SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 21:00 Min.
From a TV taping at Connecticut’s New Haven Coliseum, in November 1991 (or possibly October 31, 1991), WWF Intercontinental Champion Bret “Hitman” Hart defends his title vs. “Nature Boy” Ric Flair. Meanwhile, Flair is still claiming to be the real World’s Champion after his dismissal from WCW a few months earlier. “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig (the adversary Hart had decisively toppled for the I-C Title at SummerSlam 1991) is Flair’s scheming consultant at ringside.
Sean Mooney and “Lord” Alfred Hayes are the commentators – it isn’t clear if they are at ringside or merely recorded voice-overs later.
The match is featured on the WWE’s 2013 Bret Hart: The Dungeon Collection DVD and Blu-Ray sets.
REVIEW:
Unsurprisingly, in terms of TV-caliber bouts, this one pushes closer to the higher end. The early chemistry between Hart and Flair is undeniable, as it’s far better than their blah WCW encounters in the Late 90’s. Hennig’s presence demonstrates that his pairing with Flair is just as good, if not better, playing up nefarious double-teams as Ted DiBiase & Virgil previously did.
The downside belongs to uninspired commentaries by Sean Mooney and “Lord” Alfred Hayes – rather than building up Hart, they blow time pushing Flair’s blustery challenge of then-WWE World Champion Hulk Hogan.
Hart and Flair’s above-average title showdown is well worth viewing, if only as a precursor to one of their terrific WWF World Championship rematches that occurred a year later.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
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