SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 25 MIN.
Filmed by the WWE on/about April 29, 1989, at a house show at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens, it’s Bret “Hitman” Hart vs. “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig. “Gorilla” Monsoon and “Lord” Alfred Hayes are the commentators – it’s possible that they recorded voice-overs for this match, since they aren’t actually visible on-screen at ringside.
The match is included on the WWE’s 2013 Bret Hart: The Dungeon Collection DVD and Blu-Ray sets.
REVIEW:
As Hart attests in his autobiography, he and Hennig, as second-generation performers in their prime, were so evenly matched (and worked safely together) that their WWE house show battles made for professional bliss. It’s no wonder that their chemistry could steal a house show’s audience from the main event on any given night. Including their standard-issue finish (or maybe just a slight variation of it), this particular showcase is no exception.
Hennig (i.e. his sheer athleticism; a few of his patented flops/pratfalls) demonstrates why he was the best technical heel in North America in 1989 – with the possible exception of the NWA’s Ric Flair. Noticeably, Hennig’s ‘Mr. Perfect’ gimmick is still in development, as his in-ring style here resembles his 1987-88 heel run as AWA World Champion.
Still a part-time singles performer at this juncture, Hart already exudes the legendary presence he would have in the 90’s. Unsurprisingly, this showdown (including some friction after the bell) is a terrific prelude to their Intercontinental Title showdown at SummerSlam 1991, in spite of Hennig’s real-life back injury. A subtle bonus is that Monsoon & Hayes playfully nail their commentary track observing these guys work with methodical precision.
Considering the match doesn’t embrace the WWE’s cartoony style, this low-key Hart vs. Hennig battle is a treat for fans.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
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