What the World Was Watching: WWF Superstars – January 26, 1991

Vince McMahon and Roddy Piper are back to being a two-man team and they are kicking off a new taping in Huntsville, Alabama. According to thehistoryofwwe.com, this taping took place on January 7.

McMahon informs fans that Sergeant Slaughter is the new WWF champion. Piper delivers a crazed rant about how he is ready to rumble with Slaughter and Randy Savage.

A video package recaps the back-and-forth between Savage and the Ultimate Warrior at The Royal Rumble.

Opening Contest: The Mountie (w/Jimmy Hart) (1-0) beats Reno Riggins with a chokeslam variation at 2:06:

Riggins has the distinction of being the last wrestler trained by Memphis star Tojo Yamamoto and made his debut in 1986. A few years later he began doing enhancement matches for the WWF in between stints with Southern independent promotions.

McMahon explains that Jacques Rougeau became a Mountie after breaking off from the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers, thereby justifying the gimmick. In the split screen, the Mountie says he is in the WWF to dish out law and order, immediately positioning him as a contrast to the Big Bossman. Most of the Mountie’s offense are some law enforcement-like control maneuvers but that makes for some bad wrestling. An awkward chokeslam finishes, giving the Mountie his first win on syndicated television.

After the bout, the Mountie handcuffs Riggins hands behind his back and reads him his rights. Then the Mountie shocks Riggins with a cattle prod.

The Legion of Doom squash from Prime Time Wrestling is shown.

After replaying fan comments for the troops in the Persian Gulf that originally aired at The Royal Rumble, Hulk Hogan’s post-Royal Rumble celebration airs to put over the fact that Hogan loves America and will be defending it. A post-match Rumble interview between Gene Okerlund and Hogan airs. Hogan credits his win to the support of the American armed forces. He repeats his pre-Rumble claim that Sergeant Slaughter’s title reign will be temporary.

The British Bulldog’s squash from Prime Time Wrestling airs.

Rick Martel (2-0) defeats Alan Reynolds via submission to the Boston Crab at 1:42:

Reynolds stayed busy in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a television enhancement talent, working matches for the WWF, WCW, AWA, and United States Wrestling Association (USWA).

McMahon and Piper float four names as possible opponents for Sergeant Slaughter at WrestleMania: Randy Savage, the Ultimate Warrior, Hulk Hogan, or Piper. McMahon adds that on the next Main Event special, which will air next Friday, WWF President Jack Tunney will announce Slaughter’s opponent. In the split screen, Martel gloats about adding a new ingredient to Arrogance that is non-allergenic. Martel works over Reynolds left knee to set up the Boston Crab.

McMahon announces that WWF Champion Sergeant Slaughter will defend his title on The Main Event against Hacksaw Jim Duggan.

Duggan does a taped promo that condemns Slaughter as a traitor to America.

The Texas Tornado tells Intercontinental Champion Mr. Perfect that he is going to regain his title.

Tune in next week to see Intercontinental Champion Mr. Perfect defend his title against the Texas Tornado!

The Last Word: This was a weak show that only featured two new matches, both of which were simple squashes. There is a booking problem for The Main Event, though, as Sergeant Slaughter was supposed to have promised Randy Savage the first title shot and it is going to Hacksaw Jim Duggan instead. The WWF did not bother trying to explain that away, which is a plot hole in the ongoing Savage-Ultimate Warrior feud.

Up Next: Wrestling Challenge for January 27!