WWF Superstars (August 24, 1996)

 

Original Airdate: August 24, 1996 (taped August 20)

From Columbus, Ohio; Your Hosts are Kevin Kelly and Mr. Perfect

The Smoking Gunns v Frank Stilleto and Lou Marconi: The WWF Tag Team title is not on the line here. I don’t know where Vince and Ross went, but no thanks on Kevin Kelly. And he immediately annoys me, noting that Billy Gunn suffered a ‘thumb injury’ at SummerSlam, but is working through it. Meanwhile, Jim Cornette split screens in to cry conspiracy about what happened to Vader at SummerSlam, but quickly pivots to wanting a title shot for Owen Hart and Davey Boy Smith against the Gunns. The Gunns with a combo at 2:09. DUD

Steve Austin v Tony Williams: Brian Pillman is out on commentary here, and this feels like a much better direction than sticking him out there during Bushwhackers matches every week. Brian promises to conduct an interview with Austin next week, which I have a feeling might be memorable. Steve with the stunner at 1:25. Good energy from Stone Cold this week. ¼*

Dok Hendrix is in the studio for the In Your House Slam Jam. Another Undertaker/Goldust match?! Heaven help us all

Hunter Hearst Helmsley v David Haskins: People mock Vince McMahon as a commentator, but listen to Kelly, and tell me you don’t miss him. Perfect leaves the broadcast position to go down to ringside, stealing Helmsley’s valet. HHH hits the pedigree, but gets distracted by the robbery going on at ringside, and has to be held back by the official. Cover, but Haskins has had so long to recover, that he kicks out at two. Booker T should have called this guy up for tips. HHH with a second pedigree at 2:07. Another one with good energy. ¼*

The Stridex Biggest Slam of the Week is Shawn Michaels superkicking Yokozuna on RAW

Greatest Intercontinental Championship Moments: Bret Hart defeated Mr. Perfect to win his first of two Intercontinental titles at SummerSlam ‘91

Faarooq Asad v Chris Harris: I appreciate how Sunny has changed into a different outfit for when she’s out with Faarooq versus what she wears when she’s out with the Gunns. That’s some Jimmy Hart level dedication. Faarooq with the dominator at 1:33. DUD

Superstars is moving to USA Network in September. I like how the ad has to reference Seinfeld, Monday Night Football, and Friends, just in case you weren’t sure how much they lacked confidence 

Jake Roberts v Who: I really wish they’d book Who against Goldust so I can make a ‘Who versus What’ joke. Who Pearl Harbors him, and manages a cross corner whip, but Jake rebounds with punches. Who goes to the eyes to fight him off, and a ropechoke puts Jake down. Who with a clothesline, and he puts the boots to Roberts. Jake makes a comeback, and the DDT wraps up at 2:43. DUD

Dok is back with another Slam Jam

BUExperience: There was still some stuff going on, but this show is increasingly becoming a RAW clip show.