Friday 24 July 2020

WWF King Of The Ring 1993 Review

King of the Ring (1993) - Wikipedia

Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that keeps more screenshots than a wrestling fan looking to ruin your favourite wrestler! It’s WWF King Of The Ring 1993, the first King Of The Ring pay per view to take place. Eight men with one chance to become King Of The Ring. We also have Hulk Hogan taking on Yokozuna, a return match from Wrestlemania IX while Shawn Michaels defends his Intercontinental Championship against Crush! Wrestlemania IX was not a great night for the WWF, but can they bounce back with King Of The Ring? Let’s find out!

(KOTR Quarter-Final Match) Razor Ramon vs Bret Hart

In January, these two faced off at The Royal Rumble for the WWF Championship and now they meet to see who will advance in the tournament. Ramon is off his game due to 123 Kid chants from the crowd, one of the most famous moments in Monday Night Raw history. Ramon and Hart circle one another, intensity is the look on the face of both men. Lock-up, Ramon shoves back Hart. Ramon pushes back Hart twice, the bigger of the two dominates the lock-up. Side headlock from Hart, Ramon grabs the hair and shoves off Hart. Shoulder block does not faze Ramon, Hart ducks two clotheslines before landing big right hands. Wrist-lock into an arm-drag, Hart works the arm with a key-lock. Ramon is back on his feet, kick to the ribs. Hart tries a hip-toss off an Irish whip but Ramon lands a massive clothesline.


Too cocky, Ramon misses an elbow. Hart nails an arm-drag and wrenches the arm, Ramon pushes Hart to the buckle. Ramon misses the splash, Hart lands the arm-drag. Hart is relentless in his pursuit of the arm, Ramon begins manoeuvring to escape the hold. Scoop slam counter does not work for Ramon as Hart rolls through, holding onto the arm-bar. Hart starts clubbing the arm before Ramon pokes the eyes of Hart. Whip and elbow to the face for two, Ramon wanted the chin-lock but Hart re-applies the hammer-lock. Ramon goes to the corner, elbow to the face from Ramon. Measured right hand by Ramon, Hart reverses an Irish whip but Ramon knees an oncoming Hart. Hart is sent hurdling into the ring-post shoulder-first.


Boot to the side of the head, Ramon has Hart in the ring. Kicks to the hands and ribs, Ramon lands a massive fallaway slam for two. Running powerslam from Ramon for two, frustration is etched across the face of The Bad Guy. More kicks to the ribs, elbow drops and a sidewalk slam from Ramon. Ramon measures before missing a series of elbow drops. Hart fires off right hands to the corner, inverted atomic drop into a clothesline for two. Whip off the ropes, gut-shot and a Russian leg-sweep for two. Back-breaker for two, Bret’s Rope Elbow Drop for two. Ramon misses a right hand, Hart goes for the O’Connor roll for two. Ramon is caught for a bulldog but shoves off Hart into the buckle sternum-first. Razor’s Edge but Hart kicks his way out, backslide attempt. Hart runs up the buckle to flip over into a small package for two.


Ramon kicks out at the last second, a frustrated Hart goes after the referee for the close-call. Ramon flattens Hart with a clothesline from behind, Ramon is infuriated by this point by his inability to put The Bad Guy away. Ramon places Hart on the top rope, facing towards the fans. Ramon wants the back superplex only for Hart to counter in mid-air for the crossbody. Both men crash to the mat with Hart landing on top of Ramon and pinning The Bad Guy for the win.


Solid wrestling match from these two WWF Superstars, I loved the work from Hart in this match. The way Hart attacks the arm and switches gear once the comeback is on is great to watch. Love that backslide into the small package, that should have been the finish to be honest. Nothing could top that little neat manoeuvre but both men were great here. Ramon plays the part perfectly, being an utter sleazeball inside of that ring. Facials are great, body language is tremendous too. Ramon needs something he can sink his teeth into and it’s coming sooner rather than later. Hart advances, this should be a good night for The Hitman.

Winner: Bret Hart over Razor Ramon via Crossbody!

(KOTR Quarter-Final Match) Mr. Perfect vs Mr. Hughes W/ Harvey Whippleman

Hughes pushes away Perfect with ease, Perfect catches Hughes for an arm-drag. Leapfrogs and a dropkick from Perfect, Hughes staggers but does not go down. Hughes pushes Perfect to the corner, a right hand sends Perfect to the floor. Headbutt from Hughes, Perfect fires back with a right but Hughes is too strong at this time. Perfect ducks a clothesline but runs right into a big boot, Hughes lands a clubbing blow to the back of the head. Another whip, clothesline from Hughes. Snap-mare into a neck-crank, Perfect escapes the hold but Hughes continues to whip Perfect around the ring. Ugly looking slam from Hughes, the two trade blows. Eye rake from Hughes, Hughes chokes Perfect using the middle rope.


Hughes misses a middle rope attack on Perfect, Perfect is back on his feet. Massive hip-toss from Perfect, add a back body-drop to that. Snap-mare into the neck-breaker from Perfect. To the corner, shots by Perfect. Whippleman hands Perfect the urn and Perfect advances to the disqualification.


Well, that was an unexpected ending, I thought Perfect would use his quickness to upset Hughes but I guess we are keeping Hughes as strong as possible for that eventual Undertaker match (God help us all!). That being said, Perfect continues to be awesome as a babyface in the WWF, looking forward to seeing more of Perfect.

Winner: Mr. Perfect over Mr. Hughes via DQ!

(KOTR Quarter-Final Match) Bam Bam Bigelow vs Hacksaw Jim Duggan

Duggan is still around? 1993 is such an odd time in the WWF, the new generation is taking over but you still have all these faces that are stables of the late 80s. Duggan, Beefcake and Hogan feel so out of place. Anyways, Duggan takes on The Beast From The East Bam Bam Bigelow. Bigelow was not on Wrestlemania but returned to the WWF at Royal Rumble dismantling The Big Bossman.


These two lock-up, Bigelow and Duggan shoulder block one another. Duggan ducks a clothesline and nails one of his own. Make it three to knock down Bigelow, Duggan is posing as Bigelow is down on the outside. Eye rake from Bigelow, Duggan blocks the rights of Bigelow though. Rights and lefts from Duggan, Bigelow misses a corner splash off a reversed Irish whip. Duggan’s ribs are injured, scoop slam does not work as Bigelow is too strong. Bigelow targets the ribs, bearhug from Bigelow. Kicks to the ribs from Bigelow, snap-mare into a falling headbutt but the headbutt misses. Duggan tries the slam but Bigelow is too big, Duggan clutches the ribs once more. Another bearhug from Bigelow, Duggan bites the head of Bigelow.


Bigelow is whipped to the ropes, Duggan ducks the head. Bigelow misses the kick to the head, big scoop slam from Duggan. Duggan wants his Three-Point Stance Clothesline but Bigelow dodges. Duggan collapses to the mat, Bigelow climbs to the top rope. Diving Top Rope Headbutt and this match is over, Bigelow advances in The King Of The Ring Tournament.


Well, Duggan did not get DQ’ed which is a nice change of pace from watching Duggan inside of a WWF Ring. When thinking about Bigelow, I think of big and dominant heel, I have not got my feed of Bigelow just yet in this WWF run. I hope its coming because I would much rather see Bigelow treated as a threat rather than comically taking big bumps for the likes of Bossman and Duggan.

Winner: Bam Bam Bigelow over Hacksaw Jim Duggan via Diving Headbutt!

(KOTR Quarter-Final Match) Lex Luger vs Tatanka

Luger poses in front of his mirror before two referees ask Luger to put on a pad over his bionic forearm. Luger is livid about wearing the pad, Tatanka comes sprinting down to the ring. Luger sends Tatanka hurdling to the floor to start the match, Tatanka pushes the mirror onto Luger. Chops from Tatanka, Luger spills out to the floor. Scoop slam on the ringside mat, Luger is begging off in the ring. Tatanka is all sorts of fired up, Luger is whipped to the buckle. Back body-drop from Tatanka, clothesline takes down Luger. Cover for two, Tatanka applies an arm-bar. Luger tries slamming Tatanka but Tatanka won’t let go of the hold. Tatanka throws tomahawk chops down on Luger, flying crossbody from Tatanka for a close two.


Hammer-lock from Tatanka, Luger counters before falling victim to the hold again. Luger goes to the ropes before elbowing Tatanka right between the eyes, Luger stomps away at Tatanka in the corner. Whip off the ropes and a knee to the ribs from Luger, elbow to the ribs from Luger for two. Luger throws Tatanka to the corner, shoulder thrusts from The Narcissist. Back-breaker form Luger, boot to the face of Tatanka. Measured elbow drop for two, another big elbow for two. Tatanka capitalizes for a roll-up, two for Tatanka. Elbows and chops by Tatanka, Luger knees down Tatanka before applying a chin-lock. Tatanka’s rally is stopped by Luger pulling Tatanka down by the hair. Another chin-lock from Luger, Tatanka cannot fight off the control of Luger.

Small package from Tatanka for two, Luger maintains control with more clubbing blows to the back of Tatanka. Irish whip from Luger, Luger ducks the head. Sunset flip from Tatanka, close two for the undefeated Tatanka. Luger kicks Tatanka hard in the ribs, a knee-lift from Luger. Stomps in the corner from Luger, Luger talks trash to the fans. Tatanka is rammed into the buckle, that War Dance has been started. No matter the punches, Tatanka is on fire. Big chops, double chop for two. Irish whip into a powerslam for a close two, scoop slam and Tatanka climbs high.


Tatanka is on the top rope, Diving Tomahawk Chop for a close two. Tatanka climbs high for a second time, crossbody does not pay off this time. Tatanka crashes and burns, Luger goes for the kill. Stomps from Luger, Irish whip and a massive clothesline from Luger. Two for Luger, another whip into a powerslam for two. Luger looks frustrated and exhausted, another Irish whip. Back body-drop from Luger, big vertical suplex for two. Luger cannot believe it, back-breaker from Luger. Cover for two, the bell rings and both men have been eliminated.


What I can say is the commentators from the beginning state the importance of the time-limit, I prefer that to nowadays when the commentators just bring it up in the last few seconds if it is the planned finish. Luger and Tatanka would not be my first choices for a 15 minute match going the distance but I am loving heel Luger. The icing on the cake is asking for five more minutes after the bell and then wham, Luger cracks Tatanka with the bionic forearm. The Narcissist is growing in my estimations, long live the legend of Lex Luger. I do find the booking odd though, the king gimmick does feel like such a heel gimmick and I think you need to continue pushing Luger as this ultimate force because Luger is your big heel behind Yokozuna. Anyways, both men remain undefeated, I am not sure where we can go with Tatanka from here, what happened with Sherri vs Luna?

Both Men Are Eliminated!

(KOTR Semi-Final Match) Bret Hart vs Mr. Perfect

Nice little interview takes place before this match where Perfect and Hart get in one another’s faces. Both men are babyfaces and both respect one another but Perfect has not forgotten Summerslam 1991, Perfect would love to avenge that loss.


Lock-up, stalemate between the two. Perfect takes the back, Hart goes to the ropes. Perfect breaks clean, lock-up. Side headlock from Hart, Perfect pushes off Hart. Shoulder block and hip-toss from Hart, side headlock takedown from Hart but Perfect counters with a head-scissors. Hart wriggles free, Hart applies a headlock. Perfect pushes back Hart to the corner, chop from Perfect. Hart reverses a whip to the buckle, scoop slam from Hart but Perfect kicks him away. Perfect returns the favour before Hart slaps on a side headlock takedown. Crucifix pin by Hart for two, back into the headlock.


Perfect starts to get back to his feet, Perfect looking for an escape. Forearms to the ribs, Hart answers with a crossbody. Perfect shoves Hart to the floor, apron sunset flip for two. Hart applies the side headlock once more, Hart is one step ahead of Perfect. Perfect grabs the hair for leverage, a subtle move from Perfect. Perfect grabs the hair and pushes Hart to the ropes, massive knee to the ribs. Stomp to the lower regions, kick to the ribs. That competitive side of Perfect is coming out, standing dropkick from Perfect. Perfect lets Hart back into the ring before stomping Hart as he enters the ring, Perfect has lost his head.


Chop in the corner, forearms to the back of the head. Knee-lift for two, Hart is kicked in the ribs and out to the floor. Big chop on the floor, Hart is bounced off the ring apron. Hart tries re-entering the ring but Perfect smashes Hart who smacks his knee off the guardrail. Hart sells it excellently, Perfect pulls Hart to the apron and nails a big right hand. Another knee-lift finds the mark, two for Perfect. Hart fights back from his knees, Perfect knocks down Hart with a right. Perfect is on the top rope, missile dropkick from Perfect for two. Hart places his foot on the ropes to survive, chop and big Irish whip to the buckle from Perfect for two.


Perfect climbs to the top rope, Hart was playing possum. Perfect is crotched on the top rope, Hart lands a massive superplex. Cover by Hart for two, Hart goes after the leg of Perfect. Perfect is kicked all around the ring, figure four leglock from Hart in the middle of the ring. Perfect writhes around in pain, Perfect survives the hold though. Hart switches to a leglock, Perfect manoeuvres to blast Hart in the face with a knee. Perfect has Hart in the corner, Perfect tosses Hart by the hair. Perfect is doing everything except low-blowing Hart at this point. Whip by Perfect into a sleeper, Hart looks desperate to escape.


Hart pulls at the hair of Perfect, Perfect continues to apply pressure but Hart makes it to the ropes. Perfect does not break the hold right away, Perfect’s knee gives out on him. Chop from Perfect, sleeper again from Perfect. Perfect uses the ropes for leverage again, Hart runs into the buckle and ducks. Perfect smashes into the buckle, massive uppercut from Hart. Hair toss for Perfect who lands groin-first into the ring-post, inverted atomic drop into a Russian leg-sweep for two. Leg drop from Hart, back-breaker. Bret’s Rope Elbow Drop for two, Sharpshooter but Perfect goes after the injured hand of Hart. Stomp on the fingers, Perfect-Plex attempt but Hart blocks and both men spill out to the floor over the top rope.


Perfect is back inside the ring, Hart follows slowly after Perfect. Perfect fakes an injury to sucker in The Hitman. Small package as Perfect looks to steal it from Hart, 1…2… Hart reverses the hold and applies his own small package and it’s in tight. 1…2…3! The Hitman advances in this tournament to face Bam Bam Bigelow in the finals.


Tremendous match, easily match of the night and no surprise between two of the best in the WWF at the time. Love the story told here between these two, starts out with pure wrestling between the two. Hart is still the better man of the two so where does this bring us? It brings us to Perfect taking shortcuts to keep up with The Hitman. Hair-pulling, cheap-shots and faking injuries from Perfect, classic heel stuff from Perfect. No matter what Perfect does though, Hart keeps coming back for more. Love the grabbing of the fingers, Perfect twists them and it just turns up the whole what a prick factor by 10! Perfect and Hart sell tremendously, the story is fascinating considering the history between the two and when Hart outsmarts Perfect, it is just awesome. I doubt I will see anything better than that for a while in The New Generation Era!

Winner: Bret Hart over Mr. Perfect via Small Package!

(WWF Championship Match) Hulk Hogan © W/ Jimmy Hart vs Yokozuna W/ Mr. Fuji

The rematch from Wrestlemania IX with former champion Yokozuna who reigned for about a minute go after The Hulkster. Regardless of your feelings, this is the match for the championship and now Hogan has to battle the monster that is Yokozuna. Hogan tries pushing back Yokozuna, Yokozuna hardly budges on the push attempt. Hogan tries it again but Yokozuna shoves down Hogan. Right hand and chops from Yokozuna, another chop to the chest and a throat thrust from Yokozuna. Headbutt from Yoko, Hogan is being battered around the ring. Throat thrust has Hogan rethinking his wrestling career, another chop from Yokozuna. Yokozuna rips at the face of Hogan, another throat thrust finds the mark. Chops rock Hogan back and forth, whip to the buckle with Hogan collapsing to the mat. Whip to the opposite buckle, Yokozuna misses a corner splash. Right hands from Hogan, ten punches in the corner.


Hogan bites the head, threatening the referee afterwards. Corner clothesline, Hogan wants the slam but Yokozuna is too strong on this occasion. Whip off the ropes, Hogan ducks the clothesline and lands some offence before attempting another slam. Yokozuna is too strong, Hogan ducks two more elbows and lands a clothesline of his own, make it two. Yokozuna counters the third with a clothesline of his own, Yokozuna misses a huge splash. Hogan runs off the ropes, shoulder block knocks down Hogan. Yokozuna whips Hogan to the corner, bearhug in the middle of the ring. Hogan tries to break the hold, Yokozuna continues to squeeze.


Hogan comes back to life, massive right hands to create separation. Back elbow from Yokozuna, belly to belly suplex from Yokozuna. Cover for two, Hogan begins Hulking Up. Right hands from Hogan, big boot with more punches. Another boot, Hogan looks to the crowd for inspiration. Third boot and Atomic Leg Drop. 1…2… Yokozuna kicks out! There is a camera man on the apron, a fire-ball flies out of the camera and Yokozuna lands a massive leg drop of his own for the win.


It comes so fast you do not even get to really sink in what you saw, Yokozuna kicked out of the leg drop. Nobody has ever done that in the WWF to my knowledge and it wasn’t even a close two. Yokozuna kicked out like it was nothing. Interesting finish for sure though, would not think I would see something like that in the WWF. Anyways, seeing Hogan slimmed down in the WWF is bizarre to see, there is no getting used to seeing Hogan without being jacked to the max. The match itself went as long as it should have, I did not want to see the old Hogan formula anymore, it was a sign of the times I just could not get behind it like the old days. It saved the match from dragging, I wish Yokozuna mixed up the attacks a bit, I am yet to see why so many raved about the work-rate of Yokozuna when it seems like the new WWF Champion gasses with relative ease. Hoping things change as we move through the pay per views, shocking to see the end of Hulkamania go down like that.

Winner: Yokozuna over Hulk Hogan via Leg Drop!

The Smoking Gunns & The Steiner Brothers vs The Headshrinkers & Money Inc.

New babyface tag team to sink your teeth into, we have The Smoking Gunns Billy and Bart Gunn looking to make a mark on the established teams of Money Inc. & The Headshrinkers. Dibiase and Scott to start, arm-drag from Dibiase. Lock-up, another arm-drag from Dibiase. Scott takes the leg, waist-lock from Scott. Dibiase grabs a headlock, shoulder block from Dibiase. Leapfrogs and dropkick from Scott, clothesline to the floor. Scott clotheslines Dibiase down again to the floor, Rick lands more rights on the floor. Dibiase opts to tag in Fatu, arm-wringer from Scott. Bart tags in, Bart ducks a clothesline and dropkicks Fatu. Drop toehold into an arm-bar, Fatu is rammed into the mat head-first. No effect and a superkick from Fatu, Samu tags in for a double clothesline.


Falling headbutt from Samu, IRS is now the legal man. Elbow to the face from IRS, leg drop to the groin before a tag to Dibiase. Chops and right hands from Dibiase, beautiful suplex. Tag to Samu, headbutt from Samu. Tag to Fatu, double back body-drop. Headbutt to the groin for two, Fatu bites the head of Bart. Back-breaker from Fatu for two, tag to IRS. Diving throat thrust from IRS, leg drop for two.


Whip from IRS, IRS ducks as Bart applies a sunset flip for two. Another whip and a massive clothesline with both men hitting the mat hard. Bart tags Billy, Dibiase is taken aback by the right hands of Billy. Clotheslines after a back body drop, Dibiase stun-guns Billy. Million Dollar Dream from Dibiase, Dibiase lets go of the hold to punish Billy but Billy lures in Dibiase and scores the win with a small package.


Talk about abrupt, good to put The Smoking Gunns on the map I guess but this was pure filler after the massive title match. I cannot give you one spot or one memorable moment in that whole match. It was wrestled and worked like a nothing match, it came off like a nothing match and that’s all I can say really. It happened, it was a match and it had a winner. Perhaps a tag team title match in the future, maybe not who knows?

Winners: Steiners & Gunns over Headshrinkers & Money Inc. via Small Package!

(WWF Intercontinental Championship Match) Shawn Michaels © W/ Diesel vs Crush

Both men have moved on from Wrestlemania, Michaels investing in a bodyguard named Diesel while Crush has his sights set on championship gold. Michaels recently regained the championship from former tag team partner Marty Jannetty, this should be an interesting match. Side headlock from Crush, Michaels eats a massive shoulder block. Side headlock from Crush, Michaels cannot wriggle free from the hold. Leapfrogs from Michaels, big jab from HBK. Crush shakes it off, Michaels is frustrating the big man. Arm-wringer from Michaels, Crush whips Michaels off the ropes. Shoulder block does not knock Crush, Michaels misses the superkick and gets dropkicked to the floor.


Crush continues to sweep the legs of Michaels, big arm-bar and a military press slam from Crush. Michaels is whipped off the ropes, tilt-a-whirl sidewalk slam. Diesel pulls Michaels out of the ring. Michaels sneaks up on Crush after Diesel distracted Crush, Diesel sends Crush head-first into the ring-post. Michaels bangs Crush’s head off the ring-post over and over, this could be the end of this match. Michaels does not take the count-out win, picking up the body of Crush. Michaels covers for a close two, Michaels is on the top rope. Diving double axe handle from Michaels, Michaels lands a big boot to the head.


Crush shakes off Michaels for a pin-fall, Michaels applies a front chancery to wear down Crush. Crush escapes by shaking off Michaels, throwing Michaels across the ring. Michaels is stubbornly going back to the hold, Michaels is dumped onto the top rope and is flung to the floor. Michaels is on the to rope, Crush sidesteps Michaels away and Michaels crashes into the mat. Back body-drop from Crush, whip to the buckle into a back-breaker for two. Big boot from Crush, leg drop from Crush for two. O’Connor roll is blocked by Crush, Michaels is clotheslined to the floor. Doink and Doink are here, the double act strikes again.


Crush has to be restrained by the referee, the Doinks continue to distract Crush. Crush does not see Michaels re-enter the ring, Michaels stumbles to his feet. Sweet Chin Music to the back of the head of Crush, Crush smashes his face on the turnbuckle too which leads to HBK retaining his championship.


Well that was a bit of a rough one to sit through, I don’t see it in Crush. The gimmick, the charisma or lack of, nothing about Crush appeals to me. I am only blinded by his neon-bright gear. Michaels was nothing special in this one, interesting to see Diesel make his pay per view debut in the WWF. As for the finish, it looked pretty bad. The camera angle was not great, not much to show the impact of the kick and the comical bump onto the front turnbuckle just did not work for me. Also, Doink and Crush are still going? Crush is getting screwed as a babyface and I don’t know if I care enough to be angry.

Winner: Shawn Michaels over Crush via Sweet Chin Music!

(KOTR Final Match) Bam Bam Bigelow vs Bret Hart

The well-rested Bigelow takes on the battered Bret Hart, Hart limps to the ring which calls back to the tweaking of his knee when Perfect sent him flying into the guardrail. Bigelow rushes out of the gate to begin the match, Hart dodges and tries to go blow for blow with Bigelow. Big mistake as Bigelow clubs down Hart, whip off the ropes. Clothesline misses but Hart counters the military press by falling on top of Bigelow. Two for Hart, Bigelow rakes the eyes to escape the arm-bar. Shoulder block from Bigelow, Bigelow military presses Hart to the floor. Huge spot, could have been a count-out finish tease. Bigelow brings Hart back in the ring though, falling headbutts from Bigelow.


Whip to the buckle, Hart collapses on impact. Another falling headbutt for two as Hart places his foot on the ropes. Kidney blows from Bigelow, massive belly to back suplex from Bigelow. Two for Bigelow, Hart is whipped to the buckle hard again. Bigelow continues to nail headbutts to the back, bearhug in the middle of the ring. Looks brutal for once, Hart struggles before breaking free for a second before a belly to back suplex from Bigelow for two. Bigelow tosses Hart to the floor, Hart manages to send Bigelow into the guardrail, Hart nails a diving elbow from the apron.


Hart tries another dive from the apron, Bigelow catches Hart in mid-air though. Massive ram into the ring-post, Luna Vachon is here and she cracks Hart with a steel chair. Bigelow slams Hart in the middle of the ring, Bigelow climbs to the top rope. Bigelow lands his Diving Headbutt on Hart but referee Earl Hebnar is out here with Joey Marella. Hebnar alerts Marella to the interference of Luna Vachon, this match has to continue. Bigelow attacks the back, headbutts to the spine. Headbutt right between the eyes for The Hitman, whip off the ropes. Bearhug again, headbutt from Bigelow again. Argentine back-breaker from Bigelow, Hart survives the back-breaker.


Massive belly to back suplex from The Hitman, Bigelow is up to his feet first. Bigelow misses a senton, Hart rolls out of the way. Hart has his eyes raked by Bigelow, hard Irish whip from Bigelow. Argentine back-breaker once more from Bigelow, Hart grabs at the face of Bigelow. Sleeper from Hart, Bigelow staggers around the ring. Bigelow grabs Hart by the hair, slamming Hart to the mat. Hart manages to dropkick Bigelow and dump him to the floor, plancha and right hands from Hart. Hart is on the middle rope, diving clothesline for two. Russian leg-sweep and middle rope bulldog from Hart, Hart wants the sharpshooter. Bigelow kicks away Hart, bearhug again from Bigelow. Hart bites the head of Bigelow, belly to back suplex attempt from Hart goes wrong as Bigelow drops his weight on The Hitman. Close two for Bigelow, Bigelow whips Hart to the buckle. Boot to the face from Hart, victory roll from Hart and it’s over!


Yeah, I did not like it! I am very happy that it was the main event and the tournament has constantly been put over as a huge deal but this match was just off for me. Bigelow never went after the hand or injured leg during this match, why waste time building up and mentioning those two injuries when Bigelow ignores them completely. The bearhugs and Argentine back-breakers did  little for me in terms of drama and the false-finish with the match being restarted irks me. It irks me because how can I suspend my disbelief when heels cheat 90% of the time and steal wins through such actions but every once and a while, a referee will be like “Hold on, you cannot cheat to win and this match must be restarted!” The lack of consistency when it comes to this really takes me out of the scenario, this should have been a clear-cut story of Bigelow destroying Bret’s hand or leg and Hart overcoming the odds but it just felt like any other babyface vs heel match, very little meat on the bones of this match. Maybe Vince felt this way too because the shows ends with Jerry Lawler assaulting Bret Hart to setup their feud.

Winner: Bret Hart over Bam Bam Bigelow via Victory Roll!

That was WWF’s King Of The Ring 1993, a solid showing from the WWF all things considered but my interest in the product has definitely taking a hit as continue into The New Generation. Similar to Wrestlemania IX, you have a mix of newer talent and talent that I thought was long gone on this point mixed in with gimmicks that might not have legs to them. Duggan on WWF pay per view in 1993? Crush brah trying to sell as a babyface? The Smoking Gunns? Certainly these kind of things seem dated looking back but they were outdated and looked cheesy at the time. The most fascinating part of The New Generation Era to explore will be just how out of touch the product is with the mainstream at the time. It’s baffling to think we were deep into Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam and Red Hot Chili Peppers dominating the charts and having movies like Goodfellas and Silence Of The Lambs take over cinema while the WWF still seems to be in that Saturday Morning Cartoon phase. I cannot imagine the struggle to admit you were a wrestling fan during this time!

Anyways, everything I really enjoyed about this night contained Bret Hart. From the opening match with Razor Ramon, things were off to a great start. As far as nasty smirking bad guys, Ramon seems to have found the gimmick that just fits like a glove. His snug style of working helps greatly too as I found myself just waiting for Ramon to do anything in this match as I knew I would be enjoying it, Hart sells his ass off and the false-finish of the backslide flip over into the small package would have been the icing on the cake, looked great and the crowd reacted to it, maybe it was the finish? Regardless, this match was very enjoyable but cannot say much for the next match. Mr. Hughes gets  a pass because Mr. Perfect is the man, plain and simple. Hughes looked like a God as Perfect flew around the ring for him, the finish was lame but I guess the world is crying out for Hughes vs Undertaker. Bigelow and Duggan was ok, thought Duggan should have been more serious to put over the monster that is Bigelow considering what was planned for Bigelow but we have the kind of match that makes Bigelow look like more of a clumsy oaf than credible contender which had me praying for a quick end to the match. Luger vs Tatanka was not a match I wanted to see go 15 minutes but when it was over, I thought Lex Luger is the best heel in the company with the best gimmick of knocking people out with his forearm. So much fun to watch Luger be disgusted by everyone in sight!

Hart vs Perfect was match of the night, lots of story-telling and emotion in this one. Perfect sinking back into his old habits to try and beat the better man, coming up short in quite the classic. Could easily see this as a world championship match, would love to have these two fight every night it was that enjoyable. The 8 man tag was pure filler, no meaning or consequences. Not my kind of match, I understand there needs to be a match that allows the fans to breathe between the big ones but this was just so clearly there to serve that purpose that nothing ever came of it.

The two main events did not find the mark for me, I could not sink my teeth into Hogan vs Yokozuna, it just does not do it for me when all was said and done. Everything felt off, this act had been played out before and with Hogan slimmer than ever, it just was not like how it had been in years gone by, the punches and the Hulking Up seems out of place in 1993. The finish was very flashy though for WWF, probably the wildest things have been since Jake unleashed a snake on Randy Savage. Bret Hart vs Bam Bam Bigelow missed the mark for me, the false-finish irked me while Bigelow never went after the injured hand or leg of Bret who had been hobbling in the last match and had his fingers twisted by Perfect. That story went to waste and the action was nothing special for a main event. Thankfully, for the duo the fans were all in o Bret Hart and carried the match but I was bored during this main event, taking 3 attempts to sit through the action. We shall see if the WWF continues this awkward streak of bizarre to solid pay per views with Summerslam 1993. Thanks for reading and remember: there’s always another night!


Saturday 18 July 2020

WWF Wrestlemania IX Review

WrestleMania IX - Wikipedia


Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that is a bigger draw than Sasha Banks. It’s WWF Wrestlemania IX, the first appearance of Jim Ross on pay per view. We are in an odd place with The New Generation coming into effect but we also have the return of Hulkamania! Our main event is Bret Hart against his toughest challenge yet, it’s Yokozuna. Could The Hitman overcome the seemingly unstoppable foreign menace managed by Mr. Fuji? As I stated above, Hulk Hogan is back with his long-time friend Brutus The Barber Beefcake to take on Money Inc. for the WWF Tag Team Championships. We will also have Shawn Michaels vs Tatanka and the pay per view debut match for The Narcissist Lex Luger. Razor Ramon vs Bob Backlund, Crush vs Doink and Undertaker vs Giant Gonzalez. Could this be a homerun? Let’s find out!

(WWF Intercontinental Championship Match) Shawn Michaels © W/ Luna Vachon vs Tatanka W/ Sensational Sherri

The undefeated Tatanka battles the cocky champion in HBK. Michaels has ditched Sherri after his battled with Marty Jannetty, Sherri accompanies Tatanka to combat Luna at ringside. Michaels takes his time, Tatanka has a hammerlock. Michaels looks for an angle, applying a keylock before Tatanka bridges up and shoves off Michaels. Side headlock from Michaels, Tatanka cannot break free. Michaels runs up the ropes to continue to apply pressure to Tatanka, Michaels tries it again and Tatanka lands a massive belly to back suplex. Chop in the corner, hard whip to the buckle. Michaels dodges the clothesline and Tatanka lands two arm-drags and a dropkick. Michaels flip to the apron and a chop sends Michaels to the floor.


Luna goes to check on Michaels, Sherri stops that business. Tatanka waffles Michaels who tries entering the ring, Michaels lands an eye poke on Tatanka. Michaels tries a sunset flip from the top rope, it connects for two. Elbow from Michaels, Tatanka reverses an Irish whip. Both men leapfrog and avoid one another before an inverted atomic drop from Tatanka. Michaels misses a chop and lowers his head, Tatanka lands a massive DDT.


Snap-mare into a leg drop on the arm, Tatanka maintains control of the arm. Clothesline from Michaels, Tatanka walks it off and reapplies the arm-bar. Tatanka continues to wrench the arm of The Heartbreak Kid, Micheals backs Tatanka to the corner. Clean break it is not though, Michaels cheap-shots Tatanka. Whip to the buckle, Michaels hits the ring-post hard as Tatanka avoids the collision. Tatanka reapplies the arm-bar, shoulder-breaker from Tatanka and a massive elbow. Diving Chop from Tatanka, a second tomahawk chop goes wrong as Michaels connects with a beautiful Superkick. Michaels tosses Tatanka to the floor, Luna thinks about jumping Tatanka but Sherri defends the challenger.


Luna is not pleased, Michaels runs Tatanka into the ring apron. Michaels lands a flying clothesline off the apron, Michaels stomps on the head of Tatanka as Sherri and Michaels have words at ringside. Michaels wants Sherri to leave, Irish whip and a right hand from Michaels. Swinging neck-breaker for two, beautiful dropkick for two. Reverse chin-lock from Michaels, Tatanka fires up though. Elbows to the ribs, left jabs from Michaels rock the challenger. Michaels wants a victory roll, two for the champion. More jabs and a right hand from Michaels, Michaels gets caught on the shoulders of Tatanka who lands a massive electric chair drop.


Tatanka gets a two off the electric chair drop, Tatanka misses a regular elbow drop. Michaels climbs to the middle rope. Diving axe handle from Michaels, Tatanka shakes it off. Michaels lands a second axe handle and Tatanka is on the warpath. Superkick is blocked, massive chop from Tatanka. Make it three, massive chop off an Irish whip floors Michaels. Diving Crossbody for two, Michaels sends Tatanka to the buckle. Michaels tries a dropkick for two catapult counter from Tatanka. Both men use roll-ups for two, Michaels is on the top rope. Tatanka counters the crossbody for a powerslam, 1…2.. Michaels kicks out!


Michaels throws Tatanka to the floor, Luna thinks about getting involved in the match. Michaels tries a diving crossbody from the apron, Tatanka moves out of the way and Michaels lands hard on the steel steps. Michaels trips up the referee and goes back to fighting Tatanka in the ring. Tatanka lands the Samoan Drop but the referee calls for the bell, Tatanka wins by count-out.


Certainly a change from the Michaels and Jannetty match, a big change of pace. While no doubting that Tatanka is popular with the audience, this was not his greatest showcase. Michaels did bump all around at times but things were rather dull, I think it could be the outside arena environment too though. It seems to suck the noise out of the fans, you cannot get that same reaction from being inside an arena. Interesting dynamic of Luna and Sherri at ringside, the pairing of Luna & Michaels seems a bit odd but the fans do love Sherri and believe she has been wronged by The Heartbreak Kid. Maybe there is a mixed tag team match coming in the future, who knows. Overall, it was a step-down from Michaels vs Jannetty and not the hottest opening match I have seen but I don’t know how the rest of the card will pan out, this might be one of the best matches of the night when this is all over.

Winner: Tatanka over Shawn Michaels via Count-Out!

The Headshrinkers W/Afa vs The Steiner Brothers

Heenan sums it up right, this is an important match for sure. Two rising teams in the WWF, no strangers to one another from their battles in WCW. Fatu and Scott to start, lock-up and arm-drag from Scott. Fatu is right back up, talking trash before Scott takes down Fatu with an arm-bar being the result of that tackle. Fatu brings Scott to the corner, headbutts from Fatu to break the hold. Scott hip-tosses his way out, the two trade blows and Scott lands a massive clothesline which spins Fatu all over the place. Fatu thumbs the eye and tags Samu after a double-team in the corner.


Samu decks Rick who tried helping Scott, both Steiners are tossed to the floor before climbing to the top rope. The Headshrinkers are hit by a double clothesline, The Steiners own the ring. Fatu and Samu bang their heads together and return to action, another lock-up. Scott takes the arm and tags Rick, Samu comes in and chops Rick. Face rake and shots by Samu, corner clothesline floors Rick. Whip to the opposite buckle and Rick explodes out of the corner with a clothesline, Samu is whipped hard into the ring-post. Tag to Scott, Tigerbomb from Scott. Fatu eats a dropkick before Samu flapjacks Scott over the top rope and right onto his head. This looks devastating, one of the scariest things you would ever see and Scott is fine.


Afa whacks Scott with a kendo stick before Scott is back in the ring, Samu presses the advantage with clubbing blows. Fatu headbutts Scott, back-breaker and middle rope headbutt onto Scott. Two for Fatu as Rick saves the match, Headshrinkers double headbutt Scott before Samu lands a roundhouse kick. Samu whips Scott to the buckle, Scott counters with a boot. Samu tags Fatu who kicks Scott to the floor, Rick tries rallying his brother. Rick and Fatu have words as Samu rams Scott head-first into the ring-post. Rick checks on his brother once more, Scott sends Fatu into the mat head-first but Fatu no-sells and superkicks Scott. Standing dropkick from Samu on Scott, Scott begins fighting back before a throat thrust ends the flurry of Scott.


Tag to Fatu, back-breaker and diving chop combination. Headbutt from Fatu for two, nerve-hold from Fatu. Fatu and Samu continue to dominate Scott with a gut-kick from Samu. Chop and clubbing blows have Scott down to a knee, Samu rakes at the eyes of Scott. Headbutt from Samu, scoop slam from Samu. Samu climbs to the top rope, Samu tries a diving headbutt but Scott dodges at the last second. Rick receives the hot-tag, back body drop and scoop slams all around. Steinerlines for The Headshrinkers, noggin-knocker goes wrong for Rick as he eats a double headbutt. Headshrinkers land a front-Russian leg-sweep before Fatu tags Samu. Doomsday Device goes wrong as Rick powerslams Samu in mid-air for a close two. Rick tags Scott, Scott belly to belly suplexes Fatu. Samu lands a superkick on Scott, Scott counters an Irish whip for a Frankensteiner and this match is over!


That bump is horrifying to look, you do not see how Scott landed and thank God, I do not think I would be able to look at something like that take place. Anyways, Scott sells his ass off for the dominant Headshrinkers before we get down to the finish. My one problem with the finish is how abrupt it is when it comes to The Frankensteiner. Rick runs wild before being wiped out to allow Scott in, Scott loses control and gets beat down some more before one Irish whip later, Scott whips out The Frankensteiner and it’s all over. Just does not hit the right spot for me. Good tag team match that was entertaining and I could watch these two go at it some more.

Winners: The Steiner Brothers over The Headshrinkers via Frankensteiner!

Crush vs Doink

Doink the evil crown had given Crush a concussion after smashing him with a fake arm. Doink was certainly an interesting character in the beginning, an odd clown who took pleasure in other’s pain. Antagonizing opponents, there was a dark side to this clown who wanted to batter his opponents and break every bone in their body. The match starts with Crush slamming Doink on the floor, Doink meets the ring-post too. Doink meets the guard-rail before Crush throws Doink into the ring. Crush corners Doink, Doink begs for mercy at the hands of Crush. Crush chokes and rams Doink into the buckle, right hands stagger Doink. Hard Irish whip to the buckle sends Doink down, Doink rolls to the floor for a break before pulling out Crush.


Rights and lefts from Doink have no effect on Crush, Crush continues kicking and walloping Doink. Neck-breaker in the middle of the ring, snap-mare and face rake from Crush. Doink continues to beg for mercy, Crush continues to punish Doink. Back-breaker, Doink rolls to the apron. Forearm to the chest from Crush, Doink grabs the hair and stun-guns Crush. Diving double axe handle from Doink, clothesline off the middle rope. Fists to the side of the head, Doink lands a devastating piledriver. Crush rolls to the floor but Doink brings him back in, scoop slam from Doink. Whoopie Cushion is blocked by the boot of Crush, Doink tries to regain control. Crush is bounced off the buckle, chop from Doink.


Doink tries a crossbody, Crush counters for a powerslam. Crush is sent tumbling to the floor off a clothesline, Doink tries crawling under the ring. Crush grabs Doink and headbutts him in the back of the head. Military press slam from Crush, Crush calls for the end of this match. Cranium Crush, Doink makes it to the ropes and smacks away the referee who is now knocked out. Doink tries crawling under the ring again, Crush stops that and lands a spinning sole butt. Cranium Crush on Doink, Doink is fading in the middle of the ring but wait a minute, there is another clown. Crush is waffled with the fake arm three times by this second Doink, they do an illusion act before laughing at the fallen Crush. Doink One wakes the referee and steals the win.


Based on the feud, this was everything it needed to be during the match with Crush finally getting his hands on Doink and battering the demented clown. However, the clown had a secret plan and the double act was a clever idea for sure. Not a great look for Doink but I mean look at those tights and hair, how could Crush ever get over looking like he does, it is shocking as I feel my eyes are being assaulted by the barrage of colours.

Winner: Doink over Crush via Fake Arm!

Razor Ramon vs Bob Backlund

What in the lord’s name is this match? Ramon’s first Wrestlemania match is against Backlund who only came back at the Rumble? Backlund won over the fans at The Rumble but that was a match where lots of things were happening and Backlund was not the sole focus. Ramon throws his toothpick right at Backlund, loud Razor chants from the fans. Not good, Ramon throws Backlund into the corner twice. Backlund surprises Ramon with his quickness before Ramon lands a big right, scoop slam and stomp to the face. Another slam for Backlund, measured rights from Ramon. Backlund manages to reverse a corner whip before landing two hip-tosses, a dropkick and a forearm to the face.


Double arm suplex from Backlund, delayed atomic drop from Backlund. Ramon rolls to the apron, Backlund brings Ramon back into the ring before Ramon clamps on a small package and wins the match, just like that.


Well, I was not expecting that finish so abruptly and all of a sudden. It is all I could have asked for though, I had no interest in these two going at for any long period of time. The gods listened to me and this match was over quickly but wow, what was the point of this match? A buffer to the big Money Inc. vs Mega-Maniacs match? Seems like a nothing match for a big star like Razor Ramon, guess Ramon’s first Mania is nothing special.

Winner: Razor Ramon over Bob Backlund via Small Package!

(WWF Tag Team Championship Match) Money Inc. © vs The Mega-Maniacs W/ Jimmy Hart

Beefcake was cracked by Money Inc. on an episode of Raw, disfiguring The Barber while Hogan was attacked by hired thugs at the gym by Money Inc. That’s the angle but the big news is Hogan is back after leaving at the previous Wrestlemania to help his friend Beefcake.


This match starts with a brawl, The Mega-Maniacs rule the ring as Dibiase & IRS are tossed to the floor. Posing time brother, grand-standing and hot-dogging galore. Beefcake and IRS to start the match officially, knees from IRS. Beefcake meets the buckle as Dibiase is tagged in, rights and lefts from Dibiase. Chops too, whip and elbow from The Million Dollar Man. Dibiase antagonizes Hogan as Money Inc. land double team blows on Beefcake. IRS tags in Dibiase, kicks to the ribs and a middle rope axe handle on Beefcake. However, Beefcake blocks with his protective mask. Hogan is in the ring off the tag, ten punches in the corner on Dibiase. Hogan lands more punches to the head, the referee and Hogan have words as Hogan stalks Dibiase. Off the ropes and a massive axe bomber from Hogan before more punches, Hogan scares off the referee again before tagging Beefcake.


Double big boot, stomp from Beefcake. Big scoop slam, tag to Hogan. Middle rope axe handle, shot to the head from Hogan. Not so bad says Hogan, Dibiase shoves off Hogan and runs into a right hand from Hogan. Clothesline to the floor, IRS runs in and gets clobbered by Beefcake and Hogan. Hogan tosses IRS to the floor, Hogan poses for the fans. Money Inc. begin walking away, the official begins talking to The Fink. The referee rules Money Inc. must return to the ring or forfeit their championships. IRS and Dibiase are back in, we reset for this match. Dibiase eye pokes Hogan and chokes The Hulkster on the middle rope. IRS chokes Hogan behind the referee’s back, Dibiase chokes Hogan with the rope too.


Quick tags as Dibiase chokes Hogan while IRS distracts the referee, Dibiase uses the top rope to continue choking Hogan. More choking by IRS, Hogan collapses to the mat. Million Dollar Dream, Hogan reaches out for Beefcake but is fading fast. Beefcake and Jimmy Hart are trying to rally Hogan, Hogan fades to one knee. Hogan comes back alive before Dibiase squeezes tighter. Beefcake comes in and applies The Sleeper on Dibiase, Hogan and Dibiase are down as Beefcake choked out Dibiase. Beefacke gets the hot-tag, rights and lefts on IRS. Running high knee on IRS, atomic drop on Dibiase. Right hand floors IRS, multiple right hands floor IRS before Dibiase smashes Beefcake in the back with his briefcase.


IRS lands an elbow on the prone Beefcake, make it two. Tag to Dibiase, Dibiase tries ripping off the protective mask of Beefcake. Throat thrust from Dibiase, the mask is off. Dibiase lands a huge right, Beefcake is smashed into the boot of IRS. Another measured right to the face of Beefcake, tag to Dibiase. A defenceless Beefcake takes huge rights to the face, Beefcake ducks an Irish whip from Money Inc. and lands a huge clothesline. Beefcake has The Sleeper on IRS, Dibiase axe handles Beefcake into the referee to break the hold. Hogan gets the hot-tag, the referee is still down.


Right hands on Dibiase, Irish whip and a huge boot. Atomic leg drop time, nope as IRS comes but Hogan waffles both with the protective mask of Beefcake. IRS and Dibiase have been hit with the masks, Jimmy hart tries reviving the referee. It does not work so Jimmy Hart turns his jacket inside-out and counts the pin-fall. 1..2..3. Hogan and Beefcake win the match but this is not official of course as Money Inc. are declared the winners by DQ. Beefcake ran over the referee so that explains why this match is turned in their favour.


This was probably the best match on the card so far, it was all about Hogan brother. Dibiase and IRS turn in their best performance as a tag team by cheating in every conceivable way imaginable during the match. The only thing they did not do was fake an injury as they used tag ropes, took cheap shots, interfered illegally and even took off the protective mask of the injured Beefcake. Hogan can still do what he needs to do, Hogan gets the big reaction from the fans. Beefcake is a serviceable partner, not good enough to make this super exciting but he did what he needed to do. A weak finish for sure considering this was very heavily hyped, even named a Double Main Event. It’s Hogan returning man and you give us another screwy finish when it comes to this card.

Winners: Money Inc. over The Mega-Maniacs via DQ!

Mr. Perfect vs Lex Luger

Luger makes one of the most incredible entrances in the WWF to this point as The Narcissist is joined by several beautiful women to pose in front of all his “fans” in the WWF. This should be a good match as Perfect has been impressive since returning to in-ring competition. Perfect and Luger to lock-up, Luger and Perfect trade wrist-locks before Perfect shows Luger that he is quicker. Luger backs up, not wanting to get into a battle of speed with Perfect. Another lock-up, Perfect and Luger trade hammerlocks before Luger wants Perfect to let go, Luger scrambles to the ropes. Eye rake from Luger, Perfect reverses an Irish whip and lands a gut punch before a knee-lift.


Perfect fools Luger once more with his speed and agility before landing a dropkick which sends Luger powdering to the floor. Let’s take a breather, another eye rake from Luger. Clubbing blows by Luger, Perfect meets the turnbuckle hard. Luger misses a boot, Perfect slaps Luger and drives his knee into the leg of Luger. Perfect goes after the leg of Luger, Luger sells appropriately. Perfect drives all his weight into the leg of Luger, spinning toe hold from Perfect. Perfect continues to kicks the legs of Luger, chops in the corner stagger Luger. Luger stops the whip to the opposite buckle, Luger reverses though sending in Perfect hard. Make it two, Perfect is down clutching his back.


Perfect is rammed into the ring apron, forearms to the spine of Perfect. Back-breaker from Luger, elbow to the head. Two for Luger, Perfect fights out of the corner and begins to will his way back into this match. Whip to the buckle, Luger counters with a knee and uses the ropes for leverage for two before being caught by the referee. Powerslam from Luger for two, too much taunting from Luger. Irish whip, Luger ducks the head. Sunset flip from Perfect for two, sleeper from Perfect. Luger backs Perfect into the corner, gut shots and right hands from Perfect. Kick from Luger, right hands. Whip off the ropes, Luger ducks the head again which allows Perfect to land a small package for two. Back body-drop from Perfect, Perfect sends Luger to the buckle. Luger is down, catapult into the ring-post.


Roundhouse right from Perfect, Perfect whips Luger again. Giant forearm to the head for two, Luger is begging for mercy. Perfect closes in for another right hand, ten punches in the corner from Perfect. Luger tries an inverted atomic drop but Perfect blocks and lands two big forearms for two. Neck-breaker for two, missile dropkick from Perfect for two. Perfect wants a backslide, Luger blocks using the middle rope and reverses the hold. Luger backslides Perfect and Perfect has his feet in the ropes, referee does not see it and Luger gets the 3. After the match, Luger waffles Perfect with his Bionic Forearm!


Not the best way to win for your first feud I believe, I think Luger could be something special in the WWF and while I understand that you want to protect Perfect but I think Luger should have knocked out Perfect. Especially when Perfect gets up from the deadly forearm after a few seconds and is brawling with Luger. The potential match between Perfect and Michaels is exciting though, would love to see those two go at it but yeah, the in-ring work was fine between Perfect and Luger. Perfect’s transition to babyface has been seamless, Perfect can still be cocky but so cool, love his body language and facials too. Great working punches and the fans are all in on Perfect while Luger is such a smug heel, it simply works for me. So, not thrilled with the finish at all, would loved a definitive win for Luger considering Perfect can move right into a feud with Michaels.

Winner: Lex Luger over Mr. Perfect via Backslide!

Giant Gonzalez W/ Harvey Whippleman vs The Undertaker W/ Paul Bearer

The Royal Rumble: Undertaker enters and makes the rumble bearable for a brief moment before this monster, Gonzalez in the most ridiculous outfit I have ever seen comes in and dominates Undertaker like nobody has ever seen. Taker leaves the rumble eliminated, struggling to sit up. Point made Gonzalez but now you must pay against The Deadman. The two men stare at one another in the middle of the ring, a forearm from Gonzalez does nothing to Taker who continues to stare in defiance. Shots from Taker stagger Gonzalez, Gonzalez chokes Taker with ease. To the corner we go, Taker climbs to the middle rope and chokes back at the giant. Gonzalez goes low, Taker fights back and waffles Gonzalez with a chop. Old School from Taker, more shots to the face and chest.


Stomps from Taker, boot from Gonzalez. Clothesline from Gonzalez, a clubbing blow takes down Taker. A huge toss from Gonzalez, reverse chin-lock from Gonzalez. Taker fades before coming back, Gonzalez releases the hold and side-steps Taker who spills out to the floor. More attacks from Gonzalez, Taker meets the steel steps. Bearer uses the power of the urn to raise up Taker, Gonzalez crushes Taker with a giant headbutt. Make it two, Taker is on his feet once more. Taker will not fall, clubbing blows do not drop The Deadman. Gonzalez is down to a knee, Whippleman throws something to Gonzalez before being attacked by Taker. Gonzalez headbutts Paul Bearer and applies a hold with a cloth full of chloroform. Gonzalez is disqualified and Taker wins the match.


Giant Gonzalez might be one of the worst wrestlers I have ever seen in that ring, I have no idea how I will sit through another match between these two because this was a disaster. Also, another DQ? How many is that now on this card? It’s driving me nuts, I was aware of the previous reputation that this Wrestlemania had my God, I cannot believe how many poor finishes this card has across the whole event.

Winner: The Undertaker over Giant Gonzalez via DQ!

(WWF Championship Match) Bret Hart © vs Yokozuna W/ Mr. Fuji

The Winner of The Royal Rumble comes to The Main Event! Yokozuna is here to take what he believes is his: The WWF Championship. Bret Hart was knocked out earlier by The Bionic Forearm of Lex Luger. Hart must go up against this monster with the whole world expecting a Yokozuna win, Hart is focused on the task at hand. Hart comes in with a dropkick, right hands in the corner. Yokozuna shoves off Hart with ease, more rights from Hart. Hart takes the back but Yokozuna shakes that off before landing a huge shoulder tackle. Hart is send crashing to the floor, Yokozuna continues to kick Hart. Hart ties up Yokozuna’s leg, slingshot splash into the ring. Right hands from Hart, Bret’s Rope Elbow Drop.


Hart rallies the crowd, Yokozuna is freed from the ropes. Hart lands a clothesline, make it two. Yokozuna answers with a massive clothesline of his own, scoop slam and leg drop across the face of Hart. Yokozuna chokes Hart using the top rope, standing choke from Yokozuna. Hart breaks free, climbing to the middle rope to land a bulldog on the challenger for two. Yokozuna measures Hart for a massive thrust-kick, Yokozuna calls for the end.


Snap-mare into a shoulder claw, Yokozuna misses a hip attack in the corner as Hart dodges. Middle rope bulldog from Hart for two, Bret’s Rope Elbow Drop for two. Hart lands a middle rope clothesline, a running clothesline floors Yokozuna. To the corner, Yokozuna wants a spinebuster but Hart holds onto the buckle. Hart pulls off the buckle, cushioning the blow. Yokozuna is set into the exposed buckle, Hart locks on The Sharpshooter. Fuji reaches into his rove and throws powder in the eyes of Hart, Yokozuna covers Hart and steals the championship.

Winner: Yokozuna over Bret Hart via Powder To The Eyes!

(WWF Championship Match) Yokozuna © W/ Mr. Fuji vs Hulk Hogan

Hogan comes into the ring, protesting what had happened to The Hitman. Fuji gets on the microphone and starts calling Hogan a coward. Hogan wants to help Hart to the back, Hart tells Hogan to go after the championship. Hogan says alright, Yokozuna starts chopping Hogan. Fuji has more powder, Yokozuna is hit in the eyes. Fuji is knocked down, axe bomber to Yokozuna and one Atomic Leg Drop later, Hogan is champion once more.


So I thought I would talk about the two matches in one go. The first one was ok, I say just ok due to that length. It did not feel like a main event for Wrestlemania and that was proved correct as moments later, Hogan was out there winning the championship. For what it’s worth, Bret Hart went in there and made Yokozuna look like a beast while providing credible offence to try and take down the giant monster. Crowd was with it, I was with it and things were going good for the WWF Championship. Before it got really interesting though, powder to the eyes and we are done. Disappointing for sure because I find it a tough sell to buy into being blinded rendering you unable to lift your shoulders off the mat. Like Bret was so concerned with his eyes, he forgot to kick out? It’s not a clean finish and doesn’t hurt your champion so why not have him blinded and then hit by the finish, the heel still cheated and your babyface does not look as laughable. Things get more laughable as Hogan comes down and saves Wrestlemania making Yokozuna not look like a big threat and Bret foolish for not disposing of Yokozuna.

Winner: Hulk Hogan over Yokozuna via Atomic Leg Drop!

That was WWF Wrestlemania IX, a step-down from the previous year for sure. A lot of the star-power of the WWF is missing for Wrestlemania IX and while they are some matches here of genuine interest, the finishes leave you with a feeling of meh when all things are said and done. We kick off with Tatanka and Michaels, two rising stars on hot streaks within the company. Tatanka is undefeated and goes over in this match by count-out, not your ideal opener by any stretch of the imagination and it’s a finish where you are asking yourself well why did we book this? Michaels tried to make this a thrilling and exciting match but it never reaches those heights for me, it’s just so odd to open with a count-out at Wrestlemania I kept saying to myself when thinking about this match. Things improve with The Steiners vs The Headshrinkers though as these two beat the piss out of one another until The Steiners win the match. Nothing fancy and while Scott can be explosive and awesome at times, his selling does not get me invested to the degree I need for their matches. At this point, I was still happy enough with how the card was playing out. Things take a turn though!

Doink vs Crush was interesting at first, Crush dominated Doink for all his cheap tricks and when it was time to end things, Doink cheated his way to victory which could be a great way to continue their feud. The Crush gear and character are very bland though, definitely needs some sort of edge to himself apart from wearing neon-blinding colours for ring gear and saying “Brah”. Ramon vs Backlund was short which was nice but a roll-up for Ramon to win? Ramon was a huge star in the WWF and I do not mean to discredit Backlund because Backlund had been a huge star but Ramon needed a decisive win here after The Rumble. This is not looking towards your future, just felt like a waste of a match. The tag team championship match woke up the crowd and it’s no surprise because it’s Hogan back in the WWF. The nostalgia wears off when the finish happens, I loved the cheating ways of Money Inc. but a DQ finish in Hogan’s return was always going to be a bad idea. Finish does nothing for me, Beefcake and Hogan never really got justice for the assaults at the hands of Money Inc and all is forgotten as Hogan wins the WWF Championship.

Continuing on the questionable booking, new star Lex Luger gets a lucky win over Perfect who no-sells his finish despite the numerous warnings of Luger knocking out all opponents. Yes, Perfect was knocked out but not for very long and it made Luger seem weak in my eyes. How is Luger not going over the more established Perfect? What was the plan here? Undertaker vs Gonzalez was poor, Gonzalez sucks and we have another DQ. That’s three, I am getting sick of them now people. Finally, the main event was frustrating. Bret puts on a great performance and it’s undone by a finish that confuses me (Why can’t Bret lift his arms, he is blind not broken) and Hogan just coming in winning the title like it was nothing. Bret was built up for months as a fighting champion, Yokozuna was built up for months as unstoppable and both were wasted here. You could have had Bret lose and chase Yokozuna for the year, you could have had Bret go over and have Yokozuna rededicate himself to capture the championship. A lot of options but to have Hogan walk off and make both men look foolish in the process? Nah that’s awful! Wrestlemania IX is considered one of the worst like other early Wrestlemanias like I, II and IV. It’s not hard to see why, no new stars were made here and the booking is questionable at best. The company is in rough shape with stars hard to come by and yet here we are, relying on Hogan to save the day while Luger and Ramon got lucky wins and Bret and Yoko were made to look like fools and Taker is fighting a man that can barely wrestle. Thanks for reading and supporting, remember: there’s always another night!

Friday 3 July 2020

WWF Royal Rumble 1993 Review

Royal Rumble (1993) - Wikipedia


Hello and welcome to another edition of Seanomaniac Wrestling Reviews, the only wrestling review series on the internet that continues to sink to lower depths than a wrestler trying to justify sexually assaulting someone! Yeah, not going to let that go anytime soon, it’s a tough time to be a wrestling fan and my feelings towards many of the people I have respected have change but let’s crack on with a review. It’s WWF Royal Rumble 1993, big matches on tonight’s card include Bret Hart defending his WWF Championship against Razor Ramon, that should be some good stuff. On top of that we have Shawn Michaels defending his Intercontinental Championship against the man he threw through a window Marty Jannetty. Finally, we have the Rumble itself where 30 men will compete to be crowned The Royal Rumble Winner 1993.

Steiner Brothers vs The Beverly Brothers

Scott and Beau to start, Scott shoots for the takedown. Beau claims Scott went for the tights, Scott wrenches the arm. Transition to a key-lock and takedown from Scott, Beau is not happy accusing Scott of nefarious tactics. Scott hip-tosses Beau across the ring, Beau complains about the tights again. Blake talks strategy with Beau, Beau goes low and grabs Scott by the hair. Beau whips Scott, Scott reverses for a massive tilt-a-whirl side-slam. Beau powders as Blake consoles his partner. Beau back away from Scott, tagging in Blake. Blake slaps Rick and runs away, Scott calls for Rick. Rick shoves Beau to the floor, Rick locks-up with Blake. Clean break from Rick but Blake goes low, shot to the face and a powerslam.


Blake leapfrogs Rick but jumps right into a powerslam, arm-bar from The Dog-Faced Gremlin. Tag to Scott, whip into a belly to belly suplex. Beau saves Blake attacking Scott illegally with a clothesline, Blake assumes control dropping his weight on the back of Scott. Back-breaker and tag to Beau, middle rope axe handle to the back. Beau taunts the crowd, back-breaker from Beau for two. Quick tags between Beau and Blake, attacks to the back of Scott. Blake chokes Scott with the tag rope before Beau lands a double arm under-hook suplex for two. Blake is in and applies a beautiful Boston Crab, Beau drops an elbow on Scott when it looks like Scott was going to escape the hold. Blake looks for a suplex on Scott but Scott reverses, could this be the opening?


Beau stops the tag at the last second, knees to the back of Scott. Whip off the ropes, Beau lowers his head and Scott lands a massive tiger-bomb. Scott tags Rick, right hands to Blake. Big back body-drop, high and tight German suplex. Beau eats a clothesline, Rick wants a superplex but Beau saves his partner. Rick clotheslines both Beverly Brothers before Scott comes in and hammers Beau. Blake has Scott on his shoulders, Doomsday Device does not connect as Scott ducks with a victory roll. Beau crashes and burns out of the ring, Blake whips Scott who reverses and one Frankensteiner later, it’s over.


Decent opening match, Beverly Brothers have never been high on my list, looking like a joke throughout their WWF run. Here they are in a familiar role of making another team look better, that German suplex and Frankensteiner look brutal. Top marks for some hard-hitting wrestling in the WWF, crowd was also very good throughout this match. Scott sold well, the attacks to the back looked snug and the hot-tag was brief but this match was fine. Perfect length for what it needed to be, The Steiners are here and they mean business.

Winners: The Steiner Brothers over The Beverly Brothers via Frankensteiner!

(WWF Intercontinental Championship Match) Marty Jannetty vs Shawn Michaels ©

The Rockers dissolved as Michaels fooled Jannetty into thinking they would reform before superkicking his former partner and throwing Jannetty through the barbershop window. Jannetty made his return, attacking Michaels before attempting to smash Michaels with his mirror before Michaels threw Sherri into the path of Jannetty which led to Sherri being smashed with the mirror. I have no idea what Jannetty is wearing, it’s very early 90s though. A blue strap championship is also something I have not seen in a while, Michaels is unfazed by Sherri not being in his corner, Sherri stands at ringside in neither man’s corner.


The two talk trash, Michaels looking to bully Jannetty. One right from Jannetty has Michaels running, Jannetty slams Michaels into the mat. Whip to the buckle, Michaels’ flip into an inverted atomic drop. Knee-lift sends Michaels to the floor, Jannetty is feeling it now. Michaels is thrown back into the ring, clothesline to the floor from Jannetty. Suicide dive and axe handle from Jannetty, Jannetty tries it again from the top rope and Michaels counters with a punch to the gut. Michaels sends Jannetty into the ring-post shoulder-first. Beautiful shoulder-breaker from Michaels, right hands to the shoulder from the champion.


Jannetty slowly re-enters the ring, the arm is in considerable pain. Michaels gleefully stomps on the arm, taking control as Jannetty is sent into the buckle. Axe handle to the arm, Jannetty is in a bad way. Michaels applies the arm-bar, Sherri looks concerned for Jannetty. Jannetty tries fighting back but a single arm DDT stops Jannetty’s momentum. Two for Michaels, Michaels drops his weight on the arm. Jannetty swings wildly but Michaels avoids it, Michaels gets cocky and eats two big right hands to the face. Michaels slams Jannetty and goes to the middle rope, Michaels looks to Sherri before diving and runs into the boot of the challenger.


Michaels looks to reassume control, Jannetty manages to dodge as Michaels runs shoulder-first into the ring-post. Jannetty rallies, big rights stagger Michaels. Massive right floors Michaels, Michaels pulls Jannetty to the floor to avoid an ass-kicking. Michaels reaches for Jannetty, suplex into the ring is on the champion’s mind. Jannetty suplexes Michaels to the floor, Sherri is edging closer to Michaels. Sherri slaps Michaels right in the face, the crowd erupts at that. Jannetty back suplexes Michaels into the ring for a close two, Michaels is whipped to the buckle and falls to the floor.


Jannetty rams Michaels into the steel steps, Michaels runs into a powerslam from the challenger. Jannetty is on the top rope, DDT in the middle of the ring after faking out Michaels. Two for Jannetty, Michaels leapfrogs Jannetty. Superkick is ducked and Jannetty nails his own superkick for two. Sunset flip attempt by Michaels is countered for a catapult to the buckle. Michaels hits the ring-post, another close two for Jannetty. Michaels elbows the referee by mistake, Jannetty has Michaels in a full-nelson. In comes Sherri with her high heel but she nails Jannetty by mistake, Michaels points at Sherri reading her the riot act.


Michaels is the man, Sherri is distraught. Michaels continues to intimidate Sherri, Michaels lands a massive Superkick on Jannetty. Sherri looks on in horror as Michaels flattens Jannetty and retains his Intercontinental Championship. Mean Gene tries to console Sherri as HBK celebrates retaining his championship.


The last few minutes of that match were some of the most exciting I have seen in a WWF match with the crowd buying into every near-fall on the part of Jannetty. I thought this match would have had more to it, considering the history of the two men. However, I felt Jannetty was a little awkward in the role as babyface. Not that Jannetty cannot play a babyface, Jannetty is a great babyface on his day but it just did not register with me at the level that it needed for this match. I did love the Sherri spot, Sherri had been mistreated for months at the hands of Michaels so to see that slap was very satisfying and the crowd reaction told you everything you needed to know while the drama of Sherri costing Jannetty by mistake was great too, Michaels survives by the skin of his teeth but this war is far from over.

Winner: Shawn Michaels over Marty Jannetty via Superkick!

Bam Bam Bigelow vs The Big Bossman

The Beast From The East is back, Bigelow rushes Bossman from behind. Huge corner splash and axe handles galore. Bossman is being decimated at the hands of Bigelow, Bossman meets the ring apron as Bigelow taunts the crowd. Bossman lands a desperation clothesline, mounted right hands to the head of Bigelow. Ten punches in the corner, side headlock from Bossman. Bigelow counters for a belly to back suplex, Bossman avoids the headbutt from Bigelow though. Whip to the buckle and right from Bossman, huge bulldog from Bossman. Bossman is sent to the floor by Bigelow, Bossman’s back hits the ring apron hard.


Bigelow stomps and clubs the back of Bossman, axe handles wear down Bossman. Bossman is caught in a waist-lock but Bossman breaks out before a stun-gun from Bigelow ends Bossman’s flurry. Bigelow applies the waist-lock again, Bigelow tries a suplex but Bossman manages to counter for a suplex of his own. However, Bossman’s attack was foolish as it dealt more damage to his injured back, Bigelow bounces back to his feet. Clubbing blows and shoulder block, Bigelow misses the crossbody. Back body-drop from Bossman, Bossman winds up for his uppercut, leg across the back from Bossman. Massive right to the head, Bigelow is all over the place. Bossman tries charging Bigelow, whip to the buckle. Bigelow blocks with a boot and a clothesline knocks down Bossman, Diving Headbutt for the win.


Good return for Bigelow but this match dragged the more it went on, I had commented in the past how good Bossman can be as a babyface when he is selling but the idea that a waist-lock was a good idea for the amount of time is ridiculous. It stalled the match completely, taking me amount of Bigelow dominating the match and stopping me from getting behind Bossman. However, this would be Bossman’s last WWF appearance for five years as Bossman would leave for WCW so I can see why Bossman would not have looked good in his last match, this can be viewed as an extended squash.

Winner: Bam Bam Bigelow over The Big Bossman via Diving Headbutt!

(WWF Championship Match) Bret Hart © vs Razor Ramon

Ramon has always been a scumbag since entering the WWF, sinking low to get inside his opponent’s heads but Ramon attacked Owen Hart before this match with his brother Bret. A brutal assault that lit a fire under The Hitman, crowd is pro-Bret and want to see The Hitman murder Ramon. All for it, let’s see what these two can do inside of the ring. Interesting note: this was one of the first matches I reviewed way back when Bret was diagnosed with cancer, thankfully Bret and recovered since then. Ramon throws his toothpick at the kid that got Bret’s glasses, I love Ramon so much.


Bret and Ramon trade blows, Ramon wins that war as the bigger man. Beautiful punches and a hard Irish whip to the buckle, Ramon misses a knee and Bret goes to work. Kicks to the leg, Bret drops all his weight on the leg. Figure four from The Hitman, Ramon survives by reaching the ropes. Bret refuses to let go of the leg, Bret is showing an aggressive side as Ramon’s leg is sent into the ring-post. Knees to that softened leg of the challenger, right hands stagger Ramon. Ramon reverses a whip to the buckle and lands a big knee, Bret is sent sternum-first into the ring-post. Back-breakers on the floor and Bret is rammed into the ring-post, The Bad Guy is furious.


Ramon rubs his hands together, saying this is all wrapped up. Elbows to the back, fallaway slam from the challenger. Helen Hart can barely watch, Ramon whips Bret sternum-first into the buckle. Two for Ramon, Ramon continues to apply pressure with an abdominal stretch. Bret counters but Ramon counters with a hip-toss, shoulder block from the challenger for two. Kicks and punches to the spine of Bret, Ramon slaps around the head of Hart. Whip off the ropes, Bret ducks and lands a flying crossbody for two. Ramon presses Bret out of the ring, Bret tries an apron sunset flip for two. Ramon is up first though, modified camel clutch by Ramon who decides a bearhug would be a more effective form of torture.


Bret fights his way out of the bearhug, Ramon is sent tumbling to the floor. Bret decides it’s suicide dive time, Bret lands repeated shots to the head of Ramon. Ramon meets the steel steps, Bret lands massive rights on Ramon. In the corner, Ramon tries to shove away The Hitman. Ramon is rocked all around the ring, headbutt from Bret. Right hands stagger Ramon, down goes the challenger. Inverted atomic drop and clothesline for two, back-breaker. Diving middle rope clothesline for two, Bret lands a massive bulldog for two. Russian leg-sweep for two, Bret wants the sharpshooter but Ramon reaches the ropes.


Ramon is dragged to the middle of the ring, Bret can taste victory but Ramon manages to pull the referee into Bret and break the hold. Ramon lands kidney shots, Bret is placed on the top rope. Bret elbows his way out and slides down the back of Ramon to nail a back suplex. Bret wants his signature elbow but Ramon counters with a massive boot to the face. Razor’s Edge time, Bret slides out for a close backslide for two. Ramon is up first, Bret is whipped hard into the buckle. Test of strength with Ramon stomping away at The Hitman, Bret manages to counter into a pin-fall, two for Bret but Bret has slapped on The Sharpshooter from the ground, Ramon has nowhere to go and this match is done.


Bret’s best championship match at this point in his career, a great angle which adds tension and excitement to the match. Love the beginning with Ramon luring Bret into a slugfest, Ramon is clearly bigger and can dominate Bret when it comes to throwing bombs so Bret goes after the leg, softening up Ramon throughout the early part of the match. Ramon takes over after a great looking bump, Bret goes flying into the ring-post and it’s back-breakers and fallaway slams galore. Ramon is sinister in his assault of the ribs of Bret, great facials and body language from The Bad Guy. Bret shows great fire and passion when taking punishment from Ramon, the finish was so sweet. I do love when Hart locks in The Sharpshooter from the ground, gets me every time. Thought both men were great during this match and I look forward to their future feuds in the WWF.

Winner: Bret Hart over Razor Ramon via Sharpshooter!

The Royal Rumble Match

Thirty Men with one winner, elimination occurs when you go over the top rope and both feet touch the floor. Two men begin and at timed intervals, a new competitor comes in until we have all 30 men inside of that ring. I break it up in five entrants to make things easier to follow for you at home.

Entrants 1 to 5

Ric Flair is number one while Bob Backlund is number two, Backlund lands a shoulder block to kick us off. Make it two, leg-sweeps from Backlund. Backlund is incredibly goofy, eye pokes from Flair. Chop from Flair, right hands from The Nature Boy. Backlund sends Flair to the buckle, back body drop and a delayed atomic drop. Crowd is almost silent for Backlund, cannot say I blame them. Number three is Papa Shango, Shango stomps Backlund. Headbutts and chokes from Shango, Flair sneaks up on Shango and Shango is out of the match.

Papa Shango Has Been Eliminated By Ric Flair!

Flair almost dumps out Backlund, Backlund hangs on though. Chops and slaps between the two, number four is Ted Dibiase. Elbows to the face of Backlund, Flair and Dibiase double stomp on Backlund.  Double elbow takes down Backlund, the match is very quiet at this moment. Number five is Nasty Boy Brian Knobbs. Knobbs clotheslines Flair and Dibiase, big roundhouse rights from Knobbs. Noggin-knocker for both, Flair is almost tossed out by Knobbs. Knobbs hammers Dibiase, Flair comes back to rake the eyes of Knobbs. Backlund goes after Flair, Flair meets the buckle with his face.

Entrants 6 to 10

All four men are pairing off in corners, punching and elimination attempts until we have number six. Number six is Virgil, Virgil goes right after Dibiase. Inverted atomic drop on Dibiase and jabs from Virgil. Dibiase takes a double back body-drop from Knobbs & Virgil. Knobbs wants to eliminate Dibiase with a clothesline but Dibiase low-bridges and Knobbs goes sailing over the top rope.

Brian Knobbs Has Been Eliminated By Ted Dibiase!

Number seven is Jerry Lawler, things have gotten interesting now. Lawler has quite the attire on, possibly the most-ugly Lawler gear I have ever seen. Lawler and Flair are brawling, Flair rolls out to the floor. Flair wants Virgil out of there but Lawler rakes the eyes of Flair. Number eight is Max Moon, my God. Moon is throwing rights to Lawler, massive dropkick. Eye poke from Flair, Moon back-drops Flair.


Flair smashes Moon with a knee-lift, Moon skins the cat to survive being eliminated. Lawler plants Virgil with a DDT, Flair and Lawler work together on Moon before Virgil decides to get involved. Everyone is in separate corners, trying their best to survive. Lawler dumps over Moon who misses a kick as number nine is Tenryu of WAR.

Max Moon Has Been Eliminated By Jerry Lawler!

Depending on who comes out next, this might be the strangest first 10 superstars ever to enter a Rumble. The mix of talent in this ring is so strange and bizarre that there is no feud in there or reason for me to be invested in any of these men so far. It’s very rare I would find myself bored with a Rumble but this is not a good start. Number ten is Mr. Perfect who sprints to the ring and points at Flair, good shit finally.

Entrants 11 to 15

Perfect lands right hands, a knee-lift on Flair. Flair is yanked off the top rope, snap-mare into the neck-breaker from Perfect. Flair eye pokes Perfect and chops Perfect in the corner. Perfect returns the favour with chops of his own, right hands from Perfect. Number eleven is Skinner, Skinner kicks at Perfect. Eye rake as Flair goes after Perfect. Flair misses a chop on Perfect and Perfect clotheslines The Nature Boy out of the ring. Huge reaction from the crowd, things have changed.

Ric Flair Has Been Eliminated By Mr. Perfect!

Number twelve is Koko B. Ware, Koko comes in with headbutts and right hands. Perfect almost dumps out Skinner but Skinner skins the cat. Skinner does not get to bask in his glory though as Perfect dropkicks Skinner out of the match.

Skinner Has Been Eliminated By Mr. Perfect!

Number thirteen is Samu, Samu stands in the middle of the ring scouting for victims. Headbutts for anyone who is dumb enough to get in his way. Number fourteen is The Berzerker, the ring is filling with a lot of talent. You just know someone is going to come and end all of their lives but who will it be? Lawler measures Perfect for a right hand but Perfect manages to elevate Lawler to the floor, Perfect gets dumped out by Dibiase and Koko thanks to Lawler’s help from the floor. Virgil is dumped out off camera, sums up this match to be honest. Number fifteen is The Undertaker!

Jerry Lawler Has Been Eliminated By Mr. Perfect!

Mr Perfect Has Been Eliminated By Koko & Dibiase!

Virgil Has Been Eliminated!

Samu Has Been Eliminated By The Undertaker!

Tenryu Has Been Eliminated By The Undertaker!

Entrants 16 to 20

As you can read, Taker dumps out Samu and Tenryu. Berzerker sends Backlund to the floor, piledriving Backlund on the floor and smashing him with a chair. Number sixteen is Terry Taylor, had no clue Taylor was still in the WWF at this point. Taylor goes after Koko, Dibiase dumps out both of them. Taker Chokeslams Dibiase and clotheslines Dibiase over. Berzerker is dumped out by Taker but who is this Giant in the ring staring down Undertaker?

Koko B Ware & Terry Taylor Have Been Eliminated By Ted Dibiase!

Ted DIbiase & Berzerker Have Been Eliminated By The Undertaker!

Number seventeen is Damien Demento but that does not mean much as Giant Gonzalez attacks Taker, Harvey Whippleman’s new toy. Ridiculous outfit aside, Gonzalez is massive and bullies The Deadman. Number eighteen is IRS, Taker has been destroyed by Gonzalez and that is how we will setup their Wrestlemania match. Demento and IRS attack the battered Backlund, number nineteen is Tatanka. Paul Bearer saves his Undertaker, number twenty is Nasty Boy Jerry Sags. Sags and IRS are brawling, Demento is with Tatanka trading control back and forth while Backlund bounces between the four.

Number 21 to 25

Number twenty-one is Typhoon, crowd has gone quiet again. This has been a tough Rumble, not going to lie to you. IRS and Typhoon are battling before Sags comes after IRS again. Number twenty-two is Fatu, superkick for Typhoon. Headbutt for IRS, Fatu is attacking everything in sight. Sags tries headbutting Fatu, bad idea as Fatu feels nothing. More pairing off in corners, IRS is trying to get out Demento. More brawling around the ring and we have number twenty-three which is Earthquake. Earthquake is going after Typhoon, the two biggest trying to destroy one another. Make sense I guess, they could dump out everyone together though. Either way, they are just touching bellies for now. Earthquake elevates Typhoon to the floor though, we have an elimination.

Typhoon Has Been Eliminated By Earthquake!

Number twenty-four is Carlos Colon, Tatanka almost dumps out Demento who hangs onto the bottom rope for his life. The camera focuses for an awful long time on Tatanka thinking the elimination was coming, it was not. Colon manages to dump out Demento with a back drop-like manoeuvre.

Damien Demento Has Been Eliminated By Carlos Colon!

Number twenty-five is El Matador Tito Santana, Santana kicks lumps out of everyone. Fatu tries to take out Backlund, Backlund elevates Fatu over the top rope to the floor.

Fatu Has Been Eliminated By Bob Backlund!

Number 26 to 30

Number twenty-six is Rick Martel, Martel goes after Santana. I am all for this continuity, IRS charges at Earthquake but the big man ducks and IRS goes sailing over the top rope.

IRS Has Been Eliminated By Earthquake!

Santana almost dumps out Backlund who manages to hold on, the crowd is into Backlund. This is in stark contrast to the start of the match where they did not give a damn for Backlund. Number twenty-seven is Yokozuna, the ring is going to empty shortly I assure you. Yokozuna grabs Tatanka, Tatanka stands with Yokozuna before Yokozuna tosses Tatanka over, Carlos Colon tries to beat up Yokozuna but we have the same result.

Tatanka & Carlos Colon Have Been Eliminated By Yokozuna!

Yokozuna and Earthquake have a stare-down shoulder blocks with neither man moving. Number twenty-eight is Owen Hart, Earthquake clotheslines Yokozuna over and over but Yokozuna will not go down. Massive corner splash, one more says Earthquake. Yokozuna dodges and belly to belly suplexs Earthquake to the floor.

Earthquake Has Been Eliminated By Yokozuna!

 Owen goes after Martel, Santana attacks Yokozuna who is not going down. Clothesline floors Santana, Yokozuna has had enough of El Matador but Santana manages to hold onto the ropes to avoid Elimination. Number twenty-nine is Repo Man, Repo goes after Yokozuna. That ends with a headbutt for Repo, everyone decides that Yokozuna must be eliminated. Everyone pulls together but the big man shakes off everyone, what power from Yokozuna. Number thirty is Randy Macho Man Savage, things have picked up once more.

Savage goes after Repo, Santana tries to hurt Yokozuna again and this time, Yokozuna dumps out El Matador. Owen Hart dropkicks out Jerry Sags, missing his target which was Rick Martel.

Tito Santana Has Been Eliminated By Yokozuna!

Jerry Sags Has Been Eliminated By Owen Hart!

Owen Hart Has Been Eliminated By Yokozuna!

Repo Man Has Been Eliminated By Randy Savage!

Rapid-fire eliminations as we see the end of Hart and Repo Man, Martel wants to throw out Backlund. The crowd are loving what Backlund has done in this match, Backlund places Martel on the top rope before smashing Martel with the biggest right hand you have ever seen.

Rick Martel Has Been Eliminated By Bob Backlund!

Dropkicks from Backlund to Yokozuna, Yokozuna swats away Backlund who gets dumped out of the match. The crowd boos as Backlund has been eliminated, standing ovations for Backlund. Only Savage and Yokozuna remain, Savage is taking a beaten from Yokozuna. Big choke in the corner, Savage jabs back at the monster, axe handles to the head of Yokozuna. Diving axe handle from Savage, Savage does it again with Yokozuna going down to one knee. Superkick from Yokozuna, Yokozuna lands a disgusting belly to belly suplex on Savage. Leg drop flattens Savage, throat thrust drops Savage.


Savage pulls himself up using the ropes, selling the attacks of Yokozuna. Good stuff from Savage who looks close to death due to the attacks of Yokozuna. Big whip to the buckle, Savage is squashed by the rear-end of Yokozuna. Yokozuna goes for the attack again, Savage dodges. Diving Elbow Drop with Yokozuna pressing up and dumping out Savage to win the rumble.


Oh boy, this was a tough Rumble to watch. We are in the New Generation Era now, a lot of wrestlers in here that you would rather forget about to be honest and it shows. The first ten of that rumble are very weak, surviving on the interaction of Flair vs Perfect, that’s all you have as the ring fills with WWF “superstars”, it’s mostly wrestlers who were lucky to be featured winning matches on TV at the time and it shows because it’s a slow and boring opening to the Rumble match itself. Things pick up with Perfect as I said before we have a tease of Lawler vs Perfect, I felt Lawler did not play a big role in this match but his character will get more involved as the year goes on, the ring fills up again until Taker comes out. Taker does his best to wake up the crowd, all is well and right with the world and we have a great angle albeit a ridiculous outfit as Harvey Whippleman has a new toy to defeat The Deadman.

Things grind to a halt once more as the ring fills with wrestlers that the fans and I do not care for, it’s really rough. I liked Martel and Santana still going after one another, that’s nice but you are just wasting time until Yokozuna comes in. Yokozuna dominates and looks good as the match dies down again until Savage comes in, you do have the bright spot of Bob Backlund coming off as a babyface who refuses to die, shocking as the crowd did not care in the beginning. Ultimately, Savage tries a pin-fall in the rumble and gets dumped out, for a man who is known for planning at matches it’s a bit weird that would be a good finish that came to mind. Makes Savage look incredibly dump in the grand scheme of things, mostly boring Rumble with one or two bright spots.

Winner: Yokozuna!

That was WWF Royal Rumble 1993, a mostly solid show from the WWF but also a warning sign of things to come. The Rumble has a smaller card due to thirty wrestlers taking part in the rumble, this helps this card because you only see big matches to round out the rest of the card. So, you get to see The Steiners destroy Beau and Blake, no real complaints here. The Beverly Brothers have never looked impressive in the ring, no serious push came their way so being cannon-fodder for Rick and Scott works for me. They did their job well, crowd was hot for the opener and That Frankensteiner was nasty! We continue with a good Intercontinental Championship match with Jannetty and Michaels taking it into overdrive with near-falls near the end and a satisfying slap to the face from Sherri. I wish Jannetty had shown and given more, I think it could have been great but they do have a great match on RAW for the championship you should check out. Bigelow and Bossman is a little flat due to the heat segment from Bigelow, a waist-lock just looks weak but Bigelow was dominant. Bossman sold his back and Bigelow looks like a new man in the WWF.

Bret Hart vs Razor Ramon was a very good championship match, I loved the angle going into the feud and the psychology of both men as they waged war inside of the ring. Ramon wanted to goad Bret into a slugfest, relying on his strength to batter The Hitman while The Hitman never wavered from his game-plan of destroying the leg to setup for The Sharpshooter. I liked Ramon using the referee to stop the sharpshooter, I liked the way Bret setup the sharpshooter. It was a really solid and very good WWF Championship match with both men impressing me with their performances. The Rumble itself is where the weaknesses of this era and time in the WWF really show, a lot of the entrants are just bad. From lower-card talent to having to import Colon and Tenryu, it just screams weak and the action in the ring was poor with the match only coming to life for Perfect vs Flair, Undertaker’s dominance and Savage rallying against Flair. It did not excite me like a usual Rumble, I was bored during it and if that’s any indication of where things are going, The New Generation Era will be every bit as tough as everyone says it was! Thanks for reading and remember: there’s always another night!