SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 18:28 Min.
On January 11, 1987, the WWF’s house show at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens would include a WWF World Tag Team Title defense. Specifically, The British Bulldogs’ Davey Boy Smith defends the title against his brothers-in-law: the unscrupulous Hart Foundation (Bret “Hitman” Hart and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart).
With British Bulldog Tommy “The Dynamite Kid” Billington hospitalized due to in-ring injuries, the WWF opted to supply Smith with substitute partners. Accompanying Smith and bulldog mascot, Mathilda, appropriately enough, that night is the Junkyard Dog. Conspicuously absent is the Harts’ manager: Jimmy “Mouth of the South” Hart.
Refereeing the bout is a corrupted Danny Davis, who essentially makes it a six-man tag bout against a makeshift Bulldog team (if one counts Mathilda). The match’s co-commentators are Gorilla Monsoon & “Luscious” Johnny Valiant.
REVIEW:
Including the fun use of Mathilda to harass the villains at the get-go, this tag match (including its commentary) is as fun as one could expect. Unsurprisingly, a vibrant Smith’s chemistry with his brothers-in-law delivers some surefire wrestling magic. Contributing little during the match’s mid-section, the Junkyard Dog still gets a welcome piece of the inspired finish.
This title bout is not necessarily DVD-worthy, but the players involved ensure that fans are entertained.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
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