WWF Superstars of Wrestling (September 19, 1987)

 

Original Airdate: September 19, 1987 (taped August 26)

From Fresno, California; Your Hosts are Vince McMahon, Bruno Sammartino, and Jesse Ventura

Brutus Beefcake v Ricky Ataki: Vince notes that we have a number of matches today that should ‘mostly’ be exciting. Well, that’s promising. Beefcake split screens in, excited to get a copy of Piledriver when it releases this Monday. Beefcake with the sleeper at 2:19. I love the Barber gimmick because, if nothing else, the squashes are super concise to allow time for the haircut. DUD

Craig DeGeorge brings Demolition out to hype Piledriver. It’s one thing to do it in pre-tapes, but they’re doing podium interviews to hype it now? A bit much. But, then, if I had a theme as badass as Demolition’s, I’d probably want to crow about it, too

Ted DiBiase v SD Jones: Ted split screens in, and he’s still all about the Benjamins. DiBiase with a 2nd rope backelbow drop at 4:20, as he continues to bat around finishers. DUD

Gene Okerlund catches up with Randy Savage, who is ready to take it to the next level

Jake Roberts v Terry Gibbs: Like Beefcake, Jake’s gimmick means this should be quick and easy. Danny Davis split screens in here, promising to ‘do something’ about Jake carrying the reptile to ringside. And I wish he had! Could have saved Macho Man a lot of heartache a few years down the line. Jake with the DDT at 4:13. Okay, I was wrong, this was way too long. Afterwards, Davis shows up to steal the snake bag, but Jake gets it back before he can get away. DUD

Okerlund catches up with Strike Force, who are so on the same page that they’ve gotten t-shirts made up, and everything 

DeGeorge is in the studio with Update, giving us a look at the Battle for Bam Bam. Old news

One Man Gang v Jesse Cortez: Gang puts this away with a gourdbuster at 0:50, before Slick can even finish his split screen promo. DUD

Okerlund catches up with Strike Force. Again. Give someone else a turn. Ya pricks

The Islanders v Lanny Poffo and Scott Casey: Not enough Strike Force yet this week, apparently, as Poffo’s pre-match poem references them. The Islanders pick up the win at 4:23. DUD

The music world waits for Piledriver with baited breath 

Paul Orndorff v Barry Horowitz: Rick Rude split screens in here, mocking Orndorff’s body. Paul with the pin at 3:16. DUD

Okerlund catches up with Strike Force. One guess what team they talk about

BUExperience: Really uninteresting stuff this week.