World Wrestling Federation: 1991-92

[Chrononaut]

Monday: WWF Prime Time Wrestling (USA Network - Prime Time)

Saturday: WWF Wrestling Challenge (NBC - Early Evening...since Challenge used to be shown on my local NBC affiliate back in the day )

Sunday: WWF Wrestling Superstars (FOX - Early Evening)

This week I've auto-booked the weekend shows, but next time I'm booking and doing full recaps. Here's what went down on the weekend:

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 1991 -- WWF WRESTLING CHALLENGE

Booker: Vince McMahon (Announcer)

Quality: 62%

Rating: 5.06

Attendance: 5,002

Ticket Sales: $300,120

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 1991 -- WWF WRESTLING SUPERSTARS

Booker: Shane McMahon (Referee)

Quality: 64%

Rating: 3.57

Attendance: 5,019

Ticket Sales: $301,140

[GoGo Yubari]

Oh my god. You're reposting the entire thing? Wow. Wellp, see you in 2005 when that's done with.

All joking aside, I loved this diary and I'm glad to see it back.

[Chrononaut]

It was reported in the "dirt sheets" that Pat Tanaka of The Orient Express suffered a torn calf during a house show tag team match against The Rockers. He will most likely be on the shelf for up to nine months.

There was also a report on the new format for WWF Prime Time Wrestling. Apparently, Vince McMahon somehow convinced the higher-ups at USA Network to help finance a LIVE wrestling show, every Monday night, with the commentators sitting at ringside. Fans of the traditional PTW format need not worry, however, as the old studio set-up will still be used for in-depth interviews and promos sprinkled throughout the program. The hope is that this innovative approach will restore interest in the product, and it is rumored that the change came about via heavy lobbying from some of the new members of the booking team. Commercials running all weekend on USA have indeed hinted at a big change "for the 1990s and beyond". Time will tell if this plan will sink or swim.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 1991 -- WWF PRIME TIME WRESTLING

Prime Time Wrestling opened with a new montage, followed by a shot of the inside of a small arena, packed to the rafters with screaming fans, as a graphic in the corner of the screen read "LIVE!". Ring announcer Howard Finkel stood in mid-ring and proclaimed: "Ladies and gentlemen, WELCOME to the NEW PRIME TIME WRESTLING! And now, please welcome BACK to the WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION... JESSE "THE BODY" VENTURA!" The crowd popped big-time and chanted "JESSE, JESSE" as the colorful color commentator strutted out, stopping in the ring for a brief posedown before joining Vince McMahon at ringside, declaring that while it was great to be back in the WWF, "I was hoping I'd never have to sit next to you again, McMahon!" This was truly surprising, as most Observers presumed that after the bitter falling-out between "The Body" and the WWF last year, they would never work together again; in fact, it had been rumored that Ventura was "thisclose" to signing with WCW. Smart move by the WWF to swallow their pride and bring back "The Man Who Tells It Like It Is".

Back in the old (spruced-up) Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon sat alongside Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. After some of their trademark banter, Monsoon announced that due to health problems, Jack Tunney had stepped down as WWF President. He thanked Tunney for his years of service and wished him well, before introducing the new WWF President: Andre The Giant! The humongous Giant lumbered into the studio and shook hands with Gorilla, glaring menacingly at Heenan before sitting next to Gorilla at the desk. Andre said it was an honor to be named WWF President, discussing how much he loves the WWF and wants to give something back to the Federation, and vowed that he would do everything in his power to ensure the longevity of the WWF. Should be a good role for the declining Andre, and he will undoubtely connect with fans more than the stuffed-suit Tunney, based on his existing popularity. (91%)

Legion Of Doom (Hawk & Animal) vs. Brooklyn Brawler & Iron Mike Sharpe

Basically a squash, as the LOD steamrolled over the two WWF veterans, ending when Hawk covered the Brawler following the Doomsday Device. During the short match, McMahon and Ventura hyped tonight's main event between Randy Savage and Roddy Piper, as well as a big "Blindfold Match" between Jake Roberts and Rick Martel. LOD looked good out there. (67%)

A vignette aired, featuring clips of none other than Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat during his last run in the WWF. The pre-recorded voice-over of that guy who does a lot of voice-overs for movie trailers proclaimed Steamboat as "arguably the greatest Intercontinental Champion in the history of the WWF" and finished by announcing that he would soon be returning to the WWF, closing with the tagline "The Fire Still Burns Within The Dragon". Looks interesting, as Steamboat will be a welcome addition to the roster. (68%)

Back in the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan were joined by the reigning WWF Intercontinental Champion, Mr. Perfect. Perfect and Heenan shared a laughing embrace, but Perfect short-armed Gorilla on a handshake, pulling his hand away. They officially mentioned that Perfect would be mostly on his own from now on, but that Heenan would still be advising him. Perfect then brought up the Ricky Steamboat video that had just played, wondering how ANYBODY could argue over who the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time was. "After all, there's only been ONE... PERFECT... Intercontinental Champion... hasn't there, Bobby?" Heenan of course agreed, but Monsoon challenged Perfect to put his title on the line against "The Dragon" upon his return to back up his claim. Perfect appeared nervous momentarily before informing Gorilla that it's been three long years since Steamboat was in the WWF, and he'd have to work his way back up to EARN a title shot. Heenan agreed profusely, before Perfect did his patented "gum spit" and walked off as the show went to commercial. (92%)

Crush vs. "British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith

Crush of Demolition flew solo tonight, assaulting the Bulldog as soon as the corn-rowed Englishman stepped foot in the ring. A surprisingly good power struggle match-up, with the rookie Crush showing signs of future superstardom. In the end, Davey Boy scooped Crush up for the Running Powerslam, but Smash appeared and pulled his "brother in paint" off the Bulldog's shoulder. While Smith turned his attention to Smash, Crush was able to score with a brutal savate kick to the head and pick up the three-count. Afterwards, both members of Demolition double-teamed the Bulldog and left him laying. (75%)

In the studio, Monsoon and Heenan brought in current WWF Tag Team Champions The Hart Foundation. As Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart entered the studio, suddenly out of nowhere Brian Knobbs & Jerry Saggs of The Nasty Boys blindsided them. While manager Jimmy Hart barked orders through his megaphone, the Nasties stomped and kicked the Anvil & Hit Man, battering them around the studio. Gorilla expressed outrage at this despicable sneak attack as the Nasties and the Mouth Of The South exited triumphantly after wiping their armpits with the Tag Team Title belts. (75%)

Back at the arena in the locker room, Mean Gene Okerlund interviewed "The Doctor Of Style" Slick and his Power & Glory tag team of Hercules & Paul Roma. Slick put them over as a "team of the '90s", combining brawn, brains, and beauty into one world-class unit. Good promo. (77%)

Power & Glory (Hercules & Paul "Romeo" Roma) vs. Koko B. Ware & Jim Powers

The suave Slick escorted Herc & Romeo for this glorified squash, which saw the Birdman & Powers get in some offense. After the upset was teased a couple of times, Power & Glory regained control and put Koko away with the impressive Powerplex (Hercules superplex followed by Roma swandive splash off the top). Afterwards, Hercules & Roma continued the punishment, beating down Powers as well until Dusty & Dustin Rhodes raced out to a great pop and chased off the heels, who vowed revenge as they retreated. (67%)

Blindfold Match: "The Model" Rick Martel vs. Jake "The Snake" Roberts

This was the big blow-off (originally scheduled for WrestleMania VII) for the angle that saw Martel temporarily blind Roberts with his "Arrogance" cologne spray, thus leading to this Blindfold Match so that Martel would have some idea of what Roberts went through for several months. A slow start as the competitors felt around looking for each other, which led to Martel mistaking the referee for Jake and dropping him with a backbreaker across the knee. The official called for a disqualification, at which point both men pulled up their hoods and Roberts refused the DQ victory, requesting the match be restarted, which it was. Martel pounced on "The Snake" immediately before pulling the hoods back down, taking advantage of the opportunity. After some back-and-forth action, Jake got his hands on "The Model" and snapped on the DDT for the definitive 1-2-3. Afterwards, Jake unleashed his pet python Damian on Martel until he awoke and ran off through the crowd. (75%)

Backstage, Mean Gene caught up with Jake Roberts and asked him how his vision was now. Roberts said that his eye was "almost 100%" and would be back to normal within the next few weeks, especially now that he had disposed of Rick Martel. Suddenly, Jake jumped and looked around him, claiming to have seen something in the shadows. Okerlund attributed it to Jake's vision problems before going to the final commercial break. (77%)

"Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. "Rowdy" Roddy Piper

A very heated brawl between two of the WWF's wildest, craziest veterans. Both men got in their trademark spots, Piper with the double-poke to the eyes and an attempted sleeperhold, and Savage nailing his flying axhandle from the top turnbuckle down to the floor. During the skirmish on the floor, Hot Rod took the advantage, tossing the Macho Man into the ringpost before rolling him back into the ring. While the referee checked on Savage, Ted DiBiase ran down the aisle and waylayed Piper, whacking him in the back of the head with his "Million Dollar Belt". DiBiase then rolled the slumping Scotsman under the bottom rope and walked off laughing as a groggy Macho Man dove from the top turnbuckle with the patented Flying Elbowdrop, covering Piper for the big win. Afterwards, Savage motioned to his waist, yelling about taking the Ultimate Warrior's WWF Championship, as Prime Time faded out. (83%)

Overall: 77%

Rating: 5.62

Attendance: 5,038

Ticket Sales: $302,280

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While driving to the Challenge/Superstars television tapings on Tuesday night, Virgil damaged his right hand in a minor car accident. It wasn't serious though, and he should be back on the road next month.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 1991 -- WWF WRESTLING CHALLENGE

Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan opened the program from the usual broadcast stage at the back of the crowd area, running down the lineup of The Rockers, The Nasty Boys, and The Undertaker all in action, plus the "double main events" of Hacksaw Duggan taking on Kato, and the Rhodes Family battling Greg Valentine & The Mountie.

The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs & Jerry Saggs) vs. Barry Hardy & Duane Gill

Jimmy Hart accompanied Saggs & Knobbs and was his usual obnoxious self, shouting through his megaphone as the Nasties had a fairly easy time with Gill & Hardy, who did manage to fight back when the Boys' arrogance got the better of them. Finally, Saggs rubbed Gill's face in Knobbs' armpit (the "Pit Stop") before powerslamming him to the canvas, followed by the flying elbowdrop from Knobbs for the finish. Afterwards, the Nasties tossed their opponents around and claimed they would do the same to The Hart Foundation. (55%)

Another vignette aired for Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, showing his intense workout routine as he prepares for his return to the WWF. The video put him over as a great legitimate athlete, and he looks like he may be in the best shape of his career. It closed with the "Fire Still Burns" tagline. (72%)

The Rockers (Marty Jannetty & Shawn Michaels) vs. Brooklyn Brawler & Iron Mike Sharpe

Gorilla Monsoon talked up The Rockers, calling them possibly the best young tag team "to come down the pike" in quite some time, while Heenan made fun of their hair. The veteran Sharpe/Brawler tandem actually controlled the bout after a brief opening flurry from Jannetty, but eventually the "Masters Of Motion" made the comeback and put away Iron Mike with the trademark Flying Double Fistdrop from opposing corners. (67%)

The Undertaker vs. Reno Riggins

Brother Love led his undead charge out, as the fans stood silent in awe. Heenan pointed out that he wouldn't want to be Reno's drycleaner, as Reno looked scared shitless. Undertaker made short work of Riggins, planting him with the Tombstone after getting in his now-patented spots. Afterwards, the Pale Destroyer zipped Riggins up in a bodybag and carried him away as Love looked very pleased with his disciple. (54%)

A video package aired showing "behind the scenes" footage of Hulk Hogan on the set of his new movie, Suburban Commando. Of course, the movie looks like it will totally suck, but I'm sure the little Hulkamaniacs will love it. Good promo though, getting fans interested in seeing the Hulkster return to the ring in a month or so. (99%)

Kato vs. "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan

Mr. Fuji accompanied the masked Kato, as the commentators (as usual) made no mention of his injured tag team partner Tanaka. The usual "America vs. Foreign Guy" contest, with the fans chanting "U-S-A", inspiring Duggan to break out of Kato's nerve pinch and eventually cut him down with the Three Point Stance for the three-count. Afterwards, Duggan went after Fuji, giving Kato time to recover and attack from behind. Hacksaw brawled with Kato up the aisle until they disappeared through the curtains. (68%)

In front of the good ol' "green screen", Mean Gene Okerlund interviewed Jimmy Hart along with The Mountie & Greg Valentine. They talked about what they were going to do to the Rhodes Family, with "The Hammer" finishing up by saying that he was finally going to put the American Dream out of his misery once and for all. (73%)

The Rhodes Family (Dusty & Dustin Rhodes) vs. Greg "The Hammer" Valentine & The Mountie

A true old-school tag team match-up, with the heels dominating the young Dustin after Jimmy Hart got involved, then using quick tags to control the pace. Finally, Dustin escaped and made the hot tag to dad Dusty, who cleaned house on Mountie & Hammer. Dustin was tagged back in and along with Dusty, drilled Valentine with a big-time Double Bionic Elbow before pinning the former Intercontinental Champion. The Rhodes Family celebrated while Monsoon and Heenan signed off. (71%)

Overall: 70%

Rating: 5.00

Attendance: 5,043

Ticket Sales: $302,580

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 13, 1991 -- WWF WRESTLING SUPERSTARS

Mean Gene Okerlund and Lord Alfred Hayes introduced this week's program, highlighting the main event featuring Rick Martel taking on Big Boss Man, as well as a special interview with the Ultimate Warrior, plus Texas Tornado, Tito Santana, and The Bushwhackers all in action.

The Bushwhackers (Luke & Butch) vs. Bob Bradley & Kevin Krueger

Lord Alfred expressed disgust at the behavior of The Bushwhackers as they shared sardines and licked each other's heads. This was a quick, fan-pleasing squash ending when Luke covered Bradley after the double-team Battering Ram. Bad bad match, but the crowd loves these idiots. (52%)

In the locker room, Sean Mooney interviewed Mr. Fuji and Kato. Fuji talked about what happened with Jim Duggan on Wrestling Challenge and threw out a challenge for Hacksaw to face Kato again next week on Superstars. The rematch the world was waiting to see, I'm sure. (76%)

A promo aired announcing the return of Piper's Pit next week on Superstars, when his guest will be none other than Ted DiBiase. Could be trouble, since the Million Dollar Man cost Hot Rod the match on Prime Time Wrestling. Nonetheless, Piper's Pit is almost always pure gold. (90%)

Tito Santana vs. Iron Mike Sharpe

Slow, plodding match with Santana hooking an armbar numerous times. The commentators discussed the Ultimate Warrior's upcoming interview, wondering if it had anything to do with Randy Savage's body language on Prime Time. They also talked about other things, until finally Tito nailed Sharpe with the Flying Forearm for the pinfall. (60%)

Something we've not really seen too much before: a camera backstage caught the Texas Tornado tying up his robe and walking out of the room, ready for his match. (70%)

"Texas Tornado" Kerry Von Erich vs. Butch Stanley

Interesting that they've put the "Kerry Von Erich" back into his name. I wonder why. Even with his full name, Von Erich did not look good, but neither did Stanley. The match mercifully ended when Von Erich clobbered Stanley with the Tornado Punch for the 1-2-3. Even the commentators barely paid attention. (48%)

Sean Mooney was standing on the old interview platform, where he introduced WWF Champion Ultimate Warrior, who rushed out looking pumped up. After some long-winded rant on his Gods of War and other deities, Mooney asked Warrior about Randy Savage motioning around his waist on Prime Time Wrestling and saying that he'd take Warrior's title. The Warrior nodded and went off on a tangent about people who demand accolades instead of earning them, and said that he takes on all comers, because he truly is "The Ultimate... WARRRRRRRRRRRRIORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!" (100%)

"The Model" Rick Martel vs. Big Boss Man

A typical power vs. finesse/cheating match-up, with Boss Man overwhelming Martel with his size, and Martel using his superior experience and chicanery to turn the tide. Boss Man was able to kick Martel back when he attempted to apply the Boston Crab, tossing him into a corner. Boss Man then charged in for an avalanche, but "The Model" sidestepped the 340-pounder and rolled him up with his feet on the ropes to grab the victory. Martel quickly took off afterwards, leaving Boss Man to look very pissed off while Okerlund and Hayes closed the show. (74%)

Overall: 71%

Rating: 3.64

Attendance: 5,005

Ticket Sales: $300,300

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[Chrononaut]

Actually...fuck that...I'll repost my 1992 year so far. The whole thing would take forever. Anybody who wants 1991 can email me and I can send them in a ZIP file or something.

Enjoy.

[Chrononaut]

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1991 -- WWF NO HOLDS BARRED

The half-hour Preview Show was hosted by Mean Gene Okerlund and "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, who hyped all of the matches on the card and their respective stipulations, promising that scores would be settled and warning that this evening's pay-per-view would not be for the weak of heart. During the show, Razor Ramon was shown arriving at the arena in his candy-apple-red lowrider complete with fuzzy dice and tiger-skin interior. When the Bad Guy stepped out of the car and headed into the building, he was met by an angry Randy Savage, who asked Razor where he had been and why he was so late, adding that he had some questions about what happened last night on Saturday Night's Main Event. Ramon responded that he didn't have to "answer to nobody, mang" and brushed past the Macho Man, who stared at the back of Razor's head in disbelief before following him. (82%)

Gorilla Monsoon, Jesse "The Body" Ventura, and Mike Tenay welcomed viewers to the pay-per-view proper from the broadcast position at the back of the arena and reiterated that tonight's program could get extremely violent, advising parents to put the kids and grandparents to bed, before sending it up to ring announcer Howard "The Fink" Finkel in the squared circle.

Six-Man Tag Team Bunkhouse Brawl Match: Demolition (Smash & Crush & Ax) vs. Powers Of Pain (Barbarian & Warlord) & "Precious" Paul Ellering

Demolition marched out first to a nice pop, all three members wearing blue jeans, black combat boots, leather and studs, and their traditional facepaint, as Tenay explained the Bunkhouse Brawl rules: no disqualifications, no count-outs, no submissions, pinfalls only, all six competitors in the ring at once, and competitors could wear and use whatever they brought with them. Paul Ellering led his WWF Tag Team Champions down the aisle next, all three men clad in black tank tops, camouflage pants with several pockets, and carrying crowbars, wooden folding chairs, studded leather straps, and metal trash cans. When they reached ringside, the Warlord, the Barbarian, & Precious Paul spread out and surrounded the squared circle, as Ellering taunted Demolition, distracting them long enough for the Powers Of Pain to slide into the ring and attack with their weapons. Ellering quickly joined his proteges, kicking off a chaotic brawl with all six gladiators slugging it out and trading fists until the Powers were able to dump Ax out to the floor and work over Crush & Smash three-on-two. Ellering's strategy became clear when he produced a pair of handcuffs from one of his pockets and managed to cuff Crush to the ropes with the help of his Powers, leaving Smash at a three-on-one disadvantage, as each time Ax attempted to return to the ring, Ellering would clobber him with a crowbar, eventually busting him open. Smash also bled after Barbarian wrapped a chain around his boot and caught Smash with a big foot to the face, while Precious Paul whipped the shackled Crush with a studded leather strap as Warlord choked him with a thick rope. Crush was busted open when the Warlord shattered a wooden folding chair and used one of the shards to dig into his forehead, displaying a level of sadism so disturbing that even Ventura was somewhat shocked. The Powers & Ellering scored several near-falls on Smash, who kept kicking out and trying to fight back, but the odds were too much. Finally, after watching the Barbarian knock Ax back to the floor with a trashcan shot, Crush had seen enough and used his immense strength to break free from the handcuffs, popping the crowd as he no-sold a series of trashcan shots and unloaded on all three opponents, giving both Ax & Smash the opportunity to recover and join him in cleaning house. Crush took the WWF Tag Team Champions over the top rope with a double-clothesline, following them out and brawling around ringside while Smash & Ax viciously double-teamed the suddenly-apologetic Ellering, busting him wide open as well with a 2x4-assisted double clothesline across the face. Smash then draped Precious Paul across his knee as Ax came off the middle turnbuckle with the Decapitation Elbow, allowing Smash to cover the bloody Ellering and pick up the pinfall to earn the WWF Tag Team Title shot at the 1992 Royal Rumble next month. Afterwards, Demolition headed up the aisle triumphantly while Warlord & Barbarian tended to their fallen manager. (79%)

Lumberjack Match: The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers (Jacques & Raymond Rougeau) vs. The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs & Jerry Saggs)

Jimmy Hart escorted his Fabulous Rougeau Brothers down the aisle, flanked by their ten lumberjacks, all wearing their street clothes: Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, Dino Bravo, Bam Bam Bigelow, Cactus Jack Manson, Owen Hart, the Dynamite Kid, the Great Muta, Abdullah The Butcher, "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes, & "The Outlaw" Terry Funk, accompanied by Mr. Fuji and Colonel Robert Lee Fuller. However, referee John Finnegan immediately ejected Fuller and Fuji, rightfully stating that they had no business being at ringside for this match-up. The Nasty Boys came out next along with their ten lumberjacks, who were dressed mostly in blue jeans and plaid, just like "real" lumberjacks: Bob Backlund, Tito Santana, Hawk, the Big Boss Man, Chris Benoit, Davey Boy Smith, "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, "Texas Twister" Kevin Von Erich, "Nature Boy" Shane Douglas, and the Honky Tonk Man. With all 20 superstars surrounding the squared circle, the Nasty Boys and the Rougeau Brothers stared each other down in mid-ring and trash-talked one another before the Mouth Of The South hopped up on the apron and attracted the attention of Saggs & Knobbs, who seemed to fall for the trap but sidestepped Raymond & Jacques when they charged from behind and sent them colliding into their own manager. Hart fell off the apron but was caught by the heel lumberjacks, while the Nasties opened up on the Rougeaus, double-clotheslining Raymond over the top rope and focusing on Jacques. Santana, Honky Tonk, and Backlund prevented Raymond from retreating, sending him to his spot on the apron as the Nasties utilized quick tags and bone-rattling double-teams to control Jacques, who finally escaped and made the tag after interference from the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters. Tempers flared among the lumberjacks as the Boss Man & Hawk went after Cactus Jack & Bam Bam, brawling up the aisle and out of sight, leaving 16 lumberjacks around ringside. The Rougeaus wore Saggs down by tagging in-and-out frequently and putting their skullduggery to good use, scoring several near-falls as a shoving match broke out between the heels and faces at ringside. This distracted the Rougeaus and allowed Saggs to make the hot tag to Knobbs, who rushed in and cleaned house, even knocking the Enforcers off the apron when they tried to get involved. Jacques & Raymond rolled out to the floor to escape, but they were caught by the Texas Twister, Hacksaw, the New Nature Boy, and the New British Bulldogs before they could get too far. They held Raymond at ringside and tossed Jacques back into the squared circle, where Saggs was able to get the three-count following the Pit Stop Drop from he and Knobbs. Afterwards, the face lumberjacks threw Raymond into the ring, allowing the Nasties to squash him with the Pit Stop Drop as well before dragging Jimmy Hart in. Much to the delight of the fans, Knobbs raised his arm so that Saggs could grab Hart by the hair and rub his face in Knobbs' sweaty, stinky armpit while the face lumberjacks prevented the heels from helping the Mouth, who then bailed out and retreated up the aisle. (78%)

WWF Television Tag Team Title/Double Chain Match: The Rockers (Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty) [champions] vs. The Gangsters Of Style ("Sweet" Stan Lane & Paul "Romeo" Roma)

Slick, along with his personal bodyguard Bad News Brown, swaggered out alongside his Gangsters Of Style as the commentators questioned the Rockers' condition after the attack by the Gangsters on "The Funeral Parlor" last night on Saturday Night's Main Event. The WWF Television Tag Team Champions did look a bit battered when they made their entrance, but appeared very intense while staring down Paul Roma & Stan Lane as referee Randy Anderson joined all four competitors at the wrists with two 15-foot-long steel chains and explained that it would be one fall to a finish. Sweet Stan & Romeo Roma began to push and shove Marty Jannetty & Shawn Michaels, who escalated the action by responding with closed fists, kicking off a furious brawl between the two tag teams as Tenay recollected the history here, including Power & Glory becoming the first-ever TV titlists back in May at WWF War Zone. The fast pace continued until Lane managed to bust open Jannetty with the chain, slowing down the Rockers as Lane & Roma also went after Michaels, chaining him in a corner so that they could work over the wound on Jannetty's forehead. Marty's blood flowed freely, almost pooling on the canvas as the Gangsters took turns punishing him while the other pounded Michaels in the corner. Shawn eventually mounted a comeback and busted open both Gangsters using the chains as the crimson-masked Marty recovered and joined in, both Rockers scoring a few near-falls before Bad News Brown interfered, grabbing one of the chains and yanking Jannetty out to ringside. Bad News choked out Jannetty on the floor with a chain while on the inside, Roma & Lane avenged their bloodshed by relentlessly double-teaming Michaels and picking up several near-falls, but he kept kicking out. The Gangsters grew frustrated and brutally pounded Shawn's head and face with the chain, busting him wide open and apparently awakening him, as Shawn battled back and took the fight right to Romeo & Sweet Stan. Jannetty returned to the ring to help out his partner, laying out both Gangsters and climbing to the top turnbuckles from the inside. The bloody Rockers dove with a chain-assisted Double Flying Fistdrop on Romeo Roma, Michaels covering him for the 1-2-3 while Jannetty held Lane at bay, as the Masters Of Motion retained the WWF Television Tag Team Championship in a tremendous contest. Afterwards, with an uncharacteristically sadistic look on his blood-soaked face, Michaels nailed Lane with a superkick and ordered Jannetty to go back to the top turnbuckle, as the Rockers swiftly landed a chain-assisted Double Flying Fistdrop on Sweet Stan as well. The Rockers then exited the squared circle, soaked in their own blood as well as that of the Gangsters, with the TV belts over their shoulders. (92%)

Casket Match: The Undertaker vs. "Rowdy" Roddy Piper

The Undertaker was led to the ring tonight by Paul Bearer, passing the opened tartan casket at ringside along the way, as Monsoon explained that Brother Love was "out of commission" indefinitely after Roddy Piper's assault on "The Funeral Parlor" last night, causing Ventura to campaign for the Rowdy One's suspension. Hot Rod walked slowly down the aisle, removing his t-shirt and kilt before charging into the squared circle and firing away with lefts and rights on the Dead Man. This was a heated, back-and-forth slugfest similar to their Bodybag Match at SummerSlam '91, as they battled out to the floor and traded punches and Irish-whips into the ringsteps and iron guardrail as Bearer moaned in support of the Undertaker. The Scotsman threw everything he had at the Pale Destroyer, ramming his head repeatedly against the casket at ringside and taking him down with a running bulldog headlock on the concrete floor after peeling away the thin blue protective mats. The Undertaker fought Piper off when he tried to maneuver him into the casket, as Tenay reminded viewers that the only way to win was to stuff the opponent in the casket and seal the lid. Piper retrieved a chair and whalloped the Undertaker with it as the battle returned to the ring, where the Rowdy Scot managed to pound the Reaper down to the canvas and dump him into the casket at ringside, but Undertaker stopped Piper from slamming the lid and escaped, taking control of Hot Rod. Undertaker used his methodical offense to weaken Piper, punishing him for several minutes before scooping him up and slamming him from the ring down into the casket. Piper used his feet to prevent the Undertaker from closing the lid, blocking it and kicking the Dead Man in the face. The Undertaker appeared unstoppable, however, continuing to hammer him and scooping him up in preparation for a Tombstone on the metal folding chair, but Hot Rod wriggled out and mounted a spirited comeback, unloading on the Pale Destroyer with various street-fighting tactics. Piper picked up the chair and unleashed a vicious series of nasty chairshots across the head of the Dead Man, who staggered and stumbled but would not go down until the Scotsman leapt from the middle turnbuckle with a loud shot that floored the Death Valley resident. As the crowd cheered, Piper added numerous merciless chairshots on the prone form of the Grim Reaper, pounding and battering him with the chair while the commentators wondered how many shots the Undertaker could absorb without suffering serious injury. It got so bad that referee Shane McMahon intervened and tried to pull the chair away from the Rowdy One, telling him to just dump the Undertaker in the casket and end the match-up. While Piper engaged in a tug-of-war and war of words with the official, Paul Bearer slapped the canvas and rallied the Undertaker to rise from the grave, sitting up and blindsiding Piper with a big forearm. Although Piper attempted to fight back, the Dead Man no-sold his defense and bombarded him with punches and kicks before chokeslamming the Scotsman on the chair. Somehow, Piper escaped from the casket after the Undertaker rolled him into it, but soon fell victim to the devastating Tombstone on the chair. The Undertaker rolled his eyes back in his head as he delivered two more Tombstones on the steel chair, completely immobilizing Piper so that the Reaper could dump him into the casket and slam the lid shut, sealing Hot Rod inside and achieving victory. Afterwards, the Undertaker swatted away the WWF officials and agents that came out to release the Rowdy One, wheeling the casket, with Piper still inside, up the aisle and disappearing through the curtain with Paul Bearer. (86%)

Lights Out Match: Mr. Perfect vs. Jake "The Snake" Roberts

The arena lights flashed off and on briefly to signify that this was a Lights Out match, which Tenay explained was different from a Last Man Standing match in that there would be no pinfalls, no submissions, no count-outs, no disqualifications, no count-outs, and no 10-counts, thus the only way to win was to literally knock the opponent's lights out, which would be up to the discretion of referee Tim White. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, still wearing his neckbrace, accompanied Mr. Perfect to ringside as Ventura and Monsoon argued over the necessity of the Brain's neckbrace. This one started off with both competitors being very cautious, slowly building as the pace picked up and went back-and-forth, keeping the crowd hot from the opening bell. Incredible bout that featured Jake Roberts and Mr. Perfect just beating the hell out of each other, doing everything in their power to incapacitate one another, including some heavy-duty rulebreaking involving chairs and brass knuckles as the battle spilled out to ringside and up the aisle. The commentators put over both superstars as the physical battle continued through the curtains into the backstage area, where Perfect took control and managed to bust open the Snake with a shot from a nearby fire extinguisher. Monsoon reminded viewers that the loser would enter the 1992 Royal Rumble at #1 or #2, depending on the result of the Ladder Match later, while the winner would receive the coveted 30th spot, as Perfect seemed to grow more frustrated with Roberts, who kept getting back up. The former two-time WWF Intercontinental Champion dragged Jake through the backstage hallways, grinding his bleeding forehead against the brick walls, as Ventura pointed out that if Jake lost enough blood, he would be unable to get up anymore. Although Roberts attempted a couple of comebacks, Perfect remained in control and tossed him out of the building through the doors into the parking lot, following him out among the snowbanks and kicking the Snake in the ribs as Heenan also appeared, shouting words of encouragement to the Flawless One. The Snake reversed an Irish-whip, sending Perfect into a parked car, and rallied back with a flurry of closed fists that had Perfect reeling before flooring him with the short-arm clothesline. However, when Jake went for the DDT, Perfect stood up and back-bodydropped him through the windshield of the car, shattering it. After several moments, the official was ready to end the match and award the victory to Mr. Perfect, but Jake climbed out of the broken windshield, getting a big pop from the fans in the arena, and went after Perfect, slugging it out throughout the parking lot until they reached a large Mack truck with the WWF logo on it, which Monsoon explained carried the ring from city to city. They fought up onto the cab of the truck, making their way on top of the trailer, engaging in fisticuffs 15 feet above the cement and concrete of the parking lot. Heenan had a coronary on the ground as the Snake surprised Perfect with a lowblow and dropped him with the DDT on top of the trailer, then yanked him up and planted him with another DDT. Since Perfect was still moving, Roberts dragged him up into a front-facelock and applied a third DDT as Ventura drew parallels between this bout and the Casket Match. The referee refused to climb up on top of the truck but prepared to call an end to the match-up, but Jake shook his head and motioned for one more, hauling Perfect up and drilling him with yet another DDT that collapsed the roof, causing both men to crash down into the trailer, out of sight, as the crowd and the commentators gasped. After a few moments, Jake emerged from the back of the trailer, battered and bloody, as the ref called for the bell and declared the Snake the last man standing. The commentators praised both competitors as two of the toughest and most resilient superstars in the history of the WWF as medics and road agents arrived on the scene to attend to Mr. Perfect while the Snake staggered back into the building. (94%)

Steel Cage Match/Pinfall Or Submission Only: The Hart Foundation (Bret "Hit Man" Hart & Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart) vs. The Destruction Crew (Wayne "The Train" Bloom & Mike "The Machine" Enos)

The Hart Foundation entered the roofed cage, the first of its kind in the WWF, which the commentators pointed out was to prevent the Heenan Family from interfering, but suggested that it was now unnecessary since Mr. Perfect was obviously in no condition to interfere and "Ravishing" Rick Rude was apparently training like a madman in Robinsdale, Minnesota. The Destruction Crew were accompanied by Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, who still looked concerned about Perfect's condition following the brutal Lights Out match. Unlike the Harts' Steel Cage match against the Powers Of Pain in May at WWF War Zone, this bout was held under regulation tag team rules, as Wayne Bloom started off locking up with Jim Neidhart in a test of strength that the Anvil easily won. The opening minutes went slowly back-and-forth as the two tandems seemed very cautious until the Foundation took control of the Train, scoring a near-fall with a nice double Russian legsweep. This continued for a couple of minutes until Bloom avoided Bret Hart's charge in the corner, causing the Hit Man to ram himself head-first against the cage. Bret collapsed to the canvas, clutching his neck, and proceeded to "play Ricky Morton" to the Crew's old Andersons gameplan, as Bloom & Mike Enos tagged in-and-out frequently, working over the neck with submission holds and double-teams, including a variation of the Demolition Decapitation with the Machine using a legdrop from the middle turnbuckle. The Hit Man kept kicking out and groaning in agony, especially after he was busted wide open when the Crew spiked him face-first into the steel bars with a double flapjack. Late in the contest, a four-man brouhaha erupted when the Anvil broke up a pinfall attempt on Hart following the Crew's spike piledriver. During the brawl, Rick Rude sprinted down the aisle in his work-out gear and blindsided ringside referee Danny Marsh, knocking him over and searching his pockets for the keys to the lock on the cage. As the inside referee Dave Hebner escorted Neidhart out to the apron, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat surprisingly emerged from the audience and quickly scaled the cage, racing across the roof of the cage and standing high above the Ravishing One, who was still searching for the keys. By the time Rude realized what was happening and looked up, the WWF Intercontinental Champion dove from 15 feet in the air and flattened him with the Reign Of Fire. The activity at ringside distracted not only Bobby Heenan but Enos & Bloom as well, giving Hart the opportunity to recuperate and shock Enos by ducking a short-clothesline and flooring the Machine with one of his own. Both men crawled to their respective corners and made the tags, bringing in Bloom and Neidhart, who cleaned house on both Crew members. The Anvil slingshotted the Machine face-first into the cage, busting him open, before tying him up in the ropes so that he could unload on the Train with clotheslines, forearms, and powerslams. Soon after, the Anvil tagged the Hit Man back in and they drilled Bloom with the Hart Attack, giving Bret the pinfall to finally blow off the Destruction Crew. Afterwards, although Enos & Bloom tried to assault them, the Foundation fought them off and exited the steel cage victoriously. (85%)

Following a promo for the 1992 WWF Royal Rumble on Sunday, January 26, Mean Gene Okerlund was backstage in the Million Dollar Empire's dressing room along with Irwin R. Schyster & WWF Champion Ted DiBiase, who had big smiles on their faces as they were flanked by Virgil, Bam Bam Bigelow, Cactus Jack Manson, and about 10 lawyer types in suits and ties. IRS was conferring with the lawyers as Mean Gene asked the Million Dollar Man what was going on. Schyster patted the lawyers on the back and nodded to DiBiase, who proudly informed Okerlund that another stipulation had just been added to this evening's Ladder Match against Razor Ramon & Randy Savage: DiBiase & Schyster would now be able to win the bout by climbing the ladder and retrieving Irwin's briefcase, or scoring a pinfall, while Savage & Ramon could only achieve victory via the ladder. When Okerlund inquired how they pulled that off, the WWF Champion explained that his "Million Dollar Legal Team" had made a deal with WWF President Andre The Giant granting the pinfall stipulations in exchange for the Empire agreeing not to file a lawsuit against the WWF on behalf of Miss Elizabeth. The Million Dollar Man did his trademark laugh and walked away as IRS smiled and wished luck to the Macho Man and the Bad Guy before following the WWF Champion along with Virgil. (84%)

Ladder Match: "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase & Irwin R. Schyster vs. "Macho Man" Randy Savage & Razor Ramon

The WWF Champion strode out first with Irwin R. Schyster and Virgil on either side of him, passing the 10-foot steel ladder at ringside along the way, as Tenay and Monsoon explained the stipulations: Schyster & DiBiase would be able to win via either pinfall or retrieving the briefcase, while Randy Savage & Razor Ramon only had the ladder option; however, if either the Bad Guy or the Macho Man could climb the ladder and grab the briefcase, that man would receive a WWF Title shot next month at the 1992 Royal Rumble, while his partner would be forced to join the 30-man Rumble as the #1 entrant rather than relying on the luck of the draw. While referee Earl Hebner hooked up and raised Irwin's steel haliburton briefcase containing the Royal Rumble contract, Razor Ramon & Randy Savage had separate entrances, but charged into the squared circle together and went toe-to-toe with the Million Dollar Man & IRS to kick off the main event. A very heated, energetic tag team war featuring all four competitors going at it in the ring at once, as early on Ramon & Savage functioned as a fairly solid unit, watching each other's backs. The ladder was brought into play as the fast-paced, hard-hitting action shifted back-and-forth until the Macho Man/Bad Guy partnership began to deteriorate after Ramon inadvertently bashed Savage with the ladder when Schyster ducked. Bleeding from the forehead, Savage shoved Ramon, who shoved right back and added a slap. Savage pounced on Ramon and they rolled around on the mat, clawing at each other, before DiBiase & Schyster jointly picked up the ladder and began wailing on their opponents with it, breaking up their tussle. As Razor and the Macho Man released each other, DiBiase & Schyster continued to bring the ladder crashing down onto them, battering Savage & Ramon so badly that the ladder became dented and bent, rendering it useless. The Million Dollar Empire remained in control, punishing the Cuban immigrant and the former two-time WWF Champion as Ventura applauded their strategy to destroy the ladder and therefore destroy the faces' chances of winning. With no disqualifications, Virgil freely interfered to help out his long-time employer as the WWF Champion and his financial advisor scored numerous near-falls on both Ramon & Savage, taking turns working over each opponent and utilizing precise double-teams, including a vicious double hotshot across the top rope, called the "Wall Street Crash", that left Razor gasping for air. Eventually, Savage & Ramon both rallied back with the fans cheering them on, slugging it out with Schyster & DiBiase, respectively, taking the fight right to them and frequently glancing above the ring where Irwin's briefcase was dangling from the ceiling almost 15 feet above them. Monsoon complained about how unfair it was and pleaded for another ladder, which was soon granted when the Big Boss Man & Hawk marched down the aisle carrying a ladder. Hawk & Boss Man received a nice pop as they slid the ladder into the squared circle before being blindsided by the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters, who raced down to ringside and jumped them from behind. The Boss Man & Hawk returned fire, battling with Cactus Jack Manson & Bam Bam Bigelow through the audience and out of sight as DiBiase, Savage, Ramon, and Schyster were all down in the ring. The competitors regained their vertical bases and hammered away at each other as they fought over the ladder, Ramon & Savage trying to set it up and DiBiase & Schyster trying to knock it down. Finally, Razor hung IRS with his tie tied around the top rope while the Macho Man sent the Million Dollar Man soaring out to the floor using a catapult. With their opponents indisposed, the Macho Man and the Bad Guy erected the ladder together and climbed up either side, meeting at the top and trading fists while occasionally reaching for the briefcase swinging over their heads. They slugged it out for several moments, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats, until Virgil stepped into the ring and leapt at the ladder, trying to knock it over. However, only Razor lost his balance and crashed to the canvas with Virgil holding his leg, allowing Savage to reach up and snatch the briefcase before the ladder fell over, winning the match-up and earning the WWF Title shot at next month's Royal Rumble. Afterwards, Bam Bam & Cactus Jack returned to ringside and stormed the squared circle along with Schyster, DiBiase, & Virgil, swarming on Razor and beating him down. Savage swiftly made the save, driving each member of the Million Dollar Empire out of the ring with a steel briefcase shot to the skull before accidentally whacking Ramon with the briefcase when he came up from behind and Savage mistook him for another Empire member. The Macho Man shrugged his shoulders and celebrated with the briefcase as Monsoon, Ventura, and Tenay signed off, hyping the Savage/DiBiase WWF Championship bout at the 1992 Royal Rumble next month. (87%)

Overall: 85%

Buyrate: 1.82

Paid Attendance: 20,473

PPV Revenue: $4,550,000

Ticket Sales: $1,228,380

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There you go. I can't believe my diary has gone on this long, but I am looking forward to 1992. Thanks for reading.

[Chrononaut]

MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1991 -- WWF PRIME TIME WRESTLING

Vince McMahon and Jesse "The Body" Ventura introduced the show LIVE from ringside with discussion of last night's WWF No Holds Barred before running through this evening's lineup: Razor Ramon squaring off against Virgil in the "No Disqualification" main event, Shane Douglas locking up with the Great Muta, the Orient Express meeting the New British Bulldogs, the Conquistadors taking on the Stud Stable, Hacksaw Duggan facing the Genius, and much more.

The Genius vs. "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan

The World's Smartest Man was already in the ring holding the microphone and recited a poem insulting Jim Duggan's intelligence before Hacksaw marched down the aisle, toting his 2x4 and the American flag, as McMahon announced that Duggan would be challenging Ricky Steamboat for the WWF Intercontinental Championship next week on Prime Time Wrestling. The commentators discussed that bout during this basic comedy match that warmed the crowd up as Duggan finished off the Genius with the Three Point Stance. Afterwards, Hacksaw celebrated and motioned to his waist, promising to capture the WWF Intercontinental Title next week. (75%)

In the New Year's-decorated Prime Time Wrestling studio, Gorilla Monsoon and "Nature Boy" Ric Flair went through some of the results from WWF No Holds Barred last night before introducing their first guest, WWF Champion "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, who was seconded by Irwin R. Schyster. Monsoon asked DiBiase why he was smiling, considering that his team lost the Ladder Match and he would have to defend the WWF Title against Randy Savage on January 26 at the 1992 Royal Rumble, but DiBiase responded that his wealth and power ensured that he always had a back-up plan. The Million Dollar Man pointed to last night as an example, gloating about the Miss Elizabeth lawsuit threat that allowed him to add the pinfall stipulations to the Ladder Match, and boasted that there was no way the Macho Man would be walking out of the Rumble with the gold. As DiBiase bragged, WWF President Andre The Giant lumbered into the room and placed one of his massive hands on DiBiase's shoulder, surprising the WWF Champion, who became irate and asked the President what he was doing there. Andre informed DiBiase that he had had enough of the Million Dollar Empire and their "power plays" and aimed to do something about it, causing DiBiase to scoff and claim that Andre was bluffing. A huge smile broke out across the Giant's face as he looked the Million Dollar Man square in the eyes and announced that his WWF Championship defense on January 26 against the Macho Man would be an "I Quit" match, explaining that the brutal contest would end only when one competitor uttered the words "I Quit" into the microphone. The WWF President also stated that if DiBiase did not defend the WWF Title on television before the pay-per-view, he would strip him of the belt and award it to the winner of the 30-man Royal Rumble. Andre boomed with laughter and walked out of the room while DiBiase and IRS went ballistic, arguing with Monsoon that Andre's decision was "unconstitutional" and that they planned to take their case to the Supreme Court if necessary. (96%)

The New British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith & Chris Benoit) vs. The Orient Express (Sato & Tanaka)

The New Bulldogs entered first and got a nice pop, while Mr. Fuji waddled out with Tanaka, Kato, & Sato, who were all wearing identical masks and martial-arts pants, and sent in Tanaka & Sato as the official competitors. A well-worked, fast-paced tag team contest that featured Kato occasionally slipping in behind referee Danny Marsh's back and taking the spot of one of his worn-out partners, while Ventura and McMahon argued over WWF President Andre The Giant's decisions regarding Ted DiBiase and the WWF Championship. In the end, the Orient Express' deviance backfired when the official caught Kato trying to enter the ring and stopped him, allowing Chris Benoit to land the Swandive Headbutt from the top turnbuckle on Sato following the Running Powerslam by Davey Boy. Benoit then held Tanaka at bay and Smith covered Sato as the ref came back and registered the pinfall. (76%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair talked about the Bunkhouse Brawl at WWF No Holds Barred that earned Demolition the right to challenge their next guests, WWF Tag Team Champions Powers Of Pain, along with Paul Ellering, who was wearing his pinstriped suit and tie, mirrored sunglasses, and a large bandage on his forehead. With a slight grin on his face, Gorilla asked Precious Paul how his head felt after last night, to which Ellering snapped back that he was just fine and advised Monsoon that he wouldn't be laughing for long. Ellering suggested that Ax, Smash, & Crush had better enjoy their victory while they could, vowing that Barbarian & Warlord would leave them "beaten, broken, and crippled" at the 1992 Royal Rumble. The Nature Boy pointed out that Demolition were former three-time WWF Tag Team Champions themselves, but Ellering stated that the key word was "former" and boasted that his Powers had held the title for over seven months since winning it in May at WWF War Zone. As the Powers grunted and snarled with the belts over their massive shoulders, Precious Paul added that his warpainted monsters weren't ready to give up the WWF Tag Team Championship yet and claimed that there was nothing Demolition could do about it. (80%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was backstage at the arena along with Colonel Robert Lee Fuller, Terry Funk, & Dustin Rhodes as the Stud Stable were ready to take on the Conquistadors. The Greatest Promoter Of All Time claimed that 1992 would be the year that the Lone Star Stud proved to his critics that he wasn't "Dusty Rhodes Jr." and would lead the Stud Stable to the top of the WWF, also putting Funk over as a "rebel" that the higher-ups in the WWF never wanted to see again. Funk promised that he would be sticking around this time to make sure that Dustin got the proper advice to make him a superstar, before the Natural told Mean Gene to watch their match tonight to see "history in the making". (85%)

The Conquistadors (Conquistador #1 & Conquistador #2) vs. "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes & "The Outlaw" Terry Funk

Colonel Robert Lee Fuller swaggered out with his Stud Stable as Ventura agreed with the Colonel's assessment that Dustin Rhodes had a ton of potential in 1992, which even McMahon had to acknowledge. Another very solid tag team bout with plenty of back-and-forth action, as the Conquistadors got in some nice offense on Terry Funk, who sold like crazy before fighting back and tagging in the Natural. After dishing out some double-team punishment, the Stud Stable put the masked men away when the Lone Star Stud covered #2 following the American Nightmare. Afterwards, Funk attacked #1 and planted him with the Armadillo Driver before using his branding iron on both Conquistadors, leaving "Stud Stable/Double Cross Ranch" brands on their gold bodysuits. (76%)

Cameras backstage showed an exuberant "Nature Boy" Shane Douglas striding down the hallway in a magnificent purple-and-white robe with two gorgeous young women by his side, headed out for his match-up tonight against the Great Muta. Along the way, the New Nature Boy bumped into Dustin Rhodes, who was returning from his match along with Terry Funk and Colonel Robert Fuller, celebrating the branding of the Conquistadors. The Lone Star Stud took it personally, shoving Douglas and warning him to watch where he was going, provoking Douglas to shove Rhodes and begin to remove his robe. Before the situation could go any further, several WWF agents and officials showed up and kept them separated, sending the Nature Boy out to the ring and ordering the Stud Stable to return to their dressing room. (84%)

"The New Nature Boy" Shane Douglas vs. The Great Muta

The Nature Boy still looked a bit embarrassed as he strutted out first with the two young ladies by his side, while Mr. Fuji waddled out behind his Great Muta. Ventura grouped Muta, Shane Douglas, and Dustin Rhodes together as three of the WWF's "young lions" that could have a breakout year in 1992, and this bout was a perfect example as Douglas took out his frustrations on Muta, engaging in a great athletic contest that saw the advantage shift between both competitors numerous times. They exchanged some loud reverse knife-edge chops to the chest, reminding many of the Flair/Steamboat encounters in the NWA a couple of years ago, as well as more aerial maneuvers and even some impressive mat wrestling. They both scored several near-falls on each other, keeping up the quick pace, until Muta missed with the Rising Sun from the top turnbuckle and crashed to the canvas. Douglas swiftly waistlocked Muta when he got up and slammed him with the Ace In The Hole for the 1-2-3. Afterwards, the sweaty and red-chested Nature Boy celebrated his big victory while Fuji scolded Muta at ringside. (84%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair put Shane Douglas and the Great Muta over as highly talented athletes, with Flair even suggesting that maybe Douglas really did deserve the "Nature Boy" moniker. They then introduced their next guest, "The King" Jerry Lawler, wearing his royal cape and carrying the crown under his arm. The Memphis Monarch looked unhappy, complaining that Hulk Hogan and the WWF in general had been ignoring him over the last few weeks even though he was the Undisputed 1991 WWF King Of The Ring and wanted to challenge the Hulkster to a "war to settle the score" at the 1992 Royal Rumble. When Monsoon commented that Lawler's behavior had been "less than exemplary" since arriving in the WWF, the King bragged about his accomplishments, such as "putting Hulkamania on life support" at WrestleMania VII and winning the grueling King Of The Ring tournament in June, defeating Hawk, Jake Roberts, Roddy Piper, and Ricky Steamboat along the way. Although Monsoon pointed out that Lawler had never beaten Hogan one-on-one in the ring, the King claimed that the Hulkster was running scared and using his "Suburban Commando" press tour as an excuse to hide. Flair agreed and mentioned that the Immortal One was scheduled to promote the movie on NBC's "Late Night With David Letterman" on Friday, January 10, which appeared to peak Lawler's interest. The Memphis Monarch thanked the Nature Boy for the information and stated that if Hogan wouldn't come to him and accept his challenge, maybe he would have to pay Hogan a visit and pry the answers out of him. (90%)

Backstage at the arena, Mean Gene Okerlund was in the locker room to interview Razor Ramon, who was lacing up his boots as he prepared for tonight's No Disqualification main event against Virgil. The Bad Guy informed Mean Gene that he had requested this match-up to take out his frustrations from last night's Ladder Match at WWF No Holds Barred, claiming that he had a lump on his head and anger in his heart after Randy Savage "accidentally" bashed him with Irwin R. Schyster's steel briefcase. Razor stated that he should be the one challenging for the WWF Championship at the 1992 Royal Rumble, but added that he had "no problema" entering the 30-man Rumble as the first competitor and slicing through "29 cockaroaches" to earn his title shot at WrestleMania VIII. When Okerlund pointed out that the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters were not in the studio with Ted DiBiase earlier and could be in the arena this evening, Ramon just shrugged his shoulders and invited Bam Bam Bigelow & Cactus Jack Manson to get involved if they wanted a piece of the Bad Guy, so that he could give a preview of what was going to happen in the Royal Rumble by tossing them out of the ring like trash. (82%)

No Disqualification Match: Virgil vs. Razor Ramon

Virgil walked out first by himself, picking up a metal folding chair on his way into the squared circle, where he stood and waited for Razor Ramon. The Bad Guy strolled out slowly and stopped at ringside to remove his vest and gold chains, handing them to an attendant before charging into the ring and ducking a chairshot from Virgil. Razor knocked the chair away and unloaded on Virgil with a barrage of hard right hands to kick things off in this solid main event that saw Razor maintain control, manhandling the muscular manservant like a ragdoll until Virgil managed to back-bodydrop the Cuban immigrant over the top rope. As Ramon was getting to his feet on the floor, the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters rushed down the aisle and blindsided him, battering Ramon severely before tossing him back into the ring, where Virgil held onto the advantage for a few minutes with a variety of chokeholds and other underhanded tactics, legal in a No Disqualification bout. With the fans behind him, Ramon rallied back and caught Virgil trying to climb the turnbuckles, slamming him with a belly-to-back superplex from the top. When Cactus Jack Manson & Bam Bam Bigelow tried to interfere again, the Bad Guy disposed of them with a pair of wicked chairshots and drilled Virgil with the Razor's Edge to score the three-count. Afterwards, Razor pointed to his waist and declared that he would become the WWF Champion in 1992 as the show finished. (79%)

Overall: 82%

Rating: 5.98

Attendance: 10,028

Ticket Sales: $601,680

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Celebrating birthdays in December were...

Dynamite Kid (33)

The Great Muta (29)

"Ravishing" Rick Rude (32)

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Time for our quarterly meeting...

WORLD WRESTLING FEDERATION BUSINESS

Owner: Linda McMahon

Money: $90,000,000

Size: Global

Public Image: 100%

Risk Level: 42%

Production Values: 100%

Merchandising: 100% / $2,000,000 per month

Advertising: 100% / $1,000,000 per month

Sponsors: Sports Illustrated (4 months), Nintendo (8 months), Coliseum Video (7 months), Sega (5 months)

MEETING: FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 1992 -- 3:00PM

Personal Assistant, Sophie:

The wrestling industry is currently in a slump.

Looking at the stats, I'd say the industry is at 29% of its peak.

The industry is slumping badly, and is only getting worse.

We currently have 100 workers on the overall roster.

We are currently running two house shows per week.

Head Writer, Eddie Chandler:

Our top draw is Randy Savage, while our most talented superstar is Ted DiBiase.

#1 babyface: Randy Savage

#2 babyface: Roddy Piper

#3 babyface: Andre The Giant

#4 babyface: Hulk Hogan

#5 babyface: Ricky Steamboat

#1 heel: Rick Rude

#2 heel: Ted DiBiase

#3 heel: Bobby Heenan

#4 heel: Mr. Perfect

#5 heel: The Undertaker

Head Medic, Dr. Zahorian:

Bushwhacker Butch will return from his neck injury in 2 months.

Rob Zakowski will return from his torn calf in 2 months.

Kerry Von Erich will return from his knee injury in 4 months.

Development Booker, Pat Patterson:

There are currently 3 workers in the United States Wrestling Association.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 1992 -- NBC/WWF PRESENT: SATURDAY NIGHT'S MAIN EVENT

Marv Albert, Mike Tenay, and "Nature Boy" Ric Flair opened the LIVE network broadcast by wishing viewers a Happy New Year and announcing this evening's events, including Roddy Piper & Bob Backlund facing the Gangsters Of Style, the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers meeting the Texas Twister and a partner of his choice, the Big Boss Man & Hawk taking on the State Patrol in tag team action, Rick Rude on "The Funeral Parlor", and in the main event, Randy Savage battling Superfly Snuka.

Hawk & Big Boss Man vs. State Patrol (Sgt. Buddy Ray Parker & Lt. James Earl Wright)

The State Patrol were already in the ring and attempted to ambush the Big Boss Man & Hawk when they marched out to a nice pop for the first WWF TV match of 1992, but the faces fought them off. This was a pretty quick semi-competitive squash that ended when Boss Man covered Wright following the Doomsday Device from he and Hawk. (72%)

Mean Gene Okerlund came out to the ring afterwards to interview the Big Boss Man & Hawk, who pointed out that they barely broke a sweat as they steamrolled over the State Patrol. The Boss Man predicted that they would steamroll over the rest of the tag teams in the WWF, while Hawk announced that they were both officially entered in the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble. They agreed to watch each other's backs in the Rumble and slug it out amongst themselves at the end to determine who would go on to WrestleMania VIII on Sunday, April 26, to challenge for the WWF Championship. Suddenly, the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters stormed the squared circle and assaulted Hawk & Boss Man from behind, pounding Hawk to the canvas and hurling Boss Man over the top rope to the floor. After crunching Hawk with the Problem Solver, Bam Bam Bigelow & Cactus Jack Manson informed Mean Gene that they would also be competing in the 30-man Rumble to make sure that neither the Boss Man nor Hawk had any chance of winning, inferring that WWF Champion Ted DiBiase would be paying them big bucks to eliminate the competition, especially Hawk, Boss Man, and Razor Ramon. The Bounty Hunters threw in a couple more stomps on their way out, promising to see Hawk & Boss Man in the Rumble. (88%)

A video aired, featuring a pair of handsome, chiseled, young men identified as Al "Ice Man" Snow & Doug "The Tank" Furnas, both wearing matching navy-blue-and-white tights and boots as they worked on their teamwork against a couple of sparring partners in a ring in an empty arena. They both appeared to be in tremendous physical condition and looked very crisp as a tag team, pulling off several impressive double-team maneuvers while the voiceover put them over as determined athletes and hard workers in the squared circle who had all the tools to succeed in the WWF. They finished off their opponent with a Powerplex-style move in which Furnas slammed the foe with an overhead belly-to-belly superplex, followed immediately by a flying legdrop from the top turnbuckle by Snow. The vignette faded out on a shot of the Tank & Ice Man standing alone in the ring, glistening with sweat and looking all-business after their workout. (71%)

Jesse "The Body" Ventura was backstage along with Slick and the Gangsters Of Style, who were warming up for their match-up tonight against Bob Backlund & Roddy Piper. With Bad News Brown by his side, the Doctor Of Style lamented the Gangsters' loss to WWF Television Tag Team Champions the Rockers in the Double Chain bout last Sunday at WWF No Holds Barred, but Paul Roma & Stan Lane claimed that what didn't kill them would only make them stronger and promised to work their way back up the ladder, starting this evening against Piper & Backlund. As they were speaking, the Body interrupted and informed them that he had just been told that the Rowdy One was not in the building and in fact had not been seen since losing last Sunday's Casket Match to the Undertaker, so tonight's contest would be a handicap match. Sweet Stan & Romeo Roma laughed and high-fived the Slickster before they all headed out. (81%)

Handicap Match: Bob Backlund vs. The Gangsters Of Style ("Sweet" Stan Lane & Paul "Romeo" Roma)

Bob Backlund was just stepping into the ring as the commentators wondered what happened to Roddy Piper after the Casket Match at last Sunday's WWF No Holds Barred, while Slick, along with his personal bodyguard Bad News Brown, escorted his Gangsters Of Style to ringside. The All American started off strong early on, but the numbers game caught up with him as the Gangsters took control and used quick tags and sharp double-teams to wear down the former WWF Champion, who mounted a couple of short-lived comebacks. In the end, Paul Roma inadvertently floored Stan Lane with a missile dropkick from the top turnbuckle, allowing Backlund to rally back and send Romeo sailing over the top rope with the Running Atomic Drop before wrapping Sweet Stan up in a lateral guillotine for the surprising three-count. Afterwards, Backlund bailed out and celebrated in the aisleway while the Doctor Of Style and his Gangsters fumed in the squared circle. (80%)

While "Real American" played in the background, a video aired showing clips from "Suburban Commando" (looks like a pretty cool action flick...glad they dropped the lame-ass family-friendly crap) as well as footage of Hulk Hogan promoting the movie on "Entertainment Tonight" and various other programs. It also hyped the Hulkster's upcoming appearance on NBC's "Late Night With David Letterman" this Friday evening, and ended with a brief soundbite from "The King" Jerry Lawler, who hinted that he might show up to challenge the Immortal One face-to-face. (91%)

Back at the arena, Jimmy Hart led his Fabulous Rougeau Brothers down to the ring as Tenay mentioned their loss in the Lumberjack Match at WWF No Holds Barred to the Nasty Boys, while Flair predicted that they would gain revenge against one of the lumberjacks tonight. Kevin Von Erich walked out next and stood in the aisleway as ring announcer Howard "The Fink" Finkel introduced his tag team partner: "Maniac" Matt Borne, who marched out to a less-than-impressive reaction and high-fived the Texas Twister before they continued to the squared circle. (77%)

The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers (Jacques & Raymond Rougeau) vs. "Texas Twister" Kevin Von Erich & "Maniac" Matt Borne

Jimmy Hart stepped out to ringside as Tenay tried to put Matt Borne by mentioning that he competed in the very first WrestleMania against Ricky Steamboat and pointing out that he was a second-generation grappler like Kevin Von Erich, adding that Borne and Von Erich had battled each other in bloody wars all across Texas in the past. From this point, Flair referred to Tenay as "The Professor" for his knowledge of the sport, as this tag team bout went back-and-forth, although the Maniac seemed to have a bit of ring rust. Borne eventually fell victim to Le Bombe De Rougeau and was pinned by Raymond while Jacques knocked the Texas Twister off the apron. Afterwards, Borne appeared very disappointed and left the ring holding his head. (78%)

Following a commercial break, Paul Bearer was on the set of "The Funeral Parlor" and talked about the New Year upon us, before introducing this week's guests, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and "Ravishing" Rick Rude, who had the WWF Intercontinental Championship belt that he stole from Ricky Steamboat a few weeks ago over his shoulder. First, the Brain admitted that his men let him down last Sunday at WWF No Holds Barred, but claimed that he was going to turn the Heenan Family's fortunes around, kicking off 1992 by announcing that his doctor had given him the go-ahead to remove his neckbrace. With the help of Rude, Heenan slowly removed the neckbrace and tossed it away before the Ravishing One got on the microphone and stated that he wanted a title shot at the 1992 Royal Rumble against the Dragon, caressing the belt as he spoke. Rude recalled that he pinned Steamboat to eliminate him at the 1991 Survivor Series and continued to rant until WWF President Andre The Giant lumbered out onto the stage and informed Rude that he was there to retrieve the Intercontinental belt for Steamboat's title defense against "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan this Monday night on Prime Time Wrestling. Rude looked rather offended and asked how Duggan deserved a title shot before him, but Andre responded that Rude would not receive a shot until he returned the belt, since he had ignored the WWF President's previous requests to give it back. Heenan took over, poking his finger in the Giant's massive chest and reminding Andre of all the things he did for him as a member of the Heenan Family, such as securing him numerous WWF Title shots throughout 1987 and 1988, claiming that Andre owed him big-time. Finally, Andre had enough and gripped the Brain by the neck with one hand, shaking him and declaring that he was in charge now, when suddenly the Ravishing One blindsided the Giant by leaping up and blasting him across the back of the head with the Intercontinental belt. After several more shots with the gold, Andre collapsed like a redwood, allowing both Rude and Heenan to gleefully stomp and kick the 7'4" legend until an army of WWF officials and agents flooded out to protect the President. Rude sneered and threw the belt down on Andre, sarcastically demanding his title shot before walking off the Parlor set with Heenan to a loud round of boos from the fans. (96%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was in the locker room to interview Randy Savage, who referred to Rick Rude and Bobby Heenan as a pair of "slimy weasels" for what they just did to WWF President Andre The Giant, but stated that he still had to focus on this evening's main event against Jimmy Snuka, as well as his "I Quit" WWF Title shot at the 1992 Royal Rumble against Ted DiBiase. The Macho Man warned that he would use the Superfly as an example of what he planned to do to the Million Dollar Man on January 26 to force him to squeal those two little words, adding that his hatred for DiBiase ran so deep that he didn't even care if DiBiase were to lose the WWF Championship before the Rumble. Savage was very intense as he looked into the camera and groaned, "OOOOOHHHHHHH YYYEEEEEEEEAAAAAHHHHHHHH...DIG THAT!" (100%)

"Superfly" Jimmy Snuka vs. "Macho Man" Randy Savage

Papa Shango accompanied Jimmy Snuka, who pounced on Randy Savage when he made his entrance, kicking off this heated brawling-style main event. The Superfly was a bloodthirsty savage zombie, putting on a great performance as he and the Macho Man traded the advantage while Shango chanted at ringside and occasionally interfered behind referee Joey Marella's back. At one point, the Voodoo Master tried to attack Savage after Snuka hurled him out to the floor, but Savage blocked his shots and fired back, even landing the flying double-axhandle from the top turnbuckle all the way down on Shango at ringside. This allowed Snuka to take control and dominate Savage for several minutes until the former two-time WWF Champion rolled out of the way of the Superfly Splash from the top and mounted a spirited comeback that culminated in the Flying Elbowdrop off the top turnbuckle for the 1-2-3. Afterwards, the Macho Man dodged an attempted ambush by Shango, tossing him over the top rope, and motioned to his waist while Albert, Tenay, and Flair closed the program. (85%)

Overall: 83%

Rating: 6.44

Attendance: 10,015

Ticket Sales: $600,900

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 1992 -- WWF SUPERSTARS OF WRESTLING

Booker: Irwin R. Schyster

Quality: 70%

Rating: 5.07

Attendance: 10,025

Ticket Sales: $601,500

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Here is the card so far for the 1992 Royal Rumble on Sunday, January 26, as announced by Sean Mooney during the Update on Superstars Of Wrestling...

WWF Championship/I Quit Match: Ted DiBiase [champion] vs. Randy Savage

WWF Tag Team Title Match: Powers Of Pain [champions] vs. Demolition

30-Man Royal Rumble: Abdullah The Butcher, Bam Bam Bigelow, Big Boss Man, Hawk, Cactus Jack Manson, The Great Muta, Mr. Perfect [#2], Razor Ramon [#1], Jake Roberts [#30], Irwin R. Schyster

[Chrononaut]

MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 1992 -- WWF PRIME TIME WRESTLING

Vince McMahon and Jesse "The Body" Ventura kicked off the program LIVE from ringside, welcoming viewers to the first Prime Time Wrestling of 1992 and announcing the lineup for this evening, featuring Ricky Steamboat defending the WWF Intercontinental Championship against Hacksaw Duggan in the main event, the Texas Twister & Matt Borne taking on WWF Tag Team Champions Powers Of Pain in a non-title bout, Irwin R. Schyster meeting Tito Santana, Koko B. Ware facing a member of the Orient Express, and much more.

Koko B. Ware vs. Kato

Mr. Fuji waddled out with all three masked members of the Orient Express, sending Kato into the squared circle to compete while he remained at ringside flanked by Sato & Tanaka. Solid opener that saw Kato dominate until the Bird Man rallied back, using his superior speed and agility to floor Kato with a missile dropkick from the top turnbuckle. Before Koko could gain the pinfall, the Devious One distracted referee Shane McMahon, allowing Tanaka & Sato to slide into the ring as Kato gripped Koko in a rear-waistlock. However, Koko ducked the double thrust kick, which ended up nailing Kato. Koko swiftly knocked Sato & Tanaka through the ropes with a double-dropkick before spiking Kato with the Ghost Buster to pick up the 1-2-3. (69%)

After the match, Tanaka & Sato rolled back into the ring and attacked Koko B. Ware as he was getting up to celebrate his victory, beating him down to the canvas. The dazed Kato soon joined in and Mr. Fuji called the shots as his Orient Express trio thrashed the Bird Man until Bushwhacker Luke charged down the aisle to a fair pop and made the save, chasing off Kato, Sato, Tanaka, & Fuji. McMahon hyped the Bushwhacker's return from a "sheepherding injury" as Luke helped Koko to his feet and they played to the fans. (70%)

In the Prime Time Wrestling studio, Gorilla Monsoon and "Nature Boy" Ric Flair briefly discussed the return of Bushwhacker Luke before introducing their first guests, the Stud Stable: Dustin Rhodes, Terry Funk, & Colonel Robert Lee Fuller. The Greatest Promoter Of All Time began by heavily putting over the Lone Star Stud, hyping him up as "the next major superstar in professional wrasslin'" and crediting the Funker with helping the Natural along with his expert veteran guidance, before announcing that both Funk & Rhodes were entered into the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble. The Outlaw explained that since he had already had his "day in the sun", his goal in the Rumble would be to make sure that Dustin lasted to the end and emerged victorious to earn the WWF Title shot at WrestleMania VIII. Dustin brought up his backstage altercation with Shane Douglas last week and warned the New Nature Boy to watch where he was walking next time because the Natural was a "big-time player" and commanded a lot of room. The Lone Star Stud finished by challenging Douglas to throw his name in for the 30-man Rumble so that he could have the satisfaction of tossing him over the top rope on January 26. (82%)

Tito Santana vs. Irwin R. Schyster

Escorted by Virgil, Irwin R. Schyster carried his steel briefcase as he walked out to "Money, Money, Money". During this back-and-forth old-school-style match-up, McMahon announced that WWF Champion Ted DiBiase would be Paul Bearer's guest on "The Funeral Parlor" this weekend on Saturday Night's Main Event to decide the challenger for his mandatory televised WWF Title defense prior to the 1992 Royal Rumble. After some great technical exchanges, IRS finished off Santana with the Write Off spinning samoan drop. (76%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair talked about Roddy Piper, mentioning that nobody had seen him since the Casket Match at WWF No Holds Barred, before bringing in the Undertaker, who was seconded by Paul Bearer. Monsoon accused the Grim Reaper of doing something heinous to the Rowdy One after wheeling him away in the casket, but Bearer explained that they had no idea what happened to him since Piper had escaped from them later on and run off into the night. Although Monsoon didn't believe the obese mortician, Flair moved on and questioned the whereabouts of Brother Love. Bearer looked saddened as he informed the Nature Boy that Love was still recovering from injuries suffered at the hands of the Scotsman on "The Funeral Parlor" and had requested that Bearer manage the Dead Man until he was able to return. Speaking of the Parlor, Monsoon wondered if the Undertaker would be interested in the televised WWF Title shot before the 1992 Royal Rumble, as WWF Champion Ted DiBiase was scheduled to be Bearer's guest this weekend on Saturday Night's Main Event. Bearer grinned and hinted that it was a possibility, and announced that the Pale Destroyer would be participating in the 30-man Rumble, so either way he would soon hold the WWF Championship. The Undertaker was very menacing as he described the Rumble as a "mass grave waiting to happen" and predicted that the other 29 competitors would "rest... in peace." (74%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was in the locker room at the arena and announced that this weekend on Saturday Night's Main Event, Shane Douglas & Bob Backlund would be challenging the men behind him, WWF Tag Team Champions Powers Of Pain along with Paul Ellering. Precious Paul referred to tonight's non-title affair with Matt Borne & Kevin Von Erich as a "tune-up" for the Powers' championship defense against Backlund & Douglas, but Mean Gene warned him not to underestimate their opponents. Warlord & Barbarian growled and snarled as Ellering laughed and claimed that the "Apocalypse" was upon the WWF's tag team division, courtesy of his Powers Of Pain. (83%)

Non-Title Match: "Texas Twister" Kevin Von Erich & "Maniac" Matt Borne vs. Powers Of Pain (Barbarian & Warlord)

The long-forgotten Matt Borne got a slightly better reaction this evening when he walked out alongside Kevin Von Erich, before Paul Ellering led his WWF Tag Team Champions down the aisle to a loud round of boos, although there were some noticeable cheers. This was a well-worked tag team contest that featured the Texas Twister selling like crazy for the monstrous Powers Of Pain, who used frequent tags and crushing power maneuvers to dominate the second-generation star while the commentators talked about the Powers' scheduled title defenses this weekend and at the 1992 Royal Rumble. Von Erich managed to break free and make the tag to the Maniac, who rushed in and tried to clean house, but Warlord & Barbarian overwhelmed him and put him away with a double-team move similar to the Doomsday Device that Ventura dubbed the "Apocalypse", in which the Warlord lifted the 260-pound Borne up on his shoulders as the Barbarian soared from the top turnbuckle with a flying shoulderblock. After the Barbarian pinned the Maniac, the Twister came in to help his partner and fell victim to the devastating Apocalypse as well. (78%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair speculated what would happen to the planned WWF Tag Team Title defense against Demolition at the 1992 Royal Rumble if the Powers Of Pain were to lose the belts to their next guests, Bob Backlund & "The New Nature Boy" Shane Douglas. Flair looked slightly distracted throughout the interview as Monsoon congratulated both men on their impressive victories over the past week, Douglas over the Great Muta on last week's Prime Time Wrestling and Backlund over the Gangsters Of Style in a handicap match on Saturday Night's Main Event. Backlund thanked Monsoon and expressed disappointment over the disappearance of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, but asserted that he and Douglas would make a fine tandem as well and would capture the tag team gold this weekend. The New Nature Boy agreed and brought up the subject of Dustin Rhodes, stating that the Natural should watch where he was walking instead, and accepted the challenge of entering his name into the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble. Backlund did the same, but advised Douglas that they had to focus on the WWF Tag Team Champions this weekend first and foremost. Flair suddenly stood up and ordered Douglas to get to his feet, as the two Nature Boys stared each other down while Monsoon and Backlund also got up. Flair cut a classic promo explaining that when Douglas first took the "New Nature Boy" moniker, he thought that the former "Top Gun" was just a "flash in the pan", but admitted that over the past few months, and especially last week against a world-class athlete like Muta, Douglas had really impressed him. The former seven-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion passed the torch, claiming that he would always be "The Man" but that now Shane Douglas was the one and only "Nature Boy". Douglas looked confused but thanked Flair, who warned him not to disappoint and suggested that people like Backlund would drag him down. Although Douglas defended Backlund, Flair handed the New Nature Boy a business card and informed him that if he wanted to associate himself with winners, he should get in touch with the name on the card. Douglas shook his head after reading the card and refused it, but Flair told him to take it in case he changed his mind, so Shane stuffed the card in his suit pocket before leaving with Bob Backlund. (89%)

Backstage at the arena, Mean Gene Okerlund was standing between Jim Duggan and WWF Intercontinental Champion Ricky Steamboat, who were preparing to face each other in the main event of the evening. The Dragon had the belt around his waist, voicing his sorrow at what happened to WWF President Andre The Giant over the weekend on "The Funeral Parlor", and stated that even if he lost the title tonight, he still wanted to go one-on-one with "Ravishing" Rick Rude at the 1992 Royal Rumble to avenge the President. Hacksaw echoed those sentiments but recalled that he had never won a championship in the WWF, so he had to focus on their match tonight above all else. Duggan and Steamboat shook hands and promised a fair fight before they headed off in different directions. (81%)

WWF Intercontinental Title Match: Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat [champion] vs. "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan

As promised, this was a fair fight, a back-and-forth main event pitting the size and brawling tactics of Jim Duggan against the speed and science of the two-time WWF Intercontinental Champion, with both competitors abiding by the rules in their quest for dominance. Hacksaw scored several near-falls and took the battle right to Ricky Steamboat, battering him with fists, clotheslines, shoulderblocks, and powerslams, but in the end, the Dragon dove from the top turnbuckle with the Reign Of Fire to secure the three-count and retain the WWF Intercontinental Championship. (78%)

Following the match, after Hacksaw Duggan shook hands with Ricky Steamboat and left the ring, Rick Rude sprinted down the aisle and slid into the squared circle, blindsiding the Dragon. The Ravishing One hammered the WWF Intercontinental Champion down to the mat, demanding his title shot, as Bobby "The Brain" Heenan soon joined in, getting in some cheapshots on the Dragon. Rude picked up Steamboat's championship belt and raised it above his head, when the festivities were interrupted by WWF President Andre The Giant, who emerged from the curtains and stood in the aisleway, holding a microphone and looking very angry. Heenan and Rude both stopped what they were doing and looked out at Andre, who announced that although he didn't want to reward bad behavior, he was a man of his word and agreed to grant Rude a shot at the WWF Intercontinental Title at the 1992 Royal Rumble. Rude and Heenan began to smile, but the Giant added that it would be a Two-Out-Of-Three-Falls match, which McMahon pointed out would give the advantage to Steamboat, mentioning his Iron Man victory over Mr. Perfect at SummerSlam '91. The Brain also seemed to realize this, throwing a tantrum while the Ravishing One complained as well. This gave Steamboat the opportunity to recuperate, as he snuck up behind Rude and Heenan, grabbing their heads and ramming them together, much to the delight of the fans. Rude and Heenan bailed out and the Dragon soaked in the cheers as McMahon and Ventura signed off. (96%)

Overall: 81%

Rating: 5.92

Attendance: 10,034

Ticket Sales: $602,040

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 1992 -- NBC/WWF PRESENT: SATURDAY NIGHT'S MAIN EVENT

Marv Albert, Mike Tenay, and "The Man" Ric Flair introduced the LIVE network broadcast, running through the lineup: the Commonwealth Connection squaring off against the Nasty Boys, the Honky Tonk Man meeting Abdullah The Butcher, Matt Borne & Kevin Von Erich taking on the Destruction Crew, WWF Champion Ted DiBiase on "The Funeral Parlor", footage from NBC's "Late Night With David Letterman" last night featuring Hulk Hogan, and in the main event, Bob Backlund & Shane Douglas challenging the Powers Of Pain for the WWF Tag Team Championship.

"Texas Twister" Kevin Von Erich & "Maniac" Matt Borne vs. The Destruction Crew (Wayne "The Train" Bloom & Mike "The Machine" Enos)

Matt Borne & Kevin Von Erich looked a little bruised when they came out, which Flair explained was one of the hazards of signing an open contract, while Bobby "The Brain" Heenan accompanied his Destruction Crew to ringside for this solid opener. The Crew especially looked strong, using quick tags and precision teamwork as Tenay speculated that they wanted to send a message after suffering their first tag team loss in the Steel Cage match at WWF No Holds Barred to the Hart Foundation. In the end, the Machine covered the Maniac following the Wrecking Ball from he and the Train. (77%)

Mean Gene Okerlund came to ringside afterwards to interview the Destruction Crew and Bobby Heenan, who claimed that the other tag teams in the WWF "ain't seen nothin' yet" as it related to Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom, warning that the best was yet to come from his Crew. The Brain complained about Mr. Perfect being "forced" into the #2 slot in the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble and said that he wasn't sure if the Flawless One would be recovered from the Lights Out match in time for the Rumble, so he was hedging his bets and entering both the Train and the Machine in the competition. The Brain promised that "by hook or by crook", the Heenan Family would control the WWF Championship in 1992. (84%)

Jesse "The Body" Ventura was in the locker room along with Mr. Fuji and Abdullah The Butcher, who roamed around the room licking his lips and looking hungry as the Devious One described tonight's match-up against the Honky Tonk Man as an "appetizer" for the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble. Fuji grinned with pleasure as he explained that Abdullah and the Great Muta would rip through the other 28 competitors in the Rumble and then attempt to dismember each other to determine which one would go on to challenge for the WWF Championship at WrestleMania VIII. Fuji shrugged his shoulders and coldly commented that while he would lose one Dojo member in the struggle, he would have the WWF Champion come April 26. (77%)

Abdullah The Butcher vs. Honky Tonk Man

Mr. Fuji waddled out behind his Madman Of The Sudan, who had a starved look on his face and appeared to be extremely hungry. As the Honky Tonk Man swaggered out, wearing a leather jacket and blue tights that had "The Honk" written across the back, Abdullah The Butcher left the ring and charged up the aisle, where Honky Tonk tried to defend himself. He was momentarily successful, but the Sudanese Psychopath was in his element and overwhelmed the former WWF Intercontinental Champion with his trademark sadistic brawling. The brawl eventually spilled into the ring, where the Butcher continued to dominate but never went for a pinfall, instead gnawing and biting Honky. The Honk managed to mount a comeback in true Memphis style, flooring the 363-pounder with a series of flying fists from the middle turnbuckles, but when he set up for the Shake Rattle & Roll, Abdullah opened his mouth and sank his teeth into Honky's midsection. Referee John Finnegan tried to pull the Madman off of Honky and ended up becoming the Butcher's next target, as he pounced on the official and tried to bite him, earning a disqualification. The bell ringing caused Abdullah to release the ref and get to his feet, at which point the Honk began whacking him with the cane that he had just wrested away from Fuji. After numerous shots to the head of Abdullah, including one that snapped the cane in half, the Butcher flopped out of the ring to the floor, where the Devious One used his mysterious mind control to lead the bloodthirsty legend up the aisle, leaving the Honk to celebrate in the squared circle. (74%)

A possibly controversial "LIVE!" video segment aired next, interrupting the commentators in the arena. The video was shot from the inside of a pick-up truck by Cactus Jack Manson, who acted as the cameraman while Bam Bam Bigelow drove the truck, a sick smile on his face as Jack giggled maniacally. A smoking rifle could be seen on the dashboard as the truck pulled up to a gas station in the middle of nowhere; however, there was a red lowrider with flat tires and bullet holes already in the lot. Razor Ramon was standing outside the lowrider talking to a gas station attendant when the truck roared in and the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters piled out of the pick-up, sarcastically asking the Bad Guy if he was having any trouble. Ramon responded by going after the Beast From The East and slugging it out with him until the New Mexican Wildman blindsided him, smashing the Cuban immigrant across the back of the head with the camera, which fell to the ground and continued recording for a few moments as Cactus Jack & Bam Bam assaulted Razor at the gas station, until the signal suddenly went dead. (78%)

At the arena, Mean Gene Okerlund worried about Razor Ramon's safety before the Commonwealth Connection walked into the room for their interview as they prepared to meet the Nasty Boys. The Dynamite Kid asked Mean Gene if he had heard the rumor about WWF President Andre The Giant presenting the "1991 Tag Team Of The Year" award at the 1992 Royal Rumble, but Okerlund informed him that nothing was official yet. Dynamite & Owen Hart advised Okerlund and everybody else to watch them thrash Saggs & Knobbs tonight and prove why they deserved to be the 1991 Tag Team Of The Year. (80%)

The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs & Jerry Saggs) vs. The Commonwealth Connection (Dynamite Kid & Owen Hart)

The Nasty Boys got a nice pop as Albert pushed their Lumberjack Match victory over the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers at WWF No Holds Barred and their ascent in the rankings since parting ways with Jimmy Hart. The Commonwealth Connection were solidly booed upon their arrival, as Albert announced that all four competitors would be participating in the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble. The Connection put on a great tag team contest with the Nasties, using their agility and technique to combat the wild brawling and roughhouse antics of Saggs & Knobbs. The Dynamite Kid & Owen Hart also utilized chicanery to get ahead and score a few near-falls, but Saggs finally escaped and made the hot tag to Knobbs, who barged in and cleaned house before planting Hart with a powerslam and tagging Saggs back in. Saggs quickly climbed to the top turnbuckle and leapt with a flying elbowdrop to complete the Pit Stop Drop and earn the 1-2-3. (82%)

In a voiceover, Vince McMahon introduced the footage of Hulk Hogan's appearance last night on NBC's "Late Night With David Letterman". The video began with David Letterman, behind his desk, announcing that "Suburban Commando" had opened to huge numbers on Christmas Day and was still playing in theaters around the world, before introducing "my next opponent", Hulk Hogan. The Hulkster walked out to a great ovation from the studio audience and shook hands with Letterman, who feigned a broken hand afterwards. After sitting down, Letterman and Hogan discussed the movie and the Hulkster's "Suburban Commando" co-star, Arnold Schwarzenegger, whom Hogan explained was a late addition to the cast after the shift in tone of the film. Talk soon turned to the WWF as the clueless Letterman asked if Hogan still wrestled. The Immortal One laughed and responded that some people wanted to see him "go back", which got a big cheer from the audience. Hogan took an impromptu poll of the audience, asking if they wanted him to return to the WWF. Led by band leader Paul Shaffer, the crowd answered very positively, bringing a smile to Hogan's face that soon disappeared when "The King" Jerry Lawler stormed in through the studio doors. The chanting subsided as the Undisputed 1991 WWF King Of The Ring brushed off security and walked up onto the stage, causing Letterman to remark, "Oh no, not you again!" in reference to the Andy Kaufman incident several years ago. Letterman retreated as the Hulkster stood up to confront the Memphis Monarch, impatiently asking why Lawler wanted him to kick his butt again so badly. The King reminded the former two-time WWF Champion that he put him out on a stretcher at WrestleMania VII and wanted one more opportunity to finish the job on January 26 at the 1992 Royal Rumble. The Hulkster seemed intrigued and inquired exactly what Lawler was trying to say, to which Lawler stated that he wanted Hogan "one-on-one, nose-to-nose, toe-to-toe, man-to-man" at the Rumble... in a Stretcher Match, meaning that the winner would have to incapacitate his opponent and cart him out of the arena on a stretcher. Hogan briefly thought it over before accepting the challenge, drawing a pop, at which point Lawler swiftly grabbed a cup of coffee from the desk and splashed it in Hogan's face. Hogan exclaimed that he hated cold coffee and unloaded on Lawler with a barrage of right hands, trading fists with the King as security flooded the area and separated the two rivals, dragging them off-camera in opposite directions. When Letterman returned to his desk, he suggested that the King should be banned from NBC because he always brings trouble with him. (96%)

In the arena, Paul Bearer was on the set of "The Funeral Parlor" and hyped the Stretcher Match for its expected brutality, which he explained may only be surpassed at the 1992 Royal Rumble by the I Quit match pitting Randy "Macho Man" Savage against his guest this week, WWF Champion "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, flanked by Irwin R. Schyster and Virgil. The Million Dollar Man assured the audience that they didn't need to worry about Razor Ramon because his Bounty Hunters would take good care of him, which DiBiase claimed was a shame, since he was going to offer next week's mandatory televised WWF Title defense to the Bad Guy. The WWF Champion shrugged his shoulders and wished Razor luck as the first entrant in the 30-man Royal Rumble, boasting that everybody else in the locker room had enough common sense to know that if any of them tried to come out and claim the title shot, the Million Dollar Empire would wipe them out before next week even arrived. DiBiase passed a wad of cash to Bearer and prepared to leave the Parlor, but the fans popped as Bret "Hit Man" Hart marched out onto the stage and looked DiBiase square in the eyes. The former two-time co-WWF Tag Team Champion informed DiBiase that he wouldn't be intimidated and accepted the open shot at the WWF Championship for next week, advising the Million Dollar Man to bring his "working boots" because he was going to wear out and "excellently execute" the WWF Champion. The Hit Man fought off a poorly-planned ambush by Virgil, disposing of him with a stiff headbutt and chasing off the Million Dollar Man & IRS as the fans cheered. (85%)

Backstage, Jesse Ventura interviewed Shane Douglas & Bob Backlund as they warmed up for their main event title shot at WWF Tag Team Champions Powers Of Pain. The Body seemed to be trying to start trouble when he questioned whose name was on the business card that Ric Flair gave to the new Nature Boy on Prime Time Wrestling, asking Backlund if he knew. The All American admitted that he had no idea, but wished that Shane would tell him, leading to a brief argument between Backlund & Douglas with Ventura egging them both on. The Nature Boy finally produced the business card from inside his robe and showed it to Backlund, who immediately began to shake his head and advised Douglas to throw the card in the garbage. Douglas stuffed the card back inside his robe before Ventura could take a peek and told Backlund that he didn't have anything to worry about as they headed out for the main event. (84%)

WWF Tag Team Title Match: Powers Of Pain (Barbarian & Warlord) [champions] vs. Bob Backlund & "Nature Boy" Shane Douglas

Paul Ellering led his WWF Tag Team Champions down the aisle, while Shane Douglas was escorted by two stunning young women in evening gowns when he strutted out after Bob Backlund. Tenay mentioned that Backlund had won the WWF Tag Team Championship with Pedro Morales in 1980, while Flair hoped that Douglas wouldn't let him down after handing over "the mantle of the Nature Boy" on Prime Time Wrestling. The new Nature Boy didn't let him down, fighting valiantly as he and the All American made good use of their superior agility and technical skill to keep the monstrous Warlord & Barbarian off-balance. The Powers Of Pain looked impressive as well, manhandling their smaller challengers as the advantages shifted both ways several times, resulting in a very hot main event featuring some interference from Precious Paul. Late in the bout, Douglas & Backlund controlled the massive Warlord with quick tags and hit-and-run double-teams, garnering a number of near-falls before the All American's attempt at the Running Atomic Drop backfired and the Warlord crashed down on top of him. Backlund and Warlord slugged it out as Dustin Rhodes strolled out to ringside and began to chat with the Nature Boy's two sexy escorts, drawing jeers from the fans. When the Lone Star Stud started making lewd gestures and hitting heavily on the women, Douglas noticed and hopped off the apron, shoving the Natural away. Dustin shoved back, leading to a more heated confrontation as a few WWF referees came down to keep Rhodes and Douglas apart at ringside. Meanwhile on the inside, Warlord tagged Barbarian before hoisting Backlund up on his shoulders as the Powers triggered the Apocalypse on the All American. The Barbarian then covered the former WWF Champion for the three-count to retain the WWF Tag Team Championship. Afterwards, Ellering brought the title belts into the squared circle and draped them over the Powers' granite shoulders while the program concluded. (85%)

Overall: 82%

Rating: 6.64

Attendance: 10,035

Ticket Sales: $602,100

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 1992 -- WWF SUPERSTARS OF WRESTLING

Booker: Paul Bearer

Quality: 77%

Rating: 4.91

Attendance: 10,032

Ticket Sales: $601,920

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Here is the card so far for the 1992 Royal Rumble on Sunday, January 26, as announced by Sean Mooney during the Update on Superstars Of Wrestling...

WWF Championship/I Quit Match: Ted DiBiase [champion] vs. Randy Savage

WWF Intercontinental Title/2 Out Of 3 Falls Match: Ricky Steamboat [champion] vs. Rick Rude

WWF Tag Team Title Match: Powers Of Pain [champions] vs. Demolition

Stretcher Match: Hulk Hogan vs. Jerry Lawler

30-Man Royal Rumble: Abdullah The Butcher, Bob Backlund, Bam Bam Bigelow, Wayne Bloom, Big Boss Man, Shane Douglas, Jim Duggan, Mike Enos, Terry Funk, Owen Hart, Hawk, Honky Tonk Man, Dynamite Kid, Brian Knobbs, Cactus Jack Manson, The Great Muta, Mr. Perfect [#2], Razor Ramon [#1], Dustin Rhodes, Jake Roberts [#30], Jerry Saggs, Irwin R. Schyster, Papa Shango, The Undertaker

[Chrononaut]

MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 1992 -- WWF PRIME TIME WRESTLING

Vince McMahon and Jesse "The Body" Ventura opened the show LIVE from ringside by running through the lineup for tonight, including the Hart Foundation taking on the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters in the main event, the Gangsters Of Style meeting the Conquistadors, Matt Borne facing the Undertaker, Abdullah The Butcher & The Great Muta squaring off against Koko B. Ware & Luke, and much more.

The Conquistadors (Conquistador #1 & Conquistador #2) vs. The Gangsters Of Style ("Sweet" Stan Lane & Paul "Romeo" Roma)

Slick, along with his personal bodyguard Bad News Brown, escorted his Gangsters Of Style to the ring as McMahon announced that they would battle the Nasty Boys next week on Prime Time Wrestling. Fast-paced, competitive little opener, as both squads utilized some crisp double-team maneuvers and exchanged near-falls right up until the end, which saw Romeo Roma cover #2 following the Style Clash from he and Sweet Stan. (75%)

After the match, Mean Gene Okerlund appeared in the aisleway to interview Slick and the Gangsters Of Style, who preened and posed while Bad News Brown stood menacingly behind the Doctor Of Style. The Slickster announced that both Paul Roma & Stan Lane would be participating in the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble and revealed his strategy, boasting that Sweet Stan & Romeo Roma would eliminate the Nasty Boys from the Rumble six days early, next week on Prime Time Wrestling. (76%)

In the Prime Time Wrestling studio, Gorilla Monsoon and "The Man" Ric Flair announced another tag team bout for next week's edition of Prime Time Wrestling pitting Dustin Rhodes & Terry Funk against their next opponents, Demolition: Crush & Smash, along with Ax, who was very fired up as he growled about Demolition obliterating the Stud Stable. Smash promised that he and Crush would take care of Funk & Rhodes on the inside, while Ax threatened to do to Colonel Robert Lee Fuller what he did to Paul Ellering in the Bunkhouse Brawl match at WWF No Holds Barred if he tried to get involved in the action. Speaking of Precious Paul, Ax produced a pair of handcuffs and recalled what had happened to Crush in the Bunkhouse Brawl, barking that if Ellering liked handcuffs so much, he had an idea for the 1992 Royal Rumble: during the Powers Of Pain's WWF Tag Team Title defense against Smash & Crush, Ellering would be cuffed to Ax at ringside to prevent him from interfering in the match-up. Ax challenged Ellering to show his faith in Barbarian & Warlord by accepting the stipulation, while Smash hollered that Demolition would kick the Stud Stable's teeth "down their stinkin' Southern redneck throats" next week and go on to capture the WWF Tag Team Championship for the fourth time at the Rumble. (81%)

Backstage at the arena, Bushwhacker Luke was shown talking to a figure standing behind a changing screen, telling the person that he looked great and that they needed to head out for their match against the Great Muta & Abdullah The Butcher. Koko B. Ware emerged wearing the multicolored camouflage-style attire that he briefly wore last year during his stint teaming with Bushwhacker Butch, high-fiving Luke and crowing about the return of "The Birdwhackers" as they marched out the door. (75%)

The Great Muta & Abdullah The Butcher vs. The Birdwhackers (Luke & Koko)

Mr. Fuji waddled out behind his Human Torture Chamber, while the Birdwhackers brought a special guest with them: Koko's macaw, Frankie, setting his perch at ringside during the bout, which was a solid yet unconventional tag team affair, as neither team employed much double-teaming. The starving Abdullah The Butcher kept glancing out at Frankie and licking his lips, which allowed Koko & Luke to take advantage of the distraction and seize control late in the contest. The Birdwhackers reeled off a couple of the match's few double-team maneuvers, including the Birdwhacker Battering Ram, with Koko using Luke's cranium, but the Madman Of The Sudan blocked it with a stiff kick to the top of the skull that floored Luke before tossing Koko over the top rope. The frustrated Great Muta tagged himself in when the Butcher wandered close enough, and finished Luke off with the Rising Sun from the top turnbuckle. Afterwards, Muta yanked the Bushwhacker to his feet and hurled him over the top rope as McMahon mentioned that both Abdullah & Muta were entered in the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble. (75%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair introduced their next guest, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, the man who had earned the #30 slot in the 1992 Royal Rumble by defeating Mr. Perfect at WWF No Holds Barred. The Snake explained that he had been "licking his wounds" from the Lights Out match over the past couple of weeks, but guaranteed that he would be at 100% when he slithered out on January 26 as the final entrant into the 30-man Rumble. Jake pointed out that he had never held a title during his WWF career because he was never interested in gold, but commented that after the "messed-up" year he had in 1991, his priorities had changed and he had set "snake eyes" on the WWF Championship. Monsoon mentioned that the quickest way to do that could be to win the Rumble and earn the WWF Title shot at WrestleMania VIII, which Roberts agreed with and referred to himself as the "odds-on favorite" to emerge victorious due to snatching the 30th spot. The calculating veteran added that what would make it even sweeter would be watching the monitor backstage as Mr. Perfect entered at #2 and got tossed out before Jake even made it to the ring. When Flair suggested the possibility of the Flawless One lasting until the end, the Snake thought about it and grinned at the Man, stating that he hadn't really considered that scenario but admitted that it would be the sweetest thing of all to eliminate Perfect very last to win the Royal Rumble. The Snake looked into the camera with his cold eyes and warned Perfect that if he could last an hour, he would be waiting for the former two-time WWF Intercontinental Champion at the end. (85%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was in a darkened dressing room at the arena to interview the Undertaker and Paul Bearer, who announced that he would have an exclusive of his own on "The Funeral Parlor" this weekend: the first interview with Mr. Perfect since the brutal Lights Out contest at WWF No Holds Barred. Okerlund asked Bearer why he accepted an envelope of money from WWF Champion Ted DiBiase this past weekend, but the rotund mortician tried to avoid the question and claimed that it was a gift. After more badgering from Mean Gene, Bearer admitted that it was a payoff so that the Dead Man would not claim the mandatory televised WWF Title shot against the Million Dollar Man this weekend on Saturday Night's Main Event. This appeared to anger the Undertaker, who glared and sneered at Bearer before walking away and out the door, followed by his apologetic manager. (85%)

"Maniac" Matt Borne vs. The Undertaker

Matt Borne was already in the ring warming up when the lights went dim and the Undertaker made his entrance, followed by Paul Bearer, who was shaking his head and looking remorseful. The Dead Man was as pale and emotionless as always, as he took out his inner frustration on the Maniac right off the bat, battering him with fists and boots. Borne tried to mount a comeback, but the Pale Destroyer stifled and manhandled him, effortlessly slinging the 260-pounder around the ring before burying him with the Tombstone. Afterwards, Bearer stepped into the squared circle and seemed to make amends with his Grim Reaper, apologizing profusely and assuring the Undertaker that nothing would stop him from capturing the WWF Championship at WrestleMania VIII after winning the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble. (78%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair discussed the 2 Out Of 3 Falls match at the 1992 Royal Rumble featuring Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat defending the WWF Intercontinental Championship against their next guest, "Ravishing" Rick Rude, seconded by Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, who immediately started arguing with Gorilla over their attack on WWF President Andre The Giant. The Brain stated that the Ravishing One had clearly earned a title shot back at the 1991 Survivor Series by pinning the WWF Intercontinental Champion in the Heenan Family/Animal House elimination match-up, and accused the WWF President of being deliberately slow in granting the shot because he held a grudge toward Heenan. Monsoon commented that these were serious allegations, but Rude snapped that it was a cut-and-dried case of conflict of interests that resulted in him being "forced" into the 2 Out Of 3 Falls stipulations. Rude complained that although he was always in immaculate physical condition, he had less than two weeks to prepare for a match-up that could conceivably last for 45 minutes. Heenan and Rude continued to complain until Monsoon announced that one more bout had been added to Prime Time Wrestling next week, the main event pitting Razor Ramon against Mr. Perfect, which set the Brain off even more, suggesting that the Flawless One was still recovering from the Lights Out match at WWF No Holds Barred and was in no condition to wrestle next week. Rude blamed a WWF conspiracy against the Heenan Family before he and Heenan stormed out. (90%)

Backstage at the arena, the Hart Foundation were shown discussing strategy as they put on their leather jackets and sunglasses. Bret Hart warned Jim Neidhart that the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters would be out to hurt him tonight due to his title shot at WWF Champion Ted DiBiase this weekend on Saturday Night's Main Event, but the Anvil assured the Hit Man that he had his back this evening and on Saturday night, wishing him luck in his bid to win the WWF Championship. (79%)

The Million Dollar Bounty Hunters (Bam Bam Bigelow & Cactus Jack Manson) vs. The Hart Foundation (Bret "Hit Man" Hart & Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart)

McMahon referred to the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters as "independent contractors at heart", citing the almost criminal tactics they used to prevent Razor Ramon from making it to the arena on Saturday Night's Main Event to accept the open challenge of WWF Champion Ted DiBiase. The commentators hyped Bret Hart's golden opportunity for the WWF Title this coming Saturday evening against the Million Dollar Man throughout this heated, hard-hitting main event, which kept the crowd hot as Cactus Jack & Bam Bam managed to isolate the Hit Man and work him over with frequent tags and bruising double-teams. Ventura pointed out that the Bounty Hunters placed more emphasis on money and mayhem than victories and championships, a perfect fit for the Million Dollar Empire, as evidenced by the fact that neither the Beast From The East nor the New Mexican Wildman attempted to pin Bret, choosing instead to punish him while Jim Neidhart rooted for his long-time tag team partner from the Hart Foundation's corner. Eventually, Hart slowly mounted a comeback, which was helped along when Razor Ramon swaggered down the aisle, looking a bit battered from the weekend, and began to taunt Bigelow & Manson from ringside. The Bad Guy flicked his toothpick in at Bam Bam, who charged out of the ring and chased the Cuban immigrant up the aisle and out of sight. Meanwhile on the inside, the Hit Man made the hot tag to the Anvil, who barged in and unloaded on Cactus with punches, shoulderblocks, and clotheslines before tagging Bret back in. Neidhart & Hart quickly drilled Manson with the Hart Attack, allowing Bret to score the three-count just as Bam Bam realized what was happening and raced back to ringside. After the bell, Bigelow rolled into the ring and tried to blindside Hart, but Neidhart stopped the Beast and clotheslined him right back out over the top rope. The Foundation celebrated their victory and Razor laughed at the Bounty Hunters from the entrance curtain as McMahon and Ventura closed the show. (90%)

Overall: 81%

Rating: 5.98

Attendance: 10,004

Ticket Sales: $600,240

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 1992 -- NBC/WWF PRESENT: SATURDAY NIGHT'S MAIN EVENT

Marv Albert, Mike Tenay, and "The Man" Ric Flair kicked off the LIVE network broadcast with a rundown of the evening's scheduled events, including the Texas Twister taking on Jerry Lawler, the New British Bulldogs battling the Enforcers, Papa Shango meeting Matt Borne, the Big Boss Man & Hawk in tag team action, Mr. Perfect on "The Funeral Parlor", and in the big main event, Ted DiBiase defending the WWF Championship against Bret Hart.

"Maniac" Matt Borne vs. Papa Shango

Papa Shango was followed to the ring by his zombified "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka for this plodding opener, which saw the two stocky, powerful competitors exchange stiff blows and trade the advantages. Matt Borne put a lot of effort into his performance, but in the end, the Voodoo Master applied the Black Spike, causing the Maniac to pass out, at which point referee John Finnegan dropped his arm three times and awarded the submission to Shango. (66%)

A vignette aired next, featuring the Honky Tonk Man in a 1950s-style diner, wearing blue jeans and a leather jacket that had "The Honk" written across the back. An obvious but humorous way of reinventing the former WWF Intercontinental Champion in the vein of Fonzie from "Happy Days", Honky Tonk was seated in a booth, surrounded by young women in '50s attire who were hanging on his every word as he crowed about winning the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble and going on to add the WWF Championship to his "Greatest Hits" collection at WrestleMania VIII. The girls all squealed with delight as Honky revealed that he had great confidence in himself, with the support of the "Honksters" and "Honkettes" in the audience. Honky then stood up and hit the jukebox with his hand, Fonz-style, to start it up as he boogied with the girls, while a graphic appeared on the screen reading, "Coming to the 1992 Royal Rumble: The Honk!" (81%)

Hawk & Big Boss Man vs. The Southern Kids (Brian Christopher & Bob Holly)

During the introductions, Flair made fun of "The Honk" and his new persona, but Tenay pointed out that he was the longest-reigning WWF Intercontinental Champion of all time and could be a dark horse in the 1992 Royal Rumble. This was a basic semi-competitive squash, as the renamed Southern Kids did get in some offense, but were mostly dominated by the Big Boss Man & Hawk, whom the commentators pushed strongly as favorites in the Rumble. The Southern Kids were finished off when Hawk covered Brian Christopher following the Doomsday Device from he and Boss Man. (64%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was in the locker room to interview "The King" Jerry Lawler, asking him what right he had to interrupt Hulk Hogan's interview on NBC's "Late Night With David Letterman" and ruin the show. The Undisputed 1991 WWF King Of The Ring explained that he was tired of the Immortal One avoiding him, and looked forward to ending Hulkamania for good in the Stretcher Match at the 1992 Royal Rumble. When Mean Gene brought up David Letterman's suggestion of banning Lawler from NBC, the Memphis Monarch laughed it off and boasted that it would never happen because he was the King. The King recalled some of his bloody battles with Kerry Von Erich in the past and warned NBC executives that tonight's match with Kevin Von Erich might get a little out of hand. (87%)

"Texas Twister" Kevin Von Erich vs. "The King" Jerry Lawler

The Undisputed 1991 WWF King Of The Ring was carried to the squared circle on his throne and stepped through the ropes for this solid, well-worked encounter with Kevin Von Erich that saw both competitors exchange basic maneuvers and get the crowd into it. The Texas Twister garnered a couple of near-falls, but the end came when Jerry Lawler ducked the Twister Punch and planted Von Erich with the Royal Piledriver for the 1-2-3. Afterwards, the King ripped the NBC logo badge off of referee Danny Marsh's shirt and stuck it on Von Erich before tossing him out to the floor. The Memphis Monarch followed out to ringside and dragged the Twister up to the ring steps, crunching him with a painful Piledriver on the steel stairs as the crowd booed. Lawler raised his arms triumphantly as he left the Twister in a crumpled heap on the floor. (71%)

Another promo video for Al "Ice Man" Snow & Doug "The Tank" Furnas aired, featuring the two muscular young athletes training and pumping iron in the gym, displaying their hard work ethic as they constantly tried to one-up each other. The Ice Man was clearly the quicker and more agile of the two, while the Tank was unmatched in his powerlifting abilities, hoisting up 500 pounds at one point. Snow did most of the talking, warning the other tag teams that he and Furnas were headed to the WWF and that they would settle for nothing less than the WWF Tag Team Championship. (67%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was backstage at the arena to interview Jimmy Hart, who was flanked by the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers, Dino Bravo, & Greg Valentine. The Mouth Of The South announced that he had entered Jacques & Raymond in the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble, which was why he was sending in the Enforcers tonight to take out two other participants, the New British Bulldogs. The Enforcers did not seem pleased that they would not be in the Rumble, but the Mouth nervously assured them that it was in the best interests of the Hart Organization. (85%)

The Enforcers (Greg "The Hammer" Valentine & Dino Bravo) vs. The New British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith & Chris Benoit)

Jimmy Hart escorted his Enforcers down the aisle, having a heated discussion along the way, as Albert pointed out that the Mouth Of The South had neglected to mention that the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers would be challenging WWF Television Tag Team Champions the Rockers next week on Saturday Night's Main Event, and wondered if Dino Bravo & Greg Valentine knew about that. This was an entertaining old-school style tag team bout, somewhat reminiscent of the British Bulldogs/Dream Team match at WrestleMania 2, as the New British Bulldogs looked crisp, while the Enforcers used their basic strength and skullduggery to turn the tide. The New Bulldogs fought back and put the Enforcers away when Chris Benoit dropped the Swandive Headbutt from the top turnbuckle on Bravo following the Running Powerslam by Davey Boy. (72%)

Following a commercial break, Paul Bearer was on the set of "The Funeral Parlor", boasting that the Undertaker was already digging 29 graves in preparation for his 1992 Royal Rumble victory in eight days, before introducing his guest this week, Mr. Perfect, who hobbled out on crutches with a black eye and his head bandaged, accompanied by Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. When Bearer remarked at how beaten-up the Flawless One appeared, the Brain informed him that Perfect was still recovering from injuries suffered at the hands of Jake Roberts at WWF No Holds Barred in the Lights Out match. In fact, Heenan revealed that Perfect's jaw had been wired shut and he was unable to speak, explaining that Perfect was in no condition to wrestle Razor Ramon on Prime Time Wrestling this Monday because he needed as much time as possible to prepare for the 30-man Royal Rumble. Heenan implored WWF President Andre The Giant to reconsider, bringing out the 7'4" former WWF Champion. The WWF President lumbered onto the stage and shook his head, denying Heenan's request and forcing Perfect to meet the Bad Guy on Monday night, causing the Brain to throw a tantrum, again accusing Andre of a conflict of interests. When the Giant had heard enough whining, he gripped the Brain by the throat, but Perfect miraculously recuperated and swung one of his crutches at Andre's head. However, Andre was ready and caught the crutch before it hit his head, yanking it away and swinging it around as Perfect, Heenan, and even Bearer fled the scene and took off. Andre picked up the microphone and stated that Perfect had better show up on Prime Time Wrestling, then snapped the crutch in half. (83%)

In the locker room, Mean Gene Okerlund interviewed Bret Hart as he was just finishing warming up for his main event title shot at Ted DiBiase's WWF Championship. The Hit Man brought up his father Stu's legacy in the wrestling business and talked about how important the WWF Title was to every athlete in the sport, vowing to "seize the day" and "excellently execute" the Million Dollar Man en route to becoming the WWF Champion...NEXT! (85%)

WWF Championship Match: "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase [champion] vs. Bret "Hit Man" Hart

Bret Hart received a loud pop when he made his entrance, while Virgil seconded the WWF Champion for this tremendous main event as Tenay reminded viewers that WWF President Andre The Giant had ordered Ted DiBiase to make a televised title defense prior to January 26, threatening to strip him of the belt and award it to the winner of the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble. The match-up started off slowly with some great chainwrestling, exchanging holds and counterholds before the pace picked up and both competitors went at it full-throttle, trading numerous near-falls. The fans rallied behind the Hit Man as he seemed poised for victory, gaining several close counts and turning up the heat, resulting in the Million Dollar Man bailing out and heading up the aisle with Virgil, who had grabbed the WWF Title belt from the timekeeper's table. As they turned around to look at Bret in the ring and backed up the aisle, they bumped into the WWF President himself, who ordered DiBiase to return to the squared circle or risk being stripped of the gold. DiBiase had a fit but, after a commercial break, finally stepped back through the ropes to complete the match-up. Although Hart looked very strong and came close to winning, DiBiase dropped him with a hotshot across the top rope and cinched in the Million Dollar Dream late in the contest. It took longer than usual as the Hit Man valiantly struggled to escape, but referee Dave Hebner dropped Bret's arm three times and the Million Dollar Man retained his WWF Championship. Afterwards, Andre announced that with the mandatory title defense out of the way, the official contract signing for the "I Quit" match between DiBiase and "Macho Man" Randy Savage would take place on Saturday Night's Main Event next week, the evening before the 1992 Royal Rumble. The WWF Champion shrugged it off and held his belt aloft as Albert, Tenay, and Flair signed off. (82%)

Overall: 77%

Rating: 6.44

Attendance: 10,023

Ticket Sales: $601,380

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 1992 -- WWF SUPERSTARS OF WRESTLING

Booker: Bill Dundee

Quality: 73%

Rating: 5.29

Attendance: 10,040

Ticket Sales: $602,400

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Here is the card so far for the 1992 Royal Rumble on Sunday, January 26, as announced by Sean Mooney during the Update on Superstars Of Wrestling...

WWF Championship/I Quit Match: Ted DiBiase [champion] vs. Randy Savage

WWF Intercontinental Title/2 Out Of 3 Falls Match: Ricky Steamboat [champion] vs. Rick Rude

WWF Tag Team Title Match: Powers Of Pain [champions] vs. Demolition

Stretcher Match: Hulk Hogan vs. Jerry Lawler

30-Man Royal Rumble: Abdullah The Butcher, Bob Backlund, Chris Benoit, Bam Bam Bigelow, Wayne Bloom, Big Boss Man, Shane Douglas, Jim Duggan, Mike Enos, Terry Funk, Owen Hart, Hawk, Honky Tonk Man, Dynamite Kid, Brian Knobbs, Stan Lane, Cactus Jack Manson, The Great Muta, Mr. Perfect [#2], Razor Ramon [#1], Dustin Rhodes, Jake Roberts [#30], Paul Roma, Jacques Rougeau, Raymond Rougeau, Jerry Saggs, Irwin R. Schyster, Papa Shango, Davey Boy Smith, The Undertaker

[Chrononaut]

MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 1992 -- WWF PRIME TIME WRESTLING

Vince McMahon and Jesse "The Body" Ventura began the show LIVE from ringside, hyping the 1992 Royal Rumble this Sunday and introducing tonight's lineup, featuring Mr. Perfect meeting Razor Ramon in the main event, Demolition squaring off with the Stud Stable, the Gangsters Of Style taking on the Nasty Boys, the Commonwealth Connection in tag team action against the Dundee Family, and much more.

The Commonwealth Connection (Dynamite Kid & Owen Hart) vs. The Dundee Family (Bill & Jamie Dundee)

The commentators talked about the possibility of the Commonwealth Connection/New British Bulldogs rivalry flaring up this Sunday since all four competitors would be participating in the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble. This was a basic competitive squash that made the Connection look like a well-oiled machine as they finished off the Dundee Family when Owen Hart covered Jamie following the Union Spike from he and the Dynamite Kid. (66%)

In the Prime Time Wrestling studio, Gorilla Monsoon and "The Man" Ric Flair ran through the final list of all 30 entrants in this Sunday's 1992 Royal Rumble and mentioned that for almost half of the participants, it would be their first Rumble, including their first guest, Abdullah The Butcher, who followed Mr. Fuji into the room and looked practically insane from hunger, eyes bulging as he licked his lips. The Devious One explained that the Great Muta was meditating in the Dojo in preparation for the Rumble, while his strategy for the Madman Of The Sudan was simple: Fuji revealed that he had Abdullah on a starvation plan, feeding him one scrap of meat per week until the Butcher reached his peak of violence and started winning matches and hurting people. Monsoon disapproved of the plan, but Fuji grinned and stated that it was "feeding time", pulling a sliver of raw, bloody meat from his pocket, unwrapping it, and tossing it at Abdullah, who caught it and immediately began chowing down as Flair and Monsoon turned their heads in disgust. Fuji cackled as he pointed out that this was Abdullah's last feeding before the Royal Rumble, warning the other 28 competitors (not including Muta) that he would be a very hungry Butcher come this Sunday. (82%)

The Gangsters Of Style ("Sweet" Stan Lane & Paul "Romeo" Roma) vs. The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs & Jerry Saggs)

Slick, along with his personal bodyguard Bad News Brown, escorted his Gangsters Of Style as McMahon recalled that Paul Roma & Stan Lane scored a cheap victory over the Nasty Boys back in September. This was a very good, hard-hitting match-up that went back-and-forth as Ventura suggested that the tag teams in the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble, such as the Gangsters, the Nasties, the New British Bulldogs, and the Commonwealth Connection, might have an advantage if they worked together to eliminate the other competitors. Although Sweet Stan & Romeo Roma had the advantage and kept it through quick tags and classic double-teams, Brian Knobbs escaped via a double noggin-knocker and made the hot tag to Jerry Saggs, who charged in and cleaned house. Amidst the chaos, Knobbs managed to plant Roma with a powerslam before Saggs leapt from the top turnbuckle with the Pit Stop Drop to score the three-count. (73%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair talked about a couple of the other bouts scheduled for the 1992 Royal Rumble this Sunday, including the Powers Of Pain defending the WWF Tag Team Championship against Demolition, and in a 2 Out Of 3 Falls match, Rick Rude challenging their next guest, WWF Intercontinental Champion Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat. The Man referred to the Dragon as the "Iron Man of the WWF" but added that the Ravishing One was no slouch either, which Steamboat agreed with and admitted that despite his disrespectful behavior, Rude was a tremendous athlete fully deserving of a title shot. Steamboat worried about the Heenan Family's actions recently, especially the assault on WWF President Andre The Giant, and stated that he wanted to be part of the solution to wipe out Bobby Heenan and his Family members, focusing on bringing down Rude this Sunday. The Dragon looked forward to the challenge, mentioning that the contest had a time limit of 45 minutes and wondering if Rude would be up to the task, commenting that he was in the best shape of his life and suggesting that he could go for an hour or more. The WWF Intercontinental Champion advised the Ravishing One to hit the gym extra hard over the next six days so that they could determine the better man at the Rumble. (82%)

Backstage at the arena, Mean Gene Okerlund interviewed Colonel Robert Fuller, Dustin Rhodes, & Terry Funk as the Stud Stable prepared to meet Demolition. The Greatest Promoter Of All Time mentioned that he saw Demolition's interview last week on Prime Time Wrestling and warned Ax not to put his hands on the Colonel under any circumstances or he would regret it, pointing out that he needed to be at ringside this Sunday when the Lone Star Stud won the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble with the help of the Outlaw. Funk nodded his head as Rhodes bragged about his abilities and predicted that he would be a "Natural" WWF Champion at WrestleMania VIII. (83%)

"The Natural" Dustin Rhodes & "The Outlaw" Terry Funk vs. Demolition (Smash & Crush)

Colonel Robert Lee Fuller seconded his Stud Stable members to the ring, while Ax marched out with his Demolition brothers-in-paint as McMahon announced that despite Paul Ellering's protests, WWF President Andre The Giant had sanctioned the stipulation mentioned last week for the 1992 Royal Rumble in which Precious Paul would be handcuffed to Ax at ringside during the Demolition/Powers Of Pain WWF Tag Team Title bout. Terry Funk & Dustin Rhodes put on an entertaining encounter with Crush & Smash, using every dirty heel trick in the book to isolate Smash and work him over in their corner, with some interference from the Colonel, while Ax pounded the mat and tried to rally his former co-WWF Tag Team Championship partner. Smash did manage to break free and tag Crush, but referee Randy Anderson had been distracted by a confrontation between Fuller and Ax and missed the tag, ushering Crush out to the apron as the Outlaw dragged Smash back to the Stud Stable corner for more punishment. Soon after, the elegantly-dressed Shane Douglas strutted down the aisle with two beautiful women and attracted the Lone Star Stud's attention, causing Dustin to abandon his spot on the apron and go after Douglas as McMahon recalled that the Natural cost the Nature Boy & Bob Backlund their shot at the WWF Tag Team Champions recently. Meanwhile, with no partner to tag, Funk lost control of Smash, who made the hot tag to Crush as Demolition unloaded on the Funker and put him away with the Decapitation Kneedrop from the top turnbuckle by Crush. (73%)

Afterwards, with Dustin Rhodes tangling with Shane Douglas in the aisleway and Terry Funk laying semi-conscious on the canvas, Colonel Robert Lee Fuller foolishly attempted to ambush all three members of Demolition as they celebrated their victory in the squared circle. However, the facepainted brutes no-sold the attack before Crush turned and knocked the Colonel's cowboy hat off and grabbed him by the hair, barking threats at him. Crush Irish-whipped Fuller toward Smash, who caught and held him in a backbreaker across his knee as Ax climbed to the middle turnbuckle again and delighted the fans by diving off with the Decapitation Elbow on the Greatest Promoter Of All Time. Demolition raised their arms triumphantly and exited the ring, leaving the Colonel laid out on the mat. (77%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair discussed the other encounters on the card at this Sunday's 1992 Royal Rumble, including "The King" Jerry Lawler battling Hulk Hogan in a Stretcher Match, and Ted DiBiase defending the WWF Championship in an I Quit bout against their next guest, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, who looked pretty burned-out when he entered the room. The Macho Man admitted that his lengthy feud with the Million Dollar Man had taken its toll on his body, mind, and soul, but added that it would all be worth it this Sunday when he destroys DiBiase to regain the WWF Title. Flair asked the hard questions, questioning if it was worth losing his fiancee, Miss Elizabeth, and suffering so many beatings from the Million Dollar Empire, but Savage responded that he couldn't look at it that way and had to focus on the WWF Championship, commenting that he had held the belt twice before and planned to go down in the history books as the first-ever three-time WWF Champion by forcing the Million Dollar Man to cry those two special little words: "I Quit...OOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHH YYYYEEEEEEEEAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH, DIG IT!" (90%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was in the locker room at the arena along with Bobby Heenan and Mr. Perfect, who still appeared to have some legitimate scrapes and contusions from the Lights Out match at WWF No Holds Barred as he warmed up for this evening's main event against Razor Ramon. The Brain tried to protest that the Flawless One was in no shape to wrestle tonight, but Mean Gene turned the subject to the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble this Sunday, inquiring if Perfect had any chance of winning since he would be entering at #2. Perfect informed Okerlund that he was indeed "absolutely perfect" and even at less than 100%, he would last until the end and go on to challenge the WWF Champion at WrestleMania VIII. The former two-time WWF Intercontinental Champion suggested that the Bad Guy and Jake Roberts should get to know each other, boasting that Razor would be Perfect's first elimination, while the Snake would be his final elimination from the Rumble after entering at #30. The Flawless One promised to return to his roots and accumulate a "perfect record" in 1992, starting with Ramon...NEXT! (86%)

Mr. Perfect vs. Razor Ramon

Bobby "The Brain" Heenan accompanied Mr. Perfect to ringside, while Razor Ramon swaggered out to a loud pop from the fans as Ventura pointed out that the Bad Guy and the Flawless One would be kicking off the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble this Sunday as the first and second entrants, respectively. Very strong main event as Razor continues to develop as an uppercard player, trading fists and chops with the former two-time WWF Intercontinental Champion and even manhandling him with bodyslams and back-bodydrops. Perfect used his experience advantage to outmaneuver Ramon and take control, trying to wear down the Cuban immigrant with submission holds, scientific wrestling, and outright rulebreaking. Ramon was more than happy to retaliate with some underhanded tactics of his own and rallied back, scoring a very close near-fall after a belly-to-back superplex off the top turnbuckle. As the Bad Guy continued to build momentum, Perfect bailed out and retreated up the aisle, but was stopped by Jake Roberts, who emerged from the entrance curtain and grabbed hold of Perfect by the hair and tights. The Snake returned Perfect to the squared circle and tossed him back in under the bottom rope, remaining at ringside in Ramon's corner as Ramon unloaded on the Flawless One. When he had seen enough, the Brain frantically waved back to the entrance curtain, bringing out the Destruction Crew, who sprinted down to ringside and blindsided Jake, ramming his head into the ringpost. This caught the attention of Razor, who wandered over and began to kick at Wayne Bloom & Mike Enos through the ropes, but the Crew gripped his legs and dragged him out to the floor. The Bad Guy slugged away on both the Machine and the Train in the aisleway as referee Joey Marella completed the 10-count and awarded the victory to Mr. Perfect via count-out. (80%)

Following the bell, as Razor Ramon was brawling with the Destruction Crew in the aisle, Mr. Perfect aided his fellow Heenan Family members by attacking the Bad Guy from behind. This brought out the Big Boss Man & Hawk, who dragged Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom away, only to be assaulted themselves by the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters. Before long, the fracas headed to the ring as several of the entrants in this Sunday's 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble got involved, including Shane Douglas, Dustin Rhodes, the Nasty Boys, the Gangsters Of Style, the New British Bulldogs, the Commonwealth Connection, Bob Backlund, Hacksaw Duggan, Terry Funk, the Honky Tonk Man, and the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers. The chaotic brawl continued as the program ended with McMahon and Ventura hyping the 1992 Royal Rumble this Sunday. (92%)

Overall: 81%

Rating: 5.79

Attendance: 10,038

Ticket Sales: $602,280

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 1992 -- NBC/WWF PRESENT: SATURDAY NIGHT'S MAIN EVENT

Marv Albert, Mike Tenay, and "The Man" Ric Flair started the LIVE network broadcast by shilling tomorrow night's 1992 Royal Rumble before announcing this evening's events, featuring Rick Rude meeting Matt Borne, Irwin R. Schyster taking on Birdwhacker Luke, Hacksaw Duggan in action, Shane Douglas & Bob Backlund on "The Funeral Parlor", the official contract signing between Randy Savage and WWF Champion Ted DiBiase for the I Quit match, and in the main event, the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers challenging the Rockers for the WWF Television Tag Team Championship.

"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan vs. "Dangerous" Danny Davis

The commentators spent most of their time discussing the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble tomorrow night and the possible winners during this basic semi-competitive squash. Leading the crowd in a "U-S-A" chant, Hacksaw put the Dangerous One away with the Three Point Stance. (69%)

Sean Mooney came to ringside after the match to interview Jim Duggan regarding his participation in the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble. Hacksaw reminded viewers that he won the inaugural Royal Rumble in 1988 on the USA Network and added that with the support of his loyal fans, he was going to become the first-ever two-time Rumble winner in WWF history tomorrow evening. (78%)

Backstage, Irwin R. Schyster was shown emerging from the Million Dollar Empire dressing room; before the door closed, WWF Champion Ted DiBiase could be seen sitting casually on the couch, surrounded by Virgil, Bam Bam Bigelow, & Cactus Jack Manson. After the door slammed shut, IRS adjusted his necktie and smiled before heading down the hallway with his steel haliburton briefcase in hand. (84%)

Irwin R. Schyster vs. Luke

Irwin R. Schyster strode out by himself, carrying his briefcase, as Flair suggested that Irwin's purpose in the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble tomorrow night would be similar to that of the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters: to eliminate the competition and protect Ted DiBiase's WWF Championship. When Luke marched down the aisle and around the ring, Schyster appeared confused and disgusted by the unorthodox New Zealander, who used it to his advantage during the match-up to keep IRS disoriented. After some solid back-and-forth action, IRS hoisted the Bushwhacker across his shoulders and slammed him with the Write Off for the 1-2-3. (75%)

Following a commercial break, Paul Bearer was on the set of "The Funeral Parlor" and introduced this week's guests, Bob Backlund & "Nature Boy" Shane Douglas, who walked out together but looked like a bit of an odd couple, as the All American was in his warm-up gear while the Nature Boy was dressed in an expensive suit and tie. Bearer began by questioning whose name was on the business card that Shane received from Ric Flair, but Douglas replied that it was none of his business and it didn't matter. Backlund asked Douglas if he had thrown the card away like he had advised, but Douglas assured him that there was nothing to worry about because they were friends and partners. Bearer reminded them that it would be "every man for himself" in tomorrow evening's 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble, but Backlund informed the mortician that he and Douglas had agreed to watch each other's backs so that they could decide between themselves who would go on to WrestleMania VIII to challenge the WWF Champion. In the broadcast booth, Flair sighed with disappointment as the new Nature Boy shook hands with Backlund and declared, "May the best man win." While this was going on, Dustin Rhodes swaggered out on the stage, followed by Terry Funk and Colonel Robert Lee Fuller, who looked to be in a lot of pain as he clutched his neck, obviously a result of the Decapitation Elbow from Demolition on Prime Time Wrestling. Douglas & Backlund prepared to defend themselves as the Lone Star Stud told them that they had another thing coming if they thought that they would be the last two competitors in the Rumble, bragging that he and the Outlaw would have that honor. Funk had some heated words for Backlund & Douglas as well before the confrontation got more physical, Rhodes & Funk pushing and shoving Douglas & Backlund as several WWF agents and officials arrived to separate the four men, giving the Colonel an opportunity to get in a cheapshot on the Nature Boy from behind. The Stud Stable quickly fled the scene, leaving an embarrassed Douglas yelling and hollering about exacting some revenge tomorrow night while the All American tried to calm him down. (85%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was in the locker room to interview Bobby Heenan and Rick Rude, who claimed that he had been hitting the gym at least 12 hours a day, every day since the 2 Out Of 3 Falls match at the 1992 Royal Rumble had been announced. The Brain explained that he had known and managed the Ravishing One for years, but had never seen him in the incredible shape he was in for tomorrow night's bout, warning Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat that he was looking at the next WWF Intercontinental Champion. (83%)

"Maniac" Matt Borne vs. "Ravishing" Rick Rude

Matt Borne was already in the ring warming up as Tenay put him over for his competitive spirit, while Bobby "The Brain" Heenan accompanied Rick Rude, who removed his robe to reveal the WWF Intercontinental Championship belt painted on his tights. This was a well-worked contest that saw the Ravishing One basically dominate the Maniac, who sold Rude's impressive offense like crazy as the commentators discussed the 2 Out Of 3 Falls match against Ricky Steamboat tomorrow night at the 1992 Royal Rumble. After a failed comeback by Borne, Rude finished off the Maniac with the Rude Awakening. (80%)

In the dressing room, Sean Mooney interviewed Jimmy Hart and the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers, who were getting ready to challenge the Rockers in this evening's main event. The Mouth Of The South assured Mooney that there were no problems within the Hart Organization and bragged that soon they would have all the gold, predicting that Raymond & Jacques would capture the WWF Television Tag Team Championship tonight and then one of them would win the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble tomorrow night and bring home the WWF Title at WrestleMania VIII. (74%)

WWF Television Tag Team Title Match: The Rockers (Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty) [champions] vs. The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers (Jacques & Raymond Rougeau)

Jimmy Hart escorted his Fabulous Rougeau Brothers to ringside, while Flair put over the WWF Television Tag Team Champions for their previously-unseen violent side that they displayed in the Double Chain match against the Gangsters Of Style at WWF No Holds Barred. Tenay confirmed that WWF President Andre The Giant would be presenting the 1991 Tag Team Of The Year award tomorrow night, suggesting that the Rockers could be the lucky duo after the impressive year they had in '91. Great athletic main event that featured fast-paced action and precision double-teams from both squads as the advantage shifted back-and-forth right up until the end, when Shawn Michaels pinned Jacques following the Double Flying Fistdrop from he and Marty Jannetty to retain the WWF Television Tag Team Championship. (86%)

Marv Albert introduced some video footage next that he explained they had just received from an earlier dress rehearsal of NBC's "Saturday Night Live" featuring Hulk Hogan, who was going to make a surprise appearance during one of the skits since the show was being hosted by his "Suburban Commando" co-star Arnold Schwarzenegger. The video featured Dana Carvey and Kevin Nealon doing their "Hans & Franz" characters, picking on Schwarzenegger until the Hulkster entered the scene and ran through his "Hulkamania" shtick to defend Arnold. As the Immortal One flexed and roared about his "24-inch pythons", Jerry Lawler came out of nowhere and blindsided Hogan with a chair across the back, knocking him to the floor. The King whacked the legendary former two-time WWF Champion with a couple more chairshots until security arrived and dragged the Memphis Monarch away as he screamed about the disrespect of Hogan preparing for their Stretcher Match at the 1992 Royal Rumble by appearing on SNL. The Hulkster pulled himself up to his knees and held his head as he swore vengeance tomorrow night while Schwarzenegger, Nealon, and Carvey stood by his side. (87%)

Back in the ring at the arena, there was a table set up with chairs around it as Vince McMahon stood alongside WWF President Andre The Giant and introduced the challenger for the WWF Title in the I Quit match tomorrow night at the 1992 Royal Rumble, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, who drew a massive pop from the crowd upon his entrance and refused to sit down when he stepped into the squared circle. McMahon then introduced WWF Champion "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, flanked by Irwin R. Schyster, Virgil, Cactus Jack Manson, Bam Bam Bigelow, and his "Million Dollar Legal Team" of expensive lawyers in expensive suits, filling half the ring as the fans booed heavily. The Million Dollar Man claimed that he didn't trust Andre or McMahon, so he had his attorneys look over the contract before he finally signed it and passed it back to the WWF President, who handed it to Savage. The Macho Man wasted no time in signing the document and tossing it to the Giant, who also signed it to make it official, warning the WWF Champion that if he failed to show up to the Rumble, not only would he be stripped of the WWF Title, he would be sued for breach of contract by the WWF. DiBiase shrugged it off, motioning to his legal team, as McMahon asked the competitors for their final comments on tomorrow evening's I Quit bout. The Million Dollar Man recalled how he had won the WWF Championship from Savage in their initial encounter at SummerSlam '91 by "purchasing" Savage's fiancee, Miss Elizabeth, which provoked Savage, who had to be calmed by McMahon and Andre. DiBiase continued to boast about the various ways he had ruined Savage's life and shattered his dreams of a happy existence, married to Elizabeth and holding the WWF Title, laughing in the Macho Man's face and pointing out that he had nobody to blame but himself for refusing DiBiase's offer of protection shortly after last year's WrestleMania VII. The Macho Man responded that he had more pride in losing the WWF Title on his own at SummerSlam than he would have felt if he had retained the belt with help from the Million Dollar Empire, holding up his two taped fists and explaining that they were all he needed to make DiBiase squeal "I Quit" and regain the WWF Championship. The Million Dollar Man laughed it off and taunted Savage about Elizabeth until Savage finally snapped, dumping the table over and pouncing on DiBiase, clutching the WWF Champion's throat and choking him down to the mat. That didn't last long, as the Million Dollar Empire swarmed the Macho Man and dragged him off of DiBiase, beating him to the canvas with kicks and stomps while Andre and McMahon attempted to break it up. The WWF Champion was coughing when he got up and directed traffic as a horde of WWF officials and agents flooded the ring to restore order. Meanwhile, Albert, Tenay, and Flair finished the broadcast with some last-minute hype for the 1992 Royal Rumble tomorrow night. (87%)

Overall: 81%

Rating: 6.91

Attendance: 10,031

Ticket Sales: $601,860

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Here is the card for the 1992 Royal Rumble tomorrow night... I appreciate the predictions!

WWF Championship/I Quit Match: Ted DiBiase [champion] vs. Randy Savage

WWF Intercontinental Title/2 Out Of 3 Falls Match: Ricky Steamboat [champion] vs. Rick Rude

WWF Tag Team Title Match/Paul Ellering & Ax Handcuffed At Ringside: Powers Of Pain [champions] vs. Demolition

Stretcher Match: Hulk Hogan vs. Jerry Lawler

30-Man Royal Rumble: Abdullah The Butcher, Bob Backlund, Chris Benoit, Bam Bam Bigelow, Wayne Bloom, Big Boss Man, Shane Douglas, Jim Duggan, Mike Enos, Terry Funk, Owen Hart, Hawk, Honky Tonk Man, Dynamite Kid, Brian Knobbs, Stan Lane, Cactus Jack Manson, The Great Muta, Mr. Perfect [#2], Razor Ramon [#1], Dustin Rhodes, Jake Roberts [#30], Paul Roma, Jacques Rougeau, Raymond Rougeau, Jerry Saggs, Irwin R. Schyster, Papa Shango, Davey Boy Smith, The Undertaker

[Chrononaut]

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 1992 -- 1992 WWF ROYAL RUMBLE

The Preview Show prior to the pay-per-view was hosted by Mean Gene Okerlund and "The Man" Ric Flair, who thoroughly dissected and discussed the 30-man Royal Rumble, as well as the other huge matches on the card. Throughout the show, footage was shown from "Earlier This Afternoon" of the various WWF superstars drawing their numbers for tonight's Rumble as WWF President Andre The Giant supervised the proceedings. The Big Boss Man and Hawk entered the room together and drew their respective numbers before the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters came in from the other side to do the same. After drawing their numbers, Bam Bam Bigelow & Cactus Jack Manson started to yell at the WWF President, accusing him of being biased against WWF Champion Ted DiBiase and the Million Dollar Empire, apparently unhappy with their selections. Hawk & Boss Man walked over to see what was going on as the Bounty Hunters told them to mind their own business and get lost. After a few harsh words, the four volatile athletes began to shove each other and trade wild fists until a bevy of WWF officials intervened. (78%)

Gorilla Monsoon, Jesse "The Body" Ventura, and "The Professor" Mike Tenay welcomed viewers to the 1992 WWF Royal Rumble LIVE from the broadcast position at the back of the arena and hyped the exciting lineup for this evening's pay-per-view before sending it up to ring announcer Howard "The Fink" Finkel in the squared circle.

WWF Intercontinental Title/Two Out Of Three Falls Match: Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat [champion] vs. "Ravishing" Rick Rude

Bobby "The Brain" Heenan strode out alongside Rick Rude to a loud round of boos as Tenay explained that WWF officials had decided to make this match-up the opening contest due to its 45-minute time limit, questioning whether or not the Ravishing One could go the distance with the WWF's "Iron Man". Ricky Steamboat got a great pop upon his entrance and the fans were buzzing as the WWF Intercontinental Champion and his challenger stared each other down and talked trash in the middle of the ring before locking up. The early minutes of the bout saw both athletes wrestling very cautiously, working a very scientific contest and exchanging holds and counterholds until the pace started to pick up and they traded nasty reverse knife-edge chops, reddening both of their chests. The Dragon outmaneuvered his heavier opponent, disorienting him with dropkicks and armdrags, but lost the advantage when he missed a charge to the corner, ramming his shoulder into the ringpost. Rude immediately took advantage of the mistake as he went outside the ring and grabbed Steamboat's arm, slamming it around the post to damage the shoulder and the elbow. Rude wrapped Steamboat's arm around the post several more times, drawing screams of pain as the Ravishing One continued to work over the injured limb on the inside with armbars, hammerlocks, and kneedrops to the joints. The Dragon refused to surrender, which Ventura disagreed with and suggested that Steamboat should forfeit the first fall or risk a serious injury. Steamboat attempted to mount a comeback on a couple of occasions and even scored a near-fall with a backslide, which ended up hurting Steamboat's arm even more and allowed Ravishing Rick to regain control, dropping the WWF Intercontinental Champion with a single-arm DDT to earn the 1-2-3 for the first fall at about 20 minutes into the match-up. The Brain was ecstatic at ringside as Rude ignored the 30-second rest period and hammered the Dragon's shoulder and elbow with forearm shots and elbowsmashes. Tremendous psychology as Rude wrenched the damaged limb with a chicken-wing armlock, growing more frustrated as Steamboat vigorously shook his head no when referee Joey Marella asked for a submission. Rude released Steamboat and scored several consecutive near-falls, repeatedly trying to pin the Dragon but being denied each time. Steamboat managed to mount a brief comeback that ended when Rude sidestepped Steamboat as he was going for a high cross-bodyblock off the ropes, causing the WWF Intercontinental Champion to go sailing over the top rope and get his damaged arm tangled in the ropes. As Steamboat was hanging by his arm, Rude zeroed in and pounded on the shoulder and elbow until the official untied Steamboat and Rude continued the punishment in the ring. The end seemed to come when Rude grabbed Steamboat by the arm and scaled the turnbuckles, taking him down with a vicious flying armbreaker into a cross-armbreaker, cinching it in and applying as much pressure as possible as Monsoon and Tenay put over the damage inflicted by this agonizing submission hold. The Dragon groaned in pain but would not surrender, almost blacking out a couple of times as the ref counted his shoulders on the mat for some near-falls. The Ravishing One screamed about snapping Steamboat's arm in half as he mercilessly wrenched on the limb to no avail, while Heenan slapped the canvas, warning Steamboat to give up and hand over the WWF Intercontinental Title. Rude became very frustrated when Steamboat refused to submit and held onto the ropes, pulling on them for added pressure as Steamboat moaned and howled, his face contorted in pure misery. Just as it seemed Steamboat was on the verge of submitting, the referee caught Rude using the ropes and ordered him to break the hold, enraging the former WWF Intercontinental Champion, who slid out to the floor and retrieved a metal folding chair. In plain view of the official, Rude returned to the ring as Steamboat was trying to get up and blasted him across the shoulder with the chair. Rude got in a couple more chairshots on the shoulder and elbow as the ref called for the bell, awarding the second fall to Steamboat via disqualification with only 12 minutes remaining in the time limit. After discarding the chair, Rude scored a number of near-falls before applying an armbar takedown into a Fujiwara armbar, yanking back on the Dragon's wounded arm in another submission attempt. Heenan looked more and more nervous as time wound down and Steamboat rallied back, fans cheering as the WWF Intercontinental Champion battled back with one-armed chops and surprised Rude with several near-falls off of cross-bodyblocks, roll-ups from behind, and a sunset flip from the middle turnbuckle that aggravated the injured arm. Rude seized his opportunity, stomping the arm and pouring on the punishment before hooking the Dragon in a hammerlock and scooping him up for a bodyslam on the arm. However, Steamboat managed to wrap Rude up in a small package during the bodyslam to eke out the three-count and retain the WWF Intercontinental Championship with only a couple of minutes left in the time limit. Afterwards, both competitors were laid out on the canvas from exhaustion and the crowd erupted when the referee retrieved the title belt and raised Steamboat's hand in victory. Meanwhile, Rude sat up with a sweaty look of disbelief on his face, shocked at the outcome as Heenan had a tantrum at ringside, berating the Ravishing One for not getting the job done. Rude tried to defend himself but the Brain informed him that he was going to go get his "real winner" ready for the Royal Rumble, referring to Mr. Perfect, as he stormed up the aisle. Rude shook his head with disappointment, glancing over at Steamboat on the mat before exiting the ring as well. (91%)

After WWF Intercontinental Champion Ricky Steamboat was helped from the ring as the commentators put over the grueling 2 Out Of 3 Falls contest, ring announcer Howard "The Fink" Finkel made the introductions for the WWF Tag Team Title bout. Ax marched out with his Demolition brothers-in-paint, Crush & Smash, while Paul Ellering led his Powers Of Pain down the aisle to the ring, where referee Tim White produced a pair of handcuffs and ordered both managers to step out to ringside. There were two chairs set up side-by-side as the official handcuffed Precious Paul to Ax, despite Ellering's vehement protests, before returning to the squared circle to start the match-up. (87%)

WWF Tag Team Title Match: Powers Of Pain (Barbarian & Warlord) [champions] vs. Demolition (Smash & Crush)

While Ax and Paul Ellering were often shown squabbling at ringside, Demolition and the Powers Of Pain put on a very entertaining power-based brawl that also showcased the impressive teamwork of both warpainted squads, as the WWF Tag Team Champions and their fearsome challengers slugged it out and traded the advantage back-and-forth. The offense consisted mostly of punches, kicks, clotheslines, shoulderblocks, bodyslams, and headbutts, basic bruising maneuvers that took their toll on all four competitors as some near-falls were exchanged. Warlord & Barbarian proved that they could function without Precious Paul in their corner, utilizing quick tags to punish Smash, who eventually managed to rally back and make the hot tag to Crush. Demolition cleaned house, unloading on both Powers with their heavy artillery to dispose of the Warlord and isolate the slightly smaller Barbarian, as Tenay recalled that Demolition eliminated Barbarian with a clean pin at the 1991 Survivor Series. Ax barked words of encouragement to his boys, leading to a heated argument with Ellering, while Smash & Crush used frequent tags to wear down the Barbarian. Soon after, Demolition executed the Decapitation Kneedrop from the top turnbuckle on the Barbarian, allowing Crush to hook the leg for the pin. However, the Warlord rushed in and broke it up before the full three-count was administered, provoking Ax to stand up and start yelling at referee Tim White. Ellering stood up and got right in Ax's face, telling him to shut his painted face and sit down. Ax tried to control his temper but failed, bashing Ellering with a big roundhouse right and continuing to pummel him as Precious Paul collapsed to the floor, busted wide open. This attracted the official's attention, as he hopped out to ringside to admonish the handcuffed managers while Demolition knocked Warlord over the top rope with a double clothesline. Left alone with the Barbarian, Demolition prepared to finish him off but a pair of large ruffians in street clothes emerged from the audience and stormed the squared circle, blindsiding Crush & Smash. As the devastating duo disposed of Smash with a double Gorilla Press over the top rope all the way down to the floor, Tenay identified the invaders as two of the most decorated Americans in Japanese wrestling, Steve Williams & Terry Gordy. Monsoon asked what they were doing in a WWF ring, but Tenay had no answers as Williams gripped Crush in a rear-waistlock while Gordy ran off the ropes, nailing Crush with a massive lariat as Williams dumped the 325-pounder almost on his head with a brutal backdrop suplex. Gordy & Williams bailed out and headed up the aisle, where they met up with a grinning Colonel Robert Lee Fuller, who patted them both on the back and laughed at Demolition. Meanwhile, the referee returned to the ring in time to see the Barbarian hooking Crush's leg for the 1-2-3 as the Powers Of Pain retained the WWF Tag Team Championship. Afterwards, the ref unlocked the handcuffs, allowing Ax to climb in and check on Crush while the Powers picked up the bleeding Precious Paul and assisted him back to the dressing room. (85%)

Stretcher Match: "The King" Jerry Lawler vs. "The Immortal" Hulk Hogan

The Undisputed 1991 WWF King Of The Ring was carried to the ring upon his throne, passing the stretcher at ringside along the way as Monsoon explained that the only way to win in the Stretcher Match was to incapacitate the opponent, place him on the stretcher, and wheel him back through the curtains. Hulk Hogan was met with a thunderous ovation when he emerged from the curtain and marched down the aisle, greeting his Hulkamaniacs and stopping to stroke and pat the stretcher, warning Jerry Lawler that he was going to get a taste of his own medicine tonight, as Ventura boasted about the King sending the Hulkster out on a stretcher at WrestleMania VII. When the Immortal One stepped through the ropes, the Memphis Monarch produced an aluminum baseball bat from inside his royal cape and attempted an ambush, but Hogan ducked and knocked the bat away before firing off a salvo of closed fists. The bell rang to start the match-up as the Hulkster ripped off his shirt and wrapped it around Lawler's neck, choking him down to his knees, where Hogan tore off Lawler's cape and put it over the King's head. Unable to see, Lawler was easy pickings for the legendary former two-time WWF Champion, who unloaded on his rival with his usual offense as the commentators mentioned Lawler's attacks on Hogan during "Late Night With David Letterman" and the "Saturday Night Live" dress rehearsal last night. With the King reeling, Hogan picked up the baseball bat and asked the fans if he should use it. When the overwhelming response was yes, Hogan Irish-whipped the covered Lawler into the ropes and clobbered him on the rebound across the head with the bat. Lawler collapsed to the canvas and remained motionless until Hogan removed the royal cape from Lawler's head, already soaked in his own blood. The Hulkster looked legitimately concerned as he rolled Lawler toward the edge of the ring, pulling the stretcher close enough and depositing the Memphis Monarch on it. Hogan stepped out to the floor and checked on Lawler in preparation to cart him away, but the King managed to reach up and rake Hogan's eyes before staggering off the stretcher and battering the Immortal One around ringside. From this point on, it was an old-school Memphis brawl, as Lawler used every underhanded tactic that he had learned in his career to punish the Hulkster, busting him open with a pair of brass knuckles that he had hidden in his boot. Hogan rallied back and had Lawler in a bad way, utilizing some impressive power maneuvers that haven't been seen much since his days as a heel, but the cagey veteran turned the tables again by dropping Hogan throat-first across the top rope. The King targeted Hogan's "achilles heel" by working over his neck as Ventura pointed out that if Hogan suffered another neck injury, he would have no choice but to be stretchered out. Lawler mercilessly hammered and wrenched the Hulkster's neck for several painful minutes before planting Hogan with the Royal Piledriver in the middle of the ring. When Lawler tried to roll Hogan toward the stretcher, Hogan struggled, so Lawler yanked him up and drilled him with another Piledriver. Hogan resisted again, so Lawler pulled him off the mat and buried him with a third Piledriver. Another try at getting Hogan on the stretcher was unsuccessful, so the King dragged him to his feet and dropped him with yet another Piledriver, followed by a fifth Piledriver for good measure. This time the Hulkster was completely motionless, so Lawler rolled him onto the stretcher and began to wheel him up the aisle as the fans started a "Hogan" chant. Before they reached the curtain, Hogan started shaking and regained his strength, "hulking up" as he sat up on the stretcher and fired off a series of punches on Lawler, who tried to cover up and choke Hogan. As they struggled in the aisleway, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper came racing through the curtains and shoved the King away. Lawler backed away in fear as Hot Rod pointed at him and the Hulkster got off the stretcher behind the Scotsman, the crowd going wild as Piper and Hogan slowly stalked Lawler, who dropped to his knees and begged for forgiveness. Suddenly, the Rowdy One turned and whacked Hogan with a straight right hand to the jaw, shocking not only the Immortal One, but also the King and the fans, who were unsure what was happening. Hogan tried to defend himself, but the confused Lawler soon joined the attack, beating across Hogan's upper back and neck with forearms and double-axhandles. The crowd booed as Piper shouted instructions to Lawler, who lifted Hogan in the piledriver position so that he and Piper could plant the Hulkster with a spike piledriver on the floor. With Hogan sprawled out in the aisleway, Piper clamped the Sleeperhold on and squeezed until every last muscle in Hogan's muscular body stopped moving, while Lawler retrieved the stretcher. The Memphis Monarch still seemed somewhat dazed as he and Piper hoisted Hogan off the floor onto the stretcher before they both wheeled it back through the curtains, giving the victory to the Undisputed 1991 WWF King Of The Ring. (87%)

On the other side of the curtain, Mean Gene Okerlund caught up with Jerry Lawler and Roddy Piper as they wheeled the unconscious and crimson-faced Hulk Hogan on the stretcher, asking Hot Rod where he had been since WWF No Holds Barred and why he did what he did this evening. The King informed Mean Gene that he had nothing to do with it, but added that no matter the reasons, he got what he wanted: the Hulkster on a stretcher. Lawler still looked wary of the Rowdy One and told Okerlund that he had to go celebrate, leaving Hogan in the care of Piper, who said that everything would be explained in due time. The Scotsman claimed that he wasn't finished with the Immortal One yet, as they approached a waiting ambulance. When the medics came out to help the Hulkster, Piper shoved them all away, warning them not to get in his way as he loaded Hogan into the ambulance and slammed the back doors shut. Piper pushed Okerlund aside and went to the passenger's door, dragging a medic out and tossing him to the ground before climbing into the vehicle. Shortly after, the driver's door opened and another EMT was ejected from his seat, as Piper pulled the door closed and switched on the sirens. As Okerlund cried out amongst the carnage, the ambulance sped off into the night. (90%)

Back in the arena, the commentators were almost speechless, although Ventura said that he was happy to see the return of "the old Rowdy Roddy Piper" and that whatever had come over Hot Rod was a blessing. Ric Flair was then shown on the interview platform holding a microphone as he worked the crowd up into a frenzy, mentioning that the 30-man Royal Rumble and the I Quit match for the WWF Title were still to come, before introducing WWF President Andre The Giant, who lumbered out to a nice pop carrying a trophy and towered over the Man. Andre stated that the 1992 Royal Rumble thus far had been full of action, excitement, and surprises, much like the WWF tag team division over the course of 1991. The Giant recounted the heated tag team wars in '91 featuring the top tandems in the sport, necessitating the introduction of the WWF Television Tag Team Championship last spring. The Man noted that the Giant had really bolstered the WWF's tag team ranks throughout his year as WWF President, recalling that Andre himself was a former co-holder of the WWF Tag Team Championship, and inquired how he had come to a decision regarding the 1991 Tag Team Of The Year award. Andre admitted that it was a difficult process, but announced that he and the other top WWF officials had narrowed the field down to three teams, whom he invited out: the Hart Foundation; WWF Television Tag Team Champions the Rockers; and WWF Tag Team Champions Powers Of Pain, still feeling the effects of their earlier match against Demolition as the bandaged Paul Ellering led them to the platform. The WWF President congratulated all three duos on an impressive year, noting their memorable achievements such as title victories and winning big matches, but stated that unfortunately there could only be one Tag Team Of The Year. He disqualified Barbarian & Warlord, citing the frequent interference of Precious Paul, who was outraged. Andre then announced that the WWF's Tag Team Of The Year for 1991 was... Bret "Hit Man" Hart & Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, who looked genuinely surprised as they accepted the trophy from the Giant. Shawn Michaels seemed very disappointed as Marty Jannetty tried to console him, but the embarrassed Michaels grabbed the trophy from the Foundation and shattered it across the Powers Of Pain from behind as the Powers were leaving with Ellering. Warlord & Barbarian stumbled to the floor, and when they regained their footing, Shawn & Marty dove on them from the stage, knocking them down as the Masters Of Motion scuffled with the WWF Tag Team Champions. While Neidhart, Hart, Andre, and Flair watched from the platform, a horde of WWF agents and officials arrived to break up the brawl between the Rockers and the Powers. (93%)

WWF Championship/I Quit Match: "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase [champion] vs. "Macho Man" Randy Savage

After a promo for WWF Battle Lines on Sunday, February 23, Randy Savage was introduced and received a deafening pop as Monsoon stated that every fan watching this wanted to see the Macho Man get his revenge on the Million Dollar Man. WWF Champion Ted DiBiase was greeted with a rumbling chorus of boos when he made his entrance, flanked by Virgil, as the commentators explained that the only way to win was to force the opponent to say "I Quit" into the microphone, which had an extra-long cord and was placed in a neutral corner. Referee Dave Hebner displayed the WWF Championship belt over his head before passing it to ring announcer Howard Finkel, while DiBiase and Savage stood face-to-face, exchanging words. After a few moments, the WWF Champion walked away and retrieved the microphone, motioning for Virgil to get up on the apron. DiBiase recalled the beating that his Million Dollar Empire laid on Savage last night and offered to put the whole thing behind them, taking a handful of cash from Virgil and waving it in Savage's face. The Macho Man accepted the money and asked if all he had to do was leave the ring and forfeit the match, which made DiBiase smile as he nodded. Savage roared "HELL NO!" into the microphone, tossing the greenbacks in the air before he grabbed DiBiase and Virgil by their heads, ramming them together in a double noggin-knocker. Virgil crashed to the floor as Savage snatched the microphone and thumped it across DiBiase's head, knocking him to the mat, where Savage opened up on his archenemy with a flurry of lefts and rights. The fans cheered Savage on as he wrapped the cord from the microphone around DiBiase's neck, strangling the WWF Champion until Virgil crawled into the ring and pounced on Savage. The Macho Man leapt to his feet and backed Virgil into a corner, giving DiBiase enough time to remove the cord from his neck and get to his knees, coughing and sputtering. When Savage returned to his opponent, DiBiase surprised him with a lowblow, which Monsoon referred to as an "equalizer". This allowed Virgil to grab Savage from behind and hold his arms at his sides as DiBiase took a few cheapshots on his challenger, punching him in the face and midsection before the official ordered Virgil to leave the ring. DiBiase continued the punishment on his own, focusing his attack on the ribs of the former two-time WWF Champion, as Tenay reminded viewers of the severe internal injuries that Savage suffered last summer during his matches against Bam Bam Bigelow and Cactus Jack Manson. The Million Dollar Man utilized gutbusters, side-backbreakers, gutwrench suplexes, kneedrops and stomps to the gut, and rear-bearhugs, all the while picking up the microphone and, with his hoarse voice from the choking earlier, asking Savage to quit. Savage refused to say the words, earning more punishment as DiBiase damaged him with a series of Irish-whip/knee to the midsection combinations. Finally, Savage managed to reverse the Irish-whip on one occasion and lifted DiBiase in the air on the rebound, dropping the WWF Champion throat-first across the top rope. DiBiase's dramatic selling was appropriate, clutching his throat and collapsing to the canvas as Savage limped to his feet, holding his ribs, and immediately zeroed in on his opponent's weakness, going right after the throat area. The Macho Man dropped a series of knees to the throat before just plain choking DiBiase with his bare hands, screaming at him to quit and give the WWF Title and his "old life" back to him, but DiBiase defiantly shook his head no. Pissed off, Savage stomped and stepped on DiBiase's throat, using the ropes for leverage as he warned the WWF Champion to say "I Quit" while he could still talk, threatening to crush DiBiase's voicebox if that's what he had to do to "feel better". DiBiase still refused to surrender, so Savage choked him against the ropes before grabbing a handful of DiBiase's hair and leaping over the top rope, yanking him throat-first across the top rope as Savage landed on his feet on the floor. Ventura approved of Savage's aggressiveness as Savage dragged DiBiase out to the floor and hauled him up in a waistlock, hotshotting his throat on the iron guardrail around ringside. Savage choked DiBiase with some television cables on the floor, but there was still no submission, so Savage came up with another plan and approached the timekeeper's table. The Macho Man grabbed the bell and displayed it over his head, getting a pop as Ventura recalled Savage maiming Ricky Steamboat's larynx with a ringbell a few years ago and wondered if he had the same thing in mind here. Virgil tried to prevent Savage from taking the bell but ended up getting bashed across the head and knocked out before Savage took the bell and climbed to the top turnbuckle as DiBiase laid at ringside, coughing and choking into the nearby microphone. However, when the Macho Man soared from the top, DiBiase dodged it and managed to pull down the iron guardrail so that it caught Savage in the midsection as he crashed to the floor. Savage howled in agony and clutched his ribs as DiBiase stumbled to his feet and worked over Savage's midsection with kicks and stomps. The Million Dollar Man retrieved a metal folding chair and the microphone, ramming the chair down relentlessly into the ribs of the Macho Man, shouting at him to quit because he had promised Miss Elizabeth that he wouldn't hurt Savage too badly. Savage bellowed like a wounded animal but would not say "I Quit", so DiBiase set the folded chair on the floor and scooped Savage up, bodyslamming him hard on the chair to jar his ribcage. The WWF Champion then pulled apart the ringsteps and hoisted up the top portion, smashing the steel stairs down across the Macho Man's ribs. Savage spasmed in agony but would not surrender, provoking DiBiase to lift up the bottom half of the steel steps and drive it down into the side of Savage's midsection as he tried to roll away. DiBiase brought the microphone and stuck it in Savage's face, ordering him to quit the match and forget about the WWF Championship, but Savage spit in his face and informed him that he would never quit. The Million Dollar Man slapped him across the face in response and got to his feet, sadistically kicking and stomping at the ribs of his top challenger as he taunted Savage about Elizabeth over the microphone. Savage began to cough up blood from his obvious internal injuries, but the sight of his own blood coupled with DiBiase's insulting remarks served to revive the Macho Man, as he caught DiBiase's leg on the next kick and held onto it as he got back up. Hopping on one foot, DiBiase realized what was happening and begged Savage to let him go so that they could both return to the ring and have a fair, clean match-up, but the former WWF Intercontinental Champion reeled DiBiase in closer by the leg and grabbed the mic cord, pulling it around DiBiase's neck and dropping him with a reverse neckbreaker on the floor. Savage held the cord tightly around the Million Dollar Man's bulging neck, turning DiBiase's bearded face bright red as the Macho Man stomped at his head and choked him out. When DiBiase groggily responded that he would not quit, Savage dragged him back into the squared circle by the cord and proceeded to toss the WWF Champion over the top rope, literally hanging him with the cord. As DiBiase dangled inches from the ground, desperately trying to release the pressure around his neck, Savage looked like a man possessed as he did everything he could to make DiBiase suffer. Savage ordered the referee to hold the microphone and ask for the submission from DiBiase, who could barely speak as he was being hanged, uttering, "I.....I....I Qu--" before passing out and hanging limply. The official immediately called for the bell and the crowd popped huge as the ref declared Randy Savage the winner and awarded him the WWF Championship for a record third time. When the ref handed him the WWF Title belt, the Macho Man finally released the Million Dollar Man, who crashed to the floor in a heap. Savage celebrated with the gold and soaked in the fans' cheers as Ventura questioned whether or not that counted as an "I Quit", explaining that he was only calling them like he saw them. (93%)

30-Man Royal Rumble: Abdullah The Butcher, Bob Backlund, Chris Benoit, Bam Bam Bigelow, Wayne "The Train" Bloom, Big Boss Man, "Nature Boy" Shane Douglas, "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, Mike "The Machine" Enos, "The Outlaw" Terry Funk, Owen Hart, Hawk, Honky Tonk Man, Dynamite Kid, Brian Knobbs, "Sweet" Stan Lane, Cactus Jack Manson, The Great Muta, Mr. Perfect [#2], Razor Ramon [#1], "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes, Jake "The Snake" Roberts [#30], Paul "Romeo" Roma, Jacques Rougeau, Raymond Rougeau, Jerry Saggs, Irwin R. Schyster, Papa Shango, Davey Boy Smith, The Undertaker

Following a brief teaser for WrestleMania VIII on Sunday, April 26, ring announcer Howard Finkel explained the rules and introduced the first two entrants in the 1992 Royal Rumble, both predetermined at last month's WWF No Holds Barred: the first participant was Razor Ramon, who swaggered out to a great pop, while Mr. Perfect was #2, accompanied by Bobby "The Brain" Heenan as the commentators brought up the Brain's abandonment of Rick Rude earlier. The bell rang as the Bad Guy and the Flawless One circled each other, sizing one another up, as Tenay reminded viewers that Perfect entered at #10 in last year's Royal Rumble and lasted over an hour, finishing in the final three before Ricky Steamboat eliminated him. The opening two minutes were rather slow as both superstars were pacing themselves, trying not to expend too much energy, until the buzzer went off and Bam Bam Bigelow lumbered down the aisle as #3. As soon as the Beast From The East stepped through the ropes, Perfect and Ramon both went after him, working together to eliminate the 360-pound Bigelow early, but Bam Bam fought them off with stiff headbutts and forearm shots. Bam Bam alternated between Razor and Perfect, flooring them with headbutts, before Chris Benoit entered at #4 and bravely grabbed Bigelow by the back of his outfit and spun him around, unleashing a voracious salvo of chops to his massive chest. This stunned Bigelow long enough for Ramon and Perfect to join in, backing Bigelow toward the ropes with their own chops, kicks, and punches. The three athletes struggled to oust Bam Bam, but failed when Perfect got too greedy and tried to eliminate Benoit at the same time. Benoit and Perfect exchanged chops in another corner as Ramon and Bigelow slugged it out, while the buzzer went off to signal the arrival of #5, the Dynamite Kid, who sprinted into the ring and blindsided Benoit. Dynamite held Benoit's arms behind his back as Perfect fired off several loud chops to the New British Bulldog's reddening chest, while Razor and Bam Bam engaged in a heated brawl near the ropes. #6 was Papa Shango, who brought his zombified "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka out and sent the Superfly into the ring to compete for him. Snuka struck anything that moved after he slid in under the bottom rope, but the strategy backfired when Bigelow, Ramon, Perfect, Dynamite, and Benoit joined forces to toss the Superfly over the top rope for an apparently unofficial elimination, as the ringside referees were still ordering Shango to compete. Bob Backlund soon emerged as #7 and grabbed hold of Shango along the way, rolling him into the ring, where the All American unloaded on the Voodoo Master while Razor helped Benoit fight off Dynamite and Perfect. Razor worked over Perfect in a corner while Bam Bam and Dynamite assaulted Benoit, as the Destruction Crew's Wayne Bloom came out at #8 and shook hands with Bobby Heenan at ringside before blindsiding Ramon and pulling him off of Mr. Perfect. The two Heenan Family members functioned as a unit, trying to force Ramon over the top rope, but Jim Duggan foolishly made the save when he entered the Rumble next at #9, hammering the Flawless One and the Train with big roundhouse rights. Ventura sarcastically pondered how Hacksaw won the first Royal Rumble in 1988 with an attitude like that, as Bloom and Perfect soon overwhelmed Duggan and punished him with double-teams. Meanwhile, Backlund charged at Dynamite with a clothesline, but the Kid ducked and the former WWF Champion ended up clotheslining Papa Shango over the top rope for the first official elimination of the 1992 Royal Rumble. Shango and Snuka headed up the aisle, glaring back at Backlund, as Davey Boy Smith headed out as the 10th entrant and immediately targeted the Dynamite Kid. With help from Benoit, Davey Boy unleashed his anger on his former long-time tag team partner with double headbutts, double dropkicks, double chops, and double snap-suplexes. Backlund and Ramon had Bigelow on the ropes trying to heave him out while Perfect and Bloom were doing the same with Duggan, as Jimmy Hart escorted #11, Jacques Rougeau, who sat in an empty corner and waited cautiously. Hacksaw managed to fight off the Heenan Family and joined Ramon and Backlund in trying to eliminate Bigelow as the New British Bulldogs continued to punish Dynamite, while the Mouth Of The South jumped for joy when Raymond Rougeau strode out at #12 to join Jacques. The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers jumped Smith & Benoit from behind, dragging them away from Dynamite, who was then besieged by Razor Ramon. The Cuban immigrant lifted the Kid up and had him on the ropes until Owen Hart raced out at #13 to rescue his tag team partner, earning a series of punches from the Bad Guy. The Commonwealth Connection managed to overwhelm Ramon and had him reeling, while the 2nd elimination occured when Mr. Perfect whipped Wayne Bloom toward Bam Bam, who ducked and back-bodydropped the Train over the top rope to the floor, upsetting Heenan. Bigelow and Perfect grappled as Bloom complained to the officials and Brian Knobbs strolled down at #14, spinning Bloom around and rubbing the Train's face in his nasty armpit. Bloom fell to the floor, disgusted, while the Nasty Boy stepped through the ropes and went after the Rougeaus, freeing Benoit & Davey Boy, who once again targeted Owen & Dynamite, pulling them away from Razor. Duggan and Knobbs opened up on Raymond & Jacques with closed fists as Colonel Robert Lee Fuller swaggered out with #15, Dustin Rhodes, who snuck up behind Knobbs when he was trying to eliminate Raymond and dumped them both over the top rope for the 3rd and 4th eliminations. The Natural then joined Jacques in trying to heave out Hacksaw, while Bam Bam managed to dump both Perfect and Backlund when they were tangling on the ropes. However, they both landed on the apron and re-entered the Rumble, trying to shove Bam Bam over the top as Mr. Fuji waddled out with #16, the Great Muta, whom Ventura selected as a "dark horse" to win the Rumble due to his stamina and ability. Duggan knocked Jacques over the top rope with a running shoulderblock for the 5th elimination, and almost became the sixth elimination himself thanks to Dustin Rhodes, but Hacksaw battled back and slugged it out with the Lone Star Stud as the Big Boss Man bounded out at #17 and was immediately attacked by Mr. Perfect. Meanwhile, Backlund had himself wrapped around the ropes like a monkey as Muta and Bigelow struggled to push him out, but to no avail as the Beast From The East saw another opening and helped Dustin to oust Hacksaw for the 6th elimination. Jerry Saggs entered at #18 and went right after Dustin Rhodes to avenge Knobbs, while Bam Bam, Muta, and Perfect hauled the Boss Man over the top rope. However, Boss Man landed on the apron and fought off Perfect and Muta before hooking Bigelow in a front-facelock, attempting to suplex the Million Dollar Bounty Hunter onto the floor. After much struggling between the two behemoths, Boss Man was finally able to suplex Bigelow over the top rope down to the floor to mark the 7th elimination. The Beast was angry when he got up and tried to pull Boss Man out, but the big Georgian escaped and went to work on the Commonwealth Connection as Terry Funk entered at #19 and pulled Razor Ramon and Saggs off of Rhodes, ordering the Natural to step out through the ropes and sit at ringside in a chair that the Colonel had set up. The Lone Star Stud shrugged and rolled out under the bottom rope to sit in the chair, watching the action as Saggs and Ramon took turns punching Funk, who finally collapsed. Ramon and Saggs then went after each other as the buzzer sounded and Slick, along with his personal bodyguard Bad News Brown, followed #20, Stan Lane, who carefully picked his spots when he stepped in. Perfect exchanged some gunshot-like chops with Lane, while Funk and Backlund squared off in a corner, trading fists. Boss Man and Razor almost had Muta out, but the Japanese import slithered back into the ring and dumped the Bad Guy over the top. Fortunately, Razor landed on the apron and rolled back in as Irwin R. Schyster entered at #21 and blasted the Boss Man with the steel haliburton briefcase across the back of the head. The dazed Boss Man teetered on the ropes as IRS enlisted Perfect, Sweet Stan, and Funk to help try to eliminate the 340-pound former corrections officer, but the save came when Hawk rushed out as #22 and broke up the mob. Hawk hammered Funk, Perfect, and Schyster with big clotheslines before pressing Lane over his head and dropping him out to the floor over the top rope for the 8th elimination. Slick was furious with the Sweet One as they headed up the aisle, while the Dynamite Kid & Owen Hart worked Saggs over and tried to push him out. Hawk punched anything that moved, leading to a showdown with Razor that ended when Muta blindsided Ramon with a straight kick to the side of the head. Muta and Hawk brawled as Mike Enos came in at #23 and saved Mr. Perfect from near-elimination at the hands of the New British Bulldogs. The Machine looked strong as he unloaded on both Benoit & Davey Boy, while IRS escaped elimination from Hawk, Razor, and Boss Man and retreated to a corner. The ring continued to fill up as Slick and Bad News Brown returned to ringside along with #24, Paul Roma, who tentatively stepped through the ropes and was ambushed by Terry Funk. Saggs went after IRS in the corner, but Irwin used his leverage to catapult the Nasty Boy over the top rope to the floor for the 9th elimination. Dustin Rhodes and Colonel Fuller applauded Funk from ringside as the Outlaw choked Romeo Roma on the ropes, while Hawk and Boss Man strained with IRS, trying to force the Tax Man out until Cactus Jack Manson raced out at #25 to save his fellow Million Dollar Empire member. Manson and Schyster slugged it out with Boss Man and Hawk as Monsoon pointed out that Razor Ramon and Mr. Perfect had both been in the Rumble for over 40 minutes, while Perfect and Enos struggled to eliminate Ramon, who refused to go over the top. Tenay added that Benoit, Dynamite, and Backlund had also been in the Rumble for quite a while, as those three grappled on the ropes, all trying to eliminate each other. A bell mysteriously tolled, freezing the Rumble competitors in their tracks, as Paul Bearer led the Undertaker down the aisle as entrant #26. The Grim Reaper stalked his way into the ring and immediately headed for Owen Hart and Davey Boy Smith, who were mixing it up near the ropes. The Pale Destroyer swiftly gripped them both by their throats before they had a chance to defend themselves, lifted them both in the air, and choketossed them over the top rope to the floor, earning the 10th and 11th eliminations. Dynamite and Chris Benoit tried to jump him from behind to avenge their tag team partners, but the Dead Man no-sold and gripped them by their throats as well, preparing them for the same fate. However, Muta drilled the Undertaker with a leaping knee to the back, allowing Benoit and Dynamite to break the chokeholds and hook up the Reaper for a picture-perfect double snap suplex. Dynamite looked surprised and nodded at Benoit, who returned the display of mutual respect, while the Undertaker sat up as Roma was charging at him for a cross-bodyblock. In a sitting position, the Undertaker caught Roma and held onto the Gangster Of Style as he got to his feet, utilizing his underrated power to carry Romeo to the ropes and casually dump him over the top to the floor for the 12th elimination. Slick and Bad News Brown helped Romeo up the aisle as #27, the Honky Tonk Man, sprinted down to ringside carrying a guitar and busted it over Colonel Fuller's head, knocking his former manager to the ground. The Honk grabbed Dustin Rhodes by the hair and trunks and rolled him into the ring, following him in and unloading on the Natural with fists and elbows. The Lone Star Stud dropped to his knees and begged for a timeout, giving Terry Funk the opportunity to rush over and blindside Honky. The Outlaw and the Natural double-teamed the Honk mercilessly until Shane Douglas raced out at #28 to a nice pop and went after both Rhodes and Funk, exchanging chops with both men. Meanwhile, the Undertaker used a big boot to the face to knock Benoit over the top rope to the floor for the 13th elimination, as Monsoon put over the New British Bulldog for lasting approximately 40 minutes in his first-ever Royal Rumble. Muta grappled with Perfect in a corner as Razor Ramon scooped up Mike Enos and tossed the Machine over the top rope to score the 14th elimination. Heenan patted Enos on the back in thanks as the buzzer sounded and after a few moments, a wild-eyed Abdullah The Butcher tore down the aisle as #29 with his mouth wide open. Fuji cackled at ringside as his Madman Of The Sudan rushed past Enos and Heenan and slid in under the bottom rope, assaulting Funk, Cactus, Douglas, and Honky Tonk with punches and headbutts. His path of blind hunger also included the Great Muta, who angrily fired back at his fellow Dojo member with kicks and chops, backing the 361-pounder against the ropes. Muta stepped back, then charged and knocked the Butcher over the top rope with a spinning roundhouse kick to earn the 15th elimination. Fuji came to Abdullah's side and scolded Muta, who leaned over the top rope and yelled at the Devious One in Japanese until Mr. Perfect snuck up from behind and dumped Muta out to the floor, the 16th elimination occuring just as Jake Roberts emerged from the curtain at #30. Fuji and Muta argued in Japanese while the starving Abdullah wandered off and met the Snake in the aisleway with punches and martial-arts blows to the throat. Jake fought off the Butcher and slithered into the squared circle, pointing at the exhausted Perfect. Before Roberts could get his hands on Perfect, the Dynamite Kid attacked the Snake, who traded chops with him before suddenly snapping on the DDT. Dynamite lay motionless as Jake got up and headed for Perfect again while Rhodes and Funk picked up the pieces, lifting Dynamite off the canvas and throwing him over the top rope as the 17th elimination, having lasted over 40 minutes in the Rumble. The Honk rushed over and cracked the Stud Stable's skulls together as Mr. Perfect had the tables turned on Jake, struggling to push the Snake over the ropes. Meanwhile, IRS and Cactus were trying to oust Razor, but Bob Backlund made the save and beat away Jack and Irwin, who began slugging it out with Hawk and Boss Man again. The Bad Guy thanked the All American and shook his hand, but cheapshotted him with a hard left hand and tossed the former WWF Champion over the top rope as the 18th elimination. The Nature Boy was too late to save Backlund, but confronted Razor and had some heated words with him before they started trading chops and slaps. Backlund held his head when he departed, as Monsoon announced that he had lasted about 50 minutes, while Manson charged at Boss Man and took them both over the top rope with the Cactus Clothesline, although only Boss Man hit the floor for the 19th elimination. Cactus managed to land on the apron, but soon became the 20th elimination when Hawk stomped him in the head until he fell off the apron. The 21st elimination came when Jake snatched IRS by the tie and hurled him over the top rope to the floor, while the 22nd occured when Shane Douglas back-bodydropped Terry Funk over the ropes to ringside. The Outlaw reached up and grabbed a handful of the Nature Boy's hair afterwards as Dustin Rhodes snuck up and dumped Douglas out to the floor for the 23rd elimination. Douglas and Funk brawled up the aisle as the Honk and the Natural slugged it out, while the Undertaker ducked a clothesline from Hawk and used his own momentum to send the former Legion Of Doom member sailing over the top rope, marking the 24th elimination. The Dead Man turned his attention to the Honk, who was pounding the Lone Star Stud in a corner. The Undertaker yanked Honky away from Dustin and scooped him up, making the former WWF Intercontinental Champion the 25th elimination before Dustin, Jake, Razor, and Perfect rushed up behind and dumped the Reaper over the top for the 26th elimination. Left as the final four of the 1992 Royal Rumble, the superstars paired off, as Ramon went after Perfect while Roberts targeted Rhodes and had him reeling against the ropes. The Snake lunged in with a short-clothesline, but Dustin ducked and pushed Jake over the top rope. However, Jake landed on the apron and reached up, grabbing the Natural by his increasingly shaggy hair and dragging him out over the top to the floor as the 27th elimination. Before Jake had a chance to wriggle back in under the bottom rope, Razor seized the opportunity to kick the Snake off the apron to the floor, earning the 28th elimination. Jake sprang to his feet on the floor and yelled at Razor, whose showboating cost him as Perfect sidled up and ousted the Bad Guy from the squared circle to score the 29th elimination and win the 1992 Royal Rumble, earning the WWF Title shot at WrestleMania VIII. Ramon and Roberts argued at ringside as Perfect collapsed in mid-ring, where an overjoyed Bobby Heenan came in to towel him off and congratulate him. The Brain raised the arm of the fallen Mr. Perfect in sweet victory while Monsoon, Ventura, and Tenay signed off, hyping further WrestleMania developments at next month's WWF Battle Lines. (80%)

Overall: 88%

Buyrate: 1.70

Paid Attendance: 18,297

PPV Revenue: $4,250,000

Ticket Sales: $1,097,820

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I realize this was a long one, but once I started writing I couldn't stop. Hope you enjoy and here's a Royal Rumble scorecard for the quick results...

1. Razor Ramon: Elimination #29, by Mr. Perfect.

2. Mr. Perfect: Winner.

3. Bam Bam Bigelow: Elimination #7, by Big Boss Man.

4. Chris Benoit: Elimination #13, by The Undertaker.

5. Dynamite Kid: Elimination #17, by Dustin Rhodes/Terry Funk.

6. Papa Shango: Elimination #1, by Bob Backlund.

7. Bob Backlund: Elimination #18, by Razor Ramon.

8. Wayne Bloom: Elimination #2, by Bam Bam Bigelow.

9. Hacksaw Duggan: Elimination #6, by Dustin Rhodes/Bam Bam Bigelow.

10. Davey Boy Smith: Elimination #10, by The Undertaker.

11. Jacques Rougeau: Elimination #5, by Jim Duggan.

12. Raymond Rougeau: Elimination #4, by Dustin Rhodes.

13. Owen Hart: Elimination #11, by The Undertaker.

14. Brian Knobbs: Elimination #3, by Dustin Rhodes.

15. Dustin Rhodes: Elimination #27, by Jake Roberts.

16. The Great Muta: Elimination #16, by Mr. Perfect.

17. Big Boss Man: Elimination #19, by Cactus Jack Manson.

18. Jerry Saggs: Elimination #9, by Irwin R. Schyster.

19. Terry Funk: Elimination #22, by Shane Douglas.

20. Stan Lane: Elimination #8, by Hawk.

21. Irwin R. Schyster: Elimination #21, by Jake Roberts.

22. Hawk: Elimination #24, by The Undertaker.

23. Mike Enos: Elimination #14, by Razor Ramon.

24. Paul Roma: Elimination #12, by The Undertaker.

25. Cactus Jack Manson: Elimination #20, by Hawk.

26. The Undertaker: Elimination #26, by Dustin Rhodes/Jake Roberts/Razor Ramon/Mr. Perfect.

27. Honky Tonk Man: Elimination #25, by The Undertaker.

28. Shane Douglas: Elimination #23, by Dustin Rhodes.

29. Abdullah The Butcher: Elimination #15, by The Great Muta.

30. Jake Roberts: Elimination #28, by Razor Ramon.

[Chrononaut]

MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 1992 -- WWF PRIME TIME WRESTLING

Vince McMahon and Jesse "The Body" Ventura opened the program LIVE from ringside by talking about the 1992 Royal Rumble last night before running through this evening's lineup, including Dustin Rhodes squaring off against Hacksaw Duggan, Shane Douglas facing Paul Roma, the Dundee Family taking on the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers, Demolition in tag team action, and much more.

The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers (Jacques & Raymond Rougeau) vs. The Dundee Family (Bill & Jamie Dundee)

Jimmy Hart walked out in between his Fabulous Rougeau Brothers, as the commentators used this basic competitive squash to discuss some of the important events that took place at last night's 1992 Royal Rumble. The Rougeaus put the Dundees away when Raymond covered Bill following Le Bombe De Rougeau from he and Jacques. (72%)

In the Prime Time Wrestling studio, Gorilla Monsoon and "The Man" Ric Flair showed some stills from last night and urged fans to order the replay of the 1992 Royal Rumble before introducing their first guest, Colonel Robert Lee Fuller, who was flanked by the two large ruffians that interfered in the WWF Tag Team Title bout last night. The Greatest Promoter Of All Time identified them as "Dr. Death" Steve Williams & Terry "Bruiser" Gordy, collectively known as "The Hellraisers", since they had been "raising hell" in tag team competition across the globe. The Colonel revealed that he had been searching for a tag team to "bring to the big-time" and informed Monsoon that the Hellraisers had ripped through the Far East like Godzilla visiting Tokyo, demolishing everything in their path, so it was time for the Bruiser & Dr. Death to return to America and conquer the WWF. When Monsoon asked why they chose to cost Demolition the match against the Powers Of Pain, Fuller recalled Ax, Smash, & Crush assaulting him last week and explained that that was when he decided to "pull the trigger" and bring the Hellraisers to the WWF at the Rumble. Fuller added that he knew Demolition would want revenge, which Gordy welcomed and invited the former three-time WWF Tag Team Champions to look into their future and watch the Hellraisers tear apart the Conquistadors in their WWF wrestling debut this weekend on Saturday Night's Main Event. Williams growled about Demolition claiming to be the toughest unit of all time, but promised that the facepainted brutes would learn their lesson the hard way when the two tag teams eventually square off. (67%)

Backstage at the arena, Mean Gene Okerlund interviewed Demolition's Ax, Smash, & Crush, who were understandably riled up after being cheated out of a fourth WWF Tag Team Championship last night at the 1992 Royal Rumble. Ax explained that the belts would be theirs again, but first they had to take care of Colonel Robert Lee Fuller's Hellraisers, challenging them to a match on Sunday, February 23, at WWF Battle Lines. Crush looked angry and menacing as Smash advised Terry Gordy & Steve Williams to watch Demolition in action tonight and looked forward to proving that they were the toughest tag team to ever step foot in a wrestling ring by "kickin' their stinkin' teeth straight down their stinkin' throats, all the way back to Japan!" (79%)

Demolition (Smash & Crush) vs. State Patrol (Sgt. Buddy Ray Parker & Lt. James Earl Wright)

Ax marched out alongside his Demolition brothers-in-paint as Ventura put over the tough-guy reputations of Steve Williams & Terry Gordy and questioned Demolition's challenge to the Hellraisers for WWF Battle Lines. Total squash here as the former WWF Tag Team Champions completely annihilated the State Patrol from the opening bell and finished them off when Crush covered Wright following the Decapitation Kneedrop by he and Smash. (72%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair discussed the current state of the Heenan Family after last night and brought in "Ravishing" Rick Rude as their next guest. Flair and Monsoon both congratulated the Ravishing One on a superb performance in the 2 Out Of 3 Falls WWF Intercontinental Title bout at the 1992 Royal Rumble, but Rude used one of Gorilla's favorite cliches, pointing out that "close only counts in horseshoes and hand-grenades." Rude went out of his way to praise Ricky Steamboat and thanked him for a tremendous match because it reminded him of the level he had to be at if he wanted to compete in the upper echelon of the WWF, referring to his loss to the Dragon as a "wake-up call". When the Man asked if he had spoken to Bobby Heenan after the Brain stormed out on him last night, Rude responded that he had no idea what was going through Heenan's mind and had been unable to talk to him, especially after Mr. Perfect won the 30-man Royal Rumble. Monsoon mentioned that Heenan and Perfect were scheduled to be interviewed later just as the Brain walked into the studio with a smug look on his face, informing Rude that he abandoned him after his loss to the WWF Intercontinental Champion because the Ravishing One had let him down. The Brain stated that he wanted to start 1992 off with a bang, explaining that while Mr. Perfect had held up his end of the Heenan Family by winning the Rumble, Rude had failed and that was unacceptable. Rude got to his feet and argued with Heenan, exchanging some heated words, while several security officials flooded into the studio to keep them separated. (93%)

Paul "Romeo" Roma vs. "Nature Boy" Shane Douglas

Slick, along with "Sweet" Stan Lane and personal bodyguard Bad News Brown, escorted Paul Roma to ringside, while Shane Douglas strutted out in a red-and-white robe with a beautiful woman on each arm as the commentators debated whose name was on the business card that the Nature Boy received recently from Ric Flair. This was a well-worked, fast-paced contest that showcased the athleticism of both competitors and featured some good psychology, as Douglas worked over Roma's knee in preparation for the Figure Four Leglock. The end came when Romeo accidentally crashed knee-first into Sweet Stan, who had climbed up on the apron to assist his fellow Gangster Of Style, and fell victim to the Nature Boy's Figure Four, earning the submission for Douglas. (81%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was in the locker room to interview Jim Duggan, who was getting ready to meet Dustin Rhodes one-on-one. Hacksaw admitted that he did the best he could last night in the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble, but planned to get revenge tonight against one of the men who eliminated him, targeting the Lone Star Stud. Duggan gave the big thumbs-up and bellowed "HOOOOOOOOOOO...TOUGH GUY!" before marching off. (71%)

Elsewhere backstage, Dustin Rhodes was shown sauntering down the hallway with Terry Funk by his side, discussing strategy on the way out for the Natural's match-up against Jim Duggan. Along the way, the two Stud Stable members encountered a sweaty Shane Douglas, returning from his match with a satisfied smile on his face and the women on his arms. When he saw Dustin, the Nature Boy pushed his two gorgeous escorts aside and pounced on the Lone Star Stud, shouting about Dustin eliminating him from the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble, until Funk grabbed Douglas from behind with two handfuls of hair and dragged him off, informing Shane that he would have to go through him to get to Rhodes. The Outlaw and the Natural headed out as several WWF agents intervened to hold back the Nature Boy, who muttered that maybe that was what he would do. (78%)

"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan vs. "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes

Terry Funk walked out alongside Dustin Rhodes, giving him advice, as Ventura explained that the Outlaw was "standing in" for Colonel Robert Lee Fuller, who was with the Hellraisers in the studio earlier. Jim Duggan got a nice pop upon his entrance and put on a very physical match-up, trading fists, clotheslines, bodyslams, and vertical suplexes, while McMahon recalled that Hacksaw eliminated Jacques Rougeau from last night's 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble before being tossed out by Dustin and Bam Bam Bigelow. Ventura added that Rhodes made it to the "final four" of the Rumble and tied the Undertaker for most eliminations with six, ousting Duggan, Brian Knobbs, Raymond Rougeau, the Dynamite Kid, Shane Douglas, and Undertaker. The Lone Star Stud won this entertaining slugfest by sidestepping Hacksaw's Three Point Stance and driving him down with the American Nightmare for the three-count. Afterwards, Duggan tried to disrupt Dustin's victory celebration, but Terry Funk blindsided him with the branding iron, leaving Hacksaw laid out as Funk and Rhodes exited the ring. (77%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair put over Mr. Perfect's marathon performance last night at the 1992 Royal Rumble, entering the 30-man Rumble at #2 and lasting well over an hour to win the competition and earn the WWF Title shot at WrestleMania VIII on Sunday, April 26, before introducing the Flawless One himself, accompanied by Bobby Heenan. The Man got to his feet and embraced the Brain and Mr. Perfect, congratulating them on the Rumble victory, but Perfect still looked somewhat unsatisfied. Monsoon announced that Perfect would be locking horns with the Great Muta next week on Prime Time Wrestling and asked if that was why Perfect seemed unhappy, but the former two-time WWF Intercontinental Champion responded that he eliminated Muta from the Rumble last night and planned on pinning him one-on-one next week, so that didn't concern him. When Monsoon continued to prod him, Perfect explained that even though he won the Rumble and would become WWF Champion at WrestleMania, there was something that he didn't accomplish last night: the elimination of Jake Roberts. Heenan requested that he drop the subject, but Perfect refused and recalled that the Snake pinned him at the 1991 Survivor Series and defeated him in the Lights Out match at WWF No Holds Barred, pointing out that he missed his opportunity for revenge during the Rumble. Against Heenan's wishes, Perfect issued a challenge to the Snake for WWF Battle Lines, demanding one more chance to redeem himself by pinning Jake's shoulders to the mat for the 1-2-3 and continuing his "perfect record" for 1992. (93%)

Back in the arena, "Money, Money, Money" echoed throughout the building as Virgil led the way out for the disgruntled "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, who had Irwin R. Schyster by his side and the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters following him down the aisle. The Million Dollar Empire stepped into the ring, where Mean Gene Okerlund was waiting with a microphone, as the commentators discussed the circumstances of Randy Savage regaining the WWF Championship in the I Quit match last night at the 1992 Royal Rumble. The Million Dollar Man explained his side of the story and urged the audience to order the Rumble replay on pay-per-view so that they could see for themselves that he never said "I Quit". Okerlund agreed that fans should see it to make up their own minds, but denied that the Macho Man's third title victory was tainted in any way. DiBiase declared that he should still be the WWF Champion and called out WWF President Andre The Giant, who lumbered down to the squared circle and towered over the former Million Dollar Champion, outright refusing to reverse the decision. The livid DiBiase protested that he passed out before uttering "I Quit" last night and insisted that at the very least, he deserved a rematch for the WWF Title. While Andre and DiBiase argued, "Pomp And Circumstance" suddenly kicked in and the crowd erupted as brand-new WWF Champion Randy Savage fearlessly made his way out and stepped through the ropes, almost daring the Million Dollar Empire to jump him. The Macho Man held the title belt over his shoulder and asked if the Million Dollar Man wanted another shot at the WWF Title, so DiBiase nodded and replied that signing the rematch was the least the WWF President could do for him after "stealing" the gold from the Empire last night. Savage looked into DiBiase's eyes and stated that if they were to have a rematch, he wanted there to be a definite "final decision" so that DiBiase would have no excuse for losing this time and there would be no question in anyone's mind who the undisputed WWF Champion was. When DiBiase inquired what Savage had in mind and the new three-time WWF Champion responded with three simple words: "Last Man Standing", the fans popped as Andre grinned and informed Mean Gene that we had a rematch. The WWF President announced that on Sunday, February 23, at WWF Battle Lines, the Macho Man would defend the WWF Championship against the Million Dollar Man in a Last Man Standing match. Bam Bam Bigelow & Cactus Jack Manson attempted a quick ambush, but Savage bailed out and taunted DiBiase from the aisleway as McMahon and Ventura closed the show. (91%)

Overall: 80%

Rating: 5.73

Attendance: 10,005

Ticket Sales: $600,300

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Celebrating birthdays in January were...

Animal (32)

Conquistador #1 (27)

"Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase (38)

"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan (39)

Doug "The Tank" Furnas (30)

Jimmy Hart (40)

Honky Tonk Man (39)

Kato (31)

Luke (45)

Paul "Romeo" Roma (32)

"Texas Twister" Kevin Von Erich (35)

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1992 -- NBC/WWF PRESENT: SATURDAY NIGHT'S MAIN EVENT

Marv Albert, "The Professor" Mike Tenay, and "The Man" Ric Flair began the LIVE network broadcast by introducing the evening's events: the Honky Tonk Man meeting Jerry Lawler, Chris Benoit taking on the Dynamite Kid, the Bounty Hunters squaring off with the Birdwhackers, the Hellraisers in their WWF wrestling debut against the Conquistadors, WWF Intercontinental Champion Ricky Steamboat on "The Funeral Parlor", and in the main event, Jake Roberts battling Abdullah The Butcher.

Colonel Robert Lee Fuller was already in the ring clutching a microphone, as he introduced "the roughest and toughest tag team in the world today" and the newest members of the Stud Stable, making their in-ring wrestling debut with the WWF... Terry "Bruiser" Gordy & "Dr. Death" Steve Williams, The Hellraisers! The Hellraisers marched out in matching black-and-orange trunks and boots, looking menacing, as the Colonel warned Demolition to watch them dismantle the Conquistadors before deciding if they really wanted to wrestle Dr. Death & Bruiser at WWF Battle Lines. (66%)

The Hellraisers ("Dr. Death" Steve Williams & Terry "Bruiser" Gordy) vs. The Conquistadors (Conquistador #1 & Conquistador #2)

The Conquistadors were introduced as Colonel Robert Fuller stepped out to ringside, while Tenay raved about Steve Williams & Terry Gordy's impressive victories over the best that Japan had to offer and wondered how much the Colonel had paid them to return to America. The Hellraisers lived up to their reputation, dominating 99% of the bout with frequent tags, vicious suplexes, harsh slams, and stiff blows to the body. They finally put the masked men out of their misery when the Bruiser pinned #1 after the lariat/backdrop suplex double-team that he and Dr. Death used on Crush at the 1992 Royal Rumble, which Flair said was called the "Death Dealer". Afterwards, the Hellraisers victimized Conquistador #2 with a nasty spiking double-powerbomb as Flair advised Demolition to retract their challenge. (72%)

In the Million Dollar Empire's somewhat smaller dressing room, Ted DiBiase was surrounded by Irwin R. Schyster, Virgil, Cactus Jack Manson, & Bam Bam Bigelow, who were watching the monitor and commenting on the impressive debut of the Hellraisers. The Million Dollar Bounty Hunters claimed that they were the toughest tag team in the WWF and stated that they would prove it tonight against the Birdwhackers. IRS agreed but pointed out that they had to focus on the Million Dollar Man regaining the WWF Championship at WWF Battle Lines in the Last Man Standing match. DiBiase reminded Bam Bam & Cactus Jack that he was paying them a substantial amount of money and advised them to forget any of their personal goals until he was the WWF Champion again. The Bounty Hunters nodded their heads in understanding before exiting the room. (95%)

The Birdwhackers (Luke & Koko) vs. The Million Dollar Bounty Hunters (Bam Bam Bigelow & Cactus Jack Manson)

The Birdwhackers made their way out first with Frankie the bird on his perch, setting him at ringside as the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters walked down the aisle and climbed into the squared circle. This was a solid tag team contest that saw Koko "play Ricky Morton" as Cactus Jack & Bam Bam cut the ring in half and worked over the Bird Man in their corner. Koko eventually dodged a Bounty Hunters sandwich and made the hot tag to Luke, as the Birdwhackers began to clean house. Around this time, Abdullah The Butcher wandered down to ringside, licking his lips hungrily as he made a beeline straight for Frankie. Mr. Fuji and the Great Muta soon followed, as Fuji ordering Muta to stop Abdullah from eating the macaw. Muta reluctantly tried to hold back the Madman Of The Sudan as several WWF agents rushed out to help, distracting Koko long enough for Bigelow & Manson to dump him out to the floor and double-team Luke. The Bounty Hunters finished off the Bushwhacker when the Beast From The East covered Luke following the Problem Solver from he and the New Mexican Wildman. (76%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was in the locker room to interview "The King" Jerry Lawler, who was gloating over his Stretcher Match victory over Hulk Hogan last Sunday at the 1992 Royal Rumble as he prepared to face the Honky Tonk Man. However, before Lawler could say much more, WWF President Andre The Giant interrupted, looking very displeased, with a couple of executive types by his side. One of the suits apologized for the interruption and informed the Memphis Monarch that he was currently on probation from NBC pending a review. The Undisputed 1991 WWF King Of The Ring was irate and asked why, so the other executive explained that the King's behavior recently during "Late Night With David Letterman" and the "Saturday Night Live" dress rehearsal had crossed the line, reasoning that while such activity was to be expected on Saturday Night's Main Event, disrupting other NBC programs was unacceptable. When the suits turned to leave after Lawler acknowledged his crimes, the King jumped them from behind, tossing the smaller man aside and grabbing the other executive in position for the Royal Piledriver, planting him on the floor. Screaming and yelling, the King pounced on the smaller man and choked him until the WWF President and several NBC Security officers pulled Lawler off. Andre then ordered Lawler to be ejected from the building and automatically awarded the victory to the Honk over the King via forfeit. (94%)

The Honky Tonk Man was already in the ring holding the microphone and claimed that he came to Cleveland to fight, not to win by forfeit, and wondered if there was anybody backstage "cool enough" to take on the Honk. After a few moments, Colonel Robert Lee Fuller emerged from the curtains and led Dustin Rhodes down the aisle, putting a big smile on Honky Tonk's face as he threw the microphone away and raised his fists. They immediately traded punches until the Natural surprised him with a knee to the midsection and trapped the Honk in a corner, where Dustin unloaded with hard right hands. Honky managed to block a punch and turned the tables, slinging the Lone Star Stud into the corner and firing off lefts and rights, along with his own rendition of Dusty Rhodes' Flip Flop & Fly. Terry Funk soon hit the ring and attacked Honky from behind, dragging him off of Dustin and battering him down to the canvas. The Colonel joined his two Stud Stable members in stomping the Honk until Shane Douglas sprinted out to a nice pop and made the save, chasing off Funk, Rhodes, & Fuller. The Nature Boy, in a fashionable casual suit and jacket, shouted threats at the Stud Stable as they departed. (75%)

Another vignette aired for Al "Ice Man" Snow & Doug "The Tank" Furnas, referring to the duo as "Fire & Ice", signified by the Tank's red-and-gold tights and boots as opposed to the Ice Man's blue-and-silver tights and boots. Clips of Fire & Ice mechanically outwrestling and thrashing an unidentified, larger, young duo (indy fans will recognize them as Paul Levesque and former WCW competitor Van Hammer) on a small United States Wrestling Association card were shown, intercut with comments from Snow, Furnas by his side, recorded afterwards where he talked about himself and Furnas eating, sleeping, and breathing wrestling on a daily basis. The Ice Man explained that they were looking for tag team competition wherever they could find it, which was why they were wrestling in front of 250 people "for peanuts", and predicted that their competitive spirit would take Fire & Ice to the top of the WWF. (72%)

Dynamite Kid vs. Chris Benoit

The Dynamite Kid marched out alone, as did Chris Benoit, while Tenay mentioned that they both lasted over 40 minutes in the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble last Sunday and even showed each other some mutual respect despite the Commonwealth Connection/New British Bulldogs rivalry. Dynamite offered a handshake at the outset that the rookie Benoit accepted, but Dynamite cheapshotted him to kick off the action, which was fast-paced and high-impact all the way as Dynamite kept screaming at Benoit that he still had a lot to learn. Benoit mounted a comeback as the advantage shifted back-and-forth throughout the contest, possibly the best match-up on free television so far this year. Late in the contest, after exchanging rapid-fire reversals and near-falls, Dynamite rolled out of the way of Benoit's Swandive Headbutt from the top turnbuckle and spiked the New British Bulldog with the Union Jack for the clean three-count. Afterwards, both competitors were sweaty and worn-out as Dynamite helped Benoit to his feet and offered a handshake, assuring him that it was legitimate this time. Benoit groggily accepted the handshake but caught Dynamite with a cheapshot of his own, laying the Kid out with a straight right hand across the jaw before stepping out and heading up the aisle while rubbing his neck. (89%)

Following a commercial break, Paul Bearer was on the set of "The Funeral Parlor" and brought up the classic 2 Out Of 3 Falls match at last Sunday's 1992 Royal Rumble before introducing his guest this week, WWF Intercontinental Champion Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, who got a tremendous pop and wore slacks and a sweater with the title belt over his shoulder. Bearer mentioned that Rick Rude seemed like a changed man on Prime Time Wrestling this past Monday after apparently being turfed from the Heenan Family for failing to defeat Steamboat. The Dragon acknowledged that the Ravishing One gave him "the challenge of a lifetime" at the Rumble, admitting that his shoulder and elbow were still feeling the effects, and agreed that Rude had possibly seen the error of his ways, but stated that he wanted to look Rude in the eyes and find out for himself. Rick Rude soon joined Steamboat and Bearer, standing face-to-face with the Dragon and commenting that the best man won at the Rumble. The WWF Intercontinental Champion put his belt on a nearby pedestal and interrogated the Ravishing One to determine if he was being sincere, eventually deciding that Rude deserved a rematch for his effort and change in attitude. As they were shaking hands, Bobby Heenan strolled out onto the stage and mocked Rude and Steamboat, sarcastically referring to them as "new best friends" and cooing about how sweet it was that they "kissed and made up". The Brain began to verbally rip into Rude, describing him as a muscleheaded loser who had no business being in the Heenan Family, provoking Steamboat to come to Rude's defense, claiming that Rude had shown more heart and spine in the last five minutes than Heenan had displayed in his entire life. Suddenly, the Ravishing One blindsided the Dragon with a double-axhandle across the shoulder, turning the fans' cheers into boos as Heenan grinned and applauded Rude, who hammered Steamboat across the arm to beat him down. Rude then dragged Steamboat to one of the Parlor's caskets, opening it and draping Steamboat's arm inside before slamming the steel lid down hard across the shoulder. Steamboat hollered in pain, but Rude was merciless as Heenan encouraged him, slamming the casket lid down across the Dragon's elbow. Rude prepared to do it again, but Bret "Hit Man" Hart raced out and managed to chase off Rude, Heenan, and even Bearer. The Hit Man attended to the Dragon and pointed at the Heenan Family as Albert declared that Steamboat was double-crossed. (88%)

Mean Gene Okerlund interviewed Jake Roberts in a dimly-lit shower in the locker room as he prepared to meet Abdullah The Butcher in the main event of the evening. The Snake recalled that the Madman Of The Sudan attacked him in the aisleway last Sunday during the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble and he planned to end Abdullah's hunger with a mouthful of the DDT. Speaking of the Rumble, Okerlund inquired about Mr. Perfect's challenge from Prime Time Wrestling for one more one-on-one contest, but Roberts pointed out that he had already beaten the Flawless One twice and wondered what would be in it for him, responding with a cold "No." Jake winked and flashed his devious smile before the camera panned down to show Jake's python Damian slithering around their feet in the shower. (88%)

Abdullah The Butcher vs. Jake "The Snake" Roberts

Mr. Fuji waddled out with the starved Abdullah The Butcher, while Jake Roberts carried the sack containing Damian over his shoulder, which Flair questioned since the Madman Of The Sudan tried to make a meal out of Frankie the macaw earlier. As soon as the opening bell rang, Abdullah went straight for the writhing bag, allowing the Snake to seize his opportunity and take the early lead. Jake kept Abdullah off-balance until the Butcher's overwhelming hunger fueled his comeback, no-selling Jake's offense and opening up on him with vicious lefts, rights, chops, thrusts, and kicks. Although Roberts tried to fight back, the Sudanese Psychopath was relentless and continued to lay in the punishment, culminating in the running Meat Cleaver to the face that stopped Roberts in his tracks. Instead of going for the pinfall, Abdullah went after the sack in the corner, impatiently attempting to open it up. Fuji shouted at Abdullah from ringside and tapped him on the shoulder with his cane, urging him to pin Jake, but this only served to distract the crazed Butcher, who stared at the Devious One in confusion. The Snake regained his composure and snuck up behind Abdullah, spinning him around and flooring him with a short-arm clothesline. As the crowd chanted "D-D-T", Jake pulled Abdullah up into a front-facelock and drilled him with the DDT for the 1-2-3. Afterwards, Jake heaved Abdullah out to the floor under the bottom rope and celebrated his victory as Albert, Tenay, and Flair ended the program. (78%)

Overall: 80%

Rating: 6.84

Attendance: 10,033

Ticket Sales: $601,980

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1992 -- WWF SUPERSTARS OF WRESTLING

* Hosts: Gorilla Monsoon and "The Man" Ric Flair.

* The Birdwhackers (Luke & Koko) vs. The Hooded Hangmen (Hangman Psycho & Hangman Killer): Basic squash that ended when Koko pinned Killer following the Birdwhacker Battering Ram. (61%)

* The Birdwhackers celebrated their victory by dancing and playing to the fans. (64%)

* Sean Mooney interviewed Colonel Robert Lee Fuller and Terry Funk, who reiterated that Shane Douglas would have to go through him to get to Dustin Rhodes. Also hyped a match between Funk and Jim Duggan for Saturday Night's Main Event next weekend. (86%)

* "The Outlaw" Terry Funk vs. Scott Taylor: Funk won this semi-competitive squash with the Double Cross Driver face-first piledriver. (74%)

* Lord Alfred Hayes interviewed Tito Santana about his match with the Genius. (64%)

* The Genius was in the ring with the microphone and recited a poem that insulted Tito Santana and his Mexican heritage. (67%)

* Tito Santana vs. The Genius: Competitive match-up that saw the former WWF Intercontinental Champion put away the World's Smartest Man with the Flying Forearm. (74%)

* A funny vignette aired featuring the Honky Tonk Man as "The Honk", doing various "cool" things to impress the '50s-styled young ladies. (83%)

* After Mean Gene Okerlund's "WWF Update" segment, Lord Alfred Hayes interviewed Kevin Von Erich & Matt Borne, who said that they would give 110% to snap their losing streak and hand the Hellraisers their first loss in the WWF. (79%)

* Sean Mooney interviewed the Hellraisers and Colonel Robert Lee Fuller, who put over Terry Gordy & Steve Williams strongly and warned Demolition to rethink their challenge for WWF Battle Lines. (79%)

* The Hellraisers ("Dr. Death" Steve Williams & Terry "Bruiser" Gordy) vs. "Texas Twister" Kevin Von Erich & "Maniac" Matt Borne: Very stiff, solid tag team main event that showcased the strengths of the Hellraisers and made them look great. Gordy pinned Borne after the Death Dealer from he and Williams. (76%)

Overall: 73%

Rating: 5.34

Attendance: 10,011

Ticket Sales: $600,660

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I'm going to try to do a short-form version of the Superstars results and use the show to get some of the lower-card guys over. We'll see how it goes.

According to the WWF Update by Mean Gene Okerlund during Superstars Of Wrestling, the card for WWF Battle Lines on Sunday, February 23, is already shaping up...

WWF Championship/Last Man Standing Match: Randy Savage [champion] vs. Ted DiBiase

Demolition vs. The Hellraisers

[Twinfuture02]

Yesssssssssss i've been waiting 4 this for sooooooo long thanks for putting it back up it was the only diary i read on a regualr basis

[Chrononaut]

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1992 -- WWF PRIME TIME WRESTLING

Vince McMahon and Jesse "The Body" Ventura introduced the program LIVE from ringside and announced the lineup for tonight, featuring Mr. Perfect meeting the Great Muta in the main event, the Birdwhackers taking on WWF Tag Team Champions Powers Of Pain in a non-title bout, the Big Boss Man & Hawk battling the Enforcers, Bob Backlund squaring off against a member of the Orient Express, and much more.

Bob Backlund vs. Sato

Mr. Fuji waddled out with all three of his Orient Express members and sent Sato into the ring to compete against Bob Backlund, who was all fired up and dominated most of this opening match-up. Sato got in some offense before the All American put him away with the Running Atomic Drop. (76%)

In the Prime Time Wrestling studio, Gorilla Monsoon and "The Man" Ric Flair talked about the 1991 Tag Team Of The Year award ceremony at the 1992 Royal Rumble and introduced their first guests, WWF Television Tag Team Champions the Rockers, both dressed in street clothes with the title belts under their arms. Monsoon congratulated the Masters Of Motion for being first runners-up, but Shawn Michaels seemed indignant as he suggested that they deserved to be Tag Team Of The Year for all the challenges they had to overcome in '91. Marty Jannetty stated that they would definitely be the 1992 Tag Team Of The Year, but Shawn claimed that he couldn't wait another year for people to recognize their tag team excellence, so there was only one way to prove it: Shawn issued a challenge to the Powers Of Pain for the WWF Tag Team Championship at WWF Battle Lines. Jannetty looked surprised but enthusiastic as Michaels pointed to the TV belts and declared that if Warlord & Barbarian accepted their challenge, the Rockers would be adding more gold to their collection on Sunday, February 23. Flair announced that the Rockers would be defending the WWF Television Tag Team Championship next week on Prime Time Wrestling against the Destruction Crew and wondered if they would have any gold after that, but Michaels assured him that they were "untouchable" and would prove all their doubters wrong soon enough. (89%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was in the locker room at the arena to interview Paul Ellering and WWF Tag Team Champions Powers Of Pain, who grunted and growled as they prepared for their non-title bout with the Birdwhackers. When Mean Gene inquired about the Rockers' challenge, Precious Paul named off all the tag teams that Barbarian & Warlord had beaten and broken-up over the past year, including the Legion Of Doom, the original British Bulldogs, the Rhodes Family, the Hart Foundation, and Demolition, and stated that if the WWF Television Tag Team Champions wanted to add their names to the list, he would grant them a title shot at WWF Battle Lines. (81%)

Non-Title Match: The Birdwhackers (Luke & Koko) vs. Powers Of Pain (Barbarian & Warlord)

The Birdwhackers danced their way out to a nice pop, while Paul Ellering led his WWF Tag Team Champions down the aisle as the commentators discussed the proposed Rockers/Powers Of Pain match-up at WWF Battle Lines. This was a solid little contest that saw the Powers manhandle the Birdwhackers for the most part, although Luke & Koko hit a couple of nice double-teams. The WWF Tag Team Champions finished off their opponents when the Barbarian covered the Bird Man following the Apocalypse from he and the Warlord. (75%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair recapped the double-cross by Rick Rude and Bobby Heenan on WWF Intercontinental Champion Ricky Steamboat this past weekend on "The Funeral Parlor" before bringing in their next guest, Bret "Hit Man" Hart. Monsoon congratulated the Hit Man on the Hart Foundation being named 1991 Tag Team Of The Year, which Bret graciously acknowledged and gave Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart credit. The Man asked the Excellence Of Execution why he was interfering in Ravishing Rick's business if he was a tag team competitor, but Bret responded that he couldn't just sit back and watch a world-class athlete like the Dragon have his career ended by "a couple of weasels" like Rude and Heenan. Hart stated that he was sick of seeing the Heenan Family ambushing people, mentioning that Steamboat would be out of action while recuperating from Rude's assault for a few weeks, and he wanted to do something about it. The former two-time co-WWF Tag Team Champion announced that he wanted the Ravishing One one-on-one at WWF Battle Lines to defend the honor of the WWF Intercontinental Champion and claimed that he would show Rude what he was in for this weekend on Saturday Night's Main Event against "Sweet" Stan Lane, promising to debut a new maneuver called the "Sharpshooter" that he planned to use on Rude on Sunday, February 23. (84%)

A video aired that recapped the end of the Stretcher Match at the 1992 Royal Rumble between Hulk Hogan and "The King" Jerry Lawler, including the return of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, who had not been seen since losing the Casket Match to the Undertaker at WWF No Holds Barred. The clips showed how Hot Rod helped the Memphis Monarch wheel the Hulkster out on the stretcher to win the match-up, followed by the Scotsman loading the Immortal One into an ambulance and commandeering the vehicle. The video ended with the Rowdy One announcing that he would tell his side of the story on "The Funeral Parlor" this weekend. (99%)

The Enforcers (Greg "The Hammer" Valentine & Dino Bravo) vs. Hawk & Big Boss Man

Jimmy Hart escorted Dino Bravo & Greg Valentine to ringside for this stiff, smashmouth-style tag team contest that saw the advantage shift back-and-forth until the Enforcers used their tag team experience to isolate the Big Boss Man and work him over in their corner, using frequent tags and hard-hitting double-teams. McMahon mentioned the recent friction between the Mouth Of The South and his Enforcers, as well as the ongoing issue that Boss Man & Hawk had with the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters, while the Boss Man battled back and made the hot tag to Hawk, who rushed in and cleaned house. After hurling the Hammer over the top rope to the floor, Hawk soared from the top turnbuckle with the Bird Of Prey on the Canadian Strongman for the three-count. (77%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair announced that this weekend on Saturday Night's Main Event, Crush of Demolition would meet their next guest, "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, who was flanked by Irwin R. Schyster, Virgil, Bam Bam Bigelow, & Cactus Jack Manson. The former WWF Champion interrupted Gorilla's greeting to complain about how small his dressing rooms were now and how unfair it was that he had to wrestle the 325-pound Crush only two weeks before his WWF Title shot in the Last Man Standing match at WWF Battle Lines against Randy Savage, adding that he was still feeling the effects of the I Quit match against the Macho Man eight days ago at the 1992 Royal Rumble. The Million Dollar Man ranted about WWF President Andre The Giant holding a grudge against his Million Dollar Empire, dating all the way back to 1988 when DiBiase convinced Andre to sell the WWF Championship to him, thereby forfeiting the Giant's only title reign in the WWF. DiBiase claimed that Andre had nobody to blame but himself and wouldn't have won the WWF Title without the Million Dollar Man's involvement. When the Man inquired about the status of Miss Elizabeth, DiBiase grinned and stated that he would have a "secret weapon" against Savage that would ensure he would be the "Last Man Standing" and a two-time WWF Champion at WWF Battle Lines. (87%)

Backstage at the arena, Mean Gene Okerlund interviewed Bobby Heenan and Mr. Perfect, who was warming up for the evening's main event against the Great Muta. The Brain began to babble about the Flawless One winning the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble last week and predicted that he would become the WWF Champion at WrestleMania VIII whether his opponent was Ted DiBiase or Randy Savage, but Perfect interrupted and brought up his challenge to Jake Roberts last week, which the Snake had refused. Ignoring Heenan's protests, Perfect claimed that he wouldn't be able to sleep until he got his revenge and produced a signed contract for WWF Battle Lines, offering to put his WrestleMania WWF Title shot on the line if that's what it took to get Jake in the ring. When Okerlund reminded him about Muta tonight, Perfect brushed it off and promised to eliminate Muta just like he did in the Rumble. (83%)

The Great Muta vs. Mr. Perfect

Mr. Fuji waddled out with his Great Muta, while Bobby "The Brain" Heenan accompanied Mr. Perfect, who had the WWF Battle Lines contract in his hand and passed it to the Brain during the match-up. This was a great athletic main event that went back-and-forth as the Great One and the Flawless One exchanged some nice mat wrestling and a series of increasingly vicious chops across the chest, although the crowd seemed somewhat undecided on which competitor to support until Muta assumed the babyface role when Perfect gained the advantage through nefarious means. The fans rallied behind Muta as he struggled to fight back, but kept being denied by Perfect, who maintained control with his dangerous mix of scientific wrestling, veteran experience, and underhanded tactics. Eventually, Muta countered the Perfectplex with a small package for a big pop and a near-fall, mounting a comeback as he unleashed an array of chops and spinning kicks to keep the former two-time WWF Intercontinental Champion off-balance. Muta was building momentum and surprising fan support until Abdullah The Butcher wandered out to ringside looking hungry and began to harrass Fuji, who rapped the Madman Of The Sudan with his cane to keep him back. This distracted Muta, who looked at the downed Perfect before sticking his head through the ropes and yelling at both Abdullah and Fuji in Japanese, giving Perfect the opportunity to pull himself together and sneak up from behind. Muta tried to kick Perfect when he spun him around, but Perfect caught the foot and swiftly reeled Muta in, snaring him in the Perfectplex to score the 1-2-3. (80%)

After the match, the Great Muta rolled out to ringside and began slugging it out with Abdullah The Butcher, brawling up the aisle with his fellow Dojo member as Mr. Fuji followed, waving his cane. Meanwhile, Bobby Heenan stepped into the ring and toweled off Mr. Perfect, raising his arm in victory. The Flawless One retrieved the WWF Battle Lines contract from the Brain and held it over his head, bragging about his skills, when Jake Roberts sprinted down the aisle and slid into the squared circle. The Snake quickly chased Heenan off before snatching Perfect and planting him with the DDT. As the crowd cheered, Jake picked up the contract and signed it with a pen from his pocket, then gently placed the pen and contract on Perfect's chest and told Perfect that he could keep the pen. Jake slithered toward the turnbuckles and sat in the corner, eyes fixed on the motionless Perfect, as McMahon and Ventura signed off. (86%)

Overall: 83%

Rating: 5.92

Attendance: 10,034

Ticket Sales: $602,040

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1992 -- NBC/WWF PRESENT: SATURDAY NIGHT'S MAIN EVENT

The broadcast kicked off with footage from "Earlier This Afternoon" of Jerry Lawler arriving at the building and emerging from the back seat of a regal Rolls Royce. However, WWF President Andre The Giant, backed by a number of "NBC Security" officials, prevented the King from heading into the arena and informed him that not only was he banned from all NBC programming, including Saturday Night's Main Event, but he was also suspended from the WWF indefinitely. The Giant added that if the suspension were ever lifted, the Memphis Monarch would be on strict probation upon his return. The Undisputed 1991 WWF King Of The Ring protested the decision, but the WWF President ordered him removed from the premises and warned him not to come back until he said so. The King tried to argue as the security officials forced him back into the Rolls Royce, which sped off as Lawler screamed from the back seat. (95%)

Marv Albert, "The Professor" Mike Tenay, and "The Man" Ric Flair opened the LIVE network broadcast by introducing the evening's events: Bret Hart squaring off against Stan Lane, Hacksaw Duggan meeting Terry Funk, the Texas Twister & Matt Borne taking on the Destruction Crew, Roddy Piper on "The Funeral Parlor", and in the main event, Ted DiBiase locking up with Crush of Demolition.

The Destruction Crew (Wayne "The Train" Bloom & Mike "The Machine" Enos) vs. "Texas Twister" Kevin Von Erich & "Maniac" Matt Borne

Bobby "The Brain" Heenan accompanied his Destruction Crew as the commentators discussed the angle between Mr. Perfect and Jake Roberts on Monday night, and hyped a match for this Monday's Prime Time Wrestling featuring Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom challenging WWF Television Tag Team Champions the Rockers. Tenay explained that Matt Borne & Kevin Von Erich demanded this rematch from last month, as they showed a lot of fire, but in the end, the Train pinned the Texas Twister following the Wrecking Ball from he and the Machine. (78%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was in the locker room to interview Ax as Smash was psyching Crush up for the evening's big main event against Ted DiBiase. Mean Gene pointed out what a huge feather in the cap it would be for Demolition if Crush were to defeat the Million Dollar Man tonight, which Ax acknowledged and stated that Crush was ready to rock the foundations of the Million Dollar Empire. When talk turned to the Hellraisers at WWF Battle Lines, Smash was interrupted by Virgil, who strolled into the locker room and began to taunt the warpainted brutes, giving the thumbs-down to Crush. Smash took exception and chased after the loyal lackey but was ambushed running around a corner by the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters, who were waiting in the shadows with lead pipes. Bam Bam Bigelow & Cactus Jack Manson mercilessly bludgeoned Smash repeatedly with the pipes until Crush and Ax made the save in the hallway and checked on the unconscious Smash. (83%)

Elsewhere backstage, Jesse "The Body" Ventura interviewed Colonel Robert Lee Fuller, Dustin Rhodes, & Terry Funk as the Outlaw was warming up to take on Jim Duggan. When the Body brought up the subject of Shane Douglas, the Colonel reiterated that the Nature Boy would have to go through Funk to get to Rhodes and advised the rest of the WWF superstars to heed his words. The Natural bragged about his impressive number of eliminations in the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble and warned that Douglas should keep out of Stud Stable business, while the Funker recalled bashing Hacksaw over the head with his branding iron recently and assaulting the Honky Tonk Man last week, reveling in the violence and mayhem. (83%)

"The Outlaw" Terry Funk vs. "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan

Colonel Robert Lee Fuller and "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes swaggered out alongside Terry Funk, who was carrying his branding iron and a hangman's noose, while Jim Duggan brought his trusty 2x4 and the American flag with him. This was a hard-hitting, smashmouth-style brawling match-up that spilled out to the floor on a couple of occasions as Hacksaw and the Outlaw traded punches around ringside. At one point, the Colonel tried to interfere, but Duggan blocked his shot and floored the Greatest Promoter Of All Time with a big roundhouse right, leading to Duggan mounting a comeback against Funk in the squared circle. Unfortunately, when Duggan went for the Three Point Stance, the Lone Star Stud lassooed Duggan's ankle with Funk's noose, tripping up Hacksaw and allowing Funk to plant him with the Double Cross Driver for the 1-2-3. (76%)

After the match, Dustin Rhodes and a dazed Colonel Robert Fuller climbed into the ring and joined Terry Funk in stomping Jim Duggan, before the Natural and the Colonel pinned Hacksaw to the mat as the Outlaw retrieved his branding iron from the corner. Funk prepared to brand Duggan, but Shane Douglas raced down the aisle in a suit without a tie, swinging a metal folding chair to scare off Funk, Rhodes, & Fuller. After the heels retreated, the Nature Boy took the microphone and issued a one-on-one challenge to Terry Funk for WWF Battle Lines, adding a stipulation that if Shane won, he would get Dustin in a singles bout on Sunday, March 29, at WWF March To WrestleMania; however, if the Outlaw won, then Shane would be at the Stud Stable's mercy in a 3-on-1 handicap match against Rhodes, Funk, & Fuller LIVE on pay-per-view. Douglas claimed that he couldn't wait until next month to get all three of them in the ring at once, so he offered to find a couple of partners and meet the Stud Stable in a six-man tag team contest next week on Saturday Night's Main Event. The Colonel, the Outlaw, and the Lone Star Stud talked it over in the aisleway and accepted both challenges, pleasing the Nature Boy. (80%)

In the locker room, Mean Gene Okerlund interviewed Bret Hart, who was getting ready to face the veteran Stan Lane. The Hit Man put the Sweet One over as an underrated competitor in the eyes of WWF fans and looked forward to a great match-up tonight, but Bobby Heenan and "Ravishing" Rick Rude arrived on the scene to confront the Hart Foundation member. The Ravishing One got right in Bret's face and asked if he was sure about the challenge he issued to Rude for WWF Battle Lines, but the Excellence Of Execution didn't seem intimidated by the former WWF Intercontinental Champion and repeated his challenge, warning that he had Rude in the sights of his "Sharpshooter". Rude scoffed at Hart's threats and accepted the challenge, promising to put the Hit Man in the hospital right next to Ricky Steamboat. Hart and Rude stared each other down before Bret headed out for his match. (89%)

"Sweet" Stan Lane vs. Bret "Hit Man" Hart

Slick, along with Paul "Romeo" Roma and personal bodyguard Bad News Brown, escorted Stan Lane to the ring for this amazing technical contest, which saw Sweet Stan and Bret Hart display some fluid chain-wrestling in the early going, exchanging holds and counterholds trying to gain an advantage. Tenay compared the similar styles and personalities of Stan Lane and Rick Rude as the Gangster Of Style assumed control with help from Romeo Roma at ringside, bringing out Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, who got a nice pop when he charged out and brawled back up the aisle and out of sight with Roma. Meanwhile, Lane worked over the Hit Man, scoring some near-falls and attempting a half-nelson submission, but Bret battled back and focused on his opponent's legs with Russian legsweeps and spinning toeholds. Lane mounted his own comeback but injured himself when he tried to whack Hart with a Mayawashi leg kick, called the "Sweet Spot" by Flair. The Hit Man wasted no time in hooking Sweet Stan in an excellently-executed scorpion deathlock that Tenay identified as the "Sharpshooter", earning the submission. (85%)

Following a commercial break, Paul Bearer was on the set of "The Funeral Parlor", talking about some of the talk shows on WWF TV that preceded his Parlor, including Jesse Ventura's "Body Shop", Jake Roberts' "Snake Pit", "The Brother Love Show", and of course "Piper's Pit", before introducing his guest this week, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. The Scotsman was greeted by a thunderous reign of boos as he slowly walked out with his hair now cut short, a sullen and bitter look on his face sneering at the disappointed fans. When he got to the stage, Hot Rod shook hands with the nervous Bearer and assured him that he was safe, commenting how grateful he was in retrospect that the Undertaker buried him six feet under last summer and sealed his fate in the Casket Match at WWF No Holds Barred. The Rowdy One claimed that those life-and-death struggles with the Dead Man made him look deep inside his soul and discover that what was eating him alive were bitterness and resentment, dating back to the mid-1980s and the first wave of WrestleMania fever. Piper explained how he had "made" Hulk Hogan into a household name all those years ago, stating that "every God needs a Devil, and Hogan, you're lookin' into the face of your very own personal Satan!" Hot Rod mentioned that the Hulkster had never pinned his shoulders to the mat for a three-count and complained about the Immortal One receiving all the credit for the WWF's popularity despite that fact. Piper growled that the only way to purge his soul of these feelings was to square off against Hogan on the grandest stage of them all, WrestleMania VIII on Sunday, April 26, and revealed that he took the former two-time WWF Champion "on a little joyride" in the ambulance after Hogan's Stretcher Match at the 1992 Royal Rumble. Piper described how Hogan had "begged for his pathetic life" before Piper dropped him off at the worst hospital in the area, sadistically joking that the "quacks" there had probably sewn Hogan's face to his butt, and ranted on and on until Bob Backlund made his way out to interrupt his one-time tag team partner. The All American reminded the Rowdy One that WrestleMania was still more than two months away and advised him to leave the past in the past, speaking from his own experience. Piper tried to convince Backlund that Hogan had screwed them both over in the past and would continue to do so in the future unless they joined forces to eliminate him, but Backlund shoved Piper away and said that the one who needed to be eliminated was Piper himself, challenging the Scotsman to a match at WWF Battle Lines. After some further arguing, Piper accepted the challenge and slapped Backlund across the face, provoking the former WWF Champion to take him down with a double-leg pick-up, tussling on the floor until a bevy of WWF officials flooded out to separate them. (92%)

Backstage, Jesse Ventura was on the scene with a microphone as Ted DiBiase, flanked by Irwin R. Schyster, Virgil, Bam Bam Bigelow, & Cactus Jack Manson, was banging on the door of WWF President Andre The Giant. When the Giant answered the door, the Million Dollar Man complained about having to wrestle Crush tonight, in between the I Quit match at the 1992 Royal Rumble and the upcoming Last Man Standing match at WWF Battle Lines, and informed Andre that he would compete in this evening's main event under one condition, pointing out that while he was risking breach of contract, it would leave the WWF President without his advertised main event if he refused. Andre asked what it was, and DiBiase responded that he would only face Crush tonight if WWF Champion Randy Savage took on IRS in a non-title bout next week on Saturday Night's Main Event. The WWF President thought it over before agreeing to the stipulation, and added that the Million Dollar Empire would be barred from ringside tonight after the unprovoked attack on Smash earlier. (91%)

Crush vs. "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase

Ax marched out alongside Crush as Albert mentioned that Smash had been taken to the hospital earlier for medical observation after the brief but brutal backstage assault. Ted DiBiase strode out alone and didn't look happy about it, as the commentators hyped his Last Man Standing match against WWF Champion Randy Savage at WWF Battle Lines. Crush dominated the opening minutes of this hot main event, displaying his immense strength with powerslams, press slams, back-bodydrops, and suplexes on the 260-pound former WWF Champion while Tenay reminded viewers of Crush's intimidating performance last September in the Prime Time Wrestling tag team battle royal, tossing out seven men. The Million Dollar Man managed to bail out to ringside to regroup and lured Crush into a chase on the floor that ended when DiBiase surprised the big man with a drop-toehold, causing Crush's head to crash against the steel ringsteps. Back in the ring, DiBiase aggressively kept Crush grounded with a rear-chinlock and front-facelock to hold on to the advantage, stopping Crush's comeback attempts with facerakes and eye gouges. When DiBiase applied a camel clutch, the fans rallied behind Crush as he powered himself to his feet and walked around with DiBiase sitting on his shoulders, before hurling the former WWF Champion down to the canvas and unloading with shoulderblocks, clotheslines, and big right hands. As Crush built momentum, DiBiase caught him coming off the ropes and dropped him throat-first across the top rope with a wicked hotshot, rolling up the youngest Demolition member in a schoolboy for the three-count. Afterwards, the Million Dollar Man hightailed it out of the squared circle and celebrated his victory in the aisleway while Ax stepped into the ring to hold Crush back from pursuing the former Million Dollar Champion. Virgil, Irwin R. Schyster, Cactus Jack Manson, & Bam Bam Bigelow emerged from the curtains and surrounded the sweaty DiBiase as Albert, Tenay, and Flair closed the program. (86%)

Overall: 85%

Rating: 6.71

Attendance: 10,046

Ticket Sales: $602,760

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1992 -- WWF SUPERSTARS OF WRESTLING

* Hosts: Gorilla Monsoon and "The Man" Ric Flair.

* Honky Tonk Man vs. "Playboy" Buddy Rose: Entertaining little comedy squash that came to an end when the Honk dropped the bulbous Playboy with the Shake Rattle & Roll. (69%)

* Sean Mooney came out to ringside afterwards to interview the Honky Tonk Man, who volunteered his services to Shane Douglas for a six-man tag team match-up against the Stud Stable next weekend on Saturday Night's Main Event. (79%)

* Lord Alfred Hayes interviewed Abdullah The Butcher and Mr. Fuji, who admitted that the Madman Of The Sudan had not been fed in several weeks and was very dangerous. (70%)

* Abdullah The Butcher vs. Al Perez: Major squash city here as the Butcher brutally tortured Perez before finishing him off with the Meat Cleaver. (66%)

* Lord Alfred Hayes interviewed Colonel Robert Lee Fuller, who put over his Hellraisers and laughed off the six-man tag team challenge from Shane Douglas and the Honk. (83%)

* The Hellraisers ("Dr. Death" Steve Williams & Terry "Bruiser" Gordy) vs. Duane Gill & Barry Hardy: Complete and utter squash that saw the Hellraisers manhandle their opponents with ease until Dr. Death covered Hardy following the Death Dealer from he and Bruiser. (61%)

* A video aired recapping the suspension of "The King" Jerry Lawler, his assault on two NBC executives, and his previous invasions of other NBC programming. (90%)

* Conquistador #2 vs. Virgil: Solid little match-up that allowed the smaller Conquistador to get in some offense and a couple of surprise near-falls before Virgil locked him in the Million Dollar Dream with bodyscissors for the submission. (73%)

* After Mean Gene Okerlund's "WWF Update" segment, Brian Knobbs was shown backstage assuring Jerry Saggs that he would watch his back during tonight's main event against the Undertaker. (78%)

* Sean Mooney interviewed the Undertaker and Paul Bearer, who predicted that his Grim Reaper would bury Jerry Saggs six feet under...NEXT! (71%)

* The Undertaker vs. Jerry Saggs: Good, heated, brawling-style main event as both competitors slugged it out. Saggs put on a good showing but fell victim to the Tombstone by the Undertaker for the 1-2-3. (79%)

Overall: 74%

Rating: 5.02

Attendance: 10,001

Ticket Sales: $600,060

-----

According to the WWF Update by Mean Gene Okerlund during Superstars Of Wrestling, here is the updated card for WWF Battle Lines on Sunday, February 23...

WWF Championship/Last Man Standing Match: Randy Savage [champion] vs. Ted DiBiase

WWF Tag Team Title Match: Powers Of Pain [champions] vs. The Rockers

WrestleMania VIII WWF Title Shot: Mr. Perfect vs. Jake Roberts

Bob Backlund vs. Roddy Piper

Bret Hart vs. Rick Rude

Shane Douglas vs. Terry Funk

Demolition vs. The Hellraisers

[Chrononaut]

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1992 -- WWF PRIME TIME WRESTLING

Vince McMahon and Jesse "The Body" Ventura started the show LIVE from ringside and ran through the night's lineup, featuring the Rockers defending the WWF Television Tag Team Championship against the Destruction Crew in the main event, Rick Rude meeting the Texas Twister, Paul Roma taking on Jim Neidhart, Hacksaw Duggan in action, and much more.

"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan vs. Brooklyn Brawler

This was a pretty sloppy and plodding semi-competitive squash that gave the commentators the opportunity to discuss current events in the WWF. Hacksaw put the Brooklyn Brawler away with the Three Point Stance. (54%)

After the match, "The Professor" Mike Tenay appeared at ringside to interview Jim Duggan, who was giving the thumbs-up and celebrating with his 2x4 and the American flag. Hacksaw brought up how Terry Funk, Dustin Rhodes, & Colonel Robert Lee Fuller triple-teamed him this past weekend on Saturday Night's Main Event and offered to join the Honky Tonk Man and Shane Douglas in a six-man match-up against the Stud Stable this Saturday evening, ending with a "HOOOOOOOOOOO!" (74%)

In the Prime Time Wrestling studio, Gorilla Monsoon and "The Man" Ric Flair announced that next week on Prime Time Wrestling, the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters would square off against their first guests, Demolition, who entered the room wearing denim, studded leather, and their trademark facepaint. When Monsoon brought up the Million Dollar Empire's backstage assault over the weekend, Ax informed him that Smash would get his revenge in the tag team match next week, as well as this weekend on Saturday Night's Main Event in a singles bout against Virgil. Smash roared about the sick thud of the lead pipes on his skull and how it was nothing compared to what he would do to Virgil one-on-one, promising to "kick his stinkin' teeth straight down his Million Dollar butt-kissin' throat!" While Crush looked menacing, Ax barked that Demolition would prove that they were the toughest tag team in the WWF by beating Cactus Jack Manson & Bam Bam Bigelow next week, and then toppling the Hellraisers at WWF Battle Lines. (81%)

Backstage at the arena, Mean Gene Okerlund interviewed Rick Rude and Bobby Heenan as the Ravishing One prepared to face Kevin Von Erich. Ravishing Rick predicted that he would make short work of the Texas Twister tonight, and claimed that he had no fear of Bret Hart's Sharpshooter at WWF Battle Lines because his muscular legs were too strong. The Brain announced that next week on Prime Time Wrestling, the Hit Man would take on one member of the Destruction Crew, whom he stated would be WWF Television Tag Team Champions after tonight, and hinted that the former two-time co-WWF Tag Team Champion might not make it to the February 23 pay-per-view. (97%)

"Texas Twister" Kevin Von Erich vs. "Ravishing" Rick Rude

Bobby "The Brain" Heenan accompanied Rick Rude to the ring for this solid match-up that saw Kevin Von Erich display some nice athleticism to hold his own with the Ravishing One. Rude also looked strong as he focused his attack on the Texas Twister's lower back and legs throughout the contest, locking him in a bow-and-arrow. The fans rallied behind the Twister as he struggled to break the hold and mounted a comeback that culminated in springboarding off the middle turnbuckle with the Twister Punch, but Rude sidestepped it and Von Erich appeared to blow out his knee. The Ravishing One swiftly snapped on the Rude Awakening and followed up by applying the Sharpshooter, increasing the pressure until Von Erich submitted. Afterwards, Rude gyrated his hips over the writhing Twister and yelled about Bret Hart at WWF Battle Lines, adding that soon he would once again be the WWF Intercontinental Champion. (72%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair introduced "Rowdy" Roddy Piper as their next guest after discussing Hot Rod's heel turn at the 1992 Royal Rumble. The Man congratulated the Scotsman for finally coming to his senses and returning to his old ways, shaking his hand as the Rowdy One referred to Hulk Hogan as a "cancer" that had to be wiped out of the WWF. Piper informed Flair that he had suppressed his true feelings long enough, pointing out that he was one of the Immortal One's Hulkamaniacs at the 1991 Survivor Series and teamed with him at Wrestlefest 1991, and was ready to unleash his bottled-up aggression on the former two-time WWF Champion. Monsoon brought up Bob Backlund's challenge on "The Funeral Parlor" for WWF Battle Lines, but Piper responded that he and the All American should be working together to get rid of Hogan instead of facing each other on February 23. Hot Rod explained that the Hulkster never gave Backlund a chance to regain the WWF Championship after winning it in 1984 and insinuated that Hogan had something to do with Backlund leaving the WWF shortly thereafter. When Monsoon disputed his claims, the Rowdy One stated that if Backlund wouldn't listen to what he had to say, then he would beat it into his head in the ring. Piper announced that he would be participating in an exhibition match on Saturday Night's Main Event against an opponent to be determined, and advised Backlund to watch "the original Wild Child" make his return to the squared circle this weekend. (90%)

Paul "Romeo" Roma vs. Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart

Slick, along with his personal bodyguard Bad News Brown, escorted Paul Roma to ringside as McMahon mentioned that both Romeo and Jim Neidhart got involved in the Bret Hart/Stan Lane bout on Saturday Night's Main Event, resulting in this decent speed vs. strength match-up. The advantage shifted back-and-forth as the Gangster Of Style utilized his superior agility and technique against the Anvil's raw power and brawling abilities, while a serious-looking Doctor Of Style hollered advice from the floor. The end came when Roma went for a high cross-bodyblock off the ropes after ducking a clothesline from the Hart Foundation member, but Neidhart caught him in mid-air and planted him with a powerslam for the 1-2-3. (74%)

Following the match, Jim Neidhart celebrated his victory as Paul Roma rolled out to the floor, where Slick scolded him as they left ringside. Suddenly, Rick Rude sprinted down the aisle and blindsided the Anvil, taking advantage of the element of surprise to pummel the former two-time co-WWF Tag Team Champion to the canvas with forearms and double-axhandles. The Ravishing One then dropped the Anvil with the Rude Awakening and threw in a few more stomps before meeting up with Bobby Heenan in the aisleway and leaving triumphantly as Ventura commented that this was a very strong message for Bret Hart. (90%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair hyped the non-title contest for this weekend's Saturday Night's Main Event pitting WWF Champion "Macho Man" Randy Savage against their next guest, Irwin R. Schyster, who was seconded by Virgil and carried his ever-present steel haliburton briefcase. IRS smiled as Monsoon inquired what his strategy would be against the WWF Champion, and replied that he planned to exploit a weakness that Ted DiBiase would be able to capitalize on during the Last Man Standing match at WWF Battle Lines. The Tax Man admitted that winning or losing wouldn't matter as long as the Macho Man was at much less than 100% following the match-up, but refused to divulge anymore information. When the Man questioned Schyster's background, Irwin explained that he worked for the Internal Revenue Service until an "incident" that led to him being fired and becoming the Million Dollar Man's financial advisor and accountant, adding that underneath the tie and suspenders was a world-class athlete. Schyster ended the interview by threatening to audit the Macho Man on the weekend. (76%)

Mike Tenay was in the locker room at the arena to interview Bobby Heenan and the Destruction Crew as they prepared to challenge WWF Television Tag Team Champions the Rockers in the evening's main event. The Brain gloated about Rick Rude's victory over Kevin Von Erich and assault on Jim Neidhart tonight and claimed that Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom would cap off a memorable evening for the Heenan Family by capturing the TV gold...NEXT! (98%)

WWF Television Tag Team Title Match: The Rockers (Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty) [champions] vs. The Destruction Crew (Wayne "The Train" Bloom & Mike "The Machine" Enos)

Bobby "The Brain" Heenan accompanied Wayne Bloom & Mike Enos, while the WWF Television Tag Team Champions received a mostly female pop upon their entrance as the commentators hyped the Rockers' title shot at WWF Tag Team Champions Powers Of Pain at WWF Battle Lines. This was a hot, well-worked main event that saw the Destruction Crew isolate Shawn Michaels and cut the ring in half after a back-and-forth opening few minutes, as Ventura suggested that Michaels was thinking ahead to WWF Battle Lines rather than focusing on tonight's title defense. Using quick tags and numerous double-teams, the Crew scored several near-falls and seemed to be on the verge of winning, but Michaels mounted a comeback and made the hot tag to Marty Jannetty, who charged in and cleaned house, unloading on both Enos & Bloom with punches and dropkicks. Soon after, Shawn demanded to be tagged back in and the Rockers nailed the Train with a double superkick, allowing Michaels to pin Bloom while Marty held the Machine at bay. Afterwards, the Masters Of Motion fled the squared circle and celebrated with their belts in the aisleway while the broadcast finished. (79%)

Overall: 80%

Rating: 6.11

Attendance: 10,001

Ticket Sales: $600,060

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1992 -- NBC/WWF PRESENT: SATURDAY NIGHT'S MAIN EVENT

Marv Albert, "The Professor" Mike Tenay, and "The Man" Ric Flair began the LIVE network broadcast with a rundown of tonight's events, including Shane Douglas, the Honky Tonk Man, & Hacksaw Duggan meeting the Stud Stable in a six-man contest, Virgil squaring off against Smash of Demolition, Roddy Piper in exhibition action, a face-off between Jake Roberts and Mr. Perfect on "The Funeral Parlor", and in the non-title main event, Irwin R. Schyster taking on WWF Champion Randy Savage.

Ring announcer Howard "The Fink" Finkel performed the ring introductions for the combination of the Honky Tonk Man, Jim Duggan, & Shane Douglas, who were interviewed by Mean Gene Okerlund in the aisleway. The Nature Boy was fired up as he stated that Hacksaw, the Honk, and himself all had major scores to settle with the Stud Stable and planned on making Dustin Rhodes, Terry Funk, & Colonel Robert Fuller beg for mercy tonight. Honky and Duggan echoed those sentiments before continuing to the squared circle with Douglas. (87%)

When the Stud Stable were introduced, Colonel Robert Lee Fuller emerged from the curtains with Dustin Rhodes & Terry Funk, but neither the Colonel nor the Natural were dressed to wrestle. Mean Gene Okerlund asked what was going on, so the Greatest Promoter Of All Time grinned and responded that Shane Douglas, Honky Tonk Man, & Jim Duggan would still be competing against the Stud Stable, only it wouldn't be Fuller, Rhodes, & Funk. Instead, the Colonel announced that Terry Funk would be teaming with the newest Stud Stable members, Terry Gordy & Steve Williams. The Hellraisers walked out and headed down the aisle followed by the Outlaw, the Colonel, and the Lone Star Stud as the crowd booed. (80%)

Six-Man Tag Team Match: "Nature Boy" Shane Douglas & Honky Tonk Man & "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan vs. "The Outlaw" Terry Funk & The Hellraisers ("Dr. Death" Steve Williams & Terry "Bruiser" Gordy)

Colonel Robert Lee Fuller and Dustin Rhodes watched from ringside and cheered on their fellow Stud Stable members while Albert complained that Shane Douglas, Jim Duggan, & Honky Tonk Man had been hoodwinked by the Lone Star Stud and the Greatest Promoter Of All Time. This one kicked off with all six men brawling in the ring at once, trading fists as the commentators hyped the Nature Boy meeting Terry Funk in eight days at WWF Battle Lines. Eventually things settled down as the Hellraisers & Funk managed to isolate the Honk and drag him to their corner, working him over with frequent tags and vicious double-and-triple-teams, but the former WWF Intercontinental Champion kept trying to rally back. After absorbing several stiff suplexes from Williams & Gordy, Honky Tonk mounted a comeback and made the hot tag to Douglas, who charged in along with Hacksaw to kick off another pier-six slugfest with the Outlaw, Bruiser, & Dr. Death. While referee Randy Anderson was busy trying to usher Duggan and Honky out to their corner, Dustin Rhodes hopped up on the apron and grabbed Douglas by the hair, snapping him throat-first over the top rope. The Nature Boy staggered back into the grip of the Hellraisers, who flattened him with the Death Dealer, allowing Funk to cover Douglas for the 1-2-3 when the official returned. Afterwards, the Stud Stable exited up the aisle, raising their arms and taunting Douglas, Honky, & Duggan. (68%)

While the commentators hyped the Hellraisers' bout at WWF Battle Lines against Demolition, Ax, Smash, & Crush were shown marching down a hallway backstage, clad in black studded leather and fearsome warpaint as they headed out for Smash's match-up against Virgil...NEXT! (87%)

Smash vs. Virgil

Ax and Crush marched out alongside Smash, while Virgil brought Bam Bam Bigelow & Cactus Jack Manson with him as Tenay mentioned that Demolition would be facing the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters this Monday night on Prime Time Wrestling. This was a very basic contest, as Virgil used a hit-and-run strategy, mixed with some underhanded tactics, to wear down the former three-time co-WWF Tag Team Champion. Smash battled back and took the advantage, ruthlessly punishing the muscular manservant before finishing him off with a kneedrop to the throat from the middle turnbuckle. Afterwards, several WWF officials had to break up a brawl between the Bounty Hunters and Demolition. (69%)

Following a brief teaser for WrestleMania VIII on Sunday, April 26, Paul Bearer was on the set of "The Funeral Parlor" as he first introduced Jake "The Snake" Roberts, followed by Mr. Perfect, who was accompanied by Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. Bearer noted that they would square off in eight days at WWF Battle Lines with the WWF Title shot at WrestleMania on the line, but Perfect reminded Roberts that it was his shot, which meant that Jake had to beat him to earn it. The Flawless One promised that he wasn't going to let that happen and vowed to avenge himself for the losses suffered to Jake at the 1991 Survivor Series and at WWF No Holds Barred, adding that he had worked too hard in the 1992 Royal Rumble to lose his WWF Title shot in a one-on-one match-up. The Snake countered that he had been in the WWF longer than Perfect and had only received a handful of WWF Championship opportunities while Perfect challenged Hulk Hogan numerous times in 1989 and 1990, so he planned to capitalize and steal away the WrestleMania shot. Jake recalled that he lasted about 70 minutes in the 1991 Royal Rumble, then snapped his fingers, claiming that he would knock Perfect out cold yet again at WWF Battle Lines and go on to win the WWF Championship on April 26. Standing face-to-face with the Snake, Perfect explained that that would happen "over my dead body", which Roberts commented could be arranged and pointed out that they were in the right place. Roberts grinned deviously and Perfect slapped him across the face, but Jake didn't react, provoking Perfect to slap him again. When Jake still didn't respond, Perfect went for another slap, but Jake caught him by the wrist and swiftly reeled him into a DDT position. However, Perfect quickly scrambled away and retreated off the stage with the Brain, pointing at Roberts and warning that revenge would be his at WWF Battle Lines. (89%)

After a commercial break, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper was introduced and received a loud heel pop, soaking in the boos as he snatched the microphone from ring announcer Howard Finkel. Hot Rod told the Fink to "get lost" and proceeded to run down Hulk Hogan and Bob Backlund as "chumps" before introducing his exhibition opponent for this evening, "Maniac" Matt Borne. The Maniac was met with a rather quiet response from the fans as he walked out and joined the Rowdy One in the squared circle. The Scotsman put Borne over as one of the greatest athletes ever produced by Portland, Oregon, and added that he had known Matt's father, "Tough" Tony Borne, many years ago. When Piper asked Borne what he thought of his situation with Backlund and Hogan, but before Borne could answer, Piper whalloped him with a punch to the mouth to kick off the match-up. (89%)

"Rowdy" Roddy Piper vs. "Maniac" Matt Borne

Roddy Piper tossed the microphone away and opened up on Matt Borne with lefts and rights to the head, displaying his underrated pugilistic skills. While the Rowdy One worked over the Maniac with punches, kicks, and chokeholds, the commentators discussed his upcoming bout against Bob Backlund at WWF Battle Lines, as Flair again supported the Scotsman's return to the heel side and hoped that Backlund would also come to his senses. After a brief comeback attempt by Borne, Hot Rod hooked the Maniac in the Sleeperhold to earn the victory when referee Tim White dropped the second-generation grappler's arm three times. (73%)

Backstage, Irwin R. Schyster was shown going over some last-minute strategy with Ted DiBiase as he prepared for the evening's non-title main event against WWF Champion Randy Savage. The Million Dollar Man shared an evil laugh with his personal financial advisor before IRS picked up his briefcase and headed out. (88%)

Non-Title Match: Irwin R. Schyster vs. "Macho Man" Randy Savage

Irwin R. Schyster walked out alone in his tie and suspenders, carrying his briefcase, while the new three-time WWF Champion was greeted with a thunderous pop when he emerged from the curtains. In his first televised bout since regaining the WWF Championship, Randy Savage started off strong and unloaded on IRS with fists and elbows, taking the fight right to the Tax Man. The tide turned when Schyster sidestepped a stinger splash in the corner and used the Macho Man's momentum to ram him midsection-first against the turnbuckles, as Tenay recalled that Ted DiBiase focused his attack on the ribs in the I Quit match at the 1992 Royal Rumble. Schyster worked over Savage's ribs with gutbusters, kicks to the midsection, a gut-first hotshot across the top rope, and an agonizing abdominal stretch, really cinching it in as the commentators discussed how tonight's main event would affect the Last Man Standing contest for the WWF Title at WWF Battle Lines. The Macho Man eventually managed to break free from the abdominal stretch as the fans rallied behind him, and mounted a comeback, hitting the flying double-axhandle to the floor on Irwin before rolling him back into the ring. The WWF Champion quickly climbed to the top turnbuckle and landed the Flying Elbowdrop on IRS for the three-count. (77%)

Following the bell, referee Earl Hebner handed over the WWF Championship belt to Randy Savage, who raised the gold high in the air and clutched his midsection as Flair stated that even though Irwin R. Schyster had lost the match, he still accomplished his mission. While the Macho Man staggered around and celebrated, Ted DiBiase sprinted down the aisle and slid into the ring, where he ambushed the WWF Champion from behind. Savage tried to defend himself, but IRS returned to the squared circle and helped the Million Dollar Man hammer him down to the canvas. Schyster locked Savage in a lateral abdominal stretch on the mat, holding him wide open as DiBiase mercilessly kicked and stomped Savage's gut. DiBiase picked up the WWF Title belt and repeatedly cracked it across the WWF Champion's ribs until a bevy of WWF agents and officials flooded out to end the mayhem. The Million Dollar Man and IRS gloated in the aisleway as the Macho Man groaned in pain and coughed up blood while Albert, Tenay, and Flair ended the show. (100%)

Overall: 83%

Rating: 6.84

Attendance: 10,007

Ticket Sales: $600,420

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1992 -- WWF SUPERSTARS OF WRESTLING

* Hosts: Gorilla Monsoon and "The Man" Ric Flair.

* Slick, along with Bad News Brown, approached Razor Ramon in the locker room and suggested that the Bad Guy wasn't really as tough as he claimed to be. When the Cuban immigrant argued with Slick, the Doctor Of Style challenged Razor to face Bad News in tonight's main event. Ramon accepted and promised to "carve up" Brown later on. (76%)

* The Gangsters Of Style ("Sweet" Stan Lane & Paul "Romeo" Roma) vs. Scott Taylor & Louie Spicolli: The Gangsters were without Slick or Bad News Brown, but they put on a strong showing in this surprisingly competitive squash. It ended when Romeo Roma covered Taylor following the Style Clash from he and Sweet Stan. (71%)

* A video package aired, highlighting the recent issues between Shane Douglas and the Stud Stable to hype the match-up at WWF Battle Lines pitting the Nature Boy against Terry Funk. (78%)

* Sean Mooney interviewed Kevin Von Erich, who made some generic comments about the struggle to climb the ladder in the WWF. (73%)

* "Texas Twister" Kevin Von Erich vs. Iron Mike Sharpe: Basic babyface squash that ended in submission when the Texas Twister applied the Von Erich Claw after the Twister Punch. (63%)

* A vignette featuring Doug "The Tank" Furnas & Al "Ice Man" Snow aired next, building up Fire & Ice for their eventual WWF debut. (66%)

* Cameras backstage showed Papa Shango leading the zombified Superfly Snuka out of their dimly-lit dressing room, headed out for their tag team match-up. (76%)

* Papa Shango & "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka vs. The Dundee Family (Bill & Jamie Dundee): Spirited competitive squash with Shango & Snuka functioning well as a unit and earning the win via submission when the Voodoo Master cinched in the Black Spike on Bill. (72%)

* After Mean Gene Okerlund's "WWF Update" segment, Lord Alfred Hayes interviewed Bad News Brown and Slick, who claimed that his personal bodyguard was going to show Razor Ramon what it was like to be in a "Harlem-style" street fight. (78%)

* Sean Mooney interviewed Razor Ramon, who stated that he still had his sights set on the Million Dollar Empire, but would put that aside for tonight to prove to Bad News Brown who the new "Bad Guy" was in the WWF. (89%)

* Bad News Brown vs. Razor Ramon: Entertaining brawling-style main event that proved that the 48-year-old Bad News can still put on a good slugfest with the right opponent. After some nice back-and-forth action, the Bad Guy dropped Brown with the Razor's Edge for the 1-2-3. (80%)

Overall: 75%

Rating: 5.02

Attendance: 10,040

Ticket Sales: $602,400

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According to the WWF Update by Mean Gene Okerlund during Superstars Of Wrestling, here is the card for WWF Battle Lines on Sunday, February 23...

WWF Championship/Last Man Standing Match: Randy Savage [champion] vs. Ted DiBiase

WWF Tag Team Title Match: Powers Of Pain [champions] vs. The Rockers

WrestleMania VIII WWF Title Shot: Mr. Perfect vs. Jake Roberts

Bob Backlund vs. Roddy Piper

Bret Hart vs. Rick Rude

Shane Douglas vs. Terry Funk

Demolition vs. The Hellraisers

[Chrononaut]

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1992 -- WWF PRIME TIME WRESTLING

Vince McMahon and Jesse "The Body" Ventura introduced the show LIVE from ringside with hype for this Sunday's WWF Battle Lines before announcing the lineup for tonight: the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters battling Demolition in the main event, Mr. Perfect squaring off against Matt Borne, Bret Hart taking on the Destruction Crew's Wayne Bloom, WWF Tag Team Champions Powers Of Pain facing the Conquistadors in a non-title affair, the Big Boss Man & Hawk in tag team action, and much more.

Hawk & Big Boss Man vs. "Playboy" Buddy Rose & "Dangerous" Danny Davis

Danny Davis & Buddy Rose attempted an ambush right off the bat, but the Big Boss Man & Hawk no-sold it and proceeded to squash their opponents, finishing them off when Hawk covered the 300-pound Playboy following an impressive Doomsday Device from he and Boss Man. (72%)

In the Prime Time Wrestling studio, Gorilla Monsoon and "The Man" Ric Flair announced that this weekend on Saturday Night's Main Event, Rick Rude would be meeting their first guest, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, who looked as unbalanced as ever. Monsoon mentioned that the Ravishing One had a match with Bret Hart this Sunday at WWF Battle Lines, but the Anvil claimed that Rude wouldn't make it through him after what happened last week and expressed anger at being viewed as a "stepping stone" to the Hit Man. Flair tried to stir up trouble by asking Neidhart why Hart got a WWF Title shot last month and now a singles match-up on pay-per-view, but Neidhart roared at the Man to "stuff it" and promised to punish Rude for assaulting him from behind last week. (83%)

Backstage at the arena, Mean Gene Okerlund interviewed Paul Ellering and WWF Tag Team Champions Powers Of Pain, who stood menacingly behind the Precious One as he spoke. Precious Paul informed Mean Gene that "when, not if" Warlord & Barbarian defeat Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty at WWF Battle Lines this Sunday, he would demand a shot at the Rockers' WWF Television Tag Team Championship in an effort to unify the belts and become the first and only squad to hold both tag team titles. (82%)

Non-Title Match: The Conquistadors (Conquistador #1 & Conquistador #2) vs. Powers Of Pain (Barbarian & Warlord)

Paul Ellering led out his WWF Tag Team Champions as Ventura agreed that it would only be fair for the Rockers to grant the Powers Of Pain a WWF Television Tag Team Title shot after the Powers beat them this Sunday at WWF Battle Lines. This was a competitive match-up, as the Conquistadors gave it everything they had, but could not overcome the sheer strength of the Powers, who put the masked men away when the Barbarian covered #1 following the Apocalypse by he and the Warlord. (78%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair discussed some of the matches for this Sunday's WWF Battle Lines, including the Rockers challenging the Powers Of Pain for the WWF Tag Team Championship, Shane Douglas squaring off against Terry Funk, and Mr. Perfect defending his WrestleMania VIII WWF Title shot against their next guest, Jake "The Snake" Roberts. The Snake brought up all the trials and tribulations he had gone through during his feud with the Heenan Family dating back one year ago, and claimed that all he had to show for it were his elimination of the Flawless One at the 1991 Survivor Series and the Lights Out victory at WWF No Holds Barred. Jake explained that capturing the shot at the WWF Championship would make it all worthwhile and would allow him to fulfill his dreams of becoming the WWF Champion in front of the whole world at WrestleMania. Roberts detailed some of the attacks he had suffered at the hands of Perfect as well as Rick Rude over the last year and for each one, noted that they were worth it this Sunday to earn a crack at the WWF Title. Jake ended the interview by looking into the camera and whispering for Perfect to remember three little letters at WWF Battle Lines: "D. D. T." (98%)

"Maniac" Matt Borne vs. Mr. Perfect

Bobby "The Brain" Heenan accompanied Mr. Perfect to the ring as the commentators wondered whether or not the Flawless One had seen Jake Roberts' intense interview on the monitor backstage. Ventura argued how unfair it would be if the Snake only had to beat one man to earn the WWF Title shot at WrestleMania VIII since Perfect had to outlast 29 others in the 1992 Royal Rumble, while Perfect and Matt Borne put on a very crisp and intense scientific match-up, trading holds and counterholds on the canvas before progressing to loud chops across the chest. Although the Maniac fought tooth-and-nail, Perfect eventually snared him in the Perfectplex for the pinfall. (83%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair mentioned another couple of matches at WWF Battle Lines this Sunday, including Bret Hart meeting Rick Rude and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper facing their next guest, Bob Backlund. The All American walked into the room and shook hands with Gorilla, who asked him how he felt when he saw Hot Rod help Jerry Lawler beat Hulk Hogan in the Stretcher Match at the 1992 Royal Rumble. Backlund recalled that when he and Piper had teamed together a few times last fall, the Scotsman had made a few remarks regarding the Hulkster holding both of them down, especially after they were part of the Hulkamaniacs at the 1991 Survivor Series. When the Man inquired why Backlund didn't tell anybody or warn Hogan, the former WWF Champion responded that he thought they were "idle comments" and meant nothing, expressing remorse that he could have prevented the assault and saved the Immortal One. Backlund stated that the only way to ease his guilt would be to stretch the Rowdy One until he snapped, but Flair pointed out that Backlund first had to wrestle Terry Funk on Saturday Night's Main Event. The All American calmly replied that he would "hogtie" the Outlaw with wrestling holds this Saturday and then take care of Piper on Sunday at WWF Battle Lines. (87%)

Bret "Hit Man" Hart vs. Wayne "The Train" Bloom

Bobby "The Brain" Heenan seconded Wayne Bloom while McMahon put the Destruction Crew over for coming very close to winning the WWF Television Tag Team Championship last week. Ventura brought up the Crew's rivalry with the Hart Foundation last year as these two foes tore into each other and put on a great contest. The action went back-and-forth as the Train used his superior size and strength to wear down Bret Hart, but the Hit Man fought back with rugged determination and technical skill, focusing on Bloom's legs for the Sharpshooter. When Bret applied the Sharpshooter, Rick Rude sprinted down the aisle and hopped up on the apron, distracting referee Shane McMahon before Bloom could submit. Meanwhile, Mike Enos rushed into the ring behind the official's back, but Hart was ready with a salvo of punches and a standing dropkick that knocked the Machine through the ropes out to the floor. The Hit Man then raced over and teed off on the Ravishing One, who crashed off the apron, giving Bloom an opportunity to blindside Hart. However, Bret blocked it and took the Train down with a russian legsweep to pick up the three-count. Afterwards, as he departed with the Brain and the Crew, Rude hurled threats at Bret. (84%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair finished off the card for this Sunday's WWF Battle Lines by talking about Demolition battling the Hellraisers and the Last Man Standing match pitting Ted DiBiase against their final guest, WWF Champion "Macho Man" Randy Savage, who clutched his midsection as Monsoon congratulated him on his record third WWF Title victory at the 1992 Royal Rumble in the I Quit match. The Macho Man admitted that it was a brutal bout and credited the Million Dollar Man as a ruthless competitor, adding that DiBiase would have his utmost respect as an athlete and a professional wrestler if it weren't for the constant interference of the Million Dollar Empire. However, as a man, Savage stated that he hated DiBiase more intensely and violently than he had ever hated anybody in his life, and planned to unleash that intensity and violence in the Last Man Standing match. The WWF Champion explained that even though he regained the belt, he still despised DiBiase for completely destroying the happiest time of his life and "poisoning" Miss Elizabeth's heart. When the Man mentioned the possibility of Elizabeth appearing at WWF Battle Lines, Savage fell silent and uttered that he hoped she would stay out of the way because he was going to be the Last Man Standing "by any means necessary....OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH YEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH, DIG IT!" (95%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was in the locker room at the arena to interview Demolition as Crush & Smash prepared for the evening's main event against the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters. Smash growled about how good it felt to batter Virgil over the weekend on Saturday Night's Main Event and claimed that he and Crush were ready to "kick some teeth in" tonight. Ax barked about this Sunday's match with the Hellraisers at WWF Battle Lines and vowed that Demolition would prove to be the toughest tag team in the history of the WWF. (85%)

The Million Dollar Bounty Hunters (Bam Bam Bigelow & Cactus Jack Manson) vs. Demolition (Smash & Crush)

The Million Dollar Bounty Hunters came out by themselves, while Ax marched out alongside his Demolition brothers-in-paint as the commentators did the WWF Battle Lines hard sell. As expected, this main event was a very physical tag team contest with plenty of stiff brawling, and the crowd were really into it as the two massive squads slugged it out in the ring and around ringside. Bam Bam Bigelow & Cactus Jack Manson managed to isolate Smash and work him over with frequent tags and smashmouth double-teams until Smash broke free with a double-clothesline on both Bounty Hunters and made the hot tag to Crush, who charged in and unloaded on Manson & Bigelow. Smash took Bam Bam out to the floor while Crush dominated Cactus Jack on the inside, displaying his immense power by press-slamming the 300-pound New Mexican Wildman. While this was going on, the Hellraisers stalked down the aisle followed by Colonel Robert Lee Fuller, but the Big Boss Man & Hawk rushed out behind them and stopped them from continuing to ringside, trading fists with Steve Williams & Terry Gordy in the aisleway. This distracted Cactus and allowed Crush to lift him in a full nelson and drive him to the mat before hooking the leg for the 1-2-3. Afterwards, Demolition and the Bounty Hunters joined the brawl in the aisleway with Hawk & Boss Man and the Hellraisers as the program faded out while McMahon and Ventura hyped this Sunday's WWF Battle Lines. (85%)

Overall: 84%

Rating: 6.30

Attendance: 10,004

Ticket Sales: $600,240

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1992 -- NBC/WWF PRESENT: SATURDAY NIGHT'S MAIN EVENT

Marv Albert, "The Professor" Mike Tenay, and "The Man" Ric Flair opened the LIVE network broadcast by hyping tomorrow night's WWF Battle Lines and introducing tonight's lineup, featuring Terry Funk taking on Bob Backlund, the New British Bulldogs meeting the Gangsters Of Style, Razor Ramon in action, WWF Television Tag Team Champions the Rockers on "The Funeral Parlor", and in the main event, Rick Rude squaring off against Jim Neidhart.

Razor Ramon vs. Iron Mike Sharpe

Razor Ramon got a nice pop when he swaggered down the aisle as the commentators mentioned his hard-fought victory over Bad News Brown on last week's Superstars Of Wrestling. Basic squash for the Bad Guy, who put Iron Mike away with the Razor's Edge. (69%)

A black-and-white vignette aired for Fire & Ice, featuring Al "Ice Man" Snow & Doug "The Tank" Furnas standing in the middle of a United States Wrestling Association ring in a small empty arena. They both spoke of their love for professional wrestling and the thrill of competition, and detailed how they had sacrificed and worked to make it to the WWF. The Tank & Ice Man promised to do whatever they had to do to make the most of their opportunity and announced that they would be making their in-ring WWF debut this Monday night on Prime Time Wrestling as the black-and-white film exploded into the colorful "Fire & Ice" logo. (74%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was backstage at the arena to interview the Gangsters Of Style and Slick, who started to talk about their bout tonight with the New British Bulldogs. Paul Roma interrupted the Doctor Of Style and claimed that he was sick of seeing the Fire & Ice vignettes and hearing about what a great tag team they would be. Stan Lane agreed and stated that he and Romeo wanted to be Fire & Ice's first opponents in their debut on Prime Time Wrestling to properly welcome them to the WWF. Slick shook his head and advised Romeo & Sweet Stan to concentrate on the Bulldogs as they headed out. (81%)

The Gangsters Of Style ("Sweet" Stan Lane & Paul "Romeo" Roma) vs. The New British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith & Chris Benoit)

Slick, along with his personal bodyguard Bad News Brown, escorted his Gangsters Of Style to ringside as the commentators discussed their challenge to Fire & Ice for this Monday's Prime Time Wrestling. This was an entertaining, fast-paced match-up that saw both squads trade the advantage several times, using classic tag team tactics and double-teams. The New Bulldogs took control late in the contest as Davey Boy Smith mowed down Paul Roma with a series of clotheslines and tagged in Chris Benoit before planting Romeo with the Running Powerslam. Benoit swiftly dropped the Swandive Headbutt from the top turnbuckle on Roma, but the Commonwealth Connection appeared at ringside, attracting the attention of Davey Boy and referee Danny Marsh. Meanwhile, Stan Lane dove from the top turnbuckle with a flying legdrop across the back of Benoit's head and rolled Romeo Roma over on top of Benoit for the three-count when the official returned. Afterwards, the Gangsters retreated with Slick and Bad News while Davey Boy stopped brawling with the Dynamite Kid & Owen Hart to check on Benoit in the squared circle. (81%)

Following a commercial break, Paul Bearer was on the set of "The Funeral Parlor" and introduced this week's guests, WWF Television Tag Team Champions the Rockers, who were dressed in their street clothes with their title belts over their shoulders. Shawn Michaels seemed very confident as he explained that instead of going barhopping, he and Marty Jannetty had been focusing all of their energy on training and preparing for their WWF Tag Team Title shot against the Powers Of Pain tomorrow night at WWF Battle Lines. Marty agreed that they were ready to win the "big gold" this time, but Bearer brought up Paul Ellering's challenge from Prime Time Wrestling this past Monday and inquired if the Masters Of Motion were up to the task of defending their own TV belts against Barbarian & Warlord. Jannetty took the question personally and responded that they wouldn't back down from any challenges, offering to defend the WWF Television Tag Team Title against the Powers next week on Saturday Night's Main Event, regardless of what happens tomorrow evening. Shawn did not look pleased with his partner but commented that the Rockers would "rock 'n' roll" all over the Powers tomorrow night and next week and own all the gold, courtesy of the "Sweet Chin Music". As Shawn was speaking, Paul Ellering walked out, followed by his WWF Tag Team Champions, and began to threaten Jannetty & Michaels. After a brief staredown, the Rockers tore into the Powers, kicking off a heated pier-six brawl that eventually disappeared backstage. (79%)

Jesse "The Body" Ventura was in the locker room along with Colonel Robert Fuller and Terry Funk, who was getting ready to lock up with Bob Backlund. The Colonel stated that Dustin Rhodes was enjoying some "rest and relaxation" poolside at his ranch in Texas, while the Outlaw explained that his role in the Stud Stable would be to stop Shane Douglas tomorrow night at WWF Battle Lines before the Nature Boy could get to the Natural. The Funker warned both Backlund and Douglas that he still had plenty of violence left to dish out, "Double Cross Ranch style!" (87%)

"The Outlaw" Terry Funk vs. Bob Backlund

Colonel Robert Lee Fuller strutted out behind Terry Funk as Tenay recalled that the Outlaw pinned Bob Backlund on Prime Time Wrestling a couple of months ago. The All American got a good response from the fans as the commentators hyped his match with Roddy Piper at WWF Battle Lines tomorrow night, and put on a great bout with the Funker. Funk controlled Backlund with his hardcore brawling style and roughhousing tactics, while the former WWF Champion battled back using his scientific prowess and pure solid wrestling. Late in the match-up, as Backlund was building momentum, Roddy Piper strolled down to ringside and started to harrass Backlund. Backlund tried to ignore the Rowdy One and hoisted Funk up for the Running Atomic Drop, but as Backlund was running, Hot Rod reached in and grabbed his ankle, tripping the All American and bringing the Funker crashing down on top of him. When they got to their feet, Funk grabbed hold of Backlund and drilled him with the Double Cross Driver for the 1-2-3. Afterwards, Funk and Fuller took off with the victory while Piper stepped into the ring and helped Backlund up, only to hurl him over the top rope to the floor. The Scotsman taunted Backlund from the squared circle and soaked in the resounding boos from the crowd. (82%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was in the dressing room to interview Bobby Heenan and Rick Rude, who was tying up his "Simply Ravishing" robe in preparation for tonight's main event against Jim Neidhart. The Ravishing One vowed that he would make an example out of the Anvil for Bret Hart tomorrow evening at WWF Battle Lines, while the Brain claimed that after Rude disposed of Neidhart and the Hit Man, his focus would once again be on Ricky Steamboat's WWF Intercontinental Championship when the Dragon returned from injury. (95%)

Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart vs. "Ravishing" Rick Rude

Bobby "The Brain" Heenan accompanied Rick Rude to the ring as Flair declared that Bret Hart had ordered Jim Neidhart to soften up the Ravishing One for tomorrow night's WWF Battle Lines. This was a very entertaining main event that had great crowd heat, as the Anvil would utilize his rhino-like strength and straight-ahead brawling to dominate until Rude snuck in some skullduggery to turn the tables. Rude worked over Neidhart's neck with a neck vice, but the former two-time co-WWF Tag Team Champion battled back and unloaded with a barrage of shoulderblocks and clotheslines. In the end, Ravishing Rick avoided a charging spear in the corner and snapped on the Rude Awakening to score the pinfall. Afterwards, Rude hooked Neidhart in the Sharpshooter and cinched it in while the Brain stomped and kicked the Anvil. Finally, the Hit Man sprinted out in his street clothes and chased off Rude and Heenan. (90%)

An excellent video package aired that recapped the bitter feud between Mr. Perfect and Jake "The Snake" Roberts, culminating in the Flawless One putting his WWF Championship shot at WrestleMania VIII on the line tomorrow night at WWF Battle Lines. The video used footage from last year when the Roberts/Rick Rude and Perfect/Ricky Steamboat feuds overlapped, including Perfect helping Rude beat Roberts in the Snake Pit match at SummerSlam '91, as well as the Snake's DDT elimination on Perfect in the Animal House/Heenan Family bout at the 1991 Survivor Series, Jake's Lights Out victory in December at WWF No Holds Barred, and Perfect winning the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble last month by tossing out Razor Ramon, who had just ousted Jake. The voiceover stressed that only one man could go on to challenge the WWF Champion at WrestleMania and suggested that Roberts and Perfect would rip each other to pieces at WWF Battle Lines tomorrow evening. (92%)

Back in the arena, "Money, Money, Money" cranked up and the fans booed heavily as "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase strode down the aisle, flanked by Irwin R. Schyster and Virgil, and took the microphone. The Million Dollar Man ranted about the Last Man Standing match for the WWF Championship against Randy Savage tomorrow night at WWF Battle Lines and bragged about all the ways he had made the Macho Man suffer over the last several months, adding that he planned on making Savage suffer more tomorrow evening than he had ever suffered in his life. DiBiase recounted how he had won the WWF Title and stole Miss Elizabeth at SummerSlam '91, laughing heartily as he introduced a "special video message" for the Macho Man. The NBC video wall in the arena lit up, displaying Elizabeth in a large hot tub surrounded by jewelry and stacks of cash, taking a bubble bath as she sipped on a glass of wine. The First Lady Of Wrestling stated that she had the best Valentine's Day of her life this year with the Million Dollar Man, showing off a huge diamond on her finger, and revealed that her concussion had cleared up courtesy of the high-priced medical treatment supplied by the Million Dollar Empire. Elizabeth lifted her leg out of the water and seductively stroked it as she commented that her ankle was still a bit sore from the bump she took a couple of months ago. Nonetheless, Liz announced that she would be at ringside for the Last Man Standing match at WWF Battle Lines and winked suggestively, assuring Randy that she would definitely see him tomorrow evening. The video wall faded out as Elizabeth giggled and continued her bath. In the ring, DiBiase cackled and wondered how Savage felt after seeing his ex-fiancee "living the good life" without him, verbally torturing and taunting the Macho Man about Elizabeth until Savage suddenly came roaring down to the squared circle. The WWF Champion channeled his rage properly, eradicating Virgil and IRS from the ring before DiBiase blindsided Savage and tried to pummel him to the canvas. However, Savage fought back and went at it tooth-and-nail with DiBiase, heatedly brawling all over ringside as Flair commented that if Savage let his emotions get the better of him in the Last Man Standing match, he could lose the WWF Title to DiBiase again. The Macho Man and the Million Dollar Man continued to violently slug it out in and out of the ring, ruining each other's street clothes, while Albert, Tenay, and Flair closed the show with some last-second hype for WWF Battle Lines tomorrow night. (88%)

Overall: 83%

Rating: 6.84

Attendance: 10,042

Ticket Sales: $602,520

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Here is the final card for tomorrow night's WWF Battle Lines on Sunday, February 23... as always, predictions and feedback are encouraged and appreciated.

WWF Championship/Last Man Standing Match: Randy Savage [champion] vs. Ted DiBiase

WWF Tag Team Title Match: Powers Of Pain [champions] vs. The Rockers

WrestleMania VIII WWF Title Shot: Mr. Perfect vs. Jake Roberts

Bob Backlund vs. Roddy Piper

Bret Hart vs. Rick Rude

Shane Douglas vs. Terry Funk

Demolition vs. The Hellraisers

[Chrononaut]

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1992 -- WWF BATTLE LINES

The Preview Show prior to the pay-per-view was hosted by Mean Gene Okerlund and "The Man" Ric Flair, who thoroughly dissected and discussed each match on the card for tonight's WWF Battle Lines. The half-hour infomercial ended with a tremendous video package highlighting the various twists and turns that have occured in the bitter feud between "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase and WWF Champion "Macho Man" Randy Savage, including: Savage's face turn a week after winning his second WWF Title from the Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania VII when he refused DiBiase's offer of "protection"; the million dollar bounty placed on Savage's head and belt, leading to the appearance of Bam Bam Bigelow & Cactus Jack Manson as DiBiase's Million Dollar Bounty Hunters, brutally mauling Savage during WWF Title shots at WWF War Zone and Wrestlefest 1991, respectively; the "fake kidnapping" angle involving Miss Elizabeth, who then shocked the world and turned heel at SummerSlam '91 by slapping Savage, who fell victim to the Million Dollar Dream and lost the WWF Title; Savage's mental anguish at losing both his fiancee and the WWF Title putting him on the edge as he pursued new WWF Champion DiBiase throughout the fall; the incident in December where Razor Ramon accidentally punched Elizabeth when DiBiase used her as a human shield, which led to tension between Savage and Ramon, and showed that Savage still had feelings for Liz; Savage regaining the WWF Title from DiBiase under controversial circumstances in the I Quit match at the 1992 Royal Rumble, and the subsequent announcement of the Last Man Standing match for WWF Battle Lines; and clips of Elizabeth in the hot tub promising to return tonight, adding an extra level of intrigue to an already gripping struggle. A bit much maybe, but the video really put the DiBiase/Savage feud over as a classic epic. (90%)

Gorilla Monsoon, Jesse "The Body" Ventura, and "The Professor" Mike Tenay welcomed viewers to WWF Battle Lines LIVE from the broadcast position at the back of the arena and hyped the exciting lineup for this evening's pay-per-view before sending it up to ring announcer Howard "The Fink" Finkel in the squared circle.

"The Outlaw" Terry Funk vs. "Nature Boy" Shane Douglas

Colonel Robert Lee Fuller swaggered down the aisle behind Terry Funk, who was carrying his branding iron and a hangman's noose, as Ventura claimed that Dustin Rhodes was watching on pay-per-view from his luxurious ranch in Texas. Shane Douglas strutted out in a magnificent black-and-orange robe with two hot women at his side and stopped at ringside to remove his robe and hand it off to his escorts, whom he sent back to the dressing room as Monsoon recalled the stipulations: if Douglas won, he would get a one-on-one encounter with Rhodes next month at WWF March To WrestleMania, but if Funk won, Douglas would have to face the Stud Stable in a handicap match. The Nature Boy slid into the ring underneath the bottom rope and paid for his mistake as the Outlaw was all over him right off the bat with kicks and stomps. The Funker bombarded the former Top Gun with closed fists, facerakes, and various illegal maneuvers until Shane battled back and chased the Texan out to the floor. During a footrace around the ring, Funk managed to surprise Douglas with a drop-toehold that caused Douglas to smack face-first against the ringpost, inflicting a facial injury that Funk proceeded to exploit throughout the contest. Funk mercilessly worked over his face with punches, fistdrops, forearms, kneedrops, and stomps, but Douglas exhibited a never-say-die attitude as he absorbed the punishment until finally mounting a comeback, unleashing a series of loud chops across Funk's chest, bringing back memories of Flair/Funk in the NWA a couple of years ago. The Nature Boy focused on Funk's knee and pounded the joint with kneebreakers and a spinning toehold, which Tenay pointed out was a Funk Family trademark. The Outlaw struggled to fight back after some interference from the Colonel, but Douglas reversed an attempted Irish-whip and caught Funk with the Ace In The Hole on the rebound, slamming the legendary former NWA World Heavyweight Champion to the mat for the three-count. (72%)

After the bell, Shane Douglas grabbed Terry Funk's bad leg and warned that he was going to make sure the Outlaw didn't get in the way of his quest for Dustin Rhodes anymore, preparing to apply the Figure Four Leglock. Before the Nature Boy could perform the hold, the Natural sprinted out in expensive jeans, designer cowboy boots, and a slick shirt and hit the ring, plastering Douglas right across the face with a metal folding chair. Douglas collapsed to the canvas as Funk crawled away and stumbled back to his feet while the Lone Star Stud kicked and stomped Douglas, raking the spurs from his cowboy boots across Shane's face. The Nature Boy began to bleed heavily as the Natural yanked him up and dropped him with the American Nightmare, face-first across the chair. The Funker ignored Shane's screams of pain and dragged him off the mat, hoisted him up in a piledriver position, and drilled him with a Dustin-assisted spike Double Cross Driver, planting Douglas face-first on the metal chair again. Funk gripped Douglas' leg and started to apply the Spinning Toehold as Rhodes once again dug his spurs into the mangled face of the Nature Boy, until WWF Television Tag Team Champions the Rockers finally raced out to make the save. Rhodes & Funk bailed out and headed up the aisle triumphantly with Colonel Robert Fuller while Marty Jannetty & Shawn Michaels called for medical attention for the unconscious, bloody Douglas. After the Nature Boy was stretchered out, the Rockers remained in the squared circle for their match. (80%)

WWF Tag Team Title Match: Powers Of Pain (Barbarian & Warlord) [champions] vs. The Rockers (Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty)

Paul Ellering led his WWF Tag Team Champions down the aisle as the WWF Television Tag Team Champions set their TV belts in their corner, while Tenay and Monsoon speculated on the possible facial injuries suffered by Shane Douglas. Although this championship contest started off slow with the fans somewhat down after the stretcher angle, the match-up was a great contrast of styles that eventually drew the crowd and got them into the action as the Rockers blitzed their much larger opponents with picture-perfect double dropkicks. The Powers Of Pain turned the tables when they managed to isolate Marty Jannetty and brutally punish him, tagging in-and-out frequently and scoring several near-falls. The fans rallied behind Marty as he continued to kick-out and made the hot tag to Shawn Michaels after ducking a big boot off the ropes from the Barbarian, who inadvertently nailed the Warlord. The Rockers unloaded on both Powers with a variety of lightning-like double-team maneuvers and controlled the Barbarian utilizing quick tags and aerial tactics. Late in the bout, a four-way brawl erupted after Barbarian was able to tag in Warlord, bringing in both Jannetty & Michaels to slug it out with the massive warpainted monsters. Amidst the chaos, Shawn grabbed one of the WWF Television Tag Team Title belts from their corner and tried to use it, but referee Joey Marella stopped him and tried to usher him out to the apron. Meanwhile, Marty was overwhelmed by the Powers and fell victim to the Apocalypse. The Barbarian rushed across the ring and caught Michaels with a big boot to the side of the head, knocking him out to the floor, while the Warlord covered Jannetty to retain the WWF Tag Team Championship for the Powers Of Pain. Afterwards, Michaels threw a temper tantrum over the downed Jannetty as Monsoon reminded viewers that the Rockers would have to defend their WWF Television Tag Team Championship against the Powers next weekend on Saturday Night's Main Event. (77%)

Bret "Hit Man" Hart vs. "Ravishing" Rick Rude

Prior to the match, there was a backstage altercation between Bret Hart and WWF Tag Team Champions Powers Of Pain when they crossed paths in the hallway and Warlord & Barbarian purposely bumped into the Hit Man. Bret took it personally and warned the Powers that they might not have the belts much longer if they weren't careful, which led to the Powers attacking Bret until several WWF road agents broke it up and sent the disheveled Hart out to the ring. Bobby "The Brain" Heenan accompanied Rick Rude to ringside as the commentators discussed the Ravishing One's recent issues with Bret Hart related to his feud with WWF Intercontinental Champion Ricky Steamboat. Tenay recalled that Bret scored a pinfall over Ravishing Rick last year on Prime Time Wrestling as Hart and Rude locked up collar-and-elbow, starting the contest off slowly and building the pace. Ventura questioned what effect the Powers Of Pain's brief assault might have on Bret, who worked through any damage and focused on Rude's legs and lower back in preparation for the Sharpshooter. Rude held his own and looked very impressive, engaging in an entertaining athletic match-up as he and the Hit Man traded the advantage numerous times. While Monsoon and Tenay suggested that Rude was afraid of the Sharpshooter, Hart almost squeezed a submission out of Rude using an indian deathlock, but the former WWF Intercontinental Champion got to the ropes to force a break. Moments later, when Hart went to apply the Sharpshooter, Rude scrambled away and bailed out to confer with Heenan at ringside. Rude lured Hart out to the floor, where the Ravishing One took the advantage and battered Bret around ringside before continuing the punishment in the squared circle. After kicking-out of several near-falls, Hart managed to mount a comeback and ended up clotheslining Rude over the top rope to the floor. As Rude got to his feet on the floor, Bret rebounded off the opposite ropes and soared through the ropes with a suicide dive; however, Rude dodged the dive and sent Hart crashing into the iron guardrail with the top of his head. The Hit Man clutched his neck as Rude tossed him back into the ring and snapped on the Rude Awakening to score the deciding pinfall. Afterwards, Rude gyrated his hips over the fallen Hart and made threats about taking the WWF Intercontinental Title from the Dragon, but Bret grabbed Rude by the legs and surprised him, flipping him onto the mat and into the Sharpshooter. The fans cheered, but the Ravishing One slithered out of the groggy Hit Man's grasp and retreated with the Brain, looking embarrassed. (82%)

The Hellraisers ("Dr. Death" Steve Williams & Terry "Bruiser" Gordy) vs. Demolition (Smash & Crush)

Colonel Robert Lee Fuller followed his Hellraisers down the aisle, while Ax marched out with his Demolition brothers-in-paint as Monsoon recounted how Terry Gordy & Steve Williams had made their first WWF appearance last month at the 1992 Royal Rumble by costing Crush & Smash their match against WWF Tag Team Champions Powers Of Pain. As expected, this was a straight-ahead, no-nonsense, hard-hitting, smashmouth-style contest as the two massive squads slugged it out with lefts and rights amidst frequent tags on both sides. Not a great match by any means, but interesting as a physical spectacle to see Demolition unload with their traditional onslaught, while the Hellraisers half-sold and answered back with sharp forearms, clotheslines, punches, and suplexes. There were no pinfall attempts throughout the contest as all four ruffians were more interested in proving their toughness, absorbing the stiffest shots and dishing out their own offense. Tenay discussed the Hellraisers' incredible success in Japan and compared it to Demolition's three WWF Tag Team Championship reigns as yet another brouhaha broke out amongst all four competitors around ringside, trading fists on the floor. The Bruiser & Dr. Death made it back into the ring before Crush & Smash and inadvertently distracted referee Randy Anderson by trying to return to ringside, where Demolition were pulling themselves together. While the official's attention was diverted by the Hellraisers, the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters charged down the aisle and blindsided Smash & Crush, knocking them over and mercilessly stomping them as Ventura mentioned Demolition's victory over Cactus Jack Manson & Bam Bam Bigelow last Monday night on Prime Time Wrestling. The beating didn't last long, as the Big Boss Man & Hawk rushed down the aisle and brawled with the Bounty Hunters, dragging them away from ringside. Meanwhile, Smash crawled back into the squared circle, where the Hellraisers hauled him up and crunched him with the Death Dealer before Gordy hooked the leg for the 1-2-3. Afterwards, Gordy & Williams plodded up the aisleway and assaulted Hawk & Boss Man from behind, joining forces with Bigelow & Manson to hammer the faces until a groggy Crush & Smash entered themselves into the fray. The eight behemoths brawled back through the curtains and disappeared. (69%)

"Rowdy" Roddy Piper vs. Bob Backlund

Roddy Piper strolled down to the squared circle first and mocked Bob Backlund's warm-up routines, until the All American was introduced and charged out to the ring as the Rowdy One taunted him. The former WWF Champion blocked Hot Rod's shots and unloaded on him with stiff lefts and rights to the head while Monsoon and Ventura argued about the Scotsman's allegations that Hulk Hogan had "held down" Backlund and Piper. Backlund remained in control and pummeled Piper, who eventually bailed out to ringside and fled up the aisle, followed by a persistent Backlund. Referee Shane McMahon was extremely lenient with his 10-count as Backlund continued his attack on Piper in the aisleway until Hot Rod managed to trip the All American and bash his head against the iron guardrail, busting him wide open. Piper dragged the former WWF Champion by his shaggy, blood-soaked hair and tossed him into the ring, where Piper worked over the wound with stomps, punches, kneedrops, chokeholds, and even some ravenous biting as Ventura applauded the Rowdy Scot's bloodlust. Backlund rallied back, escaping from a tight rear-chinlock and snapping off a number of double-arm, vertical, side, and back suplexes on Piper as the fans cheered. The All American scored a few near-falls using some amateur takedowns and started to focus on Piper's right arm and shoulder in preparation for the Cross Face Chicken Wing, while the Scotsman was able to remove the turnbuckle pad after several trips to the corner. Piper caught Backlund with a vicious shot to the throat and slammed him head-first against the exposed steel bolt, wrapping him up in the Sleeperhold when the dazed former WWF Champion staggered back out of the corner. Shortly thereafter, the official slowly dropped Backlund's arm three times and declared Piper the winner via submission, which Monsoon attributed to the blood loss suffered by Backlund. Afterwards, Piper refused to release the Sleeper and only did so momentarily in order to slug the referee with a roundhouse right when he tried to pull him off of Backlund. Hot Rod mercilessly squeezed the crimson-faced Backlund in the Sleeper until the entrance curtains parted and Hulk Hogan roared out on his red-and-yellow Harley to a huge pop. The Hulkster sped to ringside and slid into the squared circle, where he blocked Piper's punches and fired back with some closed fists of his own before hurling the Rowdy One over the top rope to the floor. The Immortal One pointed at Piper and waved his finger as a warning while Piper held his head and backed up the aisle, swearing revenge on Hogan. (79%)

Jake "The Snake" Roberts vs. Mr. Perfect

Following a promo for next month's WWF March To WrestleMania on Sunday, March 29, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan accompanied Mr. Perfect to the ring while Jake Roberts sat in his corner, as Monsoon reminded viewers that the Flawless One's shot at the WWF Championship on Sunday, April 26, at WrestleMania VIII was on the line this evening. Ventura put Perfect over for winning the 1992 Royal Rumble and being a former two-time WWF Intercontinental Champion as these two heated rivals clashed together and put on an excellent contest. Perfect spent a majority of the match-up trying to avoid and counter the DDT, while Roberts took advantage of his insecurities and kept him off-balance with an unorthodox strategy of strikes and takedowns as Tenay referred to the Snake as "the original master of mind games". Mid-way through the back-and-forth bout, Perfect battled back and began to direct his assault on Jake's arm in order to neutralize the DDT, a very effective gameplan that Perfect put into action using a series of armwringers and a short-arm scissor submission. Jake refused to surrender and swallowed the pain as he staged a comeback, teeing off on Perfect with a rapid-fire string of left jabs before flooring him with a big-time kneelift. The Snake continued to unload on the Flawless One as Monsoon fantasized about seeing Roberts challenge either Randy Savage or Ted DiBiase for the WWF Title at WrestleMania, culminating in Roberts dropping Perfect with a short-arm clothesline, but injuring his own arm in the process. When the Snake went to hook the DDT, Perfect held onto the ropes to block it and Jake crashed to the canvas, landing on the bad arm. The Perfect One swiftly dragged the Snake into a front-facelock and snared him in the Perfectplex to earn the three-count and retain his WWF Title shot at WrestleMania. Afterwards, Perfect was toweled off by Heenan and rubbed his win into the fans' faces by celebrating on the turnbuckles while Roberts clutched his arm and rolled out to the floor with a look of extreme disappointment on his grimacing face. (84%)

WWF Championship/Last Man Standing Match: "Macho Man" Randy Savage [champion] vs. "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase

After a brief teaser for March 29's WrestleMania VIII, Ted DiBiase made his entrance first, seconded by Virgil, and took the microphone from ring announcer Howard Finkel, introducing Miss Elizabeth. The First Lady Of Wrestling strutted down to ringside, wearing a diamond-covered evening gown, and sat in a chair by the Million Dollar Man's corner with Virgil standing guard beside her, while Randy Savage marched out with the WWF Championship belt and received a deafening pop from the fans. Monsoon explained that the participant who could no longer answer a 10-count from referee Earl Hebner would be declared the loser, as the Macho Man slid into the ring and was immediately besieged by DiBiase with kicks and stomps, kicking off this long-awaited blow-off match-up. The Million Dollar Man zeroed in on the WWF Champion's midsection right off the bat as Tenay recounted the various internal injuries that Savage had suffered during his lengthy feud with the Million Dollar Empire. DiBiase was relentless but Savage fought him off and engaged in a back-and-forth life-and-death struggle, each competitor pulling out all the stops in the quest for victory. The battle spilled out to ringside when Savage ducked a running elbowsmash and back-bodydropped DiBiase over the top rope. The Macho Man quickly scampered up to the top turnbuckle and dove all the way to the floor with the flying double-axhandle on DiBiase, who dragged himself back to his feet at the count of 5. The archenemies continued to tear into one another around ringside, Irish-whipping each other into the ringsteps and guardrail, before the slugfest headed up the aisle. DiBiase stayed down for a 7-count after Savage hotshotted him throat-first across the iron railing and absorbed more punishment as the three-time WWF Champion battered him near the entrance curtain. Savage grabbed two big handfuls of DiBiase's hair and returned him to the ring, tossing him back in under the bottom rope, but Virgil gripped Savage in a waistlock to prevent him from re-entering the squared circle himself. While the Macho Man grappled with Virgil at ringside, Irwin R. Schyster sprinted out and slammed his briefcase into Savage's midsection, doubling him over and clobbering him across the back of the head with the briefcase. IRS and Virgil stomped and kicked Savage's ribs on the floor until Razor Ramon charged out to a loud pop and grabbed Schyster by the tie, pulling him up the aisle and punching him along the way. After the Bad Guy and Irwin disappeared, the Million Dollar Man slid out to the floor and took advantage of Savage's weakened condition by lifting him up in a vertical suplex, but dropping him stomach-first across the railing, which earned a 5-count as the Macho Man clutched his midsection and strained to get to his feet. DiBiase worked over the ribs at ringside and in the squared circle with high-impact moves, each time attempting to put Savage down for the 10-count as Monsoon compared the Last Man Standing match to an extraordinarily brutal boxing match. At one point, DiBiase ordered Virgil to retrieve a spare announcers table from under the ring and set it up in the squared circle, which the loyal lackey obediently did. The Million Dollar Man propped Savage up on the turnbuckles and climbed up there with him, superplexing Savage right through the table in an awesome spot. The WWF Champion showed incredible determination as he fought the pain and regained his vertical base at the count of 9, so Virgil retrieved a metal folding chair for DiBiase, who drilled it into Savage's ribs and side several times. Elizabeth cheered for the former Million Dollar Champion from her seat as DiBiase whacked Savage with a loud chairshot and cinched in the Million Dollar Dream. However, Savage escaped from the lethal hold and mounted a heated comeback, with the fans exploding as the Macho Man bombarded DiBiase with punches and elbowsmashes. DiBiase bailed out to ringside as Savage picked up the chair and followed his challenger to the floor, where the current WWF Champion chased the former WWF Champion. The Million Dollar Man used Elizabeth as a shield, pulling Liz in front of him as Savage raised the chair. Instead, Savage turned and pasted Virgil, who was sneaking up behind the Macho Man. This gave DiBiase the opportunity to swiftly blindside Savage and knock the chair out of his hands, landing at Elizabeth's feet. The First Lady picked up the chair as the Million Dollar Man held Savage's arms at his sides, encouraging Elizabeth to hit Randy with the weapon. Elizabeth swung the chair, but Savage ducked and she accidentally whalloped DiBiase, who began to bleed. Liz was mortified and tried to pounce on Randy, but he gently dumped her on the ring apron and pushed her away before ascending to the top turnbuckle. The Macho Man soared the 10 feet down to the floor with the Flying Elbowdrop on the Million Dollar Man, but instead of waiting for the 10-count, the vengeful Savage tossed DiBiase into the ring and climbed to the top turnbuckle with the chair in hand. Savage came crashing down on top of DiBiase with the chair-assisted Flying Elbowdrop and allowed the official to administer the 10-count, making Savage the "Last Man Standing" and the undisputed WWF Champion. Afterwards, the crowd went wild as DiBiase collapsed out to ringside and Savage soaked in the fans' cheers, standing on the turnbuckles and holding his WWF Championship belt high. While the Macho Man celebrated his resounding victory, Monsoon, Tenay, and Ventura invited viewers to order WWF March To WrestleMania next month and signed off. (85%)

Overall: 79%

Buyrate: 1.70

Paid Attendance: 18,360

PPV Revenue: $4,250,000

Ticket Sales: $1,101,600

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[Chrononaut]

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1992 -- WWF PRIME TIME WRESTLING

Vince McMahon and Jesse "The Body" Ventura kicked off the program LIVE from ringside, raving about last night's WWF Battle Lines and announcing tonight's lineup, featuring the Great Muta meeting Razor Ramon in the main event, the Big Boss Man & Hawk squaring off with the Hellraisers, the Birdwhackers taking on the Commonwealth Connection, Fire & Ice making their WWF debut against the Gangsters Of Style, and much more.

The Birdwhackers (Luke & Koko) vs. The Commonwealth Connection (Dynamite Kid & Owen Hart)

Surprisingly good little opener, as both Koko & Luke had their working boots on and tried their best to keep up with the Commonwealth Connection, while the commentators occasionally turned the discussion to WWF Battle Lines last night. Although the Birdwhackers came close to victory on several occasions, the end came when Owen Hart covered the Bird Man following the Union Spike from he and the Dynamite Kid. (77%)

In the Prime Time Wrestling studio, Gorilla Monsoon and "The Man" Ric Flair recapped the major happenings at WWF Battle Lines last night and hyped the WWF Television Tag Team Championship match-up on Saturday Night's Main Event this weekend featuring the Rockers defending against their first guests, WWF Tag Team Champions Powers Of Pain, along with Paul Ellering. Barbarian & Warlord stood behind Precious Paul, who sat down and proudly recounted the details of his Powers' successful title defense against Marty Jannetty & Shawn Michaels last night, predicting a similar result on Saturday evening. Ellering boasted how the Powers would make history by becoming the only squad to hold both of the WWF's tag team titles, until Monsoon brought up Bret Hart and accused Warlord & Barbarian of sabotaging the Hit Man for his bout with Rick Rude by assaulting him backstage at WWF Battle Lines. The Precious One responded that the Excellence Of Execution had mouthed off to his warpainted monsters and got exactly what he deserved, advising Bret to "get over" the Hart Foundation losing the WWF Tag Team Championship to his "vastly superior" Powers last year. Ellering asserted that the Powers Of Pain would prove to be the most dominant tag team in the history of the WWF and dared anybody, including the Rockers and the Foundation, to try to stop them. (80%)

Backstage at the arena, Mean Gene Okerlund interviewed Slick and the Gangsters Of Style, who were preparing to meet Fire & Ice in their WWF debut. The Doctor Of Style admitted that his Gangsters had a less-than-impressive record since losing the Double Chain match to WWF Television Tag Team Champions the Rockers in December at WWF No Holds Barred, suggesting that the loss had them rattled. Stan Lane interrupted and denied the claims, while Paul Roma promised that they would turn things around tonight and ruin the WWF debut of Al Snow & Doug Furnas. (79%)

The Gangsters Of Style ("Sweet" Stan Lane & Paul "Romeo" Roma) vs. Fire & Ice (Doug "The Tank" Furnas & Al "Ice Man" Snow)

Slick, along with his personal bodyguard Bad News Brown, escorted his Gangsters Of Style to ringside as Ventura mentioned their victory over the New British Bulldogs on Saturday Night's Main Event, although McMahon argued that the Commonwealth Connection had a lot to do with it. Fire & Ice received a mild pop upon their entrance but got the fans behind them when they hit the ring and managed to drive Paul Roma & Stan Lane out to the floor. Very solid debut for Al Snow & Doug Furnas, who held onto the lead with a great combination of speed and strength, utilizing innovative double-teams until Sweet Stan took the advantage through underhanded means. The Gangsters cut the ring in half and worked over the Ice Man with quick tags and classic double-team maneuvers, creating a nice heat segment that got the fans rooting for Snow as he rallied back after some miscommunication resulted in Romeo Roma accidentally flooring the Sweet One with a missile dropkick from the top turnbuckle. Snow made the hot tag to Furnas, triggering a four-way brawl as the two squads slugged it out. Fire & Ice cleaned house and disposed of Lane before Furnas propped Roma on the top turnbuckle and tagged Snow back in. The Ice Man climbed to the top and landed a flying legdrop on Romeo following a belly-to-belly superplex from the Tank, a double-team maneuver that McMahon referred to as the "Force Of Nature". Snow hooked Roma's leg for the 1-2-3 while Furnas held Lane at bay, giving Fire & Ice a big win in their WWF debut. Afterwards, Fire & Ice tossed both Gangsters out to the floor and celebrated their victory while Romeo Roma & Sweet Stan were scolded by the Doctor Of Style. (73%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair talked about Hulk Hogan riding in on his red-and-yellow Harley last night at WWF Battle Lines to make the save for Bob Backlund, before introducing "Rowdy" Roddy Piper as their next guest. The Rowdy One looked miserable and explained that the Immortal One had "crapped in my cornflakes" last night, complaining that the Hulkster interrupted the lesson he was trying to teach Backlund. Hot Rod began to rant about the Hulkster stepping over himself and the All American in the mid-1980s until Monsoon pointed out that Hogan saved Backlund from Piper's lethal Sleeperhold last night. The Scotsman claimed that the only reason Hogan rescued Backlund was to make himself look good, mentioning that Hogan could have made the save a lot quicker if he hadn't roared in on his motorcycle. Flair agreed with that point, but Monsoon dismissed it and argued that the Hulkster had "a heart bigger than Hulkamania", bringing up his various work with charities around the world. Hot Rod became irate and informed Gorilla that every good thing the Hulkster had ever done was a selfish act designed to make himself look good, but stated that if Backlund wanted to believe in Hulkamania, he had an idea: Piper promised to find himself a partner and take on Hogan & Backlund in a tag team match-up on Sunday, March 29, at WWF March To WrestleMania. The Rowdy Scot ranted about "beating some sense" into Backlund and vowed that he wouldn't stop until Backlund, Monsoon, and the millions of Hulkamaniacs across the globe realized what a "creep" the Hulkster really was. (95%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was at the arena in the locker room to interview Colonel Robert Fuller and the Hellraisers, who were getting ready to face the Big Boss Man & Hawk. While Terry Gordy & Steve Williams warmed up behind him, the Greatest Promoter Of All Time crowed about their victory over Demolition at WWF Battle Lines last night and promised that the Hellraisers would make it "2-for-2" tonight by squashing Hawk & Boss Man. (80%)

The Hellraisers ("Dr. Death" Steve Williams & Terry "Bruiser" Gordy) vs. Hawk & Big Boss Man

Colonel Robert Lee Fuller strode out behind Terry Gordy & Steve Williams, stopping by the broadcast table at ringside to present Ventura with a Cuban cigar in celebration of his Hellraisers' win over Demolition last night at WWF Battle Lines, although McMahon pointed out that the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters had something to do with the victory. The Big Boss Man & Hawk received a great pop when they rushed out and went toe-to-toe with Dr. Death & Bruiser, trading heavy fists until the Colonel interfered behind referee Mark Johnson's back, allowing the Hellraisers to dump Hawk out to the floor and focus on the Boss Man. The Hellraisers kept Boss Man isolated in their corner, utilizing frequent tags and stiff double-teams, slams, and suplexes to control the former corrections officer and work over his lower back throughout the contest. The Boss Man eventually mounted a successful comeback and made the hot tag, but the official missed it and ushered Hawk out to the apron, leaving Dr. Death to drag Boss Man back to the Hellraisers' corner and continue the punishment until Boss Man managed to break free and make a lunging tag to Hawk. The former Legion Of Doom member charged in like a one man gang and unloaded on Williams & Gordy with lefts, rights, chops, kicks, and bodyslams before knocking the Bruiser through the ropes with an impressive standing dropkick. Hawk was on a roll, mowing down Williams with a series of clotheslines and shoulderblocks while Boss Man recovered on the apron. When Hawk tagged in Boss Man, Bam Bam Bigelow & Cactus Jack Manson sprinted down to ringside and dragged the former Road Warrior out of the squared circle. Although the Boss Man scored a couple of near-falls on his own, his back soon gave out and he was overwhelmed by the Hellraisers, who crunched the big Georgian with the Death Dealer, giving Bruiser the deciding pinfall. (80%)

After the match, the Hellraisers joined the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters at ringside to assist in beating on the lone Hawk while the Big Boss Man clutched his lower back on the canvas. The four-on-one assault didn't last long, as Demolition came charging down the aisle to even the odds. Ax, Smash, & Crush fought Terry Gordy, Steve Williams, & Bam Bam Bigelow into the squared circle while Hawk battled back against Cactus Jack Manson on the floor. The Boss Man got involved in the wild brawl, slugging it out with the Beast From The East as Demolition traded fists with the Hellraisers, until a horde of WWF agents and officials flooded out to break up the violent donnybrook. (74%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair discussed the brutal Last Man Standing main event of last night's WWF Battle Lines that saw WWF Champion Randy Savage outlast their next guest, Ted DiBiase. The Million Dollar Man was not a happy man as he entered the room, wearing an expensive Armani suit with a bandage on his forehead, accompanied by Virgil and Miss Elizabeth, who was dressed in a gaudy evening gown with diamonds all over, but looked very remorseful. The First Lady Of Wrestling apologized to DiBiase profusely, begging forgiveness for accidentally busting him wide open with a chairshot last night, but the former WWF Champion pointed to his bandaged forehead and complained about the pricey plastic surgery he would need to cover the scar. Monsoon tried to steer the conversation by suggesting that it wasn't just Elizabeth's inadvertent chairshot that led to the Macho Man's victory, which DiBiase agreed with, bringing up the involvement of Razor Ramon. Monsoon explained that the Bad Guy only came out to counteract the interference of Irwin R. Schyster, but DiBiase declared that "that Cuban wetback" had stuck his nose in Million Dollar Empire business for the last time. The former WWF Champion informed Gorilla that IRS was currently "burning the midnight oil" contacting some of his old friends in Washington regarding Razor's immigrant status. When Monsoon acted dismayed, DiBiase smiled and threatened that with the snap of his fingers, he could completely ruin the life of anyone who dared to cross the Million Dollar Empire, warning Ramon to watch his step. The Million Dollar Man laughed until his face turned red and blood began to leak into the bandage on his forehead, at which point he shouted that it was time to go and ordered Elizabeth to walk several paces behind him as they exited the studio. (88%)

At the arena in the dressing room, "The Professor" Mike Tenay was standing by with Razor Ramon, who had obviously just watched the previous interview on a backstage monitor. The Bad Guy shook his head and stated that nobody was going to tell "El Jefe" to watch his step, explaining that many people had tried to take him out, in Cuba and in America, but none had succeeded, daring Ted DiBiase to try to bring him down. When Tenay warned that the Million Dollar Man had unlimited resources, Ramon responded that there was nothing that DiBiase could do that he wouldn't be able to handle himself. The Professor wondered if the DiBiase issue might distract Ramon from this evening's main event against the Great Muta, but Razor assured him that he was ready to beat down the Asian Sensation...NEXT! (92%)

The Great Muta vs. Razor Ramon

Mr. Fuji waddled out several feet behind his Great Muta, who seemed to be trying not to associate with the Devious One as he raced to the squared circle and slid in under the bottom rope. The fans cheered like mad for Razor Ramon when he swaggered down the aisle and removed his vest and gold chains before locking up with the Great One. This was actually a tremendous athletic main event as the Bad Guy and the Asian Sensation (a nickname that McMahon tried repeatedly to get over during the match-up) traded the advantage back-and-forth with mostly clean wrestling, since Muta ignored any help that Fuji offered. Muta eventually assumed control with his martial arts expertise and Japanese-style offense, finally grinding Ramon down to the mat using a dragon sleeper, called the "Shanghai Sleeper" by Ventura, although Muta added a tight bodyscissor to increase the pressure. The Cubano faded and referee Shane McMahon dropped his arm twice, but on the third try, Razor held his hand in the air as the crowd rallied behind him. The Bad Guy muscled his way to his feet with Muta on his back and backed up into a corner, sitting Muta on the top turnbuckle before turning around and slapping the Asian Sensation across his painted face. Razor swiftly scooped Muta up off the turnbuckles and tossed him to the canvas with his trademark fallaway overhead slam, then fired away with lefts and rights, dominating the Great One while Fuji pounded the apron with his cane. Muta managed to regain the lead with a spinning roundhouse kick off the ropes and climbed to the top turnbuckle in preparation for the Rising Sun, but Razor got to his feet and scaled the turnbuckles with Muta, bringing him crashing to the mat with a belly-to-back superplex. Moments later, Ramon dropped Muta with the Razor's Edge for the 1-2-3. Afterwards, Fuji pointed his cane at Muta and cursed him in Japanese, but Muta just headed up the aisle, where he was met by the starving Abdullah The Butcher. The Madman Of The Sudan was quite crazed, apparently from hunger, as he attacked Muta and traded chops and throat shots with his fellow Dojo member. Meanwhile in the ring, Razor was celebrating his victory and watching Muta and Abdullah brawl in the aisleway, when suddenly Irwin R. Schyster emerged from the audience in a suit and tie and slid into the squared circle. The Bad Guy turned around just in time for IRS to bash him across the face with his steel briefcase, dropping Razor like a rock. As Ramon began to bleed slightly and tried to get back up, Schyster kept waffling him with the briefcase to the head until the Cuban immigrant stayed down. IRS kicked and stomped the bloody, barely-conscious Razor before "Money, Money, Money" cranked up and Irwin exited the ring to a round of boos, while McMahon and Ventura signed off. (86%)

Overall: 82%

Rating: 6.11

Attendance: 10,009

Ticket Sales: $600,540

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 1992 -- NBC/WWF PRESENT: SATURDAY NIGHT'S MAIN EVENT

Marv Albert, "The Professor" Mike Tenay, and "The Man" Ric Flair introduced the LIVE network broadcast and listed the lineup for this evening as follows: Irwin R. Schyster taking on Hacksaw Duggan, Superfly Snuka & Papa Shango meeting the Nasty Boys, Fire & Ice making their NBC debut in tag team action, the Stud Stable on "The Funeral Parlor", and in the main event, WWF Tag Team Champions Powers Of Pain challenging the Rockers for the WWF Television Tag Team Championship.

Behind the entrance curtain, Mean Gene Okerlund interviewed Fire & Ice as they prepared themselves for their NBC debut on Saturday Night's Main Event. Doug Furnas admitted to Okerlund that they were still "feeling the rush" of defeating the Gangsters Of Style in their very first WWF match on Prime Time Wrestling this past Monday, a victory that Al Snow put over as a huge accomplishment, explaining the tag team prowess of Stan Lane & Paul Roma. Mean Gene wished the new duo well in their future endeavors as the Tank & Ice Man high-fived and headed through the curtain. (80%)

Fire & Ice (Doug "The Tank" Furnas & Al "Ice Man" Snow) vs. The Southern Kids (Brian Christopher & Bob Holly)

Fire & Ice were greeted warmly by the crowd, moreso than in their Prime Time Wrestling debut, while Flair explained to Albert that it would take a lot more than a "fluke win" over the Gangsters Of Style to impress the Man. Good fast-paced competitive squash that showcased the polished skills and talent of Al Snow & Doug Furnas, ending when the Ice Man covered Bob Holly following the Force Of Nature from he and the Tank. (69%)

Cameras backstage showed Papa Shango leading the zombified Jimmy Snuka out of their shadowy dressing room, lit only by ceremonial candles, into the hallway. The Voodoo Master uttered bizarre chants and made odd hand gestures as he led the expressionless Superfly down the hall, headed out for their tag team match against the Nasty Boys...NEXT! (80%)

Papa Shango & "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka vs. The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs & Jerry Saggs)

After Papa Shango led the zombified Jimmy Snuka down the aisle, the Nasty Boys made their entrance and got a nice pop from the fans. This was a hard-hitting tag team bout that saw the fearsome Superfly do most of the work for his squad, as the Voodoo Master occasionally tagged in and out to help punish Brian Knobbs. Late in the contest, Knobbs ducked an elbow from Shango and responded with a stiff clothesline before making the hot tag to Jerry Saggs, who charged in and helped Knobbs clean house after Shango tagged out to Snuka. The Nasties hurled Shango over the top rope to the floor and flattened Snuka with the Pit Stop Drop, allowing Saggs to score the three-count on the Superfly. Afterwards, Shango grabbed one of the Nasty Boys' jackets from their corner and took off with it, followed shortly by the staggering Snuka, while Saggs & Knobbs celebrated the victory. (78%)

A superb video package aired that documented Randy Savage's three WWF Title victories: against Ted DiBiase in the final round of the championship tournament at WrestleMania IV; from the Ultimate Warrior in a hard-fought contest at WrestleMania VII; and from the Million Dollar Man in the vicious I Quit match at the 1992 Royal Rumble. The video package then focused on the Last Man Standing WWF Championship main event from last Sunday's WWF Battle Lines, showing some of the high spots, such as Ted DiBiase zeroing in on the Macho Man's damaged midsection with a variety of offensive maneuvers, including the awesome superplex from the top turnbuckle through a table in the ring. The clips demonstrated the will, determination, and stamina of both superstars as both the Macho Man and the Million Dollar Man were shown getting to their feet to stop various 10-counts. The video also briefly touched on the interference of Irwin R. Schyster and Razor Ramon, and showed Savage squashing DiBiase with the Flying Elbowdrop from the top turnbuckle to the floor, as well as the match-ending chair-assisted Flying Elbowdrop in the squared circle that earned the final 10-count to retain the WWF Title. The video closed by hyping the next major challenger for the Macho Man's WWF Championship: Mr. Perfect at WrestleMania VIII on Sunday, April 26. (100%)

In the arena, Paul Bearer was on the set of "The Funeral Parlor" and creeped everybody out with his comments about death before introducing his guests this week: Dustin Rhodes, Terry Funk, & Colonel Robert Lee Fuller. The Stud Stable strode out onto the stage while Albert announced that Shane Douglas had suffered severe facial damage at the hands of Rhodes & Funk last Sunday at WWF Battle Lines. When Bearer mentioned the Nature Boy, the Natural laughed and bragged about how he and the Outlaw made sure that Shane would always be the ugliest guy at the party by pounding his "horse face" into a bloody pulp. The Funker mentioned that they would have finished the job if not for WWF Television Tag Team Champions the Rockers running in and making the save, while the Lone Star Stud mocked the Nature Boy's strut and wondered how Douglas would be able to collect on the one-on-one encounter he had earned by defeating Funk. The Colonel suggested that they could have a "Hospital Bed" match, or maybe even a "Plastic Surgery" match, but Rhodes & Funk stopped laughing when the Honky Tonk Man walked onto the Parlor with a serious look on his face. When Dustin asked what he wanted, the Honk replied that he was there to make sure Dustin lived up to his end of the deal, but admitted that Douglas would be unable to compete on Sunday, March 29. Rhodes had a puzzled look on his face and assumed that meant he would win by forfeit, but Honky Tonk informed him that he would be substituting for the Nature Boy at WWF March To WrestleMania and promised to "Shake Rattle & Roll" all over the Lone Star Stud. When the Colonel objected, Honky floored him with a big right hand, kicking off a scuffle with Rhodes & Funk on the stage. The Honk held his own but was outnumbered and overwhelmed until Marty Jannetty, followed shortly by Shawn Michaels, raced out to even the odds. The Rockers and Honky managed to drive off the Stud Stable, who retreated as the Honk made some more threats regarding WWF March To WrestleMania. (80%)

Jesse "The Body" Ventura was in the dressing room to interview Irwin R. Schyster, who was quite proud of his assault on Razor Ramon at the end of last Monday's Prime Time Wrestling. IRS revealed that he had uncovered some "interesting information" about the Bad Guy through his government connections, but refused to go into detail and assured the Body that he was "doing the right thing" by trying to take out Razor. When Ventura brought up tonight's match-up with Jim Duggan, Schyster was confident that this would be a simple audit, and warned that it was going to hurt Hacksaw a lot more than it was going to hurt him. (82%)

Irwin R. Schyster vs. "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan

Irwin R. Schyster walked out alone to the strains of "Money, Money, Money", while Jim Duggan got a nice pop when he marched down the aisle toting his 2x4 and the American flag. A pretty basic, straightforward match-up with some good crowd heat, cheering when Hacksaw was on the offensive with closed fists and booing when IRS took over and wrapped him up in an abdominal stretch for a submission attempt. Duggan hiptossed Schyster to break the hold and mounted a comeback, mowing down the Tax Man with a barrage of clotheslines, shoulderblocks, and roundhouse rights. Eventually, Schyster ducked a big punch and rebounded off the opposite ropes with the leaping Necktie Clothesline, knocking the wind out of Hacksaw long enough to hook the leg for the three-count. Afterwards, Hacksaw tried to exact some revenge, but it backfired when IRS grabbed his briefcase and used it as a shield when Duggan charged with the Three Point Stance. Duggan collapsed to the canvas, holding his head, while Schyster exited with the briefcase. (75%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was in the locker room to interview WWF Television Tag Team Champions the Rockers as they prepared to defend their gold against WWF Tag Team Champions Powers Of Pain in the evening's main event. Mean Gene questioned if the brief tangle with the Stud Stable earlier would affect their performance tonight, but Marty Jannetty responded that if Dustin Rhodes & Terry Funk wanted a piece of the Masters Of Motion, they were willing to wrestle "anyone, anytime, anywhere". Shawn Michaels interrupted Marty and agreed with his thought, but suggested that they needed to focus on retaining their TV belts against Warlord & Barbarian to make up for their loss last Sunday at WWF Battle Lines. (81%)

WWF Television Tag Team Title Match: The Rockers (Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty) [champions] vs. Powers Of Pain (Barbarian & Warlord)

Paul Ellering led his WWF Tag Team Champions to the ring, while the WWF Television Tag Team Champions sprinted out to a loud pop, as the commentators discussed the Powers Of Pain/Rockers WWF Tag Team Title bout at WWF Battle Lines last Sunday. This hot main event was better than their pay-per-view encounter, as the Rockers were more aggressive, leading to a quicker tempo, which Flair suggested was due to Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty having something to prove after WWF Battle Lines. The advantage shifted both ways numerous times as several near-falls were exchanged throughout the championship contest, until the Powers assumed control after the Barbarian countered the Double Flying Fistdrop by sticking both feet in the air, catching both Rockers under the jaw with his boots. The Powers tossed Jannetty out to the floor after Barbarian tagged Warlord, allowing them to mercilessly double-team Michaels while Precious Paul distracted referee Joey Marella. Suddenly, the Hart Foundation rushed down the aisle and hit the ring to assault the WWF Tag Team Champions, who were awarded the disqualification win when the official saw what was happening and called for the bell. (88%)

After the bell, the Hart Foundation continued to unload on the Powers Of Pain and managed to knock Warlord & Barbarian out to the floor, as Tenay recalled Paul Ellering's comments from Prime Time Wrestling advising Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart to "get over" losing the WWF Tag Team Championship to the Powers last year. While the Anvil & Hit Man challenged the WWF Tag Team Champions to step back in the ring, the Rockers turned the Foundation around and confronted them about ruining their WWF Television Tag Team Title defense. As the two fan-favorite squads' squabble became more and more heated, the Powers reached in and grabbed Neidhart's leg, dragging him out to ringside. When Bret turned to help his long-time tag team partner, Shawn Michaels cheapshotted him with a superkick to the side of the head, laying Hart out cold on the canvas. Marty Jannetty protested the underhanded behavior, but Shawn convinced him to forget it as the WWF Television Tag Team Champions dove through the ropes onto the Powers on the floor. The Rockers, the Powers, and the Anvil brawled up the aisle, leaving the Hit Man on his back in the ring. Hart wasn't alone for long, as "Ravishing" Rick Rude sprinted out in his workout gear with Bobby "The Brain" Heenan close behind. The Ravishing One stomped and kicked the barely-conscious Bret before grabbing his legs and locking him in the Sharpshooter, as Flair recalled Hart trapping Rude in the Sharpshooter briefly after their singles match-up at WWF Battle Lines. Rude wrenched back on the Sharpshooter until the fans' boos turned to cheers when Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat made his return from injury, racing down the aisle in his street clothes and unleashing a stinging salvo of nasty chops. Rude quickly released Hart and bailed out to ringside, retreating with the Brain while the crowd erupted for the Dragon. The WWF Intercontinental Champion checked on the Hit Man as the program faded to black. (84%)

Overall: 81%

Rating: 6.91

Attendance: 10,035

Ticket Sales: $602,100

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Celebrating birthdays in February were...

Miss Elizabeth (32)

Marty Jannetty (30)

Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart (36)

Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat (39)

"Texas Tornado" Kerry Von Erich (32)

Warlord (32)

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SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 1992 -- WWF SUPERSTARS OF WRESTLING

* Hosts: Gorilla Monsoon and "The Man" Ric Flair.

* The Enforcers (Greg "The Hammer" Valentine & Dino Bravo) vs. Duane Gill & Barry Hardy: Squash city here, as the Enforcers made short work of their veteran opponents and finished them off when the Hammer covered Hardy following the Hardliner from he and the Canadian Strongman. (61%)

* Sean Mooney came out after the match to interview the Enforcers and Jimmy Hart, who announced that he had signed Dino Bravo & Greg Valentine to meet Fire & Ice next week on Superstars Of Wrestling. (82%)

* Lord Alfred Hayes interviewed the Honky Tonk Man, who talked about how much he was looking forward to substituting for the injured Shane Douglas at WWF March To WrestleMania against Dustin Rhodes one-on-one. (77%)

* Honky Tonk Man vs. Sgt. Buddy Ray Parker: Semi-competitive babyface squash that ended when the Honk dropped the State Patrol member with the Shake Rattle & Roll. (68%)

* A video package aired that documented the WWF debut of Fire & Ice last Monday on Prime Time Wrestling, where they scored the upset victory over the Gangsters Of Style, and hyped their FOX debut tonight against the Conquistadors. (82%)

* Fire & Ice (Doug "The Tank" Furnas & Al "Ice Man" Snow) vs. The Conquistadors (Conquistador #1 & Conquistador #2): A very entertaining and competitive little tag team match-up between two face squads that went back-and-forth with some nice double-team maneuvers from both sides. Fire & Ice put the Conquistadors away when the Ice Man pinned #1 following the Force Of Nature from he and the Tank. (72%)

* Following the match, Jimmy Hart stepped into the ring and yammered through his megaphone about his Enforcers ending Fire & Ice's WWF career next week before it could even get started. Al Snow & Doug Furnas grabbed the Mouth Of The South by his jacket and threatened him until Greg Valentine & Dino Bravo hit the ring and kicked off a brawl with the Tank & Ice Man. (74%)

* The Undertaker vs. Louie Spicolli: Paul Bearer accompanied his Grim Reaper for this total squash that came to an end when the Undertaker buried Spicolli with the Tombstone. (70%)

* After Mean Gene Okerlund's "WWF Update" segment, Lord Alfred Hayes interviewed Rob Zakowski, who gave a very nervous promo about returning from a serious knee injury to achieve his dreams in the WWF. Robbie Z explained that Ricky Steamboat had taken him under his wing, so he was ready for Rick Rude tonight. (59%)

* Sean Mooney interviewed Bobby Heenan and Rick Rude, who ranted about Ricky Steamboat returning from injury on Saturday Night's Main Event and promised to make Rob Zakowski pay for the sins of his mentor. (92%)

* Rob Zakowski vs. "Ravishing" Rick Rude: A surprisingly good main event, as Rob Zakowski bumped all over for Rick Rude, who also made Robbie Z look good by selling his martial arts offense. In the end, the Ravishing One snapped on the Rude Awakening to pick up the three-count. (82%)

Overall: 75%

Rating: 5.23

Attendance: 10,041

Ticket Sales: $602,460

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During the WWF Update on Superstars Of Wrestling, Mean Gene Okerlund could confirm only one match so far for WWF March To WrestleMania on Sunday, March 29...

Honky Tonk Man vs. Dustin Rhodes

[Chrononaut]

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 1992 -- WWF PRIME TIME WRESTLING

Vince McMahon and Jesse "The Body" Ventura began the show LIVE from ringside and ran down tonight's program, including Irwin R. Schyster taking on Jake Roberts in the main event, Bob Backlund locking up with Owen Hart, the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters meeting the Texas Twister & Matt Borne, the Birdwhackers facing the Orient Express, and much more.

The Birdwhackers (Luke & Koko) vs. The Orient Express (Kato & Tanaka)

McMahon announced that WWF President Andre The Giant had barred Tanaka & Sato from wearing Kato-style masks, as Mr. Fuji waddled out with all three members of his Orient Express and chose Tanaka & Kato to compete while he and Sato stood at ringside. This was a very solid opening contest that went back-and-forth as all four competitors put on an inspired performance and traded the advantage with traditional tag team tactics. In the end, Sato tripped up Luke, who fell victim to the Banzai Drop from Kato & Tanaka and was pinned by the masked man. Afterwards, the Orient Express triad thrashed the Birdwhackers 3-on-2 until Bushwhacker Butch charged down the aisle to make the save. Returning from a neck injury, Butch assisted Luke & Koko in driving the Orient Express out through the ropes with the Battering Ram and marched around the squared circle for the cheering fans. (74%)

In the Prime Time Wrestling studio, Gorilla Monsoon and "The Man" Ric Flair announced that there would be an eight-man tag team match-up this weekend on Saturday Night's Main Event pitting the Hellraisers & Million Dollar Bounty Hunters against their first guests, the combination of Demolition, the Big Boss Man, & Hawk. When Monsoon brought up the recent tensions among the four tag teams, Ax barked that the upcoming eight-man encounter might be the only way to settle their issues and commented that he never thought he would be on the same side as Hawk. The Big Boss Man admitted that he and Hawk weren't "best friends" with Smash & Crush but explained that they all shared a common goal: to make Bam Bam Bigelow, Cactus Jack Manson, Terry Gordy, & Steve Williams serve "hard time" this Saturday evening. Smash roared that he couldn't wait to "kick their stinkin' teeth down their stinkin' throats" before Hawk hollered out some violent threats of his own and added, "OOHHHHHH WWWWWHHHHHAAAATTTT A RRRRUUUUUSSSSSHHHHHHH!" (81%)

Backstage at the arena, Mean Gene Okerlund interviewed the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters, who predicted that they would tear through Matt Borne & Kevin Von Erich tonight in preparation for the eight-man tag team contest on Saturday Night's Main Event this weekend. Bam Bam Bigelow warned that he and Cactus Jack Manson still hadn't forgotten their 1992 Royal Rumble eliminations at the hands of the Big Boss Man & Hawk, while the New Mexican Wildman explained that he and the Beast From The East were aiming to eliminate Hawk & Boss Man... "permanently. BANG BANG!" (85%)

"Texas Twister" Kevin Von Erich & "Maniac" Matt Borne vs. The Million Dollar Bounty Hunters (Bam Bam Bigelow & Cactus Jack Manson)

The Million Dollar Bounty Hunters marched out to a pretty cool new heavy-metal version of "Money, Money, Money" made exclusively for them and snarled at the fans as McMahon plugged the eight-man tag team encounter on Saturday Night's Main Event. This was a solid physical match-up that Cactus Jack Manson & Bam Bam Bigelow controlled throughout with their roughhouse brawling and ever-improving tag team skills, although Matt Borne & Kevin Von Erich rallied back on a few occasions. Late in the bout, a four-way brouhaha broke out in the ring that resulted in the New Mexican Wildman drilling the Texas Twister with the Bang Bang while the Beast From The East covered the Maniac following the Jersey Devil. (78%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair announced that next week on Prime Time Wrestling, the Rockers would be defending the WWF Television Tag Team Championship against their next guests, Dustin Rhodes & Terry Funk, along with Colonel Robert Lee Fuller. The Natural gloated over the injuries suffered by Shane Douglas at WWF Battle Lines, but the Outlaw was enraged because Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty made the save before they could make sure that they finished the job. The Lone Star Stud tried to assure the Funker that the Nature Boy had "learned his lesson" and would not return to the WWF, but Funk shook Rhodes and advised him never to underestimate a rival and not to get too cocky. This seemed to fire up Dustin, who threatened to make an example out of the Honky Tonk Man at WWF March To WrestleMania as a warning for Douglas not to attempt a comeback. The Colonel stated that Rhodes & Funk would build on their momentum next week by capturing the TV belts and claimed that that was the price the Rockers had to pay for "bahhhhhkin' up the wrong tree" and interfering in the Stud Stable's affairs. (86%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was at the arena in the locker room to interview Bob Backlund as he was warming up for tonight's match-up against Owen Hart. The All American put his young opponent over and acknowledged that Owen was from a legendary wrestling background as the former WWF Champion prognosticated a top-notch grappling exhibition. When Okerlund brought up Roddy Piper's challenge from last week to a tag team bout at WWF March To WrestleMania, Backlund responded that it would be his honor to join forces with Hulk Hogan on March 29, but "as always" the final decision rested with the Hulkster. (87%)

Owen Hart vs. Bob Backlund

Owen Hart was already waiting in the ring alone, stretching near the ropes, as Ventura suggested that the Dynamite Kid was having "tea time" in the dressing room, while Bob Backlund walked out to a very nice reaction from the crowd. As the All American predicted, this was a tremendous display of scientific wrestling that featured some smooth old-school chain-wrestling on the mat before progressing to suplexes and submission holds. Backlund focused on the shoulder to soften him up for the Cross Face Chicken Wing, while Hart zeroed in on the former WWF Champion's spine with backbreakers, vertical suplexes, and a boston crab. Owen tried to squeeze out a submission using the boston crab and almost succeeded, but Backlund used his amazing leg strength to kick free and scrambled to a corner. When Hart charged at Backlund in the corner, the former WWF Champion dodged out of the way and Owen rammed his shoulder against the turnbuckles. Hart staggered back and was swiftly taken down by Backlund, who hooked in the Cross Face Chicken Wing to earn the submission from Hart. Afterwards, Backlund helped a cautious Hart to his feet and offered a handshake of respect, but before Hart could accept, the Dynamite Kid darted down the aisle and assaulted Backlund from behind. Although he was reluctant at first, Owen followed Dynamite's lead and began to batter the All American. The Commonwealth Connection ended up planting Backlund with the Union Spike before a bevy of WWF officials arrived on the scene. (83%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair announced that the tag team main event of this weekend's Saturday Night's Main Event would pit Bret Hart & WWF Intercontinental Champion Ricky Steamboat against their final guests, Mr. Perfect & Rick Rude, accompanied by Bobby Heenan. When Monsoon started to tease the Brain about the surprise return of the Dragon to rescue the Hit Man on the weekend, the Ravishing One became angry and complained about Bret being a thorn in his side lately. Rude stated that he had been embarrassed enough by Steamboat and planned to "kill two birds with one stone" this Saturday evening, while the Flawless One claimed that he was also looking forward to getting his hands on the WWF Intercontinental Champion again, reminding fans that he still had eight months remaining until he could go one-on-one with Steamboat in the WWF. The Brain expressed his confidence in his Heenan Family members by promising that come WrestleMania VIII, Perfect would be the WWF Champion and Rude would hold the WWF Intercontinental Title. (95%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was in the dressing room at the arena along with Jake Roberts, who was getting his python Damian ready for the evening's main event against Irwin R. Schyster. The Snake mentioned his "fair-and-square" loss to Mr. Perfect at WWF Battle Lines and cut a cool promo warning what a man who had just had his dreams shattered was capable of. Mean Gene suggested that IRS could be looking for revenge since Jake eliminated him from the 1992 Royal Rumble, but Roberts claimed that he was on "the edge of an abyss" and had nothing left to lose, which would make his venom that much more dangerous. (85%)

Jake "The Snake" Roberts vs. Irwin R. Schyster

Jake Roberts had the sack containing Damian slung over his shoulder on his way out, while Irwin R. Schyster made his entrance to "Money, Money, Money" flanked by Virgil, Miss Elizabeth, and Ted DiBiase. The Million Dollar Man alternated between ignoring and scolding the First Lady Of Wrestling at ringside throughout the match-up, which was a heated and solid main event that established Jake as a more desperate competitor, willing to take shortcuts when necessary to gain the advantage. Ventura pointed the rulebreaking out and McMahon admitted that he hadn't always condoned the Snake's ethics, while IRS battled back with his own underhanded tactics. After trading the advantage back-and-forth several times, Roberts beheaded Schyster with the short-arm clothesline and signaled for the DDT. However, at the orders of the Million Dollar Man, Virgil grabbed Jake's snake bag and attracted the attention of referee Randy Anderson and Jake himself. Meanwhile, DiBiase slid the steel briefcase into the ring to Irwin, who picked it up and whalloped Jake across the back of the skull before tossing it back to the floor. When the dazed Snake stumbled back, IRS quickly scooped him up across his shoulders and slammed him with the Write Off for the 1-2-3. (82%)

After the bell, Ted DiBiase and Virgil stepped into the squared circle and joined Irwin R. Schyster in assaulting Jake Roberts, as the three Million Dollar Empire members stomped and kicked the Snake. Following the Million Dollar Man's directions, Virgil brought Miss Elizabeth into the ring as DiBiase & Schyster held Roberts up with his arms out at his sides. DiBiase commanded Elizabeth to slap the semi-conscious Jake across the face as humiliation and as a warning not to mess with the Empire, but the First Lady Of Wrestling appeared to be somewhat reluctant. Suddenly, she ducked out to the apron as Razor Ramon hit the ring to a massive pop and drove off IRS, the Million Dollar Man, and Virgil with big right hands, gaining a measure of revenge from last week's ambush on the Bad Guy. The Million Dollar Empire retreated up the aisle and Razor dared them to return to the ring as McMahon and Ventura ended the broadcast. (98%)

Overall: 86%

Rating: 5.85

Attendance: 10,028

Ticket Sales: $601,680

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SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 1992 -- NBC/WWF PRESENT: SATURDAY NIGHT'S MAIN EVENT

The LIVE network broadcast started abruptly with the bagpipes blaring throughout the arena as "Rowdy" Roddy Piper entered the squared circle with a metal folding chair and snatched the microphone from ring announcer Howard "The Fink" Finkel, who tried to explain that they had a match scheduled. Hot Rod looked over at Rob Zakowski, who was already in the ring, and wasted him with a vicious chairshot to the head, declaring that they didn't have a match anymore. Zakowski rolled out to the floor as the Scotsman set up the chair in mid-ring and sat down with the mic to rant about Hulk Hogan. The Rowdy One complained that he got no respect in the WWF and stated that Bob Backlund's response to his WWF March To WrestleMania tag team challenge wasn't good enough, arguing that the All American shouldn't need the Hulkster's "permission" to accept a challenge. Piper accused the Immortal One of trying to ignore him and insisted that Saturday Night's Main Event wouldn't continue until he got the answer he was looking for, at which point "Real American" cranked up and Hogan charged down the aisle to a thunderous ovation. The Hulkster hit the ring and no-sold Hot Rod's attempted ambush, opening up on his long-time rival with a series of roundhouse rights before knocking Piper out to ringside with the big foot to the face. While a posse of WWF officials flooded out to hold Piper back, Hogan picked up the microphone and accepted Piper's challenge, vowing that he and Backlund would "run wild" over the Rowdy One and a partner of his choice at WWF March To WrestleMania. The fans cheered like crazy as the Hulkster tossed the mic down on Hot Rod and ripped off his shirt, going through his popular posedown routine while the referees dragged Piper away. (95%)

Marv Albert, "The Professor" Mike Tenay, and "The Man" Ric Flair introduced the show from the broadcast booth and announced the lineup: the Big Boss Man, Hawk, & Demolition locking horns with the Hellraisers & Million Dollar Bounty Hunters in an eight-man encounter, the Orient Express meeting the Bushwhackers & Koko B. Ware in a six-man match-up, the Honky Tonk Man in action against the Genius, Fire & Ice on "The Funeral Parlor", and in the main event, Rick Rude & Mr. Perfect battling Bret Hart & WWF Intercontinental Champion Ricky Steamboat.

In the locker room, Mean Gene Okerlund interviewed Mr. Fuji and the Orient Express, who were preparing for the six-man tag team bout tonight against the Bushwhackers & Koko. The Devious One claimed that nobody could defeat Tanaka, Kato, & Sato in three-on-three action and stated that the Express would put Bushwhacker Butch back on the shelf to teach him a lesson. (72%)

Six-Man Tag Team Match: The Bushwhackers (Luke & Butch) & Birdwhacker Koko vs. The Orient Express (Kato & Tanaka & Sato)

The Bushwhackers got a nice pop when they made their way down the aisle with Koko B. Ware, who was wearing his Birdwhacker attire, as Albert put over the return of Butch last Monday night on Prime Time Wrestling, while Mr. Fuji waddled out with the three members of his Orient Express. Solid six-man opener that saw the fans get into the Bushwhackers' antics again, as they kept their Japanese opponents off-balance with their traditional unorthodox tactics. The Orient Express utilized their superior teamwork to isolate the Bird Man and work him over until Koko escaped and made the hot tag to Butch, who charged in and cleaned house before tagging in Luke. The Bushwhackers then floored Sato with the Battering Ram and Luke covered him for the 1-2-3. (70%)

Following a commercial break, Paul Bearer was on the set of "The Funeral Parlor" and introduced his guests this week, the undefeated tag team known as Fire & Ice, who were clad in their wrestling tights and boots. Bearer commented that Fire & Ice had looked impressive since their WWF debut two weeks ago and inquired how they would fare tomorrow evening on Superstars Of Wrestling against the Enforcers, but Doug Furnas was confident that their smooth combination of speed, strength, and scientific skill would be enough to overcome the experience of Greg Valentine & Dino Bravo. Al Snow began to explain that their keys to success were to do their homework and not take any opponent lightly, when Slick swaggered out with his personal bodyguard Bad News Brown by his side. The Doctor Of Style claimed that Fire & Ice's debut victory over his Gangsters Of Style was a fluke and demanded that they give the Gangsters a rematch to redeem themselves, which the Ice Man replied they would gladly do. When the Tank stated that they could defeat the Gangsters on any given night, Slick suggested that tonight was as good a night as any, when Paul Roma & Stan Lane appeared suddenly and jumped Fire & Ice from behind. Sweet Stan & Romeo Roma battered Snow & Furnas down to the floor and promised to get their win back, but the Tank & Ice Man surprised the commentators by getting back up and shrugging off the beating. Fire & Ice shouted threats from the stage while the Gangsters fled with Slick and Bad News. (79%)

The Genius vs. Honky Tonk Man

Prior to the match, the Genius recited a poem that referred to the Honky Tonk Man as "washed-up" and suggested that his best days were far behind him. The Honky Tonk Man made the World's Smartest Man pay for his comments as they engaged in a basic competitive bout while Tenay commended Honky Tonk for stepping up to substitute for the injured Shane Douglas at WWF March To WrestleMania against Dustin Rhodes. The Honk finished off the Genius with the Shake Rattle & Roll. (78%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was in the dressing room to interview Colonel Robert Lee Fuller along with the Hellraisers & Million Dollar Bounty Hunters as they were getting ready for tonight's eight-man contest against Demolition, Hawk, & Big Boss Man. The Colonel stated that he had heard their opponents' interview on Prime Time Wrestling and warned that when the smoke cleared this evening, the only survivors would be Dr. Death, the Bruiser, Cactus Jack Manson, & Bam Bam Bigelow. (81%)

Eight-Man Tag Team Match: The Million Dollar Bounty Hunters (Bam Bam Bigelow & Cactus Jack Manson) & The Hellraisers ("Dr. Death" Steve Williams & Terry "Bruiser" Gordy) vs. Hawk & Big Boss Man & Demolition (Smash & Crush)

Colonel Robert Lee Fuller strolled out with his Hellraisers when they walked out with the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters, while Ax marched down the aisle alongside his Demolition brothers-in-paint, the Big Boss Man, & Hawk. Tenay mentioned that Terry Gordy had also been known as "Bamm Bamm" in his career as the Bruiser locked up with Crush to begin this very physical, smashmouth-style eight-man encounter. The tide shifted back-and-forth early on until the heels captured the Boss Man and punished him in their corner using frequent tags, as they took turns working over the former corrections officer's lower back with stiff shots and double, triple, and quadruple-teams. Eventually, a ringside confrontation between Ax and the Colonel distracted Steve Williams and allowed the Boss Man to make the hot tag to Hawk while Dr. Death tagged in Bam Bam Bigelow, triggering a wild slugfest involving all eight titans. They traded fists and forearms until the brawl between Demolition and the Hellraisers spilled out to the floor and up the aisle, while Hawk & Boss Man slugged it out with the Bounty Hunters in the squared circle. After dropping the Beast From The East with a big foot to the face, the Boss Man attempted to lift Cactus Jack Manson on his shoulders for the Doomsday Device as Hawk climbed to the top turnbuckle. However, Boss Man's back gave out and he collapsed to the canvas, but Hawk still soared from above and beheaded Cactus with the Bird Of Prey. Hawk covered Jack, but referee John Finnegan refused to count the pin because the New Mexican Wildman was not the legal man for his squad. When Hawk got up and confronted the official, Bam Bam nailed the former Road Warrior from behind with a vicious headbutt, as the four behemoths continued to go at it tooth-and-nail until the ref called for the bell and ruled the match a double-disqualification. (78%)

After the bell, the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters tossed the injured Big Boss Man aside and overwhelmed Hawk, beating the former Legion Of Doom member back into a corner. Cactus Jack & Bam Bam set Hawk up for the Problem Solver, but before they could execute the double-team, the Boss Man rushed over with his nightstick and whacked Bigelow & Manson, rescuing Hawk. The Bounty Hunters bailed out and departed up the aisle while Hawk got back to his feet and Boss Man swung his nightstick. (90%)

Backstage, Mean Gene Okerlund interviewed WWF Intercontinental Champion Ricky Steamboat & Bret Hart while they were warming up for the evening's main event against Rick Rude & Mr. Perfect. The Dragon thanked the Hit Man for rescuing him and defending his honor against the Ravishing One last month at WWF Battle Lines, commending him for being brave enough to step up to the challenge. The Excellence Of Execution acted modest, but Steamboat advised Bret that he had the talent to become a successful singles competitor if he chose to go solo full-time. Hart thanked Steamboat for the kind words and stated that it would be his honor to join forces with the WWF Intercontinental Champion...NEXT! (84%)

Mr. Perfect & "Ravishing" Rick Rude vs. Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat & Bret "Hit Man" Hart

Bobby "The Brain" Heenan accompanied his "Perfectly Ravishing" combination to the ring as Flair argued with Albert about Ricky Steamboat returning from injury last week and "blindsiding" Rick Rude. The WWF Intercontinental Champion was greeted with a huge pop when he walked out alongside Bret Hart, while Tenay suggested that Hart & Steamboat could be the most technically-sound duo in WWF history if they were to pool their energies as a full-time tag team. This hot main event got underway when Mr. Perfect started for his squad against the Dragon, but Steamboat pointed at the Ravishing One and demanded that he be tagged in. The Flawless One reluctantly went to make the tag, but suddenly turned back and cheapshotted Steamboat before actually tagging out to Rude, who traded chops with Steamboat until the Brain interfered. The Heenan Family members dominated Steamboat with frequent tags and crisp maneuvers, combined with some skullduggery, as Flair wondered if ring rust was a factor, since the Dragon had been out of action for over a month with the arm injury. Perfect & Rude took turns punishing Steamboat's damaged arm to reaggravate the injury, until the two-time WWF Intercontinental Champion rallied back and made the hot tag to the Hit Man, who came in like a house afire and unloaded on both Heenan Family members with punches and kicks. Bret scored a few near-falls before Rude & Perfect used their experience working together to regain the advantage and pound Hart in their corner for another heat segment. The Excellence Of Execution finally escaped after kicking out of several pinfalls and hot-tagged Steamboat, who swooped in from the top turnbuckle with the Reign Of Fire on both Rude & Perfect. Things got chaotic as all four competitors slugged it out in the ring, which led to Heenan pulling down the top rope just as Hart went to run off the ropes. The Hit Man tumbled out to the floor and appeared to land on his head, distracting referee Dave Hebner long enough for the Ravishing One and the Flawless One to drop the Dragon with an awesome double Rude Awakening from the top turnbuckle. When the official returned to the action, Rude hooked Steamboat's leg for the deciding three-count. (93%)

Afterwards, while Bret Hart was still laid out barely conscious at ringside, Rick Rude & Mr. Perfect continued to punish Ricky Steamboat in the squared circle. Bobby Heenan encouraged his men to finish off the WWF Intercontinental Champion once and for all as the Flawless One and the Ravishing One mercilessly hammered the Dragon. The fans' boos turned to an enormous cheer when WWF Champion Randy Savage roared down the aisle and hit the ring, firing off fists and elbowsmashes for both Perfect & Rude. The Macho Man managed to drive the Heenan Family members out to the floor and check on the Dragon as Tenay reminded viewers that Savage would be defending the WWF Championship against Perfect in April at WrestleMania VIII. Perfect & Rude backed up the aisle with the Brain, motioning to their waists and threatening to capture the WWF Title as well as the WWF Intercontinental Title, while the show finished. (96%)

Overall: 84%

Rating: 6.51

Attendance: 10,043

Ticket Sales: $602,580

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SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 1992 -- WWF SUPERSTARS OF WRESTLING

* Hosts: Gorilla Monsoon and "The Man" Ric Flair.

* Lord Alfred Hayes interviewed the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers and Jimmy Hart, who claimed that if there was anything left of Fire & Ice after tonight's main event against the Enforcers, then Raymond & Jacques would "pick up the pieces" and wipe them out. (74%)

* The Conquistadors (Conquistador #1 & Conquistador #2) vs. The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers (Jacques & Raymond Rougeau): A good, competitive little tag team opener that featured plenty of fast-paced action. Although they came close to pulling off the upset, the Conquistadors lost when #2 was pinned by Raymond following Le Bombe De Rougeau from he and Jacques. (76%)

* A video aired that recapped the end of the tag team match last week on Saturday Night's Main Event between the Nasty Boys and Jimmy Snuka & Papa Shango, which saw Jerry Saggs pin the Superfly after the Pit Stop Drop, followed by the Voodoo Master stealing one of the Nasties' leather coats. The video switched to the dimly-lit inside of a black magic temple, as the zombified Snuka laid on a concrete slab while Shango uttered some bizarre chants and set fire to the jacket. Shango's eyes rolled back in his head and he stuck out his tongue as the jacket suddenly burst into a huge fireball and disintegrated. The video ended with Shango cackling maniacally. (75%)

* Sean Mooney interviewed Dustin Rhodes, Terry Funk, & Colonel Robert Lee Fuller, who "guar-an-teed" that his Stud Stable would win the WWF Television Tag Team Title from the Rockers tomorrow night on Prime Time Wrestling. (78%)

* "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes & "The Outlaw" Terry Funk vs. Duane Gill & Barry Hardy: One-sided tag team squash that ended when the Lone Star Stud covered Duane Gill after the American Nightmare. (64%)

* A video package aired on the tension between Roddy Piper and Hulk Hogan & Bob Backlund. The footage recapped the Piper/Backlund bout at WWF Battle Lines and the Hulkster making the save on his motorcycle, as well as the Immortal One chasing Hot Rod from the ring last night on Saturday Night's Main Event. It hyped the tag team match now set for WWF March To WrestleMania and posed the question of who the Rowdy Scot would select as his partner to meet Hogan & Backlund on March 29. The video ended with the announcement that Hogan & Backlund would be squaring off with the Commonwealth Connection next week on Saturday Night's Main Event. (89%)

* Lord Alfred Hayes interviewed the New British Bulldogs, who had harsh words for the Commonwealth Connection and stated that they would be watching their match against Bob Backlund & Hulk Hogan next Saturday night. (76%)

* The New British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith & Chris Benoit) vs. The Southern Kids (Brian Christopher & Bob Holly): A pretty solid, semi-competitive contest that showcased the New Bulldogs' classic teamwork en route to their victory, when Benoit nailed Christopher with the Swandive Headbutt from the top turnbuckle following the Running Powerslam from Davey Boy. (74%)

* Following Mean Gene Okerlund's "WWF Update" segment, Sean Mooney interviewed Fire & Ice, who tried to keep their cool but were obviously angry about the ambush by the Gangsters Of Style on "The Funeral Parlor" last night. Al Snow claimed that they were more than willing to face the Gangsters again and suggested that the rematch could take place in front of the entire world at WWF March To WrestleMania. Doug Furnas agreed and looked forward to locking up with the Enforcers this evening as a true test of their tag team skills. (79%)

* Lord Alfred Hayes interviewed Jimmy Hart and the Enforcers, who looked very mean as they prepared to teach Fire & Ice a lesson that all rookies needed to learn: respect the veterans. (74%)

* The Enforcers (Greg "The Hammer" Valentine & Dino Bravo) vs. Fire & Ice (Doug "The Tank" Furnas & Al "Ice Man" Snow): This was a very solid main event that kicked off with Dino Bravo challenging Doug Furnas to a test of strength and actually losing, which got a big pop. The hard-hitting and sometimes slow-paced action went back-and-forth until Al Snow pinned the Canadian Strongman after the Force Of Nature from he and the Tank. (75%)

Overall: 75%

Rating: 5.07

Attendance: 10,023

Ticket Sales: $601,380

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During the WWF Update on Superstars Of Wrestling, Mean Gene Okerlund announced some new matches on the card for WWF March To WrestleMania on Sunday, March 29...

Hulk Hogan & Bob Backlund vs. Roddy Piper & TBA

Hawk & Big Boss Man vs. The Million Dollar Bounty Hunters

Honky Tonk Man vs. Dustin Rhodes

Fire & Ice vs. The Gangsters Of Style

[Chrononaut]

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 1992 -- WWF PRIME TIME WRESTLING

Vince McMahon and Jesse "The Body" Ventura kicked off the program LIVE from ringside and hyped the evening's lineup, featuring Dustin Rhodes & Terry Funk challenging the Rockers for the WWF Television Tag Team Championship in the main event, the Nasty Boys meeting the Destruction Crew, Matt Borne taking on Michael Rotunda (?), the Undertaker facing the Conquistadors in a handicap match-up, and in the studio: Razor Ramon, the Commonwealth Connection, and Fire & Ice.

"Maniac" Matt Borne vs. Michael "Wall Street" Rotunda

Matt Borne was already in the ring when the former Irwin R. Schyster was introduced, still dressed in tie and suspenders, flanked by Ted DiBiase and Virgil, as McMahon wondered where Miss Elizabeth was. The commentators glossed over Michael Rotunda's name change, but the dirt sheets reported this week that the Internal Revenue Service had threatened a lawsuit against the WWF if they didn't drop the IRS character. Ventura put over Wall Street's financial acumen and his victory over Jake Roberts last week, as Rotunda and the Maniac put on a nice wrestling clinic, exchanging holds and counterholds while McMahon brought up the Million Dollar Empire's recent issues with Razor Ramon. After a back-and-forth match-up, Wall Street put the Maniac away with the Necktie. (78%)

After the match, Michael Rotunda tossed Matt Borne out to the floor while Vince McMahon left the broadcast position and stepped into the ring with the microphone to interview Ted DiBiase. The Million Dollar Man blamed Miss Elizabeth for the "public humiliation" suffered by the Million Dollar Empire last week when Razor Ramon ran out and chased them off, and explained that he had left her at one of his many mansions under the care of Bam Bam Bigelow & Cactus Jack Manson. The former WWF Champion called Razor out and claimed that he was ready to meet him face-to-face, but McMahon pointed out that the Bad Guy was in the Prime Time Wrestling studio for an interview. DiBiase insulted Ramon's machismo and declared that if the Cuban immigrant wanted him one-on-one, he would first have to "take a stroll down Wall Street" at WWF March To WrestleMania. Wall Street grinned deviously and warned Razor that he was still in contact with his friends in Washington about the Cuban's immigrant status, threatening to dismantle the Bad Guy inside the ring and out. DiBiase laughed heartily and shook hands with Rotunda as "Money, Money, Money" cranked up and they exited the squared circle with Virgil. (81%)

In the Prime Time Wrestling studio, Gorilla Monsoon and "The Man" Ric Flair briefly discussed Ted DiBiase's challenge before introducing Razor Ramon as their first guest. The Cuban immigrant's Latino temper was already flaring up as he stated that if the studio in Connecticut wasn't so far from the arena in California, he would have stormed out and "carved up" the Million Dollar Man, Michael Rotunda, Virgil, and anybody else who wanted a piece of the Bad Guy. Monsoon inquired whether Ramon was interested in DiBiase's offer for WWF March To WrestleMania, to which Razor responded that he would slice through the entire Million Dollar Empire to get to DiBiase, accepting the challenge. Razor mentioned that he couldn't wait until March 29 to get his hands on a member of the Empire and criticized DiBiase for leaving Miss Elizabeth at home with the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters. When the Man advised the Bad Guy to mind his own business, Razor claimed that the Million Dollar Man didn't know how to treat a lady and expressed remorse at inadvertently punching the First Lady Of Wrestling a few months ago, adding that he wanted to make it up to her somehow. Ramon promised that when he and Wall Street tangle at WWF March To WrestleMania, the Bad Guy would be the sole survivor when the dust settled. (90%)

Handicap Match: The Conquistadors (Conquistador #1 & Conquistador #2) vs. The Undertaker

Paul Bearer led his Undertaker down the aisle, holding the urn in front of him, as Ventura suggested that the Dead Man had to start competing in handicap bouts because the other WWF superstars were too scared to lock up with him one-on-one. Basic semi-competitive 2-on-1 contest, as the Pale Destroyer dominated most of the match-up with his supernatural strength, although the masked men got in some double-team offense. However, they were unable to knock him off of his feet, and the Grim Reaper finished them off when he buried #1 with the Tombstone. Afterwards, the Undertaker caught #2 when he dove from the top turnbuckle and chokeslammed him on top of his fellow Conquistador. (74%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair announced that this weekend on Saturday Night's Main Event, the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers would be meeting their next guests, Fire & Ice, who both wore WWF t-shirts and track pants, looking very serious. Monsoon congratulated Fire & Ice on their string of success thus far in the WWF, including the win over the Enforcers yesterday on Superstars, but Doug Furnas replied that they couldn't rest on their laurels quite yet since they had to deal with the Rougeaus on the weekend. Al Snow brought up the Gangsters Of Style's ambush on "The Funeral Parlor" and referred to the Tank and himself as a "tag team machine", similar to Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Terminator" in that they would keep getting back up and coming after Paul Roma & Stan Lane at WWF March To WrestleMania. The Ice Man vowed to put the other tag teams in the WWF in a "deep freeze" en route to chasing the WWF Tag Team Championship. (74%)

Backstage at the arena, Mean Gene Okerlund interviewed Bobby Heenan and the Destruction Crew, who were getting ready to square off against the Nasty Boys tonight. The Brain admitted that Jerry Saggs & Brian Knobbs were a couple of "bad apples" but claimed that Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom were tuning up for a run at the WWF Television Tag Team Championship and could not be stopped. (89%)

The Destruction Crew (Wayne "The Train" Bloom & Mike "The Machine" Enos) vs. The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs & Jerry Saggs)

Bobby "The Brain" Heenan accompanied his Destruction Crew, while the Nasty Boys got a nice pop when they came out, as the commentators talked about how both squads would be watching tonight's WWF Television Tag Team Title main event very closely. This was a well-worked, roughhouse-style tag team contest, as the Nasties and the Crew traded the advantage several times and displayed great double-team skills. Wayne Bloom & Mike Enos utilized quick tags to control Jerry Saggs and score a number of near-falls, but Saggs mounted a comeback and made the hot tag to Brian Knobbs, who charged in and cleaned house. Saggs knocked the Machine out to the floor and brawled with him at ringside while on the inside, Knobbs unloaded on the Train with punches and clotheslines. However, as Enos reversed an Irish-whip at ringside and sent Saggs sailing into the ringpost, Knobbs was scooping up Bloom over his shoulder for a powerslam, but suddenly collapsed and clutched his side, hollering in pain. At the directions of the Brain, the Crew took advantage of the situation as the Machine returned to the ring and helped to spike Knobbs with the Wrecking Ball, giving the deciding pinfall to the Train. Afterwards, a happy Heenan left with Enos & Bloom, while Saggs checked on his fellow Nasty Boy as McMahon wondered what happened. (78%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair hyped the main event for Saturday Night's Main Event this weekend pitting Hulk Hogan & Bob Backlund against their next guests, the Commonwealth Connection. Monsoon referred to the match-up as the biggest test to date in Owen Hart's young career, which the second-generation grappler agreed with and stated that it would be an honor to step into the ring against two of the greatest WWF Champions of all time. The Dynamite Kid cut his partner off and admitted that while Backlund & Hogan were two of the most successful and popular superstars in the history of the WWF, the Connection were going to lay them both out, just like they did to the All American. When Gorilla asked why Dynamite prevented Owen from accepting Backlund's handshake last week, the Kid sneered and replied that he was teaching his more inexperienced partner that respect means nothing in the WWF. Dynamite explained how he had the respect of the entire locker room for his innovative offense during his first stint in the WWF, but all he had to show for it now was chronic back pain and the jeers of the fans. The Kid warned Hart not to make the same mistakes and promised that they would put down Hogan & Backlund on Saturday evening. (80%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was at the arena in the locker room to interview Colonel Robert Fuller along with Terry Funk & Dustin Rhodes as they were gearing up for the main event against WWF Television Tag Team Champions the Rockers. The Outlaw claimed that they had some unfinished business with Marty Jannetty & Shawn Michaels for sticking their noses where they didn't belong at WWF Battle Lines, while the Greatest Promoter Of All Time rambled about how good his Stud Stable would look draped in gold. The Lone Star Stud predicted that the TV belts would be the first of many titles to come his way before they all headed out together. (73%)

WWF Television Tag Team Title Match: The Rockers (Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty) [champions] vs. "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes & "The Outlaw" Terry Funk

Colonel Robert Lee Fuller swaggered out alongside Dustin Rhodes & Terry Funk, while the WWF Television Tag Team Champions received a mostly female pop upon their entrance. The Stud Stable went on the offensive right off the hop, ambushing the Rockers when they slid in under the bottom rope and dumping Shawn Michaels back out to the floor. The Outlaw and the Natural isolated Marty Jannetty early on and used classic tag team skills to control him, as they frequently tagged in and out, taking turns working him over and scoring near-falls until Marty floored the Funker with a high cross-bodyblock off the ropes and made the tag to Shawn. Michaels sprang into the ring and unleashed a beautiful series of dropkicks to knock down both Funk & Rhodes numerous times before sending the Lone Star Stud out through the ropes with a sweet flying forearm. Once Jannetty had recovered enough on the apron, the Rockers utilized quick tags to wear down Funk and score a handful of near-falls, as the former NWA World Heavyweight Champion sold his ass off and made the Masters Of Motion look like a million bucks. Eventually, the Colonel interfered and grabbed Shawn's leg behind referee Tim White's back, holding Michaels long enough for Funk to strike with a kneelift and drag the Rocker back to the Stud Stable corner. The Natural and Michaels had some great exchanges, as Rhodes & Funk held onto the advantage and dominated Michaels with Fuller occasionally interfering, until the Honky Tonk Man finally raced down to ringside and blindsided the Greatest Promoter Of All Time. This distracted Funk and allowed Michaels to make the hot tag, as the Rockers surprised the Outlaw with a picture-perfect double superkick that McMahon called "Sweet Chin Music". While Dustin and the Honk scuffled on the floor, Jannetty covered Funk for the three-count to retain the WWF Television Tag Team Championship. (86%)

Following the bell, a groggy Terry Funk rolled out to the floor and assisted Dustin Rhodes in brawling with the Honky Tonk Man up the aisle as Colonel Robert Fuller and a swarm of WWF officials tried to get involved. Meanwhile in the ring, Shawn Michaels snatched the WWF Television Tag Team Title belts from the referee and passed one to Marty Jannetty as the Rockers celebrated another successful championship defense. Unexpectedly, the Hart Foundation made their way down the aisle, nonchalantly passing by the situation with the Stud Stable and the Honk as Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart stepped into the squared circle while Vince McMahon joined them with a microphone. The WWF Television Tag Team Champions demanded to know what the Foundation wanted, so the Hit Man pointed at the USA Network video wall, which lit up with footage from the February 29 Saturday Night's Main Event of Michaels cheapshotting Hart with a superkick to the side of the face as Hart was turning to leave the ring. Shawn blamed Bret and recalled his anger at the fact that the Foundation had just gotten them disqualified against the Powers Of Pain, but the Anvil accused the Rockers of jealousy since the Foundation were named 1991's Tag Team Of The Year, adding that they were also former two-time WWF Tag Team Champions and successful singles wrestlers as well, unlike the Rockers. In an "ooohh" moment, Michaels smirked at Neidhart and responded that only one of the two Foundation members had any hope of a solo career, and pointed out which tag team was currently holding a championship. Jannetty interrupted Michaels and stated that if they really wanted to find out who the better tag team was, the Masters Of Motion would be eager to put the WWF Television Tag Team Title on the line at WWF March To WrestleMania against the Hart Foundation. This seemed to shock Michaels a bit, but Hart quickly accepted the offer and commented that they would be looking forward to the opportunity to prove why the Foundation were "the best there is, the best there was, and the best...there ever will be." Neidhart & Hart then exited to the floor and headed up the aisle as the Rockers stood in the ring with their TV belts while Ventura signed off. (80%)

Overall: 80%

Rating: 5.44

Attendance: 10,017

Ticket Sales: $601,020

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SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 1992 -- NBC/WWF PRESENT: SATURDAY NIGHT'S MAIN EVENT

Marv Albert, "The Professor" Mike Tenay, and "The Man" Ric Flair opened the LIVE network broadcast with a rundown of the evening's scheduled events, including the Honky Tonk Man taking on the Great Muta, the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers facing Fire & Ice, the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters in tag team action, WWF Intercontinental Champion Ricky Steamboat on "The Funeral Parlor", and in the main event, Hulk Hogan & Bob Backlund meeting the Commonwealth Connection.

In the locker room, Jesse "The Body" Ventura did his part to hype tonight's show and interviewed Jimmy Hart and the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers, who were preparing for their match-up against Fire & Ice. The Mouth Of The South expressed his disappointment that the Enforcers could not defeat Al Snow & Doug Furnas last week on Superstars, but Raymond & Jacques assured their manager that they would end the newcomers' winning streak...NEXT! (73%)

Fire & Ice (Doug "The Tank" Furnas & Al "Ice Man" Snow) vs. The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers (Jacques & Raymond Rougeau)

Jimmy Hart escorted his Fabulous Rougeau Brothers while Flair pondered what effect Fire & Ice's hectic schedule would have on their rematch with the Gangsters Of Style at WWF March To WrestleMania. Energetic fast-paced opener, as the Rougeaus attempted to prove that they could still hang with the younger tag teams and did so, controlling Al Snow until he broke free and made the hot tag to Doug Furnas. After singlehandedly cleaning house, the Tank tagged the Ice Man back in and they executed the Force Of Nature on Jacques, giving Snow the pinfall. (77%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was in the dressing room to interview the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters. When Mean Gene tried to ask them about their upcoming match at WWF March To WrestleMania against the Big Boss Man & Hawk, Cactus Jack Manson interrupted him and brought up Razor Ramon's comments from Prime Time Wrestling about getting his hands on a member of the Million Dollar Empire. The New Mexican Wildman stated that he would accept that challenge, but Bam Bam Bigelow claimed that he wanted to collect the bounty. They decided to settle it with a pretty funny best-out-of-three "Rock, Paper, Scissors" contest that the Beast From The East lost. Bam Bam congratulated Cactus Jack, who celebrated with a "BANG BANG!" before they headed out. (86%)

The Million Dollar Bounty Hunters (Bam Bam Bigelow & Cactus Jack Manson) vs. Louie Spicolli & Scott Taylor

The Million Dollar Bounty Hunters marched out to the heavy-metal "Money, Money, Money" riff as Albert received word that the bout between Cactus Jack Manson and Razor Ramon would take place next week on Saturday Night's Main Event. Complete tag team massacre, as the Bounty Hunters dominated their opponents and finished them off when Bam Bam Bigelow covered Scott Taylor following the Jersey Devil while Cactus Jack drilled Louie Spicolli with the Bang Bang on the floor. (73%)

Backstage, cameras showed a meeting amongst Mr. Fuji and his Dojo. The Devious One scolded his three Orient Express members for losing to the Bushwhackers & Koko B. Ware last week and ordered the Great Muta to make the Honky Tonk Man suffer tonight, but Muta pointed at the starved-looking Abdullah The Butcher and uttered something in Japanese. Fuji hissed back in his broken English that the Madman Of The Sudan would eat when he said so and added that food made Abdullah weak, but hunger made him strong. Muta shook his head and walked away, while Fuji directed Kato, Tanaka, & Sato to keep the Butcher backstage and waddled after the Asian Sensation. (81%)

The Great Muta vs. Honky Tonk Man

Mr. Fuji waddled out behind his Great Muta, who was actually given a mixed reception from the fans as Flair put over the Asian Sensation's world-class talent. The Honky Tonk Man got a good reaction when he danced down the aisle while the commentators hyped his bout with Dustin Rhodes at WWF March To WrestleMania, and engaged in a very good match-up with the Great One, selling like crazy for Muta's lethal combination of martial arts and fast-paced aerial artistry. The Honk fought back with his own offense and used his edge in experience to take advantage of Muta's mistakes, scoring a few near-falls with a backslide, a small package, and a sunset flip, as Tenay reminded viewers that Honky Tonk was the longest-reigning WWF Intercontinental Champion of all time. Muta regained control and looked great until Honky rolled out of the way of the Rising Sun from the top turnbuckle. The fans rallied behind the Honk as he struck Muta with lefts and rights and set him up for the Shake Rattle & Roll, but Fuji climbed up on the apron and began waving his cane. This allowed Muta to escape from Honky and spew the yellow mist, but the Honk ducked and Muta accidentally sprayed Fuji in the face, causing him to crash to the floor. The Honk swiftly took Muta down with the Shake Rattle & Roll and hooked the leg for the 1-2-3. (82%)

Afterwards, the Great Muta stumbled out to the floor and checked on Mr. Fuji, helping him up and apologizing in Japanese as they headed up the aisle. Meanwhile, the Honky Tonk Man began to celebrate his victory, but Dustin Rhodes and Colonel Robert Lee Fuller swaggered into the ring and interrupted him. The Honk went nose-to-nose with the Natural and exchanged words until Terry Funk stormed the squared circle and attempted to blindside the former WWF Intercontinental Champion. However, Honky Tonk turned in time and blocked the Outlaw's assault, firing back with his own lefts and rights. Honky fought valiantly but the Lone Star Stud and the Colonel helped the Funker batter the Honk, before Funk & Rhodes planted the Memphis native with a spike Double Cross Driver similar to the one used on Shane Douglas at WWF Battle Lines. The crowd booed as the Stud Stable left the Honk laid out flat on his back. (76%)

Following a commercial break, Paul Bearer was on the set of "The Funeral Parlor" and introduced this week's guest, WWF Intercontinental Champion Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, dressed conservatively with the title belt over his shoulder. Bearer welcomed Steamboat back to the WWF from his injury, but the Dragon recalled that the last time he visited the Parlor was when Rick Rude and Bobby Heenan double-crossed him and put him out of action by slamming his arm in one of the caskets. Steamboat thanked Bret Hart for coming to his defense and brought up last week's tag team main event, after which the Ravishing One & Mr. Perfect mercilessly hammered him 2-on-1. The WWF Intercontinental Champion admitted that Rude pinned his shoulders to the mat last week, but dared the Heenan Family members to come out and meet him face-to-face. The Brain finally walked out onto the stage along with Perfect & Rude, who talked trash to Steamboat and went to lunge at him but "Pomp And Circumstance" fired up and the fans erupted as WWF Champion "Macho Man" Randy Savage made his way out. The Macho Man stood beside the Dragon and stuck his hand out for a cautious handshake with the Flawless One, congratulating him for winning the 30-man 1992 Royal Rumble and earning the WWF Title shot at WrestleMania VIII. Perfect responded that Savage was shaking hands with the next WWF Champion and bragged that he was undefeated thus far in 1992, at which point Steamboat challenged the former two-time WWF Intercontinental Champion to "put up or shut up" and suggested a tag team match-up at WWF March To WrestleMania pitting Steamboat & Savage against Rude & Perfect. Rude accepted the offer and claimed that it would be his pleasure to pin the WWF Intercontinental Champion again. Suddenly, Perfect tried to attack Savage, but the WWF Champion blocked it and opened up on the Flawless One with fists and elbows while Steamboat and Rude struggled with each other. A sea of WWF agents and officials eventually flooded out to separate the superstars as Albert hyped the tag team war between Perfect & Rude and Savage & Steamboat for WWF March To WrestleMania. (87%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was in the locker room to interview Bob Backlund & Hulk Hogan as they were warming up for the evening's main event against the Commonwealth Connection. The Hulkster kicked things off with "Well ya know, Mean Gene..." as always, and proceeded to rant about the upcoming tag team contest at WWF March To WrestleMania against Roddy Piper and a partner to be determined. The All American mentioned the attack on him by the Dynamite Kid & Owen Hart following a singles win over Owen, and predicted that it would be a different story tonight with the odds evened. The Immortal One advised the Rowdy Scot and any potential partners to watch the match this evening, and finished by asking the Connection: "WHATCHA GONNA DO WHEN THE HULKSTER, THE MILLIONS OF HULKAMANIACS WATCHING ON NBC, AND THE ALL AMERICAN RUN WILD ON YOU?!?!" (88%)

The Commonwealth Connection (Dynamite Kid & Owen Hart) vs. "The Immortal" Hulk Hogan & Bob Backlund

While the Commonwealth Connection made their entrance, footage was shown from the March 2 Prime Time Wrestling of Owen Hart submitting to Bob Backlund's Cross Face Chicken Wing, then about to shake hands with the All American afterwards until the Dynamite Kid intervened and helped drill the former WWF Champion with the Union Spike. "Real American" cranked up and the fans exploded as Hulk Hogan marched down the aisle followed by Bob Backlund, greeting little Hulkamaniacs around ringside. This heated main event got underway when the Hulkster and the Dynamite Kid stared each other down and exchanged pleasantries before locking up collar-and-elbow. The Immortal One started off strong, outmuscling the Kid several times and tagging out to the All American, who came in like a man possessed but eventually succumbed to the treachery of the Commonwealth Connection, as Hart caught Backlund with a knee from the apron. Dynamite & Owen held onto the advantage and utilized quick tags and smooth teamwork to wear down the former WWF Champion's back, as Tenay recalled that Hart punished Backlund's spine during their previous one-on-one encounter. Both the Kid & Hart scored several near-falls, while Flair questioned whom Roddy Piper would select as his partner for WWF March To WrestleMania and suggested either member of the Connection due to their impressive showing tonight. Backlund mounted a comeback when he avoided a missile dropkick from the top turnbuckle by Hart and grabbed Owen's legs, catapulting him toward the face corner, where Hogan clobbered him with a roundhouse right. The All American made the hot tag to the Hulkster, who rushed in as Dynamite raced in from his corner, kicking off a pier-six brawl. Amidst the chaos, Hogan Irish-whipped Hart into the ropes and dropped him with the big foot to the face on the rebound before squashing him with the Hulkster Legdrop to earn the three-count. (84%)

After the match, the Dynamite Kid scolded Owen Hart as they headed up the aisle, while Hulk Hogan performed his famous posedown routine and tried to get Bob Backlund to join him. The fans cheered as the All American resisted and informed the Immortal One that he didn't like to show off. While Hogan & Backlund were having their discussion, Roddy Piper ran in out of nowhere and pasted the Hulkster with a chairshot across the back of the skull. Before Backlund could do anything, Hot Rod whacked him over the head with the chair and stated that he was only trying to help Backlund realize what a monster Hogan was. The Rowdy One quickly bailed out and taunted the audience from the aisleway as Albert, Tenay, and Flair closed the program. (90%)

Overall: 82%

Rating: 6.78

Attendance: 10,033

Ticket Sales: $601,980

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SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 1992 -- WWF SUPERSTARS OF WRESTLING

* Hosts: Gorilla Monsoon and "The Man" Ric Flair.

* Non-Title Match: Powers Of Pain (Barbarian & Warlord) vs. Duane Gill & Barry Hardy: Squash city for the WWF Tag Team Champions, who finished off their opponents when the Barbarian covered Duane Gill following the Apocalypse by he and the Warlord. (65%)

* Lord Alfred Hayes interviewed Abdullah The Butcher and Mr. Fuji, who claimed that he could not see anything since the Great Muta inadvertently spewed yellow mist in his eyes on Saturday Night's Main Event last night. (73%)

* Abdullah The Butcher vs. Jamie Dundee: Jamie Dundee tried to knock Abdullah off-balance early on, but the ravenous Butcher shrugged it off and massacred the youngster before ending his misery with the Meat Cleaver. (69%)

* A video aired that recapped the recent events between Razor Ramon and the Million Dollar Empire, specifically Michael "Wall Street" Rotunda. Wall Street was shown (as Irwin R. Schyster, but with all references to the name edited out) bashing the Bad Guy with the briefcase and busting him wide open, as the Rotunda/Ramon match-up for WWF March To WrestleMania was hyped. The video ended by reminding viewers that Razor would be facing Bam Bam Bigelow next weekend on Saturday Night's Main Event. (87%)

* Sean Mooney interviewed Ax, Smash, & Crush of Demolition, who declared that they still had unfinished business with the Hellraisers and looked forward to settling the score. (84%)

* Demolition (Smash & Crush) vs. Brooklyn Brawler & Iron Mike Sharpe: A plodding, semi-competitive bout with some entertaining crowd heat that ended when Crush pinned the Brawler following the Decapitation Kneedrop by he and Smash. (68%)

* Backstage, the Great Muta was shown expressing remorse and apologizing in Japanese to the blinded Mr. Fuji. The Devious One informed the Asian Sensation that Muta "owed" him for what happened last night and that Muta would have to atone for his sins as long as Fuji was sightless. (75%)

* The Great Muta vs. Bill Dundee: Solid little encounter between the veteran and the Asian Sensation, who kept bowing to Mr. Fuji when he was in control. Muta took the three-count after flattening Dundee with the Rising Sun. (74%)

* Following Mean Gene Okerlund's "WWF Update" segment, Lord Alfred Hayes interviewed Superfly Snuka & Papa Shango, who vowed to put a hex on all the other tag teams in the WWF, including the Hart Foundation this evening. (70%)

* Sean Mooney interviewed the Hart Foundation, who were anticipating their WWF Television Tag Team Championship bout at WWF March To WrestleMania against the Rockers, but assured Mooney that they were not looking past tonight's encounter with Papa Shango & Superfly Snuka, putting them over as a very dangerous combination. (85%)

* Papa Shango & "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka vs. The Hart Foundation (Bret "Hit Man" Hart & Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart): Surprisingly energetic tag team affair, as Papa Shango kept up with the Hart Foundation and used the zombified Jimmy Snuka to punish Bret Hart for a great heat segment. The Hit Man eventually escaped and the former two-time WWF Tag Team Champions wrapped things up when the Anvil covered the Superfly following the Hart Attack from he and Bret. (85%)

Overall: 76%

Rating: 5.12

Attendance: 10,003

Ticket Sales: $600,180

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During the WWF Update on Superstars Of Wrestling, Mean Gene Okerlund ran through the updated card for WWF March To WrestleMania on Sunday, March 29...

Randy Savage & Ricky Steamboat vs. Mr. Perfect & Rick Rude

WWF Television Tag Team Title Match: The Rockers [champions] vs. The Hart Foundation

Hulk Hogan & Bob Backlund vs. Roddy Piper & TBA

Razor Ramon vs. Michael Rotunda

Hawk & Big Boss Man vs. The Million Dollar Bounty Hunters

Honky Tonk Man vs. Dustin Rhodes

Fire & Ice vs. The Gangsters Of Style

[Chrononaut]

MONDAY, MARCH 16, 1992 -- WWF PRIME TIME WRESTLING

Vince McMahon and Jesse "The Body" Ventura kicked off the show LIVE from ringside and ran through the lineup for tonight, featuring Davey Boy Smith meeting Mr. Perfect in the main event, the Big Boss Man & Hawk taking on the Orient Express, Dustin Rhodes facing the Texas Twister, the Bushwhackers in tag team action, and in the studio: WWF Champion Randy Savage & WWF Intercontinental Champion Ricky Steamboat, the Honky Tonk Man, and the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters.

The Bushwhackers (Luke & Butch) vs. The Southern Kids (Brian Christopher & Bob Holly)

Great way to kick things off, as the fans enjoyed the unorthodox antics of the Bushwhackers throughout this competitive opener. McMahon welcomed the return of the zany New Zealanders as they finished off the Southern Kids when Butch covered Bob Holly following the Bushwhacker Battering Ram from he and Luke. (72%)

Afterwards, "The Professor" Mike Tenay appeared at ringside to interview the Bushwhackers, who were as wild and rowdy as ever as they celebrated their victory. Butch issued an open challenge for next week's Prime Time Wrestling to any tag team in the WWF that wanted to make a name for themselves. Luke realized that Tenay had never been given a "proper Bushwhacker welcome" to the WWF. The Bushwhackers then licked the Professor's head before marching up the aisle. (75%)

In the Prime Time Wrestling studio, Gorilla Monsoon and "The Man" Ric Flair introduced their first guest, the Honky Tonk Man, decked out in blue jeans and "Fonzie"-style leather jacket. The Honk was irate as he brought up the double-team assault by Dustin Rhodes & Terry Funk on Saturday Night's Main Event over the weekend, but the Man responded that it was payback for Honky Tonk getting involved in the Stud Stable's WWF Television Tag Team Title shot last week against the Rockers. The former WWF Intercontinental Champion disregarded the comment and explained that it all started last fall when Colonel Robert Lee Fuller made the Natural the "franchise player" of the Stud Stable and dumped the Honk. Honky vowed to make the Greatest Promoter Of All Time regret his decision by adding the Lone Star Stud to his "Greatest Hits" list at WWF March To WrestleMania, but claimed that he wanted to ensure that it would be a one-on-one encounter and challenged Terry Funk to a match next week on Prime Time Wrestling. The Honk promised that he would be dancing all over the Outlaw next week as a message to Dustin. (88%)

Backstage at the arena, Mean Gene Okerlund interviewed Colonel Robert Lee Fuller and Dustin Rhodes, who was getting ready for his bout tonight with Kevin Von Erich. The Colonel informed Mean Gene that Terry Funk was back home at the Double Cross Ranch grappling with bulls, but added that the Outlaw would accept the Honky Tonk Man's challenge for next week. The Lone Star Stud smirked when asked about the Honk's comments and claimed that at WWF March To WrestleMania, he would prove that the Colonel made the right decision. (78%)

"Texas Twister" Kevin Von Erich vs. "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes

Colonel Robert Lee Fuller swaggered out alongside Dustin Rhodes as McMahon and Ventura argued about next week's Honky Tonk Man/Terry Funk match-up. Solid old-school contest with the Lone Star Stud playing the cocky heel as he used his height advantage to overpower the Texas Twister, who rallied back with the fans behind him and disoriented the Natural by utilizing his superior speed and agility. Kevin almost squeezed a submission out of Dustin with the Von Erich Claw, but Dustin made it to the ropes and managed to sidestep the Twister Punch that followed. Rhodes swiftly planted Von Erich with the American Nightmare and hooked the leg for the 1-2-3. (78%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair brought in the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters as their next guests and mentioned the singles bout on Saturday Night's Main Event this weekend pitting Cactus Jack Manson against Razor Ramon. The New Mexican Wildman explained that it would be more money in his pocket if he managed to "bag" the Bad Guy before the Cuban's match-up at WWF March To WrestleMania against Michael Rotunda, but the Man pointed out that the Bounty Hunters would be facing the Big Boss Man & Hawk in less than two weeks and needed to be at 100%. Bam Bam Bigelow responded that the last time they squared off with Hawk & Boss Man in the eight-man encounter, it ended in a double-disqualification because of the beating he and Jack were giving their opponents. The Beast From The East stated that at WWF March To WrestleMania, they wanted to add a stipulation to their match with Hawk & Boss Man: No Disqualification. Cactus shot off a "bang-bang!" in celebration and smiled a sick grin as he challenged the "Legion Of Shopping Mall Security" to accept the No Disqualification stipulation. (90%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was at the arena in the locker room to interview the Big Boss Man & Hawk as they were warming up to meet the Orient Express. Boss Man admitted that it was difficult to prepare for the Express because it could be any combination of the three members, but Hawk growled that it didn't matter since they could demolish Kato, Sato, & Tanaka all at once. When Mean Gene inquired about the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters' challenge for WWF March To WrestleMania, the Boss Man said that the last thing he remembered from that eight-man match-up was Cactus Jack Manson & Bam Bam Bigelow running up the aisle "with ya tails between ya legs, boys!" Hawk officially accepted the No Disqualification stipulation as Okerlund informed him that if they manage to defeat the Orient Express tonight, they would earn a WWF Tag Team Title shot next week against the Powers Of Pain. The former Legion Of Doom member roared his trademark "AHHHHH, WWWWHHHHAAATTTT AAAA RRRRRUUUUUSSSHHHHHH!!" before heading out with the Boss Man. (78%)

The Orient Express (Sato & Tanaka) vs. Hawk & Big Boss Man

Kato seconded Tanaka & Sato, substituting for Mr. Fuji as McMahon explained that the Devious One was still experiencing difficulties with his vision after being misted by the Great Muta on Saturday Night's Main Event. Ventura claimed that the Big Boss Man & Hawk did not deserve a shot at the Powers Of Pain's WWF Tag Team Championship and suggested that it was a favor from WWF President Andre The Giant, but Hawk & Boss Man got a great pop when they came out, and put on a solid tag team affair. The Orient Express got in some double-team offense on the Boss Man, but the faces dominated most of the action and put their Asian foes away when Hawk covered Sato following the Doomsday Device from he and Boss Man. Afterwards, Kato tried to interrupt the victory celebration but Boss Man squashed him with the Boss Man Slam while Hawk press-slammed Tanaka out to the floor. (75%)

In the Prime Time studio, Gorilla Monsoon and Ric Flair announced that the main event this weekend on Saturday Night's Main Event would pit the Gangsters Of Style against their next guests, WWF Intercontinental Champion Ricky Steamboat & WWF Champion Randy Savage. Monsoon welcomed the two titlists, but the Man mentioned that the Macho Man and the Dragon were on opposing sides of the tag team main event at last year's WWF March To WrestleMania, and recalled that Savage's partner was none other than Mr. Perfect. The WWF Champion was quick to point out that they would have won that match if the Flawless One hadn't accidentally whacked him with a metal folding chair, drawing an inquisitive look from Steamboat. Flair added that Savage defeated Steamboat in a Steel Cage match at last year's WWF Battle Lines, but the Dragon cut the Man off and told him to hold his tongue. The WWF Intercontinental Champion explained that that was all in the past, just like his victory over Savage at WrestleMania III, and they were focused on their common enemies on March 29: Rick Rude & Mr. Perfect. The Macho Man raised an eyebrow at Steamboat's WrestleMania comment and muttered that that was five years ago, but Monsoon defused the situation by reminding the two champions about this weekend's bout with the Gangsters Of Style. The Dragon claimed that they would successfully work together to tune up for WWF March To WrestleMania, to which the Macho Man added, "OOOOHHHHHHHH YYEEEEEAAAAAHHHHHH...DIG IT!" (98%)

Mike Tenay was in the backstage hallway of the arena to interview the New British Bulldogs as Davey Boy Smith was preparing for tonight's one-on-one main event against Mr. Perfect. Chris Benoit assured his cousin that he would be watching his back in case the Heenan Family tried to interfere, at which point Bobby Heenan arrived on the scene, flanked by Mr. Perfect & Rick Rude. The Brain had a big grin on his face as he smirked at the New Bulldogs and wished Davey Boy luck tonight, while the Ravishing One invited Benoit to accompany Smith to ringside. The Flawless One shrugged his shoulders and claimed that it didn't matter, because he was going to keep his 1992 undefeated streak intact... "Perfectly." The Heenan Family headed out and told the Bulldogs they would see them out there. (82%)

Mr. Perfect vs. "British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith

Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and "Ravishing" Rick Rude, wearing a tracksuit, accompanied Mr. Perfect to ringside, while Chris Benoit seconded Davey Boy Smith as the commentators discussed the match-up at WWF March To WrestleMania featuring Perfect & Rude against Randy Savage & Ricky Steamboat. This was a great main event, as the Flawless One carried the British Bulldog to one of the more stellar bouts in Davey Boy's singles career. The Bulldog started off strong and easily outmuscled the former two-time WWF Intercontinental Champion with hiptosses, back-bodydrops, bodyslams, and press slams, tossing Perfect around like a ragdoll. Perfect bumped like crazy for the Englishman until Rick Rude managed to interfere and trip Smith when he was scooping Perfect up over his shoulder for an early attempt at the Running Powerslam. Perfect crashed down on top of Smith for a near-fall, but referee Joey Marella became distracted by Chris Benoit, who had raced around the ring to confront the Ravishing One and the Brain. This gave Perfect the opportunity to catch Davey Boy with a lowblow from behind and dominate him for the next several minutes with an assortment of scientific holds and maneuvers while Heenan and Rude cheered on their Family member from his corner. The fans rallied behind Davey Boy as he struggled to escape from a camel clutch and finally powered his way to his feet with Perfect sitting on top of his shoulders. Davey Boy fell backwards and slammed Perfect to the canvas before flooring him with a succession of hard clotheslines and headbutts. The Bulldog was on a roll as he dropped Perfect with the delayed vertical suplex and scooped him up for the Running Powerslam, but Rude and Heenan climbed up on the apron to attract the ref's attention. On the other side of the ring, Benoit hopped up on the apron to defend his cousin, but Perfect wiggled out of the Powerslam, landed behind Davey Boy, and then shoved the Bulldog into his own partner. Benoit crashed to the floor as Perfect snared Smith in the Perfectplex for the three-count when the ref returned to the action. Afterwards, the Flawless One joined the Brain and the Ravishing One in the aisleway, as the Heenan Family taunted the booing fans while McMahon and Ventura signed off. (86%)

Overall: 82%

Rating: 5.44

Attendance: 10,004

Ticket Sales: $600,240

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SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1992 -- NBC/WWF PRESENT: SATURDAY NIGHT'S MAIN EVENT

Marv Albert, "The Professor" Mike Tenay, and "The Man" Ric Flair introduced the LIVE network broadcast and announced the scheduled events for the evening: Cactus Jack Manson going one-on-one with Razor Ramon, Chris Benoit taking on Rick Rude, Roddy Piper in action, WWF Tag Team Champions Powers Of Pain and Paul Ellering on "The Funeral Parlor", and in the main event, WWF Champion Randy Savage & WWF Intercontinental Champion Ricky Steamboat meeting the Gangsters Of Style.

The familiar bagpipes blared as ring announcer Howard "The Fink" Finkel introduced "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, who was greeted with resounding boos from the fans when he made his way down the aisle. Hot Rod happily soaked in the hatred as he took the microphone and talked about his sneak attack last week on Hulk Hogan & Bob Backlund, explaining that if the Hulkster had not tried to drag the All American into his "egomaniacal" posedown routine, they wouldn't have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Scotsman claimed that he wanted some competition tonight to tune up for his tag team clash at WWF March To WrestleMania and challenged anyone in the locker room who had a grudge against him. Flair joked that that could be absolutely anybody, as young Rob Zakowski emerged from the curtains carrying a metal folding chair and pointing to the Rowdy One. Tenay recalled that Piper had pulverized Zakowski with a nasty chairshot two weeks ago as the veteran superstar scoffed at his young opponent. (92%)

"Rowdy" Roddy Piper vs. Rob Zakowski

Rob Zakowski dropped the chair at ringside and springboarded into the squared circle off the top rope with a high bodypress on Roddy Piper for a near-fall right off the bat. Tenay accused Piper of totally underestimating Zakowski and hyped a possible upset as Robbie Z disoriented the Rowdy One with a series of rudimentary martial arts kicks and flips. Eventually, Hot Rod gained the advantage and proceeded to thrash Zakowski from pillar to post before clamping on the Sleeperhold, as referee Danny Marsh dropped Zakowski's arm three times to award the submission to Piper. Afterwards, Piper retrieved the chair from the floor, then pushed the official aside and hammered the unconscious Zakowski across the skull with a brutal chairshot. (70%)

A video aired that showed Dustin Rhodes and Terry Funk at the Double Cross Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, working out during the day and partying at night. The Lone Star Stud complained that the local women were not quite up to par, but the Funker replied that the most important thing was that he and Dustin were ready to tear the Honky Tonk Man and every other WWF superstar limb from limb. Included in the work-out scenes was the appearance of Dory "Hoss" Funk Jr. in jeans and cowboy hat as he helped his brother and Dustin train. As an inside joke to long-time WWF fans, there was a "Lone Ranger" style mask hanging on the wall in the family room, apparently a tribute to Jimmy Jack Funk. The Outlaw claimed that after he massacres Honky Tonk on Prime Time Wrestling this Monday, there would be nothing left of the Honk for the Natural at WWF March To WrestleMania. (82%)

In the dressing room, Mean Gene Okerlund was standing by with Bobby Heenan, Mr. Perfect, and Rick Rude, who was tying up his robe as he prepared to face Chris Benoit. The Brain explained that Benoit had requested tonight's match-up after Perfect "destroyed" Davey Boy Smith on Prime Time Wrestling, and the Ravishing One claimed that it would be his pleasure to accomodate the New British Bulldog. The Flawless One started to say that he would be accompanying Rude and Heenan in case Smith, Ricky Steamboat, or Randy Savage decided to show up, but WWF President Andre The Giant arrived on the scene and informed Perfect that he was barred from ringside. When the Heenan Family protested, Andre responded that the same applied to Davey Boy, the WWF Champion, and the WWF Intercontinental Champion, and stated that the Brain was lucky that he was letting him go to ringside. The WWF President added that Perfect & Rude were also banned from ringside during the main event tonight, threatening an immediate suspension. Unhappy, Rude and Heenan stormed out of the room, leaving Perfect and the Giant to stare each other down. (95%)

Chris Benoit vs. "Ravishing" Rick Rude

Chris Benoit was already warming up in the ring, while Bobby "The Brain" Heenan accompanied Rick Rude as Flair and Tenay argued over WWF President Andre The Giant's "bias" against the Heenan Family. The New British Bulldog was somewhat tentative when he locked up with the Ravishing One, but put on a good performance against the former WWF Intercontinental Champion, exchanging vicious chops and suplexes as Rude continues to really come into his own as a worker. Benoit scored a handful of near-falls, including a beautiful german suplex with a bridge, and looked strong until Rude grinded him down to the mat with a reverse chinlock. The fans rallied behind Benoit as he broke free with a succession of elbows to the midsection and followed up with a series of snap suplexes, causing Tenay to compare Benoit to the Dynamite Kid. Albert predicted an upset as Benoit unleashed a flurry of chops and kicks on Rude, at which point Heenan climbed up on the apron. While referee Randy Anderson admonished the Brain, Davey Boy Smith emerged from the entrance curtain surrounded by several WWF agents who were trying to hold back the British Bulldog. This distracted Benoit long enough for the veteran Ravishing One to blindside the youngster and snap on the Rude Awakening for the three-count. Afterwards, Davey Boy escaped from the officials in the aisleway and chased Rude and Heenan out of the squared circle. (78%)

Following a commercial break, Paul Bearer was on the set of "The Funeral Parlor" and introduced this week's guests: WWF Tag Team Champions Powers Of Pain, led to the stage by Paul Ellering. While Warlord & Barbarian stood behind him grunting and snorting like wild beasts, Precious Paul discussed the depth of the WWF's tag team division, but claimed that all of the tandems currently competing were afraid to challenge his Powers Of Pain. The Precious One pointed out that his Powers had held the title for 10 months and showed no signs of slowing down, explaining that the Hart Foundation had decided to go after the Rockers' WWF Television Tag Team Championship at WWF March To WrestleMania because they realized that they could not defeat the Powers. Ellering advised both the Rockers and the Foundation to concentrate on the TV gold and forget about the WWF Tag Team Title, insinuating that the Powers' belts were more prestigious and out-of-reach. Bearer brought up Prime Time Wrestling this Monday and announced that the Big Boss Man & Hawk would be challenging the WWF Tag Team Champions, but Ellering was confident that Barbarian & Warlord would leave Hawk & Boss Man in a crumpled mess on the canvas like all of their previous opponents. (82%)

Jesse "The Body" Ventura was in the Million Dollar Empire dressing room to interview Ted DiBiase, who was flanked by Michael Rotunda, Virgil, the Million Dollar Bounty Hunters, and the forlorn Miss Elizabeth. The Million Dollar Man was readying Cactus Jack Manson for tonight's solo encounter with Razor Ramon, reminding him that the future of the Empire was resting on his shoulders. The former WWF Champion explained that if the New Mexican Wildman could knock off the Bad Guy this evening, it would save Wall Street some trouble at WWF March To WrestleMania and end the threat of the Cuban immigrant. Cactus promised that he wouldn't let his boss down and headed out the door as DiBiase glared at Elizabeth and shook his head. (89%)

Cactus Jack Manson vs. Razor Ramon

Cactus Jack Manson marched out on his own to an assortments of boos, while Razor Ramon was greeted by a loud pop when he swaggered down the aisle as Tenay mentioned that both competitors would be involved in vital Million Dollar Empire match-ups at WWF March To WrestleMania. This was a somewhat sloppy, roughhouse-style contest that started off with the New Mexican Wildman and the Bad Guy trash-talking each other until Razor hauled off and slapped Jack, who responded with a big right hand. They slugged it out tooth-and-nail as the brawl eventually spilled out to ringside when Manson took Ramon over the top rope with the Cactus Clothesline and dropped the Suicide Plunge from the apron to the floor. The Cuban immigrant displayed his street-fighting skills and gained the advantage when he reversed an Irish-whip and sent Cactus head-first to the ringpost. Flair questioned the effects of such a physical bout on their pay-per-view encounters next week, as Razor and Cactus traded the advantage and went at it toe-to-toe until the Bad Guy caught Jack trying to climb the turnbuckles and brought him down with the Razor's Edge for the 1-2-3. Afterwards, Razor avoided Jack's post-match attack and tossed him out to the floor as the Million Dollar Empire appeared in the aisleway to threaten the Cuban immigrant. (75%)

Mean Gene Okerlund was in the locker room to interview the Gangsters Of Style, who were warming up for the evening's main event against Ricky Steamboat & Randy Savage as Slick was laid out on a bench with Bad News Brown standing over him. The Doctor Of Style had a thermometer in his mouth as he claimed that he was "deathly ill" and unable to be at ringside for Paul Roma & Stan Lane tonight. As the Slickster moaned and groaned, Bobby Heenan walked into the room and offered to manage the Gangsters for one night only. Slick thanked the Brain and told the Gangsters to make him proud as they headed out with Heenan. (79%)

The Gangsters Of Style ("Sweet" Stan Lane & Paul "Romeo" Roma) vs. "Macho Man" Randy Savage & Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat

Bobby "The Brain" Heenan accompanied the Gangsters Of Style as Flair hoped that Slick would feel better soon, while Tenay suggested that the Doctor Of Style wasn't really sick. WWF Intercontinental Champion Ricky Steamboat got a great reaction when he walked out and waited at ringside as "Pomp & Circumstance" cranked up, bringing out WWF Champion Randy Savage to a thunderous ovation. The two superfaces charged into the squared circle and kicked off a four-way brouhaha that resulted in the Macho Man and the Dragon clearing Paul Roma & Stan Lane out to the floor, where they huddled with the Brain. A hot tag team main event ensued that saw the Gangsters utilize their superior tag team abilities to isolate the Dragon and work him over in their corner, exploiting Steamboat's damaged arm as Heenan shouted out directions. Albert hyped the Gangsters' scheduled rematch at WWF March To WrestleMania against Fire & Ice as Sweet Stan & Romeo Roma used quick tags and crisp double-teams to score several near-falls on the WWF Intercontinental Champion. When Steamboat tried to mount a comeback, Heenan interfered and tripped him up, at which point WWF President Andre The Giant lumbered out and dragged the Brain up the aisle. This gave Steamboat the opening he needed to counter an attempted double-team and make the hot tag to the Macho Man, who rushed in and cleaned house on both Gangsters. The WWF Champion dumped Romeo out to ringside and climbed to the top turnbuckle, diving all the way down to the floor with the flying double-axhandle on Roma. Meanwhile in the ring, Steamboat knocked Lane down with the Reign Of Fire from the top turnbuckle, laying the Sweet One out long enough for Savage to drop the Flying Elbowdrop and hook the leg to earn the win. (77%)

After the match, Randy Savage & Ricky Steamboat celebrated their victory and soaked in the cheers of the crowd until Mr. Perfect & Rick Rude raced out and hit the ring, assaulting the Dragon and the Macho Man from behind. The WWF Intercontinental Champion and the WWF Champion tried to fight off their attackers, but were too worn out from their match and fell victim to the Heenan Family members. The fans booed loudly as the Ravishing One snapped the Rude Awakening on the Dragon while the Flawless One snared the Macho Man in the Perfectplex. Perfect & Rude stood over Savage & Steamboat and raised their arms triumphantly as the commentators hyped WWF March To WrestleMania and the program faded to black. (97%)

Overall: 84%

Rating: 6.51

Attendance: 10,038

Ticket Sales: $602,280

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SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 1992 -- WWF SUPERSTARS OF WRESTLING

* Hosts: Gorilla Monsoon and "The Man" Ric Flair.

* The Hellraisers ("Dr. Death" Steve Williams & Terry "Bruiser" Gordy) vs. Louie Spicolli & Scott Taylor: Complete tag team massacre to kick things off as the Hellraisers demolished their opponents and finished them off when the Bruiser covered Louie Spicolli following the Death Dealer from he and Dr. Death. (74%)

* Sean Mooney came to ringside afterwards to interview Colonel Robert Lee Fuller, who accepted the Bushwhackers' open challenge on behalf of the Hellraisers for tomorrow evening's Prime Time Wrestling. (75%)

* A video aired that recapped the string of victories that Fire & Ice had amassed since making their WWF debut one month ago, over the Gangsters Of Style, the Southern Kids, the Conquistadors, the Enforcers, and the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers. The video hyped their rematch with the Gangsters at WWF March To WrestleMania and announced that Al Snow & Doug Furnas would be meeting the Great Muta & Abdullah The Butcher next weekend on Saturday Night's Main Event. (84%)

* Fire & Ice (Doug "The Tank" Furnas & Al "Ice Man" Snow) vs. State Patrol (Sgt. Buddy Ray Parker & Lt. James Earl Wright): Basic competitive bout that ended when the Ice Man pinned Lt. Wright after the Force Of Nature by he and the Tank. (68%)

* Lord Alfred Hayes interviewed Michael Rotunda, who claimed that he would personally deport Razor Ramon from the WWF next week at WWF March To WrestleMania. (76%)

* Michael "Wall Street" Rotunda vs. Al Perez: Another float in the squash parade, as Rotunda put Perez away with the Write Off. (69%)

* Following Mean Gene Okerlund's "WWF Update" segment, Sean Mooney interviewed Bob Backlund, who talked about the tag team bout at WWF March To WrestleMania pitting he and Hulk Hogan against Roddy Piper and a mystery partner. (88%)

* Bob Backlund vs. "Dangerous" Danny Davis: Entertaining match-up in which the All American easily wrestled circles around the Dangerous One and forced him to submit to the Cross Face Chicken Wing. (76%)

* Sean Mooney interviewed Mr. Fuji, the Great Muta, & Abdullah The Butcher as they were preparing to face the Nasty Boys. The Devious One claimed that he was still blinded and informed Muta that he had better make it up to him by winning tonight's main event. (74%)

* Lord Alfred Hayes interviewed the Nasty Boys, who roared about toppling Abdullah The Butcher & The Great Muta this evening and harrassed Lord Alfred before heading out. (78%)

* The Great Muta & Abdullah The Butcher vs. The Nasty Boys (Brian Knobbs & Jerry Saggs): Solid slugfest of a main event, as the Nasty Boys controlled the Dojo members with their superior tag team skills. Abdullah & Muta did not get along very well but their savagery allowed them to take the advantage a few times. In the end, Knobbs collapsed to the canvas when he tried to scoop up Muta, clutching his side and coughing. The Asian Sensation swiftly ascended to the top turnbuckle and flattened Knobbs with the Rising Sun for the 1-2-3 while the Butcher attacked Saggs on the floor. (80%)

Overall: 76%

Rating: 5.34

Attendance: 10,040

Ticket Sales: $602,400

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During the WWF Update on Superstars Of Wrestling, Mean Gene Okerlund ran through the card for WWF March To WrestleMania on Sunday, March 29...

Randy Savage & Ricky Steamboat vs. Mr. Perfect & Rick Rude

WWF Television Tag Team Title Match: The Rockers [champions] vs. The Hart Foundation

Hulk Hogan & Bob Backlund vs. Roddy Piper & TBA

Razor Ramon vs. Michael Rotunda

No Disqualification Match: Hawk & Big Boss Man vs. The Million Dollar Bounty Hunters

Honky Tonk Man vs. Dustin Rhodes

Fire & Ice vs. The Gangsters Of Style