WWF Superstars (December 26, 1992)

Original Airdate: December 26, 1992 (taped November 24)

 

From Dayton, Ohio; Your Hosts are Vince McMahon, Bobby Heenan, and Jerry Lawler

 

Razor Ramon v Gus Kantarakis: Ramon still hasn't figured out the colorful gear yet. Get to it, Bad Guy! Heenan and Lawler are actually a fun combination, especially when they start ganging up on Vince. It kind of blows my mind that they worked together on a regular basis for a while, as a kid it felt like they were from different eras, and I never realized they really crossed paths. Razor's Edge finishes at 1:56. DUD

 

Gene Okerlund is in the control center to introduce the music video for WWF Slam, which is apparently all the rage in Europe. I don't think I've ever heard this one, but it's basically the WrestleMania theme, with various Superstars doing spoken word vocals over it. Of note is that the video heavily features Davey Boy Smith, who was already long out of the promotion at this point. But then, in a truly weird bit, they also show the closing shots of WrestleMania VI, but superimpose Bret Hart over Ultimate Warrior in it. That was really something

 

Bob Backlund v Barry Horowitz: Vince calling Backlund a 'phenom' for making a comeback at 43 is especially odd considering guys like, say, Bad News Brown were considerably older than that during their entire WWF runs. Also, putting him over as a former world champion is just not connecting at all. Doink the Clown is hanging around in the aisle during this, as Bob split screens in with another dishwater promo. Backlund with the bridging cradle at 2:51. Why did the referee count to five there? ¼*

 

Repo Man thinks he lives on Drury Lane

 

The Nasty Boys are ready to make '93 their year. Well, they'd actually end up with the WCW tag belts by the end of it, so I guess that positive visualization stuff really works

 

The Headshrinkers v Chris Allen and Bill Vaper: One has to wonder, did the Headshrinkers' tights inspire the Adam Sandler vehicle Jack and Jill, or was it the other way around? Assuming time travel, of course. Fatu with the flying splash at 2:53. DUD

 

Mr. Perfect is really good at baseball. It's nice to see they at least updated the vignettes this time around

 

Reverend Slick is all about New Years resolutions

 

Tatanka v Bret Tyler: I guess Tatanka is trying for some positive visualization as well by trying to beat a guy at least NAMED 'Bret.' Baby steps. Doink is hanging around again, and seriously, security should at least find out who this guy is. There's been HOW MANY clown themed serial killers? Meanwhile, Tatanka split screens in to wish everyone a happy new year, since he's really making the most out of that undefeated streak. End of the Trail finishes at 2:43, as Doink tries to get cancelled at ringside. Afterwards, Doink moves on from simply racist gestures to trying for full on ethnic cleansing. DUD

 

Gene is in the studio with the Royal Rumble Report. Not much this week, just a few more names announced, as well as Bam Bam Bigelow/Big Boss Man. They're not pushing Undertaker/Nailz anymore, at least

 

Virgil v John Rechner: Virgil hits him with an inverted atomic drop, leaving Rechner holding his balls for the rest of the match, so at least he's consistent. Russian legsweep finishes at 1:56. Say what you will about him, but Virgil was energetic as hell with his squash this week. ½*

 

Bam Bam Bigelow v Brian Costello: It took Vince literally all show long, but he's finally figured out that Heenan's resolution to 'no longer be a nice guy' might not be a very good goal. He needs Reverend Slick in his life. Meanwhile, Big Boss Man split screens in to hype up the match with Bigelow at the Rumble. So, there was no issue at all there, then? Flying headbutt drop finishes at 1:51. DUD

 

Crush seems to have the same accent coach as Anne Hathaway in One Day

 

Damien Demento apparently thinks everyone fears him. Well, I sure do fear his matches, that much is for sure. What is that accent supposed to be, anyway? Does he have a case of the Crush's?

 

Marty Jannetty is so fired up, so angry, so passionate, that he threatens to kick Shawn Michaels'... butt

 

BUExperience: Lots of squashes, no real angle development... you can safely skip this one.