January 21, 1990
From the UTC Arena in Chattanooga, TN
Your hosts are Tony Schiavone and Gorilla Monsoon
In action this week are Roddy Piper, Big Bossman, Colossal Connection, Dusty Rhodes, and Powers of Pain.
Roddy Piper vs. Bob Bradley
Before the match, we get an insert promo from Piper telling Rick Rude he is the “King of the Jungle.” Bradley attacks Piper before the bell but Piper ends up ramming him into the corner. Piper yells at the camera and Bradley attacks him and they repeat that until Piper puts him away with a back suplex (1:05).
Thoughts: Quick win for Piper who was calling out Rude and still referring to himself as the “King of the Jungle” with regards to the Royal Rumble match.
WWF Special Report with Lord Alfred Hayes. They run down the other matches at the Royal Rumble PPV.
Colossal Connection w/ Bobby Heenan vs. Lyn Wagner & Butch Stanley
Haku starts off for his team and stays in control as we hear from the Colossal Connection as they promise to get their hands on Demolition. Haku toys with Stanley as Andre laughs on the apron then Andre tags in and holds Stanley up for a thrust kick then drops an elbow for the win (3:03). After the match, Demolition run in and clear the ring as the fans go nuts.
Thoughts: They are intensifying the Demolition vs. Colossal Connection feud as Demolition tries to regain the Tag Team Titles.
“The Model” Rick Martel vs. Mark Regan
Regan uses a single leg takedown but Martel cartwheels to avoid a monkey flip. We hear from Martel in an insert promo as he is furious over Brutus Beefcake stealing and cutting up his coat and promises to get revenge. Martel takes control of the match and beats Regan down until he gets the win with a Boston Crab (2:20).
Thoughts: Looks like Slick is no longer managing Martel as he is on his own while feuding with Beefcake.
Dusty Rhodes w/ Sapphire vs. John Justice
We hear from Sapphire in an insert promo expressing excitement over being a guest of the “Brother Love Show” at the Royal Rumble. Justice tries a sneak attack but that fails as Dusty beats him down then finishes him off with the bionic elbow (2:21). After the match, Dusty and Sapphire dance in the ring.
Thoughts: Sapphire’s insert promo was something else as the company is pushing this duo. Say what you want but it was over.
Big Bossman w/ Slick vs. Terry Bronson
Bossman hammers away then catches Bronson with a big boot. We then hear from Bossman & Slick in an insert promo as Bossman calls Jim Duggan a “punk” who will find out what justice is all about at the Royal Rumble. Bossman slams Bronson then its a sidewalk slam for the win (1:56). After the match, Bossman cuffs Bronson to the ropes and beats him with the nightstick.
Thoughts: Some hype for the Bossman vs. Duggan match at the Royal Rumble.
We get a clip from two weeks ago on Superstars when Dino Bravo & Earthquake attacked the Ultimate Warrior from behind to set up Warrior’s interview with Gene Okerlund. Warrior circles around Okerlund then yells about how he will fulfill his destiny at the Royal Rumble by taking care of 28 mortal men. Okerlund remind him of Hulk Hogan as Warrior said he has a force field like no one else and will let the Hulkamaniacs and Warriors decide what will happen at the Royal Rumble. He is then asked about Dino Bravo and the Canandian Earthquake as Warrior promises to take care of them and become the most powerful force in the WWF before running off. Just like we saw on “Superstars of Wrestling,” we got more teasing of a Hogan/Warrior confrontation at the Royal Rumble.
Royal Rumble Report with Gene Okerlund.
Powers of Pain w/ Mr. Fuji vs. Reno Riggins & Mike Powell
The Powers of Pain beat on Riggins to start. We hear from the Powers of Pain in an insert promo as they promise to teach the Rockers a lesson and eliminate everyone from the Royal Rumble match until they are the last two left. Powell is in now and does not fare any better then Warlord lifts him up as the Barbarian hits a clothesline from the top rope and that gets the win (1:54).
Thoughts: A quick win for the Powers of Pain, who are really not over at all as a heel act.
In action next week are The Bushwhackers, Bad News Brown, Red Rooster, Rhythm & Blues, and the Canadian Earthquake. Plus, an interview with Jake Roberts and more!
Final Thoughts: More last minute Rumble hype as they continue to tease a Hogan/Warrior confrontation at the Royal Rumble.
Here is my schedule for the rest of the week:
Monday: WWF 1990 Royal Rumble
Tuesday: WWF Superstars of Wrestling 1/27/90
Wednesday: EVOLVE 84 5/20/17
Thursday: Kayfabe Commentaries Presents: YouShoot with 2 Cold Scorpio
Friday: WWF Saturday Night’s Main Event 1/27/90
Sunday: Mid-South Wrestling 10/13/82
Sunday: WWF Wrestling Challenge 1/28/90