWE World Tag Team Champions “King of Harts” Owen Hart & “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith (with Clarence Mason).

• Kelly interviews Mankind & Paul Bearer.

MATCH 2:

The Undertaker vs. Mankind (with Paul Bearer). 

• “Dok Hendrix” interviews Triple H’s squad.

MATCH 3:

WWE Intercontinental Champion Triple H; Crush; Jerry “The King” Lawler; & Goldust (with Marlena).

VS.

Marc Mero (with Sable); “Stalker” Barry Windham; Jake “The Snake” Roberts; & Rocky Maivia (The Rock).

• Flashback recap: Bret “Hit Man” Hart vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.

• Kelly interviews “Stone Cold” Steve Austin.

MATCH 4: (WWE World Title Number No. 1 Contender’s Match)

• Bret “Hitman” Hart vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. 

• “Dok Hendrix” interviews Sycho Sid.

MATCH 5:

• Yokozuna; Savio Vega; Flash Funk; & Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka

VS.

Farooq (Ron Simmons); Vader; fake ‘Razor Ramon’; & fake ‘Diesel’ (with Jim Cornette & Clarence Mason).

MATCH 6:

WWE World Title Defense 

• WWE World Champion Shawn “The Heartbreak Kid” Michaels (with José Lothario) vs. Sycho Sid.

REVIEW (1996):                             RATING: 8/10    

Out of six matches, amazingly, only one is sub-par — but it’s a colossal stinker.  Specifically, by towing the company line, an indignant Ross defends the WWE’s controversial use of no-name replacements for Kevin Nash & Scott Hall as the new ‘Diesel’ and ‘Razor Ramon.’  In the show’s penultimate bout, their tag elimination showcase is plagued by botched choreography. McMahon & Ross can only cover up this sludge so much.  Maybe it was scripted that way, but the abrupt finish is the equivalent of a stage manager mercifully axing a bad dress rehearsal. 

Note: Previously portraying ‘Isaac Yankem’ at the 1995 Survivor Series, Glen Jacobs is the fake ‘Diesel’ here. Luckily, for him, these dubious personas proceeded his re-packaging as ‘Kane.’

However, much like last year’s brutal Diesel vs. Bret Hart WWE World Title slugfest, both Undertaker vs. Mankind and Bret Hart vs. Steve Austin are high-caliber. Still, casual fans should be aware that these bouts are ultra-violent by mid-90’s standards.

The first two tag elimination matches are above-average entertainment. The underrated Doug Furnas & Phil LaFon deserve kudos for ensuring the franchise has another traditionally rousing opener.  Later, the future Rock scores a star-making debut (including a glimpse of his future rivalry vs. Triple H), as it’s welcome compensation for watching Windham & Roberts in action far past their primes. 

RE: Shawn Michaels-Sid, their World Title showdown is better-than-expected, as a supposedly exhausted “Heartbreak Kid” (with help from Lothario) plays up this sympathy angle for all it’s worth.  Suffice to say, this bout surpasses Michaels & Sid’s obligatory (and eye-rolling) title rematch at the 1997 Royal Rumble …. conveniently in front of Michaels’ hometown crowd, no less. 

Accordingly, for overall entertainment value, the 1996 show proves the best of this anthology set — though the 1995 installment isn’t far behind.

QUALITY CONTROL:

Despite lacking a re-mastered/HD upgrade, the picture quality is generally excellent.  As for remote control access, one can either watch the entire event by one command or click to individual segments.  More specific than what is seen on its packaging, the order of matches, special attractions, interviews, and even the announcers’ closing comments are spelled out.  However, there aren’t any bonus features.     

PACKAGING:

The dates, locations, and running times of the five shows aren’t included.  However, consumers are told the approximate running time is 15 hours.  Designed like a fold-up wallet with a nice photo montage included, each sleeve provides a detailed listing of the disc’s contents. 

However, these discs can too easily slide out of their sleeves, so scratches may be inevitable.  By comparison, the WWE packaged its 1988-1992 Royal Rumble Anthology, Vol. 1 far better with conventional DVD page casings to prevent this potential problem.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                6/10 Stars

INTRO:

Premiering on Thanksgiving Night 1987, the first WWE Survivor Series impacted pro wrestling history for two significant reasons:

1. This holiday sequel to its mega-successful WrestleMania III bolstered the WWE with a second annual Pay-Per-View (PPV) franchise.      

• As deliberate same-day PPV competition to the NWA-WCW’s Ric Flair-headlining Starrcade ’87, the WWE crushed its closest rival at the box office.  Starrcade 87’s financial disaster was a pivotal reason why Jim Crockett Promotions ultimately sold NWA-WCW to Ted Turner.   

Re: the innovative Survivor Series concept, it’s a fun precursor to TV reality competition shows.  Featuring five-on-five (and later four-on-four) tag team elimination matches, the outcomes often prove hugely entertaining.  

SUMMARY (1987):             RUNNING TIME: Not Specified           

From suburban Cleveland’s Richfield Coliseum, announcers “Gorilla” Monsoon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura co-host the event. “Mean” Gene Okerlund and Craig DeGeorge handle the interviewing duties. 

• DeGeorge interviews the Honky Tonk Man’s team.  Honky brazenly threatens to again assault Miss Elizabeth, if she enters the ring.    

• Okerlund interviews Honky’s arch-nemesis, Randy “Macho Man” Savage, and his squad.  Honky Tonk’s recently televised shove of Miss Elizabeth during his Saturday Night Main Event’s Intercontinental Title defense against Savage is briefly seen in flashback.  A brash Savage is in vintage form.    

MATCH 1:

Captain: WWE Intercontinental Champion Honky Tonk Man (with Jimmy Hart).  Partners: “Dangerous” Danny Davis; Harley Race & Hercules (with Bobby Heenan); and “Outlaw” Ron Bass. 

VS.

Captain: Randy “Macho Man” Savage (with Miss Elizabeth).  Partners: Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat; Jake “The Snake” Roberts; Brutus Beefcake; and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan.

• DeGeorge interviews André the Giant’s team.

MATCH 2:

• Captain: Fabulous Moolah.  Partners: The Jumping Bomb Angels; Velvet McIntyre; and Rockin’ Robin.

VS.

• Captain: WWE Women’s Champion “Sensational” Sherri.  Partners: Donna Christanello; Dawn Marie; & WWE Women’s World Tag Team Champions – The Glamour Girls (with Jimmy Hart).

• DeGeorge interviews the Hart Foundation’s squad.  Okerlund interviews Strike Force’s team.

MATCH 3:

Captains: The Hart Foundation [Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart] (with Jimmy Hart).  Partners: The Bolsheviks [Boris Zhukov & Nikolai Volkoff] (with Slick); Demolition [Ax & Smash] (with Mr. Fuji); the Dream Team [Dino Bravo & Greg Valentine] (with Johnny Valiant); & the Islanders [Tama & Haku] (with Bobby Heenan).

VS.

Captains: WWE World Tag Team Champions Strike Force [Tito Santana & Rick Martel].  Partners: The British Bulldogs [Dynamite Kid & Davey Boy Smith] with Matilda the Bulldog; Killer Bees [Jim Brunzell & B. Brian Blair]; Fabulous Rougeau Brothers [Jacques & Raymond Rougeau]; & the Young Stallions [Jim Powers & Paul Roma].

• “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase & Virgil’s promo advertises DiBiase’s ruthless greed.

• DeGeorge interviews an annoyed Honky Tonk Man and Jimmy Hart.

• Okerlund interviews Hulk Hogan’s squad.

MATCH 4:

Captain: André the Giant.  Partners: King Kong Bundy & “Ravishing” Rick Rude (with Bobby Heenan); and “The Natural” Butch Reed; & One Man Gang (with Slick).

VS.

Captain: WWE World Champion Hulk Hogan.  Partners: Bam Bigelow & “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff (with “Sir” Oliver Humperdinck); Ken Patera; and Don “The Rock” Muraco (with “Superstar” Billy Graham).

REVIEW (1987):                                       RATING: 9/10 

Showcasing the Intercontinental Title contenders, the wildly entertaining opener’s best asset is the chemistry that heated ex-rivals Savage, Steamboat, and Roberts unleash on their shared enemy, Honky Tonk, and his pals.  Its weakness, unfortunately, is yet another cheap Honky finish.  In the women’s match, a spirited McIntyre is terrific, but the acrobatic Jumping Bomb Angels earn its MVP honors.  One of that match’s best moments is a hilarious Jimmy Hart pratfall, courtesy of the Bomb Angels. 

Extending nearly an hour, the underrated 10-tag team epic is one of the greatest matches in pro wrestling history.  The final three teams (a 2-1 handicap) couldn’t have been predicted.   In the main event, the final 3-1 handicap is also a welcome shocker.  As Bigelow gets a high-profile opportunity, the WWE smartly ends this show by urging fans to stay tuned. 

Even without any title matches, the 1987 Survivor Series should gladly meet all fan expectations.  Amazingly going 4-for-4 in terms of match quality, this show exudes unpredictability.  The WWE smartly continues its momentum push for Hogan & Andre’s infamous February 1988 title rematch on prime-time NBC.  Of the five discs, this impressive 1987 event ties for first place for its genuine entertainment value (and for not overplaying its hand).     

SUMMARY (1988):                   RUNNING TIME: Not Specified

Returning to Cleveland’s Richfield Coliseum, announcers “Gorilla” Monsoon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura again co-host the event.  Replacing Craig DeGeorge, Sean Mooney joins “Mean” Gene Okerlund for interviewing duties.  Incorporating team co-captains, this event features the last “teams of five strive to survive” format of this era.

Substitutions this year are prevalent, as indicated by the recruitment of Scott Casey and a former Killer Bee: “Jumping” Jim Brunzell. The Junkyard Dog, Don Muraco, and Brunzell’s ex-partner, B. Brian Blair, are among the previously-scheduled names that left the WWE prior to this show. As to why Hillbilly Jim & “Red Rooster” Terry Taylor are included in the main event (and they’re not even last-minute replacements), that’s a dubious mystery to this day.

MATCH 1:

Co-Captains: WWE Intercontinental Champion Ultimate Warrior & Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake.  Partners: Sam Houston; Blue Blazer (Owen Hart); & “Jumping” Jim Brunzell.

VS.

Co-Captains: Honky Tonk Man (with Jimmy Hart) & “Outlaw” Ron Bass.  Partners: “Dangerous” Danny Davis; Greg “The Hammer Valentine; & Bad News Brown.

MATCH 2:

Co-Captains: WWE Tag Team Champions Demolition [Ax & Smash] (with Mr. Fuji).  Partners: Brain Busters [Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard] (with Bobby Heenan); Fabulous Rougeau Brothers [Jacques & Raymond Rougeau] (with Jimmy Hart); Los Conquistadores; & The Bolsheviks [Boris Zhukov & Nikolai Volkoff] (with Slick).

VS.

Co-Captains: The Powers of Pain [Warlord & Barbarian].  Partners: The British Bulldogs [Dynamite Kid & Davey Boy Smith]; The Young Stallions [Paul Roma & Jim Powers]; The Rockers [Marty Jannetty & Shawn Michaels]; &The Hart Foundation [Jim Neidhart & Bret Hart].

• Mooney interviews a disgruntled Bad News Brown (who targets WWE World Champion Randy Savage).

• Okerlund interviews The Powers of Pain (with their new manager).

• Okerlund converses with André the Giant’s squad.

• Mooney interviews the Mega-Powers team.

MATCH 3:

Co-Captains: Jake “The Snake” Roberts & “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan.  Partners: Ken Patera; Tito Santana; & “Cowboy” Scott Casey.

VS.

Co-Captains: André the Giant (with Bobby Heenan) & Dino Bravo (with Frenchy Martin).  Partners: Harley Race; “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig; and “Ravishing” Rick Rude.

• Okerlund checks in on the Twin Towers’ team.

MATCH 4:

Co-Captains: Twin Towers [Big Boss Man & Akeem] (with Slick).  Partners: “Red Rooster” Terry Taylor; “King” Haku (with Bobby Heenan); & “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase (with Virgil).

VS.

Co-Captains: The Mega-Powers [WWE World Champion Randy “Macho Man” Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) & Hulk Hogan].  Partners: Hercules; Koko B. Ware; & Hillbilly Jim.

• In a backstage interview, Ventura eggs on a displeased Savage’s denial of jealousy towards Hogan.    

REVIEW (1988):                 RATING: 7/10

It’s a split decision: two matches are reliably entertaining while the other two are middling by comparison.

From the get-go, Davis’ ultra-fast exit signals that Honky’s team is merely phoning it in. Instead of wasting Bad News on a cheap walkout, wouldn’t it have made sense for him to pummel the I-C Champion and/or Brutus first?  That would have made his blustery demand for a title shot at Savage’s WWE Championship later in the show at least seem plausible.  Along with Valentine, a young Owen Hart’s presence adds some luster, but, like Sam Houston, they are left floundering as expendable pawns in a mediocre Ultimate Warrior showcase.  Case in point: watch the last two dastardly heels topple easily like dominoes, as if they were told to just hurry up and lose.

In contrast, the Demolition-Powers of Pain double-twist steals the show in the franchise’s second (and last) ten tag-team slugfest. Though not reaching its 1987 predecessor’s caliber, The Rockers and The Brain Busters are terrific in this match, as is The Hart Foundation. In their last WWE appearance, the Bulldogs also fare well, in spite of Dynamite Kid’s evident boredom.  Still, it’s amusing how Ventura enjoys teasing the preposterous scenario that the lowly Los Conquistadores might score the upset win. 

Hennig, Rude, & Santana manage to keep fans entertained, but the bland André-Roberts & Hacksaw showdown isn’t a surprise.  A frazzled Roberts’ post-match interview at least delivers the goods.  Even at its worst, Hacksaw & Roberts’ underwhelming troops vs. André’s goon squad still bests the Warrior’s unsatisfying opener. 

The ludicrous ‘who’s got the key to the handcuffs?’ shenanigans is what really shifts the main event into a comic book farce.  Still, the Mega-Powers chemistry between Savage, Miss Elizabeth, & Hogan is reliable magic in setting up a crowd-pleasing finish.  Savage’s sly post-match interview hinting towards an upcoming heel turn proves a gem.  Haku, DiBiase, & Hercules are also welcome contributors to ensuring that fans get their money’s worth.  As such, this 1988 event comfortably scores third place for this set.

SUMMARY (1989):                  RUNNING TIME: Not Specified

At Chicago’s Rosemont Horizon, co-hosts “Gorilla” Monsoon & Jesse “The Body” Ventura are in vintage form, as “Mean” Gene Okerlund & Sean Mooney carry the interviewing duties.  This time, colorfully-nicknamed four-man squads have been paired up for five matches.  The event’s prologue has various participants briefly offering Thanksgiving-themed promos.

MATCH 1:

Captain: “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes.  Partners: Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake; Tito Santana; & “Red Rooster” Terry Taylor – “THE DREAM TEAM.”

VS.

Captain: Big Boss Man (with Slick).  Partners: Rick “The Model” Martel; Honky Tonk Man (with Jimmy Hart); & Bad News Brown – “THE ENFORCERS.”

• Mooney interviews a gloating Big Boss Man & Slick.

• Okerlund interviews “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan’s squad.

MATCH 2:

Captain: “Macho King” Randy Savage (with “Sensational Queen” Sherri).  Partners: Greg “The Hammer” Valentine; Dino Bravo; & Earthquake (with Jimmy Hart) – “THE KING’S COURT.”

VS.

Captain: “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan.  Partners: Bret “Hitman” Hart; Hercules; & “Rugged” Ronnie Garvin – “THE 4X 4’s.”

• Okerlund offers a locker room update on an ‘injured’ Dusty Rhodes.

• “The Genius” Lanny Poffo torments helpless fans with a Thanksgiving poem.

MATCH 3:

Captain: WWE World Champion Hulk Hogan.  Partners: WWE World Tag Team Champions Demolition [Ax & Smash]; & Jake “The Snake” Roberts – “THE HULKAMANIACS.” 

VS.

Captain: “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase (with Virgil).  Partners: Powers of Pain [Warlord & Barbarian] (with Mr. Fuji); & Zeus – “THE MILLION DOLLAR TEAM.”

• Okerlund interviews “Macho King” Randy Savage, “Sensational Queen” Sherri, & Zeus re: the upcoming Christmas season PPV “No Holds Barred” cage match vs. Hogan & Beefcake.  This hyped steel cage showdown is to be paired with a screening of Hogan’s same-named movie. 

• The above-named villains hijack Okerlund’s locker room promo with Hulk Hogan & Brutus Beefcake.  Again, their “No Holds Barred” PPV is shamelessly plugged.

• Mooney questions Rick Rude’s obnoxious Rude Brood.

• Okerlund interviews Roddy Piper’s Rowdies.  This screwball interview is the best of the show.

• Ventura & Monsoon hint at some mysterious gossip impacting the Heenan Family.

MATCH 4:

Captain: “Ravishing” Rick Rude.  Partners: “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig (with “The Genius” Lanny Poffo); & the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers [Jacques & Raymond Rougeau] (with Jimmy Hart) – “THE RUDE BROOD.” 

VS.

Captain: “Rowdy” Roddy Piper.  Partners: “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka; & the Bushwhackers [Luke & Butch] – “RODDY’S ROWDIES.”

• Mooney again interviews the Rude Brood.  Bobby Heenan’s absence is referenced.

• “Mean” Gene Okerlund interviews the Ultimate Warrior’s squad.

MATCH 5:

Captain: WWE Intercontinental Champion Ultimate Warrior.  Partners: The Rockers [Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty]; & Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart – “THE ULTIMATE WARRIORS.” 

VS.

Captain: Andre the Giant.  Partners: Bobby “The Brain” Heenan; Arn Anderson; & Haku – “THE HEENAN FAMILY.”

• The Warrior concludes the show by wiping out Heenan on his way back to the dressing room.

REVIEW (1989):                                   RATING: 9/10

The opener is an underrated gem!  Two quick notes: 1. Viewers might spot Beefcake’s post-match blunder failing to flinch upon being initially whacked by Boss Man’s fake nightstick; and 2. Boss Man’s sweat-soaked shirt is a gross eye-opener.  Next up is Duggan’s silly team, but their team spirit gag with their 2×4’s is unique.  Even as a rout, their match vs. ‘The King’s Court’ is well-played, as Bret Hart (nursing ultra-sore ribs in real life) demonstrates electrifying chemistry with Savage.

Construed as a main event, the Hogan squad vs. Zeus & DiBiase shenanigans ends far, far better than it starts.  Even the Hulkster’s time-worn finish is worth waiting for, as the sweaty WWE World Champ must clearly earn it this time. Salvaging the bout after Zeus & Hogan’s putrid showdown, an exhausted DiBiase redeems the faith of patient fans by scoring the bout’s MVP honors.  The wacky Piper squad vs. Rude’s Brood delivers some hilarious slapstick/biting action, as this unpredictable bout is a hoot!  Hennig does fantastic work, especially in his mini-match vs. a inspired Snuka.       

Replacing Tully Blanchard, Heenan can only contribute only so much to another underwhelming Ultimate Warrior showcase.  Incessant fan chants of “Weasel!” are amusing, but they don’t bolster this match’s credibility.  Anderson, Haku, & Michaels, however, deliver outstanding efforts to distract viewers from the Warrior’s lack of in-ring talent. For whatever reason, the WWE wouldn’t grasp that the Warrior harassing a defenseless Heenan was neither funny nor entertaining.     

Extending the Survivor Series is an ingenious improvement, but the show is nearly too much of a good thing. Specifically, weariness may set in due to the excessive nonsense hyping the “No Holds Barred” movie/steel cage match PPV. Still, the locker room ambush is an amusing touch.  For this anthology set, the 1989 edition ties for first place by giving fans everything it should and then some. 

SUMMARY (1990):          RUNNING TIME: Not Specified

On the WWE’s corporate home turf, at Connecticut’s Hartford Civic Center, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper steps in as “Gorilla” Monsoon’s announcing partner.  “Mean” Gene Okerlund & Sean Mooney return for more interviewing duties.  The match quantity now increases to six, as the franchise’s only ‘Final Survivors’ bout is heavily hyped as the main event. Oozing poor taste, the Persian Gulf crisis is shamelessly exploited throughout the show …. supposedly, for entertainment’s sake. 

• Ultimate Warrior’s squad is interviewed.

MATCH 1:

Captain: WWE World Champion Ultimate Warrior.  Partners: WWE Intercontinental Champion “Texas Tornado” Kerry Von Erich; & The Legion of Doom [Hawk & Animal] – “THE ULTIMATE WARRIORS.” 

VS.

Captain: “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig (with Bobby Heenan).  Partners: Demolition [Ax, Smash, & Crush] – “THE PERFECT TEAM.”

• Mooney interviews Ted DiBiase’s new Million Dollar Team.

MATCH 2:

Captain: “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes.  Partners: Koko B. Ware; & WWE World Tag Team Champions The Hart Foundation [Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart] – “THE DREAM TEAM.” 

VS.

Captain: “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase (with Virgil).  Partners: Rhythm & Blues [Greg Valentine & Honky Tonk Man] (with Jimmy Hart); & The Undertaker (with Brother Love) – “THE MILLION DOLLAR TEAM.”

• Okerlund interviews Jake Roberts’ Vipers in the showers.

MATCH 3:

Captain: Rick “The Model” Martel (with Slick).  Partners: Power & Glory [Hercules & Paul Roma]; & the Warlord – “THE VISIONARIES.” 

VS.

Captain: Jake “The Snake” Roberts.  Partners: The Rockers [Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty]; & “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka – “THE VIPERS.”

• Mooney interviews Hulk Hogan’s squad, including a ‘reformed’ Big Boss Man.

• MATCH 4:

Captain: Hulk Hogan.  Partners: Tugboat; Big Boss Man; & “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan – “THE HULK-A-MANIACS.” 

VS.

Captain: Earthquake (with Jimmy Hart).  Partners: Dino Bravo; Haku; & the Barbarian (with Bobby Heenan) – “THE NATURAL DISASTERS.”

• “Macho King” Randy Savage is interviewed by Okerlund to hype his pursuit of the Warrior’s WWE World Title.   

MATCH 5:

Captain: Nikolai Volkoff.  Partners: Tito Santana; & the Bushwhackers [Luke & Butch] – “THE ALLIANCE.” 

VS.

Captain: Sgt. Slaughter (with General Adnan).  Partners: Boris Zhukov; & the Orient Express [“Sato” & Pat Tanaka] (with Mr. Fuji) – “THE MERCENARIES.” 

• Slaughter is interviewed as his team heads to ringside. 

• Mooney interviews Ted DiBiase & the Visionaries.

• Okerlund humiliates himself with the WWE’s moronic “Hatching of the Egg” (followed by a guy dancing in a turkey suit) segment.  

• Mooney interviews Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior, & Tito Santana.

MATCH 6 (The Final Survivors Match):

Partners: WWE World Champion Ultimate Warrior; Hulk Hogan; & Tito Santana. 

VS.

Partners: “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase (with Virgil); “The Model” Rick Martel; the Warlord; & Powers & Glory [Paul Roma & Hercules] (with Slick).

• Hogan & Warrior’s self-congratulatory celebration includes opening the ring ropes for each other.

REVIEW (1990):      RATING: 2 ½/10

The good news won’t take long.

• The PPV introduction of Mark Calaway’s Undertaker is well-played.  It’s conveyed that he could single-handedly crush Dusty’s squad (including Bret Hart). Still, the WWE wisely swapped out Brother Love soon afterwards for the appropriately campy Paul Bearer as the Undertaker’s on-screen handler. 

• Despite sporting a garish candy cane pinstriped outfit, Savage’s vintage interview with “Mean” Gene is easily the night’s best promo. Foreshadowing WrestleMania VII, the “Macho King” hints towards his possible retirement in the not-so-distant future.   

• Unquestionably, Hart’s mini-match vs. DiBiase is the show’s sole dynamite. In that sense, their teamwork is the only asset keeping the show’s card from a perfect 0-for-6 stinker quality.

As the 1989 Survivor Series went 5-for-5 in terms of terrific matches, it’s the total opposite for 1990 when almost everybody merely goes through the motions. Now, for the bad news (just, for starters):

• Much like reliable villain Rick Rude (who also had departed the WWE), commentator Jesse Ventura’s abrasiveness is sorely missed.  Far off his game, Piper doesn’t negate Monsoon’s blathering, as their dreadful chemistry exacerbates WWE’s self-inflicted mistakes on this show.

• If either Hulk Hogan’s or Kerry Von Erich’s eye-rolling, backstage promos are clues, the scriptwriters evidently took the night off and let the wrestlers fumble around for themselves.

Considering the all-stars involved, the dream opener should have been an epic.  Instead, it soon deteriorates into a weak cop-out.  Revealing the dreck this show force-feeds fans, try freeze-framing Ax (his last WWE PPV) upon being easily pinned by the Warrior’s mistimed splash finisher.  Yes, a lackadaisical Ax isn’t even winded.  Hennig tries his best, but even ‘Mr. Perfect’ can’t salvage this debacle.  Perhaps Savage really did luck out, as anybody replacing a sluggish Ax would have made little difference with such crummy plotting.    

In the Undertaker’s high-profile PPV debut, the second bout is a mixed bag.  Several wrestlers flop far too easily to expedite the show’s pacing and/or sell the Undertaker’s monstrous presence.  The superb Hart vs. DiBiase & Virgil clash is this event’s only first-class effort.  As Piper acknowledges on-air, Hart had dedicated his performance in his late brother Dean’s memory (who had recently passed away). 

The third match’s dubious asset is Roberts’ credible acting re: being temporarily blind in one eye (lacking peripheral vision, as Monsoon claims).  As a franchise first, an entire team survives, but the bout itself is a predictable bore.  Next up is Hulk Hogan’s lukewarm showcase, in part due to such expendable efforts from Bravo & Haku.  Though Hogan vs. Barbarian sounds intriguing, the end result surely isn’t.   

It’s best skipping Match # 5 altogether before cringe-worthy words like “Ugh!” and “Unwatchable!” come to mind.  The nauseating Persian Gulf propaganda that Slaughter spews only prolongs this horrid misfire.  In a bland cliché-fest cobbled together as the ‘Final Survivors’ slugfest, the main eventers coast to the finish line. Resembling self-indulgent little kids demanding equal everything, Hogan & the Warrior unconvincingly share the spotlight.  Let’s just say this short bonus match is even less appealing than stale turkey leftovers.  

Aside from the wrestlers’ sheer laziness, what most permeates the 1990 Survivor Series is its infamous ‘Egg’ filler sequence.  The sole logic for this mega-stupid gimmick was amusing restless young fans, so the main eventers could catch an extended breather.  For adults, however, this prolonged torture constitutes an all-time WWE low insulting fans.  Squandering some potential blockbuster match-ups, the formulaic 1990 Survivor Series overwhelmingly plummets to last place. 

SUMMARY (1991)              RUNNING TIME: Not Specified

From Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena, the 1991 Survivor Series is a hodge-podge, as Hulk Hogan’s WWE World title defense mid-event vs. the Undertaker is the headliner (and a franchise first).  Standard elimination matches are reduced back to four, with three of them as 4-on-4 and the franchise’s first six-man elimination tag.  Emphasizing interviews more than matches, this show is a decent improvement over last year’s snooze-fest. “Gorilla” Monsoon & Bobby Heenan are the co-hosts, as “Mean” Gene Okerlund & Sean Mooney again cover interviewing duties. 

• A flashback depicts Jake Roberts’ snake biting a defenseless Randy “Macho Man” Savage inside the ring during a televised show.  Note: Sensationalized close-ups of Savage’s torture depict his real blood.

• WWE President Jack Tunney reluctantly reinstates the retired/suspended Savage to conveniently set up his showdown vs. Roberts for the WWE’s “This Tuesday in Texas” PPV in early December.

MATCH 1:

Captain: “Nature Boy” Ric Flair (with “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig).  Partners: “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase (with “Sensational” Sherri); “Mountie” Jacques Rougeau (with Jimmy Hart); & the Warlord

VS.

Captain: “Rowdy” Roddy Piper.  Partners: WWE Intercontinental Champion Bret “Hitman” Hart; Virgil; & “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith”

• Okerlund interviews a revitalized “Macho Man” Randy Savage & his then-wife, Elizabeth. 

MATCH 2:

Captain: Sgt. Slaughter.  Partners: “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan; “Texas Tornado” Kerry Von Erich; & Tito Santana

VS.

Captain: Col. Mustafa (Iron Sheik).  Partners: Berserker; Hercules; & Skinner

• Okerlund interviews Jake “The Snake” Roberts.

• Another flashback depicts WWE World Champion Hulk Hogan’s ambush during a televised “Funeral Parlor” interview segment.

MATCH 3: WWE World Title Match (Champion: Hulk Hogan) vs. Undertaker (with Paul Bearer)

• Okerlund interviews “Rowdy” Roddy Piper.

• Mooney interviews Ric Flair & “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig.

• Okerlund interviews the Natural Disasters [Typhoon & Earthquake] and “I.R.S.” Mike Rotundo (with Jimmy Hart).

• Mooney interviews Big Boss Man & WWE World Tag Team Champions The Legion of Doom [Hawk & Animal].

• Okerlund interviews WWE President Jack Tunney re: the controversial Hogan-Undertaker title match.

MATCH 4:

Partners: The Nasty Boys [Brian Knobs & Jerry Sags] & The Beverly Brothers [Beau & Blake Beverly]  

      VS.

Partners: The Rockers [Marty Jannetty & Shawn Michaels] & The Bushwhackers [Butch & Luke].

MATCH 5:

Partners: Big Boss Man & WWE World Tag Team Champions the Legion of Doom [Hawk & Animal] 

      VS.

Partners: “I.R.S.” Mike Rotundo & the Natural Disasters [Earthquake & Typhoon].

• Okerlund interviews The Undertaker (with Paul Bearer).

REVIEW (1991):                             RATING: 5/10

While it falls short of 1987-89 quality, this 1991 show at least surpasses the year before.  Specifically, the wrestlers are mostly back on their game, even if the matches are just lukewarm.  Case in point: the promising opener squanders its all-star firepower (including the rare sight of Flair & DiBiase scheming together). To any fan’s disappointment, this match’s shoddy booking resorts to a cop-out finish. 

Another inexcusable snub of fans is pitting ex-Iraqi allies Slaughter and Col. Mustafa (aka the Iron Sheik) against one another, as if their grisly mid-‘80s WWE feud never (wink-wink) existed.  Considering both guys were already far past their prime, it’s no surprise that this eight-man tag match is virtually unwatchable.      

With his main event scheduled early, a lazy Hogan sleepwalks through his World Title defense.  Flair’s controversial interference is linked to an immediate PPV rematch vs. the Undertaker at “This Tuesday in Texas.”  Though a Nastys vs. the Rockers feud sounds intriguing, their eight-man tag bout underachieves by merely conveying hints of Michaels’ upcoming heel turn.  The show ends with a decent six-man tag match that is nothing more than routine house show fodder.     

To the show’s credit, this Survivor Series is infused with enough star power from Savage & Elizabeth, Flair, Piper, the Undertaker, Bret Hart, Roberts, and the Legion of Doom.  Further, viewers will notice that this program’s cheap thrills aren’t dependent solely on formulaic storytelling.  Like with the original Survivor Series, some intriguing elements (Savage vs. Roberts and underdog Hogan vs. Undertaker & Flair) are wisely left unresolved to keep loyal fans tuning in. 

 QUALITY CONTROL:

Despite lacking a re-mastered/HD upgrade, the picture quality is excellent (with only a few blips).  As for remote control access, one can either watch the entire event by one command or click to individual segments.  More specific than what is seen on its packaging, the order of matches, special attractions, interviews, and even the announcers’ closing comments are spelled out.  However, there aren’t any bonus features.     

PACKAGING:

The dates, locations, and running times of the five shows aren’t included.  However, consumers are told the set consists of 24 matches with an approximate running time of 15 hours.  Designed like a fold-up wallet with a nice photo montage included, each sleeve provides a detailed listing of the disc’s contents. 

However, these discs can too easily slide out of their sleeves, so scratches may be inevitable.  By comparison, the WWE packaged its 1988-1992 Royal Rumble Anthology, Vol. 1 far better with conventional DVD page casings to prevent this potential problem.     

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              7/10 Stars

INTRO:

In January 1988, on cable’s USA Network, the first Royal Rumble event was a gimmicky, over-the-top-rope 20-man battle royale devised by WWE executive Pat Patterson.  After experimenting at a few house shows, the WWE launched the Rumble as its third annual event following WrestleMania and Survivor Series.  SummerSlam soon joined this rotation in August 1988.    

Via a supposedly random draw, two men start the Rumble.  At two-minute intervals, a new participant enters until the last man in the ring finally wins.  Various managers accompany their charges to ringside in a display of extra star power.  As the event’s clichéd motto goes, “It’s every man for himself!” 

In 1989, the Rumble moved to Pay-Per-View (PPV) with a solidified 30-man format.  Impressively, this revised concept really clicks, as fans can witness main eventers and mid-carders who wouldn’t normally work together.  Case in point: with the WWE World Title up for grabs, the 1992 Rumble remains a blast as Ric Flair runs an exhausting gauntlet of the WWE’s biggest names.   

The event’s undercards tend to vary in quality, particularly when WrestleMania angles were clearly set up.  In reality, these first five Rumbles were company-wide talent shows, as lower-tier guys occasionally scored a welcome spotlight. 

Notes: This five-disc anthology set isn’t remastered and appears in standard-screen only.  Also, the “F” in the acronym “WWF” is omitted audibly on this set for legal purposes.          

SUMMARY (1988):                               RUNNING TIME: 144 Min.

On January 24^th in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, at the Copps Coliseum, this televised freebie was a deliberate counter-punch to the NWA/WCW’s same-day Bunkhouse Stampede PPV.  Conspicuously absent are: Randy “Macho Man” Savage & Miss Elizabeth; WWE Intercontinental Champion Honky Tonk Man; the British Bulldogs; Hercules; Bam Bam Bigelow; the Rougeau Brothers; Koko B. Ware; Greg Valentine; Ken Patera; WWE World Tag Team Champion Rick Martel of Strike Force; Bobby Heenan; WWE Women’s Champion Sherri Martel; and Demolition.  Presumably, they were working a house show elsewhere.

Co-hosted by Vince McMahon Jr. and Jesse “The Body” Ventura, the event line-up is as follows:

• “Ravishing” Rick Rude vs. Ricky “The Dragon Steamboat.

• Dino Bravo’s Weightlifting Challenge (with “Frenchy” Martin & Jesse “The Body” Ventura). 

• WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions The Glamour Girls (with Jimmy Hart) vs. The Jumping Bomb Angels in a best-of-three-falls title match.

• Andre the Giant vs. Hulk Hogan’s 1987 history rehash. 

• WWE Champion Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant (with Ted “Million Dollar Man” DiBiase & Virgil) “sign” the contract for their February 5^th Main Event prime-time rematch on NBC. 

• The 1988 Royal Rumble (20 Participants): Hart Foundation – Bret “Hitman” Hart; WWE Tag Team Champions Strike Force – Tito Santana; “The Natural” Butch Reed; Hart Foundation – Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart; Jake “The Snake” Roberts; “The King” Harley Race; Killer Bees – “Jumping” Jim Brunzell; Sam Houston; “Dangerous” Danny Davis; Bolsheviks – Boris Zhukov; “The Rock” Don Muraco; Bolsheviks – Nikolai Volkoff; “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan; “Outlaw” Ron Bass; Killer Bees – B. Brian Blair; Hillbilly Jim; Dino Bravo; Ultimate Warrior; One Man Gang; and The Junkyard Dog.    

• Craig DeGeorge interviews WWE World Champion Hulk Hogan. 

• Young Stallions (Jim Powers & Paul Roma) vs. Islanders (Tama & Haku) in a best-of-three-falls match.

• DeGeorge interviews a gloating Andre the Giant, “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase, & Virgil. 

McMahon and Ventura close out the program.     

REVIEW (1988):                                      RATING: 5 ½/10

In its TV debut, the Rumble itself oddly isn’t positioned as the finale.  Still, viewers get a solid effort from the WWE’s mid-card squad.  Santana and Duggan are terrific, but Bret Hart earns the match’s MVP.  Without the Rumble, the remaining matches are an average house show.

Of this undercard, neither the Bomb Angels vs. the Glamour Girls nor Rude vs. Steamboat are classics, but, at least, they are watchable.  Hampered by an injury angle, the disappointing Stallions vs. the Islanders is best forgotten. 

The ultra-tedious Bravo weightlifting angle sets up his “Canada’s Strongest Man” gimmick, as if that really did his career much good.  Instead, the brawny Bravo should have attacked a defenseless challenger (i.e. the newbie Ultimate Warrior) during the bench press. WrestleMania fireworks would have logically ignited.  Not surprisingly, the rival NWA-WCW soon set up the Road Warriors-Powers of Pain angle by having the Pains attack a defenseless Animal during what else … a bench press contest.   

The Hogan-Andre & DiBiase segments, of course, are a blatant plug for their ongoing feud.  Still, this set-up bears out the prime-time TV ratings record set by their fateful February 5^th showdown.  While the inaugural Rumble programmed an ordinary undercard and is the fourth-best on this set, it retains one significant asset.  Like the 1989 Rumble, at least the first event’s winner isn’t a foregone conclusion.

Note: Ratings-wise, this Rumble predictably flattened arch-rival Dusty Rhodes’ NWA-WCW Bunkhouse Stampede PPV(Dusty’s main event was a street fight-style battle royale … in a steel cage, no less).  The following year, the now-unopposed Rumble conveniently shifted to PPV.

SUMMARY (1989):                                  RUNNING TIME: 153 Min.

From The Houston Summit, in Texas, on January 15^th, Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura co-host the event’s PPV debut.  The Rumble now features 30 participants, with an impressive array of main eventers and mid-carders.

• Dino Bravo & the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers (Jacques & Raymond Rougeau) vs. the Hart Foundation (Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart) & “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan in a best-of-three-falls match.  

• Rumble promos, threats, & predictions from the participants.

• “Ravishing” Rick Rude & Bobby Heenan challenge WWE Intercontinental Champion Ultimate Warrior to a “super-pose down.”

• WWE Women’s Champion Rockin’ Robin vs. Judy Martin

• Sean Mooney interviews Slick & the Twin Towers (Akeem & the Big Boss Man). 

• “Mean” Gene Okerlund tries to interview Rick Rude & Bobby Heenan backstage. 

• More Rumble comments … from the managers.

• The 1989 Royal Rumble (30 Participants): WWE Tag Team Champions Demolition – Ax; WWE Tag Team Champions Demolition – Smash; André the Giant; “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig; “Rugged” Ronnie Garvin; Greg “The Hammer” Valentine; Jake “The Snake” Roberts; “Outlaw” Ron Bass; Rockers – Shawn Michaels; Bushwhackers – Butch; Honky Tonk Man; Tito Santana; Bad News Brown; Rockers – Marty Jannetty; WWE World Champion Randy “Macho Man” Savage; Brain Busters – Arn Anderson; Brain Busters – Tully Blanchard; Hulk Hogan; Bushwhackers – Luke; “Birdman” Koko B. Ware; Warlord; Big Boss Man; Akeem; Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake; “Red Rooster” Terry Taylor; Barbarian; “Big” John Studd; Hercules; Rick Martel; and “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase.

• King Haku (with Bobby Heenan) vs. Harley Race for the WWE title of “King.”    

• Okerlund interviews the fuming WWE World Champion Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth. 

Monsoon & Ventura close out the show. 

REVIEW (1989):                                  RATING: 8/10

Adding ten main eventers to this Rumble makes it one of the most cohesive and best-ever produced by WWE.  Watching ex-baddie Studd come out of retirement is an unexpected pleasure.  For that matter, ultra-rare match-ups include Ax vs. Smash and Hogan & Savage’s Mega-Powers vs. savvy ex-WCW stars Anderson & Blanchard (in their sole Rumble appearance).  Further, an infuriated Savage’s post-match promo smartly hints at his WWE World Title showdown vs. the Hulkster at the upcoming WrestleMania V. 

“Hacksaw” Duggan & Bret Hart’s absence from the Rumble is missed, but they at least get a decent six-man tag match — it’s the equivalent of a TV main event.  Besides a dismal WWE Women’s title defense, Rude & Heenan are egged on vs. the Warrior during a mind-numbing pose-down.  Their waste of airtime is merely a commercial for WrestleMania V. 

In a rugged brawl, Haku & Harley Race merit the much-belated prize for the best undercard effort, considering their match had been omitted from the Coliseum Home Video VHS edition (presumably, due to time constraints).  Though the 1992 Rumble has more historic value, the 1989 Rumble is this set’s best in terms of sheer star power in their prime.  It also has the unpredictability of a surprise winner.  Haku & Race’s slugfest bolsters a lackluster undercard.     

SUMMARY (1990):                           RUNNING TIME: 162 Min.      

From Florida’s Orlando Arena, on January 21^st, long-time WCW announcer Tony Schiavone awkwardly teams with Jesse “The Body” Ventura as the co-hosts. 

• The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers (with Jimmy Hart) vs. the Bushwhackers. 

• “Mean” Gene Okerlund interviews “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase & Virgil. 

• “The Genius” Lanny Poffo vs. Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake. 

• Sean Mooney interviews the Heenan Family (Bobby Heenan, with Andre the Giant, Rick Rude, and Haku). 

• “Rugged” Ronnie Garvin vs. Greg “The Hammer” Valentine with Jimmy Hart (in a Submission Match). 

• Okerlund interviews a gloating “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig & “The Genius” Lanny Poffo. 

• Brother Love Interviews “Sensational Queen” Sherri & Sapphire. 

• Mooney interviews “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. 

• “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan vs. Big Boss Man, with Slick.

• Rumble promos, threats, & predictions from the participants.

• The 1990 Royal Rumble (30 Participants): “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase; Koko B. Ware; Rockers – Marty Jannetty; Jake “The Snake” Roberts; “Macho King” Randy Savage; “Rowdy” Roddy Piper; Powers of Pain – Warlord; Hart Foundation – Bret “Hitman” Hart; Bad News Brown; “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes; André the Giant; “Red Rooster” Terry Taylor; WWE Tag Team Champions Demolition – Ax; Haku; WWE Tag Team Champions Demolition – Smash; Twin Towers – Akeem; Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka; Dino Bravo; Earthquake; Hart Foundation – Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart; WWE Intercontinental Champion Ultimate Warrior; Rick “The Model” Martel; Tito Santana; Honky Tonk Man; WWE World Champion Hulk Hogan; Rockers – Shawn Michaels; Powers of Pain – Barbarian; “Ravishing” Rick Rude; Hercules; and “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig.

REVIEW (1990):                                   RATING: 7½/10

Despite its clichéd finish, the 1990 Royal Rumble is fun to watch, including a brief Rude vs. Hennig squabble.  The Warrior vs. Hogan shoving-match, however, is a total yawn beyond tipping off the upcoming WrestleMania VI main event.  Still, in addition to Hennig and Rude, other wily veterans, such as DiBiase, André, Savage, Roberts, Piper, & Bret Hart, once more prove their reliability.  It’s a stark contrast to future WWE legend Shawn Michaels finding himself amusingly over and out in mere seconds. 

If anything, this event is a faint reminder that 1990 was a more innocent time in pro wrestling.  Beyond the nauseating Brother Love segment, the only other detriment is Ventura and Schiavone’s zero chemistry as co-commentators.  Their mic work together a few years later in WCW is noticeably better.      

Despite lacking any title matches, the undercard has its moments.  The Garvin-Valentine and Duggan-Boss Man brawls are startlingly brutal for this era’s kid-friendly WWE, although neither match resorts to spilling blood.  Still, it’s peculiar watching old pros Garvin and Valentine (each packing a phony shin guard) repeatedly attempt useless pins in a ‘submission’ match.  Similarly, Duggan vs. Boss Man’s rough-housing is a welcome flashback to their UWF rivalry of the mid-80’s. 

In predictable fashion, the Rougeaus vs. the Bushwhackers is an amusing skirmish.  The dubious Poffo-Beefcake showdown isn’t even half-bad, at least when compared to enduring the wretched Brother Love segment even once.  For this set, the 1990 Royal Rumble main event is second-best, in large part because it serves up enough entertainment to justify a formulaic winner.       

SUMMARY (1991):                              RUNNING TIME: 187 Min.

At South Florida’s Miami Arena, on January 19^th, the event is co-hosted by Gorilla Monsoon and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper.  It’s also the first time that the WWE World Title is contested at the Rumble.  

• The Rockers vs. The Orient Express, with Mr. Fuji. 

• Sean Mooney Interviews “Macho King” Randy Savage & “Sensational Queen” Sherri. 

• Big Boss Man vs. Barbarian, with Bobby Heenan. 

• Mooney Interviews Sgt. Slaughter with General Adnan.

• “Mean” Gene Okerlund Interviews WWE World Champion The Ultimate Warrior (with an interruption by “Sensational Queen” Sherri).

• WWE World Champion The Ultimate Warrior vs. Sgt. Slaughter, with General Adnan. 

• Koko B. Ware vs. the Mountie (Jacques Rougeau), with Jimmy Hart. 

• Mooney Interviews “Macho King” Randy Savage & “Sensational Queen” Sherri … again. 

• Okerlund Interviews New WWE World Champion Sgt. Slaughter, with General Adnan.

• Fans send their regards to the U.S. Armed Forces.

• Promos, threats, & predictions from the Rumble’s participants.

• Mooney Interviews “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase & Virgil.

• Dusty Rhodes & Dustin Rhodes vs. “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase & Virgil. 

• Okerlund Interviews Hulk Hogan.

• The 1991 Royal Rumble (30 Participants): WWE World Tag Team Champions Hart Foundation – Bret “Hitman” Hart; Dino Bravo; Greg “The Hammer” Valentine; Power & Glory – Paul Roma; “Texas Tornado” Kerry Von Erich; Rick “The Model” Martel; Saba Simba (Tony Atlas); Bushwhackers – Butch; Jake “The Snake” Roberts; Power & Glory – Hercules; Tito Santana; Undertaker; Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka; “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith; Demolition – Smash; Legion of Doom – Hawk; Shane Douglas; “Macho King” Randy Savage (no-show); Legion of Doom – Animal; Demolition – Crush; “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan; Earthquake; WWE Intercontinental Champion “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig; Hulk Hogan; Haku; WWE World Tag Team Champions Hart Foundation – Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart; Bushwhackers – Luke; Nasty Boys – Brian Knobbs; Warlord; and Tugboat.     

Monsoon & Piper offer some closing remarks.

REVIEW (1991):                                                RATING: 6½/10

Instead of a mind-numbing Warrior-Hogan rematch for WrestleMania VII, pushing Hogan’s patriotic bandwagon vs. the diabolical Slaughter proves just as unimaginative.  Consider it the WWE’s version of main event recycling (i.e. keep in mind that both Hogan and Slaughter heroically thumped the Iron Sheik in similar fashion back in 1984). Still, Savage’s chaotic presence provides this Rumble a worthwhile legacy. 

Hampered by another predictable finish, the actual Rumble is enhanced by finally adding the Road Warriors (aka The Legion of Doom).  Better yet, a surprisingly good undercard (especially the Rockers vs. the Orient Express) delivers this set’s most balanced effort.  This Rumble is still only third-best, mostly because it’s so obviously the Hulk Hogan Show.  The event’s biggest negative, however, is the WWE’s gratuitous exploitation of the Persian Gulf conflict, which impacted its programming for months.             

SUMMARY (1992): RUNNING TIME: 160 Min.

On January 19^th, from Knickerbocker Arena, in Albany, New York, Gorilla Monsoon & Bobby “The Brain” Heenan co-host the event.  The main event’s winner will be crowned the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

• The New Foundation (Owen Hart & Jim Neidhart) vs. the Orient Express (“Sato” & Pat Tanaka), with Mr. Fuji. 

• Sean Mooney Interviews new WWE Intercontinental Champion The Mountie & Jimmy Hart.

• WWE Intercontinental Champion The Mountie (with Jimmy Hart) vs. “Rowdy Roddy Piper. 

• Alfred Hayes Interviews Hulk Hogan.

• The Beverly Brothers, with “The Genius” Lanny Poffo vs. the Bushwhackers, with Jamison (a geek). 

• WWE World Tag Team Champions The Legion of Doom/The Road Warriors [Hawk & Animal] vs. The Natural Disasters [Earthquake & Typhoon], with Jimmy Hart. 

• Mooney Interviews The Natural Disasters, with Jimmy Hart.

• “Mean” Gene Okerlund Interviews WWE Intercontinental Champion “Rowdy” Roddy Piper re: his rare opportunity to win both WWE singles titles in one night.

• Mooney Interviews “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels.

• Hayes Interviews “Nature Boy” Ric Flair & his ‘executive consultant,’ “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig.

• Promos, threats, and predictions from the Rumble’s participants. 

• The 1992 Royal Rumble (30 Participants) – for the vacant WWE World Championship: “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith; “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase; “Nature Boy” Ric Flair; Nasty Boys – Jerry Sags; Haku; Shawn Michaels; Tito Santana; Barbarian; “Texas Tornado” Kerry Von Erich; Repo Man (ex-Smash of Demolition); Greg “The Hammer” Valentine; Nikolai Volkoff; Big Boss Man; Hercules; “Rowdy” Roddy Piper; Jake “The Snake” Roberts; “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan; IRS (Irwin R. Shyster); Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka; The Undertaker; Randy “Macho Man” Savage; Berzerker; Virgil; Col. Mustafa (the Iron Sheik); Rick “The Model” Martel; Skinner; Sgt. Slaughter; “Sycho” Sid Justice (aka Sid Vicious); and the Warlord.    

REVIEW (1992):                                           RATING: 5/10

For his mid-forties, Flair’s stamina is nothing short of phenomenal to observe.  Making this Rumble even more timeless is an ideal mix of aging WWE legends pitted against future main eventers like The Undertaker, Michaels, and Sycho Sid. 

Still, Bret Hart’s in-ring participation is missed (due to his phony flu storyline).  The same applies to Curt Hennig, who was recuperating from a real-life back injury.  Unquestionably, high-caliber veterans Savage, Von Erich, Roberts, Smith, Boss Man, and Piper all help compensate with reliable performances. The final four participants subsequently make perfect sense, as far as setting up the dual main event storylines for WrestleMania VIII.  Unfortunately, a surefire Rumble heel match-up the WWE fails to exploit is pitting DiBiase vs. Flair, which should have been, pardon the expression, priceless.  

Considering the other two WWE titles were also contested, the four-match undercard is still mostly dismal.  Of them, only Piper vs. Mountie delivers on its cartoony potential, as an absent Bret Hart presumably waits for a future showdown.  While the New Foundation builds a little momentum, Owen Hart & brother-in-law Jim Neidhart can’t recapture the ‘cool factor’ cohesion that Bret Hart imbued the original Hart Foundation with. 

The Legion of Doom’s inconclusive title defense disappoints, largely to set up a WrestleMania VIII rematch, of course.  In all fairness, Hawk & Animal’s rough-housing is hampered by a lack of chemistry with the sluggish Natural Disasters.  The WWE, in hindsight, would have been better off reuniting the Powers of Pain to face the Road Warriors for a potentially awesome street brawl.  Lastly, the awful Bushwhackers-Beverly Brothers match should have been a pre-show dark match where the audience could mercifully have donned blindfolds. 

The 1992 Rumble is as potent as the 1989 Rumble, but a weak undercard lands the 1992 event in last place for this set.

QUALITY CONTROL:

Impressively, there are only a few age blips re: picture quality.  One can either watch the entire event or choose individual segments.  More specific than what is seen on its packaging, the menu screen mostly spells out order of matches, special attractions, interviews, and even the announcers’ closing comments.  However, there aren’t any bonus features.     

PACKAGING:

Not only is the packaging well-manufactured, the discs are separately encased on hard plastic DVD pages to help prevent scratching.  Each event’s line-up is spelled out in order, including the Rumble’s participants, as they enter the ring.  On the inside back cover, some neat stats are provided for the 1988-92 era.  By the year, we are told which wrestler survived the longest in the Rumble and for how many minutes.  It’s indicative of the show’s growing appeal that Bret Hart’s impressive 26 minutes in 1988 gradually progresses to a full marathon hour for Flair in 1992.       

By the year, the name of whom had the most eliminations (no surprise, Hogan takes three of the five spots).  The final stat lists each year’s Rumble rookies.  When one recalls the WWE line-up from this era, virtually every star they had (minus “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff; Dynamite Kid; Bam Bam Bigelow; and Ken Patera) makes at least one appearance.  The right inside jacket quotes Flair’s reaction about how the 1992 event was the “greatest moment” in his life. 

Individual match lengths aren’t included, but the event running times are listed on the outside jacket.  Perhaps the packaging’s best element is the elegant navy blue and gold artwork.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       7 Stars

Note: In addition to subsequent installments of this anthology, there’s the True Story of The Royal Rumble (available as a three-disc DVD or 2-disc Blu-ray) with a documentary and a hodge-podge match selection.

SUMMARY:                                      RUNNING TIME: 350 Min.

In 2016, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) released this three-disc retrospective of its January battle royale spectacular – one of its four major Pay-Per-View franchises.  Revealing backstage preparations for that year’s Rumble, the first disc is an approximately hour-length documentary.  The chapter titles are: 1. It All Begins Here;  2. Origins; 3. The Prestige; 4. Controversies; 5. Surprises; 6. Undercard; 7. Records; 8. Moments; and 9. Legacy.  Other than some trailers, Disc 1 doesn’t have additional content.

Disc 2 is a combination of matches and anecdotes.  Shown in their entirety, the matches are:

• The original 1988 Rumble (as seen on the USA Network);  
• from Royal Rumble 1991: The Rockers vs. The Orient Express (with Mr. Fuji);
• from Royal Rumble 1991: WWE World Champion Ultimate Warrior vs. Sgt. Slaughter (with General Adnan, “Sensational” Sherri, & “Macho King” Randy Savage);
• The 1994 Rumble;
• from Royal Rumble 1997: WWE World Champion Sycho Sid vs. Shawn Michaels (with José Lothario); and
• from Royal Rumble 2000: Kurt Angle vs. Tazz.

Disc 3 consists of:

• The 2001 Rumble (including Drew Carey as the event’s first-ever celebrity entrant);
• The 2007 Rumble;
• from Royal Rumble 2013: WWE World Champion C.M. Punk (with Paul Heyman) vs. The Rock; and
• from Royal Rumble 2016: WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte (with Ric Flair) vs. Becky Lynch.

Notes: This set was also released as a two-disc Blu-ray set.  On Disc 2, Jesse Ventura’s commentary is omitted from the 1988 Rumble, which awkwardly leaves Vince McMahon as the bout’s sole commentator.

REVIEW:

As an overview of an annual WWE event now spanning thirty-plus years, it’s a fairly solid package.  Anyone can dispute the match selection, but those included still offer some good viewing.  Case in point: the original Rumble, for its historic value, is fine, but logic would have dictated replacing it with any Rumble from ’89 to ‘92 — all of which are superior, in terms of all-star showcases. 

Among other matches excluded is 1989’s rugged ‘King’ Haku vs. Harley Race showdown (with opportunist Bobby Heenan in the winner’s corner).  Yet, the unsurprising reality check is that Shawn Michaels is allotted too much screen time — he’s in four of the ten matches while several other notables (i.e. Mick Foley; Rey Mysterio; Hulk Hogan; The Road Warriors, etc.) are virtually ignored. 

Judging the violence quotient from the Rumbles of ’88 & ’94 vs. ’01 & ’07 — the older Rumbles are kid-friendly entertainment while the more recent ones are closer to gritty street-fights.  Nonetheless, between a predictably fawning documentary and some okay bonus materials, WWE: The True Story of the Royal Rumble is watchable.  It just doesn’t quite live up to its title, considering how much better it might have been.    

BONUS FEATURES:

The anecdotes are entitled: “Devil Hair;” “Pamela Anderson;” “Mae Young;” “Ric Flair’s Return;” and “Batista Zipper.”  As a historical vignette, the last extra is entitled “Women in the Rumble,” which includes 2016 interviews with Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch.  The vignette is a nice touch, as it provides the perspective of the WWE Women’s division.

QUALITY CONTROL:

Visually, everything looks great.  The remote control access is easy to navigate on all three discs.    

PACKAGING:

The wraparound packaging is ideal.  Not only is a complete list of content included, the discs are separately encased on hard plastic DVD pages to help prevent scratching.  Adding some further class is a portrait gallery celebrating most of the event’s prior winners (i.e. Hulk Hogan and Chris Benoit are deliberately omitted, as is WWE owner Vince McMahon himself). 

Note: As a parental warning, Benoit appears on Disc 3 in the 2007 Rumble.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                6½/10 Stars

Note: The WWE’s five-disc Royal Rumble Anthology, Vol. 1 (1988-1992)  is a recommended sampling of the event’s early years.