WWF Superstars of Wrestling (December 19, 1987)

 

Original Airdate: December 19, 1987 (taped December 9)

From Tampa, Florida; Your Hosts are Vince McMahon, Bruno Sammartino, and Jesse Ventura

Mike Lapan, the facility manager for the Sundome, welcomes the WWF

Randy Savage v Steve Lombardi: Bruno is lusting after Miss Elizabeth so hard here that they could have built a WrestleMania around it. Savage with the flying elbowdrop at 2:20. DUD

Craig DeGeorge is in the studio with Update, taking a look at the upcoming Slammy Awards show

Ted DiBiase v Rick Hunter: Bruno marvels at the idea of DiBiase having multiple homes. 2026 would blow his mind. Ted with the pin at 1:43. Afterwards, DiBiase promises that his offer to buy the WWF Title will be accepted by Hulk Hogan later in the show. DUD

Gene Okerlund catches up with WWF Champion Hulk Hogan, who isn’t really thinking about DiBiase, but rather ready to defend his belt against Rick Rude in Boston

Okerlund catches up with Greg Valentine, who promises to not only beat Brutus Beefcake, but end his career too

Don Muraco v Dusty Wolfe: Muraco is looking energetic this week, which is impressive, given how swole he is at this point. Meanwhile, Butch Reed and One Man Gang split screen in, promising to give Muraco what they gave Superstar Billy Graham. Don with a tombstone at 1:15. DUD

Okerlund catches up with Demolition, who discuss their holiday plans

The Hart Foundation v Outback Jack and Omar Atlas: Hey, Outback Jack, haven’t seen you in a while. Enjoy jobbing! Jimmy Hart split screens in here, promising that the Foundation will soon take the WWF Tag Team title back from Strike Force. Hopefully in time for Christmas! The Hart Attack finishes Atlas at 2:50, so good night for Outback Jack. ¼*

DeGeorge brings Hulk Hogan out for a podium interview, and it’s time to make a decision about Ted DiBiase’s offer to buy the title. Hulk thinks about all the things he could do with the money, not just for himself, but for others, like those in need. And with that in mind, he takes off the title belt, and on behalf of all the Hulkamaniacs, he’ll respond to the offer with a “HELL NO!” What a jerk, he just said he’d be able to help kids with cancer and stuff, and he chooses personal glory instead? 

Jake Roberts v Brian Costello: Jesse is still hoping they ban the DDT, even though that campaign is long done. He’s probably still pining for the McRib, too. Roberts with the DDT at 2:22. DUD

Ron Bass v Tio Samoa: Vince thinks the bullwhip should be banned, but Jesse makes a good point: he just slings it over the post, he never uses it on anyone. Unlike, Jim Duggan, who brings the 2x4 every week, and attacks guys on the reg. Bass with a pedigree at 1:56. DUD

Koko B. Ware v Raul Mato: Koko split screens in, excited about singing Piledriver at the Slammys. Why didn’t they give him the piledriver as a finisher during this period? Feels like a slam dunk. Synergy! Koko with the brainbuster at 1:53. DUD

Okerlund catches up with Rick Rude, who is going to make Hogan breathe heavily in Boston. Oh, because of the harbor stench?

The British Bulldogs are ready for the Islanders, next week

BUExperience: Nothing crazy in the ring, but a major development in the main event angle, and so it was a good one.