SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 11:12 Min.
Taped at Hersheypark Arena, in Hershey, PA, supposedly on February 6, 1988, this bout leads off an episode of the WWF’s syndicated SuperStars of Wrestling TV series. Commencing a rematch shortly after the WWF’s original Royal Rumble, Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat faces off vs. Bobby Heenan’s ultra-arrogant henchman: “Ravishing” Rick Rude.
The commentators are: Vince McMahon, Bruno Sammartino, & Jesse “The Body” Ventura, who tease the ‘major’ WWF World Championship controversy stemming from NBC’s The Main Event the night before.
REVIEW:
Though this bout isn’t as good as their Royal Rumble clash, Ricky Steamboat and Rick Rude exude terrific in-ring chemistry. To start tilting viewers towards hype for the upcoming WrestleMania IV, additional star power is included from “The King” Harley Race, Hercules, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, and a young Ultimate Warrior.
Overall, this Steamboat vs. Rude encounter isn’t DVD-worthy, but it still packs sufficient fun for at least one viewing. Also, one should consider this bout (not to mention, their Royal Rumble showdown) as a prelude to Steamboat & Rude’s awesome slugfests in WCW four years later.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 5½ Stars
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