WWF Wrestling Challenge (August 2, 1987)

 

Original Airdate: August 2, 1987 (taped July 16)

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

Randy Savage v Brady Boone: The babyface reaction for Savage is huge here, even if the official turn hadn’t come yet. But, Monsoon is praising him, and Heenan is knocking him, so clearly they’re leaning into it. Macho gives him a lot here, and is actually having a match with the guy, instead of just a straight squash. Some crazy stuff for 1987, with Boone executing a rana, and Macho countering another one into a powerbomb. Boone then tries a flying moonsault press, but Savage dodges, and puts things away with a flying elbowdrop at 4:17. This was way ahead of its time, and especially for a squash. ¾*

Craig DeGeorge is in the control center with a Special Report on Superstar Billy Graham’s return to the ring

Jake Roberts v Rick Renslow: Jake is peppy this week, sticking and moving all over the place, before finishing with the DDT at 2:39. Another great reaction given for that finish. DUD

Gene Okerlund catches up with Danny Davis, who is sick of following the rules, now that he’s no longer an official 

The Hart Foundation v Sivi Afi and SD Jones: The WWF Tag Team title is not on the line for this. The Foundation are not moving towards a babyface turn yet, but even Gorilla has to admit that they’re a great team. Meanwhile, Jimmy Hart split screen in here, again crowing about signing Bam Bam Bigelow. Jim Neidhart pins Jones at 4:06. DUD

Okerlund catches up with Outback Jack, who is still all fucked up from Killer Khan spraying him in the face

Clips of Sherri Martel defeating Fabulous Moolah to win the WWF Women’s title on July 24 in Houston Texas

Koko B. Ware v Terry Gibbs: Koko with the brainbuster at 2:20. I don’t have much for Koko here. DUD

DeGeorge brings Ron Bass out for a podium interview, who sounds like he needs serious therapy 

Hercules v Jerry Allen: Johnny Valiant sits in for Heenan here, since Bobby is in Hercules’ corner. Hercules with the full nelson at 1:55. DUD

Six-Man Tag Team Match: Junkyard Dog, Jim Brunzell, and B. Brian Blair v Tiger Chung Lee, Dave Labner, and Joe Mirto: Gosh, they were insanely into booking six-man’s during this period. I get it, you get a lot of bang for your buck on these short shows, but enough. JYD scores the pin for his team at 3:21. DUD

Okerlund catches up with the Rougeau Brothers, who persevere, and speak French. Gene says literally one word in French, and smirks like every white person saying ‘gracias’ at a Mexican restaurant 

BUExperience: Randy Savage was obviously rocketing into the stratosphere, and it’s a pleasure to watch in real time. Everything else was fine, but not especially interesting.