WWF Wrestling Challenge (October 26, 1986)

 

Original Airdate: October 26, 1986 (taped October 7)

From Rochester, New York; Your Hosts are Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan

Don Muraco and Bob Orton v Nick Kiniski and Mike Kelly: Kelly is a young, pre-fame Shane Douglas. He’s about 22 years of age here, just a kid. Meanwhile, the heels take a page out of Paul Orndorff’s book, and come out to Roddy Piper’s music. Mike Rotundo split screens in to talk about Dan Spivey’s injury, but not much news, just that he’ll be back ‘soon.’ Heenan is quick to note that he hurt himself by moving too quickly to bow down to Harley Race, which is classic Bobby. Kelly takes a tombstone from Don at 2:09. ¼*

Wrestler’s Rebuttal is Harley Race fuming that the fans don’t respect royalty. Yeah, I’m thinking if ‘respect’ is the main thing he’s after, signing that WWF contract wasn’t the best move. Just cash the check, and shut your mouth

Hillbilly Jim v Al Navarro: Some… chickens… split screen in. I guess they miss Jim down on the farm? And no one even bothers to explain it! Just out of context chickens! Jim with a bearhug at 2:09. DUD

Ken Resnick catches up with Jake Roberts, who is happy to drop anyone with the DDT, since he doesn’t have any friends here. It’s just business to him

Butch Reed v Don Driggers: Junkyard Dog split screens in to let us know that Reed is not as ‘natural’ as he claims. He’s talking about the steroids, right? Because, if so, quiet down tattletale. Reed with a 2nd rope clothesline at 2:33. DUD

Resnick brings Honky Tonk Man in, and yes, he is still a babyface, somehow

The Machines visit a car lot, and we get to see these big guys try to squeeze into a little compact Japanese car, in a funny bit. Good thing Andre sat this segment out

Sivi Afi v Dino Bravo: The ring is really nicely mic’d here. Bravo with a hiptoss to start, and he split screens in with Johnny Valiant to cut a promo. Bravo looked like an extra from Goodfellas there. A criss cross ends in Bravo landing a jumping clothesline, and he dumps Afi across the top rope. Dino with a legdrop for two, and a knife-edge chop sets up a kneedrop for two. Backelbow, but Afi ducks, and throws a bodypress for two. Afi with a cross corner whip, but a corner splash misses, and Dino side suplexes him at 2:37. ½*

Jake Roberts hosts the Snake Pit with guest Honky Tonk Man, and the whole bit here is Jake insinuating that Honky is gay. Why does Jake have a handcuff on his wrist here?

The Killer Bees v Moondog Spot and Jimmy Jack Funk: Heenan doesn’t get why the Bees wear masks to the ring, use their real names, and then unmask. First of all, heel Heenan - a guy who goes by ‘the brain - can’t figure out that reason? Also, does he truly believe the man’s real name is ‘B. Brian Blair?’ Meanwhile, referee Dave Hebner split screens in, and thinks President Jack Tunney’s office should review Danny Davis’ officiating. Blair ends up in trouble, allowing the heels to cut the ring in half, but Jim Brunzell gets the hot tag, and the Bees put it away at 3:34. ¼*

Ricky Steamboat warns us that drugs are ‘bad news.’ That hat is bad news too, Rick

Kamala v Tony Nando: Gorilla compares Kamala to an elephant here, which feels a little low, even for this era. And for him. Prick. Kamala with a splash 1:33. DUD

Resnick catches up with Steamboat, which admires Jake Roberts. He’s still going to crush him. But he admires him. What’s with all the repeating faces this week?

BUExperience: I continue to truly enjoy this very peppy show.