Earlier this year we lost the Ultimate Warrior. One of the biggest stars of the late 80's and early 90's. Almost everyone had an opinion on the Warrior many grew up loving him but he was also the face of everything wrong with the WWF in the 80's he was to much of a cartoon, he couldn't wrestle all he did was have big muscles, his promos sucked, he couldn't go an hour… you know the drill. Myself I admit the Warrior wasn't the greatest in ring worker but the guy had good matches. And you can't deny his star power. So lets look at the night the Warrior got to the top. For the most part WrestleMania VI is considered one of the better mania amazing given it was headlined by Hulk Hogan vs the Ultimate Warrior two of the IWC's favorite targets. A lot of people would even call this the best match of both men's career but what about the rest of the card?
We open with Vince McMahon narrating a video of the constellations declaring Hulk Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior are the two most powerful forces in the galaxies and they are about to explode. "Title for Title Champion vs Champion Its the Ultimate Challenge! It's WrestleMania!" In full on classic Vince mode and there is just something so appearing about how cheesy it is. I don't think there is any bigger fan of the WWF/WWE than Vince and when they have a hot period it's a thing of beauty.
Gorilla Monsoon welcomes us to the show being held in Toronto at the Sky dome. Gorilla claims this will be the wrestling extravaganza of all time. Jessie Ventura talks about being to the Superbowl, The World Series, The Rolling Stones and WrestleMania surpasses them all. Again there is real energy here that just adds to the show. Hell I might even get excited for Roderick Strong teaming with John Cena vs the Briscoe Brothers if Jessie and Monsoon were calling the action…. And I was really high! Howard Finkle introduces Robert Goulet to sing Oh Canada. Ok not a music critic but Goulet has a wonderful voice so it sounds good.
Koko B Ware with Frankie vs Rick Martel- For those unaware Frankie is parrot. Koko also comes out the title track from the Piledriver album witch he sang. Martel is in full Model mode and comes out spraying Arrogance.The Model jumps Koko while the referee The Late John Marella (Gorillia real life son) is checking out the boot. Corner punches by Martel. High core body out of the corner by Koko after Martel whips him. get two. Drop kick by Koko and a second one. Back body drop by Koko. Clotheslines sends Martel to the floor. Martel brought back in the hard way and than a shoulder tackle by Koko. Martel tosses Koko over the top rope to the floor. Martel out and drive Koko back first into the ring apron. Back in the ring Martel stomps on Ware. Vertical suplex by Martel gets two. Martel works over the back. Double sledge hammer off the second rope by the Model than a back breaker. Martel goes for the Boston crab but Koko blocks it. Koko gets under the topes causing a break. Martel rams Ware's head into the turnbuckle but all that does is fire The Bird man up. Koto rams Martel's face into the turnbuckle. Series of jabs by Koko. Martel telegraphs the back body drop and gets kick. Flying head butts by Koko. Koko covers but doesn't hook the leg. Monsoon scolds Koko for that. Koko goes that second rope cross body after the whip but Martel ducks it this time. Boston crab locked in and Koko gives up. Decent opener. Its short but you don't have to go super long here. I do like the finish as it was Martel picking up a clean win after out smarting Ware.
Mean Gene is with the WWF Tag Team Champions The Colossal Connection of Andre the Giant and Haku with Bobby Heenan. Oakerland refers to them as the Colosstame Connection. Heenan hears him a gets mad. Haku and Andre say the will eliminate Demolition. Sean Mooney with Demolition. Ax says he can cut down the biggest red wood even seven foot one. Smash says wants Smash The champs in a semi truck. Ax says they are out to demolish and destroy. Ok promo by both teams. You kind of have to see a Demolition promo to really get it.
WWF Tag Team Championship The Colossal Connection Andre the Giant and Haku with Bobby Heenan vs Demolition Ax and Smash- The champs are already in the ring than again given how bad Andre's body was by this time him walking was not a pretty sight and getting into the ring was a chore. The Connection had beat Demolition a few months earlier for the best and this was the former' champion chance to three peat. Also the Connection as one of the few teams that could be a physical threat to the Massive Demolition. Andre goes after Ax and Haku after Smash before the bell rings. Big head but by Andre sends Ax the floor. Haku chops down Smash. Smash fires back with punches and rams him into the waiting boot of Ax. Tag to Ax. Double team by Demolition . Andre into the ring and nails Ax from behind. Smash in no tag and twist the neck of Haku. Tag back to Ax. Double chop by Ax. Tag to Smash Ax hold Haku so Smash can nail him. Haku thumbs the eyes of Smash. Smash block the hip goes. Fight offer a backslide Smash finally gets Haku don. Andre into the ring very slowly to break it up. Arm wringer by Smash and he tags in Ax. Haku ducks under the clothesline and hits a trust to the throat. Chop to the face by Haku. Back breaker by Haku gets two. Side kick by Haku and than he stomps the stomach of Ax Haku uses the ropes for a choke. Heenan slaps Ax when the referee isn't looking and a few chap shots by Andre. Haku covers but there is no ref for some reason.Ax tries to fire back but Andre grabs onto him so Haku can work him over. Cover by Haku but Ax gets the ropes. Head butt by Andre. Smash breaks up the pin. Side kick to the face by Haku. Haku chokes Ax. Ax starts to if ire back until a thumb to eye followed by the trust to the throat. Double chops by Haku and than a double nerve pinch. Haku nails Smash brining him into the ring so the referee is dealing with Smash missing Andre using the tag rope to choke Ax. Haku with a shoulder breaker. Smash breaks up the pin. Haku whips Ax into the corner but runs into the boot of Ax. Clothesline by Ax and both men are down. Tag to Smash. Smash rams Haku into the cover and than hits a big back elbow. Back body drop by Smash. Flying cross body by Smash. Andre into the ring. Smash sees him coming and in comes Ax. Double team clothesline on Haku than one for Andre. The referee forces Ax out. Andre grabs onto Smash and holds him. Haku goes for a thrust kick but Smash moves and Andre takes it. Andre tied up in the ropes. Double hot shot on Haku with for some reason Monsoon calls a clothesline. Decapitation for the win by Demolition. Bad match but this time Andre was so beat up he couldn't do anything. It doesn't help that was power vs power so a lot of the moves are relative. I feel ilk the Connection only got the tag belts to drop them back to Demolition at Mania.
Post match Ax and Smash Celebrate. Heenan start yelling at Andre. Bobby start poking Andre in the chest. Heenan snaps and slaps Andre. Andre grabs Bobby by the collar. Heenan begs for mercy but Andre starts slapping him. Andre kicks Bobby out of the ring. Haku goes for a thrust kick on Andre but he catches it. Chops to the chest by Andre than a big head butt sends Haku to the floor. One shot for Heenan than he toss Haku off the ring cart the WWF used . The fans cheer widely for Andre. Andre had been a heel since 1987 after a long baby face run. This face turn really didn't go anywhere. I think it was meant to be more about Vince and the WWF wanting to end Andre's career as a face and not a hated heel.
Mean Gene is with Earthquake and Jimmy Hart. Hart says the scientist are predicting an Earthquake. Earthquake Hercules might be mighty but even the great building tumble after an Earthquake. Good monster promo by the monster known. Ventura and Monsoon say this is Hercules' greatest challenge. Ventura says Hercules isn't as strong as Earthquake.
Hercules vs Earthquake with Jimmy Hart- Earthquake was undefeated at this stage in his career. Monsoon claims he's sent 28 men to the hospital. Earthquake tries to jump Hercules when he is putting the chain on the apron. Hercules moves and Earthquake hits the turnbuckle hard. Punches by Hercules. Earthquake reverses the Irish whip but Hercules moves on the avalanche splash. More punches by Hercules. Hart onto the apron and Hercules ties to nail him. Earthquake to the floor to consult with Hart. Back in the ring Earthquake shoves Hercules and than jumps around the tremors cause Hercules to lose his balance. Even for this time period that is pretty corny. Earthquake calls for a test of Strength. Hercules driven to one knee. Hercules start to fight back but than gets kicked or something in the gut. Sadly we miss it because they had pulled back to do a crowd shot. They have done that several times and I understand wanting to show the packed house but its also getting annoying. Big form to the back by Earthquake. Headlock and a punch by Earthquake. Hercules' head rammed to the turnbuckle. Forearm to the back by Hercules when Earthquake goes for a back body drop. Shoulder block by Hercules have no effect neither doe a clothesline or a second. Finally Earthquake drops to a knee. Hercules goes for the back breaker but one big Elbow by the Earthquake shuts him down. Elbow drop by Earthquake. Earthquake splash for the win. Ok match it helped Hercules instead used some speed moves instead of just going power for power. Another Earthquake Splash after the match. Earthquake would go to feud with Hulk Hogan and Jake Roberts during his stint with the WWF.
Rona Barrett who I think is some kind of talk show host with with Miss Elizabeth. Rona compliments Elizabeth's beauty saying even some of the biggest stars in Hollywood pale in comparison. Rona asks where Elizabeth has been as she hasn't been active in the WWF. Elizabeth claims her role these days is as an advisors away from the ring. Rona asks why clamming the fans are disappointed. Elizabeth explain is not wanting to disappoint her fans is why she's not as active. Elizabeth claims in the past she could have gotten physically involved but didn't out of fear it wouldn't make a difference. WHAT? I am so confused by that promo it sounds like Miss Elizabeth is saying she wanted to help cheat. Rona argue having Elizabeth at ringside wold be help enough. And Liz admits she's been thinking about retiring to ringside and she will see a far more active Elizabeth than ever before. Worthless segment as it added nothing new. Also Rona Barrett is one of those celebrities WWE brings in that really adds nothing to show and people that watch the show on tape for the first time years later are left wondering "Who the hell is that?"
Sen Money is with Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake who is looking a piece of paper. Brutus claims it's Mr. Perfect's record and admits its impressive. Beefcake says no one is really perfect and everyone makes mistakes. And after this match is over everyone will agree he served the perfect record at a pretty good clip. Decent promo by Beefcake. Hell I"ll take over a lot of the promos I see on the indies today.
Mr. Perfect with The Genius vs Brutus Beefcake- Beefcake had cut The Genius' hair setting off the feud but Perfect in Gorilla's words "had done a real number on Bruti." Perfect and Genius bail out when Brutus enters. The bell rings why Perfect is still climbing back into the ring. Perfect goes to jump Beefcake why he is taking off his jacket. I think it's supposed to Brutus saw it coming and got Perfect int he corer to land some blows. But it comes off looking like Perfect jumped on Beefcake's shoulders. Perfect reverse and lands ohm pushes. Beefcake rears and lands a big right hand that sends Perfect flipping over the top rope to the floor. Perfect telegraphs the back body drop and get kicked. Atomic drop by Beefcake sends Perfect back to the floor. Knee to the gut by Perfect and a big chop. Right hands by Perfect. Beefcake rammed into the turnbuckle. Brutus revers the irish whip and sends Perfect in. Body slam doesn't even get one for Brutus. Hard whip into the corner than a stomp by Beefcake. Big clothesline by Beefcake and he singles for the sleeper. The Genius up on the apron to distract Beefcake and drop the metal scroll in the ring. Shot to the face by Perfect and Brutus is down. Stomps by Perfect than a rolling neck snap that was well Perfect by Perfect! Cover gets two on a very slow count. Kick to the ribs by Perfect. Cannon balls onto the back by Perfect. Nice sounding chop by Perfect. Knee lift by Perfect and even Gorilla admits it was done Perfectly. Perfect taunts Beefcake. Double leg by Beefcake a s catapult into the corner. Perfect hits the pots. Beefcake covers and wins. Its on ok match and anytime you can watch Curt Henning in the period its a treat. I do question having Beefcake win but I can see why. Perfect was going to win the IC title and you could set up for an big title match if you wanted.
Beefcake goes to to do the some trimming since Perfect is out. The Genius steals the clippers but Beefcake cuts him of. The Genius can't get away and gets locked in the sleeper. Perfect has left on the cart. This does make me question why have Brutus win since you could "Send the fans home happy" with this.
Oakerland is backstage with Roddy Piper. This is the infamous Mania where Piper is paned half black. Piper claims he's a little two faced. Now when Roddy Piper is one he is one of the best promo men ever but this was one of those promos where Piper just rambles on non stop and your not really sure what he was saying. Oakerland claims Bad News will have to deal with a split personality.
Bad News Brown vs Roddy Piper- Back at the Royal Rumble Piper had eliminated Bad News than Bad News pulled Piper out of the ring setting off this feud and a series of brawls. Brown is already in the ring while Piper gets the entrance on the cart. Piper does that strange dance he was doing for this feud they claim its a mid game. Lock up and they spill the to the gourd. Piper with mourned punches and the referee pulls him off. Flying cross body gets two for Piper. More brawling on the ground and this time Danny Davis pulls off Brown. Ventura and Monsoon are confused why Davis is doing this. I'm surprised they don't cover and say "He's trying to get control." Hell say there are in the ropes. Big right hands by Piper drive Brown int the corner and again Davis brakes it up. Cheap shot by Brown on the break. Head butt by Brown. Both guys are doing this strange moaning thing on every shot. Piper rammed head first into the turn buckle but that only fires Hot Rod up. Big trust and punches by Brown and than a nerve pinch. Elbows by Piper to get free Exchange of Punches. Piper no sells a head butt. . Kick to the gut and thrust to throat by Bad News. Snapmare and a fist drop by Brown. Cover by Bad News gets two. Body slam by Brown than a elbow gets two. Ventura and Gorilla scold Bad News for not hooking the leg. Eye poke by Piper. Pier catch a kick and low blows. Brown goes to the eyes to stop a flurry of punches by Piper. The referee checks on Piper as Bad News takes off a turn buckle pad. Piper reverses the Irish whip and sends out Bad News into the exposed turnbuckle. Piper pulls a white glove out of his tights. I should mention Bad News would wear a single black glove. Piper nails Bad News with big punches. Fist drop off the second top by Piper dropsBad news. ONe more big shot and Bad News goes to the floor. Bad News pulls Piper to the floor and goes for a big punch. Piper moves and Bad News punches the ring post. Piper gets a chair and showing it but misses as Bad News ducks. The Bell rings as the referee has thrown the match out. Bad News tosses Danny Davis aside he tries to break up the fight on the floor. More referees come out an separate the two men. Piper dives off the platform the ring was on to get at Bad News. The two men brawl up the aisle as the refs and other officials try to separate them. Ok I really don't know how this match was received at the time but I have a feeling it was meant to be a intense brawl. But it doesn't really come of that way to me. It feels more like the guys go through the monitions but they never sell that hate.
Steve Allen is playing his piano in the shower. Allen claims he is here to practice the Russian Anthem. Nikolai Volokoff and Boris Zhukov enter to sing. Allen keeps playing the wrong song but claims its a warm claiming he's just warming up. Finally as Steve is about to play for real a toilet flushes. This segment just proves dumb comedy is not limited to modern day WWE.
The Hart Family Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart vs the Bolsheviks Nikolai Volkoff and Boris Zhukov- Both teams get an entrances. Volkoff still wants to sing witch draw big heat even in Canada. The Harts jump the Russians while the song is going on. What is with all the jump starts? I get dong it once or twice but ti's been a running them hell even Jessie commented. Nikolai sent to the floor. Hart Attack for the win. They had claimed several times the Hart had already issued a challenge for the tag titles. So this was all about taking the Harts looking Strong.
We than get a tease For Wrestle Mania VII at the LA Memorial Coliseum. Vince who is doing the Vince talks about how the venue has hosted the Olympics, The World Series, and the Superbowl. He than claims Mania will shatter all previous records with over 100,000 in attendance. I am stunned this wasn't edited out of the DVD release. See Mania VII wasn't held at the Coliseum it was held at the most small LA Sports Arena. The WWF/WWE has for ever claimed the move was made due to security concerns over than heel champion Sgt. Slaughter. The real truth is they didn't even come close to 100,000 and had to move it. Jessie and Gorilla talk about the show being in LA. Jessie claims LA is his town and all of his star friends will be there. There is some good banter here. I should point out Jessie wasn't at Mania the next year.
Oakerland is with Tito Santana. Gene points out Tito has been at Mania and has wrestled both as a great team wrestlers and as a singles wrestler. Gene asks Tito if he thinks the Barbarian can do the same thing? Tito admits he doesn't know but calls Barbarian the great physical threat he has ever seen but he will survive Arabia! Typical Tito promo it was ok not great.
The Barbarian with Bobby Heenan vs Tito Santana- The Brain had bought the contract of the Barbarian breaking up the Powers of Pain team. Lock up and Barbarian power Tito off. Another lock up and Tito is driven into the corner. Tito duck the punch and lands some his own. Barbarian to the floor to console with Bobby. Lock up a knee to the gut by the Barbarian than a shop. Tito goes for a shoulder tackle but Barbarian doesn't move. Barbarian sets to soon on the back body drop and gets kicked. Flying cross body by Tito gets two. Head lock by Tito. Hip toss by Barbarian. Goes for a head butt but Tito moves. Tito up Barbarian shoulder and knocks him overs with punches. Tito covers and gets two. Back to the headlock by Tito. Tito runs into the big boot. Chop by the Barbarian. Shoulder breaker by Barbarian. Second rope elbow drop misses. Tito moves out of the way on a Avalanche splash. Tito blocks the big boot. Right hands by Tito. Drop kick by Santana. Second drop kick and the Barbarian goes over. Double Ax off the second by Santana. Flying forearm by Tito. Heenan puts his man's foot on the rope. Go behind by Tito but Barbarian drops his weight sending Santana throat first into the top rope. Barbarian to the top rope and hits a flying clotheslines off the top for the win. Good match. This all about setting up the Barbarian up as singles guy so he gets the win over the veteran.
Sean Mooney is with Dusty Rhodes Sapphire. Dusty says he and Sapphire don't' pretend to be King and Queen. Dusty claims Savage and Sherri are missing the crown jewel. Sean is confused by the term crown jewel. Its your typical Dusty promo and I don't mean that in a good way. Savage and Sherri make there entrance. The announcers claim this is the first ever inter gender match in WWF history witch I believe is true. Dusty and Sapphire make there entrances and chase Savage to the floor. Dusty says he's got something for Macho tonight. Dusty introduces the Crown Jewel Miss Elizabeth. Elizabeth comes out to Savage's music. I assume they couldn't' send her out nothing but it seems strange to have her comes out to same music he just used. This makes the stupid Rona Barrett interview even worse since I think pop would have been bigger if fans didn't know Elizabeth was there.
Macho King Randy Savage and Sessional Queen Sherri vs Dusty Rhodes and Sapphire with MIss Elizabeth- Dusty and Savage start. Ventura makes it clear its men vs men women vs women. Big back elbow by Dusty knocks Savage down than a atomic elbow. Sherri in and nails Dusty in the back. Dust back Sherri up into the corner. Sapphire grabs Sherri by the hair. Savage goes after Dusty and than Sapphire. Savage goes for the double ax off the top but Dusty catches him. Sherri back into the ring and Rhodes drops Savage and he winds up hitting Sherri. Atomic elbow by Dusty. Tag to Sapphire witch makes Sherri legal. Sherri is on the floor. Dusty tosses Sherri in. Sapphire shove Sherri into Savage knocking him off the apron. Sapphire with a dumb dance than as he whacks Sherri with her butt? The worst looking airplane spin by Sapphire gets two. Big slap by Sherri. Sherri goes for a slam by Sapphire is to big and comes down on top and get two. Tag to Dusty. Rhodes nail Savage coming in with a clothesline. Dusty holds Savage so Sapphire can slap him. Sherri into the ring. Rhodes tosses Savage into Sherri. Dusty grabs Sherri and shoes her into the corner. Jumping knee to the back by Savage sends Rhodes to the floor. Savage out to the floor and hits some right hands on Rhodes. Slaps by Sherri. Savage to the top rope and hits the double ax to the floor. Knee lift by Sherri as Savage distracts the referee. Sherri to the eyes of Dusty. Savage back to the top an chits another double ax to the floor than a right hand. Savage goes for it again. Sapphire gets in front of Dusty to protect him. Savage tosses Sapphire to the ground. Sapphire takes the worst bump ever. Dusty in the ring and Savage with another double ax off to top. He covers and gets two. Vertical suplex by Savage gets another two count. Sherri distracts the referee. Savage gets the scepter and comes off the top nailing Dusty in the head. Savage tags Sherri who climbs to the top and gets a flying splash. Dusty tosses Sherri off of him. Savage with another attempt at the double ax but this time Dusty catches him with a punch to the bread basket. Double noggin knocker for Sherri and Macho King. Elbows on Savage. Sherri jumps on Rhodes back. Sapphire tags in and gives Sherri an awful looking snap mare to get her off of Dusty. Cover by Sapphire gets one. Big slap by Sherri. Hair mare by Sapphire. Sherri to the floor but Elizabeth tosses her back in. Sherri yells at Liz. I do't know what Shappire just tried to do but it was either an awful looking DDT or the worse looking suplex ever. Sapphire covers but Savage pulls her off. Dusty goes after Savage. Sherri back to yelling at Elizabeth. Liz shoves her over Sapphire who is behind her. Sapphire can't even do a school girl right but it gets the win. That match was actually painful to watch. Sapphire had no business in the ring she couldn't even pull off the basics. They would have better off bringing back someone like Rockin Robin or Wendi Richter to be in this match. Sherri could only do so much since she was ham strung with Sapphire had to back up from Rhodes. Dusty was well past the point of being good in the ring and should have just been retired. Even Savage doesn't look good in this match.
Post match Savage tries to attack Dusty with the scepter but fail. Dusty gets the sector and swings it around. Savage and Sherri yell while Dusty and Sapphire dance. finally Elizabeth joins in with the dance. Elizabeth doesn't really add anything to this show. I think Vince and the WWF always knew some day they would reunite her and Savage and this was just about reminding fans she was still in the WWF. We get another tease of WrestleMania VII and its even funnier a second time.
Backstage Gene Oakerland is with Bobby Heenan. Gene says family members are falling like the Berlin wall. Bobby snaps at Gene and says Andre doesn't think right. Bobby yells he is the head of the family You listen to him you go to the top you don't you never are heard from again. Bobby blames Andre for losing the title. Bobby says he is staring a new family. Its a great Bobby the Brain promo. He and Gene also had a really good chemistry in there roles. Jessie and Gorilla are with Rona Barrett. Gorilla says Rona has tidbits about some WWF Superstars. Rona claims the WWF has a very clean image. Man Rona should have waited a few years. Rona says she has film on something about Jessie Ventura. Jessie talks about his movies but Rona claims its something of the adult entreatment variety. Gorilla wants to see the footage. A panicked Jessie toes to Sean Money. Another pointless segment. What's sad is I could see this begin a set up for something good. I mean just off the top of my head it could have been a face meeting with heel manger teasing a possible heel turn, some issue between a tag team coming to light, teasing a new debut. Instead its just some lame joke about Jessie having done porn.
Money is with Savage and Sherri who are both upset. Sherri is screaming like a banchy. Savage say suffering build character. Savage says he didn't think The American Dream deserved his full attention but mind games are his thing. Savage repasts suffering builds character and Rhodes is about to get a lot character. Savage claims the crown jewel doesn't exist. Mooney asks what the further holds? Savage claims they will never be embarrassed again and Rhodes will feel the wrath. Decent promo. Gene Oakerland with with Demolition. Smash says the tag belts its what this is all about and they are ready for anyone. Gene brings up the Hart Foundation. Ax claims the tag belts are a natural high and says this time they were't the odds on favorites but Ax and Smash knew they would win. Ax claims they can't even celebrate and tell the Harts to come after it. OK promo and I think Ax hinting a little bit at there upcoming heel turn in some of his comments.
After a brief segment with Jessie and Gorilla we go back to Mean Gene who is with Hulk Hogan. Hogan says the Hulkamanics were there to greet him when he stepped off the plane. Hogan says Hulkamanics is running wilder than ever before. Hogan says these are his people are does the whole "This is where the power lies." line. He says when he gets Warrior down on knee he asks will he want to live forever? Hogan says he and the Hulkamanics can save the Warrior from his darkness. Hogan says its not about winning or losing but about what kind of winner or loser you are and he hopes Warrior is a good loser. Its good promo by Hogan. I think it served two purposes both a set up for his loss that night and him saying "The Warrior isn't me." He won't be the same kind of hero your used to. Mooney is with the Warrior. Warrior grabs Mooney by the collar and declares he is nothing but a normal and he doesn't deserve to breath the same air as he and Hogan do and shoves him out of the shot. Warrior asks Hogan if he wants to live forever? Warrior says in the mortal world none of us can but Hogan has taken the Hulkamanics to a higher place. Warrior asks if Hogan can no longer step into the darkness. Warrior says the darkness is not something to fear its accept any and all challenges even at the cost of losing everything. Warrior says he hasn't come to destroy Hulkamania but to bring it together as one with the Warriors. Warrior says with the Warriors and the Hulkamanics he will take what he and Hogan believe into a place it never has been. YOu know for all the talk about Warriors promo made no sense this promo was clear and a great one. This was Warrior saying to the world I'm not some heel that here to be evil! No he's a different kind of Hero but he has the same values Hogan has.
The Orient Express Sato and Tanaka with Mr. Fuji vs The Rockers Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty- Tanaka and the Rockers have history since in the AWA he and Paul Diamond (Later the masked Kato who replace Sato) beat the Rockers for the AWA tag belts. Of course the WWF never brings that up but I am willing to bet someone in the WWF at this time knew Tanaka was a good opponents for Shawn and Marty. Jessie points out the winner here cold get a tag title shot. Marty and Tanaka start us off. Lock up and Marty drives Tanaka into the ropes but the position is reversed. Tanaka with a punch on the break. Jannetty catches the second punch and lands one of his own. Side kick by Tanaka. Sato in and he whips Tanaka into the corner at Jannetty. Tanaka runs into a power slam. Shawn in as is Sato. Double hip toss by the Rocker on Sato. Than a they pick up Tanaka and toss him into Sato like a lawn dirt. Orient Express to the floor. Double topas by the Rockers. Ref regains control. Lock up by Janertte and Tanka. Headlock by Marty. Sato pulls down the rope and Marty goes over it to the floor when Tanaka shoves him off. Cain shot by Fuji and than Sato shoves Marty face first into the ring post. Karate chops by Tanaka. Tag to Sato double team kicks by the Express. Knife edge chop by Sato. Tag to Tanaka. Back body drop by Tanaka but Jannetty lands on his feet and tags in Shawn. Double team thrust kicks by The Rockers. Power slam by Shawn. Back body drop by Shaw. Tag to Sato by Tanaka. Lock up and a hip check by Sato. Nice swinging neck breaker by Michaels. Tanaka with a kick to the back of the head on Michaels. Gut wretch into a gut buster by Sato. Tag to Tanaka. Karate chop by Tanaka. Cross body by Tanaka. Shawls' head rammed into the turn buckle. Tag to Sato who comes in with a knee drop. Cover by Sato gets two. Double nerve pinch by Sato. Tag to Tanaka. Double team by the Express. Thrust to the throat by Tanka. Clothesline by Michaels and both men are down. Tag to Jannetty. House of fire time by Jannetty. Flying back elbow by Jannetty on Sato than a fight hand for Sato. Double noggin knocker. Marty covers Tanaka. Sato goes to drop the elbow but Marty moves so he hits his own partner. Double dropkick by the Rockers send Sato to the floor. Double team back body drop by the Rockers. Rockers to the top rope Fuji nails Marty in the leg with the cane. Marty goes after Fuji. Sato throws fault in Marty's eyes. Marty winds up fallen off the platform into the stands. The bell rings. Shawn has the cane and chase off the Express. The Express win via count out. Good match. The finish is a little lame but still a fun match to watch hell after the last match this was the greatest match ever.
Steve Allen it outside of Rhythm & Blues dressing room. Steve goes in and we see Honky Tonk Man and Greg Valentine getting ready. Honky says Steve must be really excited to hear there new hit Honka Honka Honka love. Steve says he hasn't been this excited since hearing Pee Wee Herman was straight. Steve claims Honky reminds him of someone. Honky says this is going to be big. Greg finally speaks saying they are on there way to the Rock n Roll hall of fame. Who was the idiot that said "Let's have Greg Valentine dress like the Honky Tonk Man." Because by this point no cared about the Honky Tonk Man anymore.
Dino Bravo with Jimmy Hart and Earthquake vs Hacksaw Jim Duggan- Duggan tries to start a USA chat even though they are in Canada. Dino, Hart, and Earthquake bail to the floor as Hacksaw marches around the ring with his board. Lock up and Bravo powers Duggan off. Another lock up and Dino gets the head lock. Shoulder block by Bravo but Hacksaw doesn't go down. clothesline by Duggan ethan awful look punches. Back body drop by Duggan. clothesline to the back of the head sends Bravo to the floor. Shitty looking atomic drop by Duggan. Mounted punches Hacksaw. Duggan goes for a shoulder block in the corner but Bravo moves. Clothesline and right hands by Bravo. Knife edge chop and kick by Bravo. Atomic drop by Bravo who than chokes Duggan. Earthquake works Duggan while Bravo distracts the referee for some reason the show Bravo and the referee and not the attack. Jessie and Gorilla miss it as they argue over if Hacksaw is ugly. Elbow drop by Bravo gets two. Duggan's head rammed into the turn buckle a couple times. Duggan first up and hits more crappy punches. Duggan telegraphs a back body drop and get kicked. Stomps by Bravo. Duggan gets the leg up when Bravo charge and hits a series of clotheslines. Duggan sets for the 3 point stance. Earthquake grabs the leg of Duggan. Duggan and Earthquake lock up. Hart gooses the 2X4 in. Duggan gets it and nails Bravo on the back and gets the win. Awful match. Duggan looked terrible here. I get he was a brawler but make the brawling looking good.
Post match Earthquake jumps Duggan. Big elbow drops by Earthquake on Duggan. Earthquake splash on Duggan and a second one. Finally a third one. This was all about putting heat on Earthquake who the WWF was pushing as top heel.
Jake The Snake Roberts is with Gene Oakerland. Roberts says this is the biggest match of DiBiase's career but everything he stands for is on the line. Jake tells Ted all he has to do is get bast Damon and himself. Jake talks about all the time's The Millions Dollar made people grovel for his money. Jake says he will make DiBiase beg this time. This time it will DiBiase is humbled and humiliated. What a great promo by Roberts.
Million Dollar Championship Ted DiBiase © with Virgil vs Jake The Snake Roberts- During the build up to the feud the MIllion Dollar belt had been stolen by Jake. But they decided to put it in box at ringside. Roberts shoves DiBiase as he comes into the ring. Exchange of punches. Arm wringer by Roberts than a shoulder tackle. Knee lift by Roberts. Roberts goes for the DDT but DiBiases bails to the floor.Back to the ring and knee the stomach by DiBiasise. Hip toss by Roberts. Roberts goes for an elbow but misses. DiBiase goes for one but misses. Roberts goes for the DDT but DiBiase escapes again. Roberts goes for it again but again DiBiase escapes and goes to the floor. Jessie says Roberts is making a mistake going for it to soon. Gorilla points out with Virgil at ringside Roberts should go for a quick win. Wrist lock by Roberts into a hammer lock. Knees to the back by Roberts. Roberts transitions to a chicken win. One thing I really love it Roberts is going "Say you will?" to DiBiase as he the hold on. I think that plays to his "I will humble him" Line. Roberts back to his feet but Jake still has the hold on. DiBiase with a reveals but Jake drops down and sends the Million Dollar man to the floor. Jake out after him and tosses DiBiase back to the ring. Jake sets to soon on the back body drop and takes a elbow to the head. DiBiase runs into a knee. DiBiase side steps a knee lift and Jake hits the mat hard. Knee drops by DiBiase. Elbows to the back by DiBiase. Front face lock by the Million Dollar Man. WE get a shot of the fans doing the wave. WHAT? I know it's a rest hold but way to kill a move. Roberts to the floor. DiBiase drives Jakes shoulder first into the post and than tosses him into the ring. Beautiful piledriver by DiBiase but he doesn't follow up instead taking time mock the fans. Finally DiBiase puts his knees on the shoulders of Roberts. Pin is reversed by Jake and gets two. Knees two the back by DiBiase. Million Dollar Dream locked in. Jake fights bust starts to fade and goes down but gets his food on the ropes to break the hold. DiBiase covers but Roberts just puts his foot back on the ropes. I really don't get that spot it just makes DiBiase look stupid he he didn't even move The Snake. Roberts dragged back to the middle of the ring and covers to get two. DiBiase to the second rope and goes for a double sledge but Jake with a punch to the stomach. Clothesline by Roberts. Atomic drop by Roberts than a another clothesline. Back body drop by Roberts. Short arm clothesline. DDT is signaled for but DiBiase has hooked the leg of the referee. Virgil pulls Jake to the floor. big right hand and a power slam for Virgil. Million Dollar Dream locked in on the floor. Jake drops down and send DiBiase into the post. Virgil tosses his boss back into the ring for a count out win. Pretty good match. The Finish pus heat on DiBiase for a cheap win and protects Jake.
Post match DiBiase celebrates with the Million Dollar Belt. Jake back in and lays out Ted and Virgil with a double clothesline. Virgil whipped into DiBiase. Virgil grabs the belt and runs for the hills. DDT to DiBiase. Jake picks up some of the money Virgil dropped and gives it to fans. Jake stuff a C-Note in Ted's face. Jake gets the bag and unleashes Damon. Virgil is back and and pulls Ted to safety. Nice face saving moment for Jake and fans gets to see him hit the DDT but they also got the Million Dollar Belt back in DiBiase poisson.
Moony is Slick and Akeem. Mooney talks about the split of the Twin Towers after Bossman refused to accept money from the Million Dollar Man. Slick says Money is what it's all about. Slick says they have been paid off to be judge, jury, and executioner on the Bossman. Slick says the Bossman will be the one to do Hard Times. Akeem compares a lawman not taking the money to a dog chasing a car they won't last long. Bland promo and man the Akeem gimmick was stupid. Oakerland is with Big Bossman. Bossman calls DiBiase scum and he doesn't take money from scum. Bossman admits he is poor but he is proud. Bossman talks about how his proud to done with Slick and Akeem he is proud to wear the badge and proud to be an american. Good short intense promo by The Big Bossman
Akeem with Slick vs The Big Bossman- After Jake Roberts had stolen the MIllion Dollar Belt DiBiase had sent Bossman to get it back. But when DiBiase ticked off Bossman he turned returned the belt to Jake and split with Akeem and Slick. Before Bossman can get in the ring DiBiase comes out of hiding and hit a big clothesline on Bossman puts the boots to him and than power slams him on the floor. DiBiase rams Bossman into the post before tossing him in the ring. Akeem with a double sledge on Bossman than one to the back. Whip into the corner and than the running splash by Akeem. Bossman powers out of the pin. Akeems splash Bossman int the corner repeatedly and than goes for mounted corner punches. Sloppy atomic drop by Bossman. But given Akeem's size I don't know if anyone could pick him up and make that move look good. Kick to the face by Bossman. Bossman rams Akeem's head into the turnbuckle and than whip him across the ring over and over. Clothesline by the Bossman. Series of punches by Bossman. Bossman slam by the Bossman for the win. Sadly given Akeem's size he can't get him into the air. Oh boy talk about a waste couple of minutes. The match is boring Bossman can't pick Akeem up making him look bad. This show is over three and a half hours but it doesn't need to be. Slick jumps in the ring and Bossman get him by the collar. Big right hand by Bossman drops Slick.
Sean Mooney is out in the crowd. Sean says the fans anticipated the Rhythm and Blues song. A kid insults Honky and Hammer saying they can't do anything. Sean find actress Mary Tyler Moore who in the front row. Mary says he is having a wonderful time calling WrestleMania a mix of theatrics and athletics. Mary looks really confused like she had never been to a wrestling show before and like she had no idea she would be interviewed. More time wasting as the crowed seemed really dead.
Howard Finkel introduces Rhythm and Blues. In case yo haven't heard this story Rhythm and Blues come to the run in a Pink Cadillac witch was owned and driven by future WCW world champ Diamond Dallas Page. Dear lord did Vince really get that big a kick out whole Elvis impersonator gimmick that he doubled it? Honky claims the people are here only hear the new song. The song sucks but I think that was the point. To all the people that claim "The old days were so much better…" Exhibit A what that is total bull shit. There was plenty of stupid crap in the "golden days." The song is finally over and i think the crowd is about to run for the exits. Two vendors appear at ringside. Honky screams it the Bushwhackers and that is how it is. The Bushwhackers get into the ring as the heels run off. The Bushwhackers destroy the guitar that were left behind. Rhythm and Blues had jumped the Bushwhackers weeks before and this was there revenge. I call it a waste of time. If they waned revenge why not ruin the song and run in while they are singing. Plus how often did HTM break is own guitar? So it should be that big a deal he lost another one.
We get another hype for Mania VII. When the WWF did the Silver Doom they had a huge match in Andre vs Hogan. When they got 67,678 for Mania VI again huge dream match with Warrior vs Hogan. If they wanted to try and draw a 100,00 they should have held off a year on Warrior vs Hogan or run the Coliseum at Mania VI. The funny thing is hearing Gorilla completely sure Mania VII will be even bigger. We get the Fink announcing this is the all time attendance record in the Sky Dome.
Rick Rude with Bobby Heenan vs Jimmy Snuka- Steve Allen joins the broadcast booth for this match. He make some lame jokes during Rude's entrance. Snuka looks freaking awful here like he's already 50 years old. Rule jump Snuka when he turns his back. Forearms by Rude than an elbow to the neck. Rude goes for drop kick off a whip but Snuka hooks the ropes. Weak looking punches by Snuka than he lifts Rude up and lets him drop to the mat hard. Back body drop by than a falling head butt. Drop kick by Snuka sends Rude to the floor. Shoulder block from the apron by Rude than a sunset flip but Sunka lands a down ward punch. Snuka goes for a back body drop but Rude with a snap suplex. Club to the back by Rude. Back body drop by Rude. Rude goes for it again but Snuka drives him down face first. Rude to the eyes than a head lock. Shoulder tackle by Rude. Head butt by Snuka. Snuka to the top rope But Rude is up and walks under it. Snuka with over hand chops and a power slam. Snuka to the second turn buckle and comes up really short on a splash. Rude awaking by Rude for the win. Snuka actually kick out at two but the referee counts. Snuka pops right up no selling the move. Boring match and dumb booking. Remember Rude would be challenge for the world title after this so if anything he should have blown right through Snuka.
Title vs Title WWF Champion Hulk Hogan vs Intercontinental Champion The Ultimate Warrior- During that year's Royal Rumble Hogan and Warrior wound up in the ring alone and went one on one and showed they were perfect matches for each other. Tension had been added with Warrior nailing Hogan during a tag team match by mistake. Really it was more about the fact you had the two top faces and the time top two good guys going one on one. But neither man had gone full blown heel. Jessie claims the crowd appears split 50/50. Just like with Mania 1 there is a big fight atmosphere you can still feel all these years later. Big stare down between the two men before they even take off the belts. The bell rings and the stare down keeps going. Finally Warrior shoves Hogan back and pounds his chest. Hogan shoves Warrior. Lock up and Warrior powers Hogan off. Another lock up and fighter for it Hogan shoves Warrior off. Warriors calls for a test of strength. Hogan agrees and goth men fight over. Three stalemates as neither mean gives a inch. The arms goes up and Warrior takes control witch draw a huge pop. Hogan to his knees. Hogan looks to the cord and start to shake a Hogan chant starts and Hogans stands and Warrior is powered to his knees. The crowd is going nut over very basic moves but these two men are getting so much out it.Its a message these men are each other equal. Warriors starts to shake and gets back to his feet. Wrist lock and trip by Hogan followed by the elbow drop to get one. Shoulder tackle attempt by Warrior but Hogan doesn't move. Criss cross. Hogan drops down and than power slams Warrior. Warrior is right up. Criss cross again. Warrior with a drop down and he power slams Hogan. Hogan doesn't pop right up. Warrior clothesline Hogan over the top to the floor. Hogan holds his knee. Hogan is lumping on the floor. One thing I've noticed why they have been going tit for tat on each move it appears as though Hogan is slower to recover maybe the subtle message of This is it. The guy that can beat him has arrived. Hogan collapses. Warrior goes out and stomps on Hogan. Earl Hebner checks on Hogan. Hogan wants to keep going. Warrior shoves the referee away and puts Hogan back in the ring. Hogan is still limping as Warrior kicks at it. Both men exchange thumbs to the eyes than the choke each other. Jessie loves it saying "let the two goodie two shoes through rule book out. Get Nasty!" The referee breaks it up but Warrior nails on the break. Remember in the promo how they had talked "The darkness in Warrior" I Think this is meant to show that. Hogan with punches and and a running corner clotheslines. Mounted corner punches by Hogan as he leg as recovered. Power slam by Hogan than two elbow drops gets two. Front face lock by Hogan. Small package by Hogan gets two. Chin lock by Hogan. Punches to the far by Warrior the ref wants Hogan to open the first. Knee lift by Hogan. Chops and punches by Hogan. Clothesline by Hogan drops the Warrior. Hogan covers and gets two. Back breaker by Hogan but the camera misses it since they are showing the crowd. Hogan covers and gets two again.
Hogan goes back to the chin lock. Warrior goes to the hair to try and break the hold but can't get free. Knees to the back by Hogan. Back suplex by Hogan only gets two. Right back to the chin lock Hogan goes. Warrior starts to power up and gets to his feet. Warrior elbows free. Double clothesline and both men go down. The referee counts both men. Warrior sits up while Hogan is still down. Both men gets up. Warrior shaking the ropes and no sells shots but Hogan. Head butt by Warrior and right hand. Clotheslines by Warrior. Chops in the corner by Warrior. Hogan whipped into the corner and falls over. Snap suplex by Warrior gets two. Bear hug by Warrior and picks Hogan up. Gorilla and Jessie put over both men. Hogan start going to the hair but the ref stops him. They milk this stop a little to long I think part of has to do with Hogan not selling it enough. Hogan starts to fade. The referee checks the arm but of course HOgan still alive. Hogan with punches to get free. Warrior charges but Hogan drops down and Earl Hebner takes a shot and goes down. Warrior to the top and hits a double sledge off the top. Warrior up top again and hits a second one. Warrior goes for the flying the flying shoulder tackle but Hogan moves and drives Warrior down head first. Hogan covers but referee is still down. Warrior back up and hits a back drop suplex on Hogan. Warrior covers but still no referee. The ref starts to move and starts to count slow 1 slower two Hogan finally kicks. School boy by Hogan but the referee has his back turned. Warrior kicks at two. Right hands by Hogan. Running back elbow by Hogan sends warrior tot eh floor. Exchange of punches . Each man tries to ram the other to the post but they block it. Finally Warrior gets the advance and posts HOgan. back in the ring Warrior with a clothesline. Gorilla Press Slam by Warrior big splash by Warrior. Hogan kicks out at two. Hulk up by Hogan. Hogan with right hands. Big boot by Hogan. Leg drop misses. Big Splash by Warrior for the win. I will point out Hogan kicks out at three I think that was alway meant to be a "he just barley got him thing." This match has always and will always be a classic. It does lose a little as the years have gone and people forget how big a deal it was for Hogan to lose clean. Hell this was Hogan's first clean loss since since coming back the WWF in 1984. HIs only other losses were via count out DQ or the infamous Evil twin ref story. But it really is these two at there best.
Post match Warrior celebrates and climbs the ropes. Hogan looks up the sky asking why? Hebner hands Warrior the IC title. Hogan out of the ring and gets the WWF belt. Hogan has tears in his eyes. The crowd goes silent unsure of what is gong to happen. Warrior presents the belt to Warrior and the two men embrace. Gorilla with the famous line that Hogan has taken a step towards immortally. Jessie praise Hogan for going out like a true champion and says Hulk a Mania will live ever. Hogan gets on the card to ride out as Warrior holds both titles high. Fireworks start to go off. Gorilla signs off as Warrior keeps celebrating.
In a lot of ways WrestleMania VI reminds me of the first WrestleMania. An epic main event a some what boring undercard. Why there are some very good matches on the undercard there is also some really bad matches. A lot of the bad stuff could have easily been cut out to brought the run time under three hours. I get the mindset of wanting to get everyone on Mania but did we really need match with Bossman and Akeem was the Bushwhackers vs Rhythm and Blues feud so important we had get them on this show? And Rona Barrett talk about a waste of money and time. The main event should be seen by any fan of this era the good matches are also worth a watch. But don't break the bank getting it.
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