WWF Superstars of Wrestling (March 12, 1988)

 

Original Airdate: March 12, 1988 (taped February 16)

From Wichita, Kansas; Your Hosts are Vince McMahon, Bruno Sammartino, and Jesse Ventura - in Bruno's final appearance until 2013

Ultimate Warrior v Tom Stone: Stone actually runs away at the bell, which is a nice way of making Warrior look like a monster, as opposed to just the usual squash routine. Or, you know, he was just legitimately afraid of working with the guy. All valid options. Hercules split screens in, promising to bring the wrath of the gods on Warrior at WrestleMania. “You can bet that won’t be a pretty sight,” notes Vince. It sure wasn’t. Warrior with a bodyslam to set up a splash at 2:10. No press-slam? ¼*

Craig DeGeorge is in the studio for Update, giving us a look at the history of Hulkamania, complete with a highlight video set to Real American

Jake Roberts introduces Bob Uecker to his snake - whether Bob wants to see it, or not. The 80s were a different time

Jim Duggan v Barry Horowitz: Duggan wraps this up at 1:24. Just quick and easy. DUD

DeGeorge catches up with Koko B. Ware and the British Bulldogs, who are ready to take a bite out of Bobby Heenan

The Islanders and Heenan are going to put Koko and the Bulldogs down at WrestleMania

Vanna White is ready for WrestleMania

Bad News Brown v Lance Allen: Bad News split screens in, clarifying that he hates everyone equally. Brown with the enzuigiri at 1:38. DUD

Gene Okerlund catches up with Demolition, who are tired of waiting, it’s time to take the gold. Good to see Gene back on the shows, it’s been a DeGeorge spam fest lately

Okerlund catches up with WWF Tag Team Champions Strike Force, who have no plans to lose the title, since they’re better wrestlers, and that’s going to make the difference 

Bam Bam Bigelow v Brian Costello: Slick split screens in, promising that his fat guy is going to out fat Bam Bam at WrestleMania. Bigelow with a splash at 1:29. DUD

DeGeorge brings Andre the Giant and Ted DiBiase out for a podium interview to talk about WrestleMania, and they think it’s a foregone conclusion 

DeGeorge is in the control center for the WrestleMania IV Report. There’s going to be a battle royal! You can’t not buy it now

Dino Bravo v Johnny Steward: Being billed simply as ‘Canada’s strongest man’ is such a weak flex for a pro-wrestler. Don Muraco split screens in, and he was clearly feeling his ‘oats’ here. Bravo with a sidewalk slam at 1:50. They start playing Dino’s music before the three count is even through, which is a better flex, at least. DUD

DeGeorge catches up with Brutus Beefcake, who is ready to do some strutting and cutting

DeGeorge catches up with WWF Intercontinental Champion Honky Tonk Man, who is not planning on getting any sort of hair cut

Harley Race promises to make Hulk Hogan bow and show respect on Saturday Night’s Main Event. What’s their hang up about identifying the show by name, though?

BUExperience: Lots and lots of WrestleMania build this week, which is great.