What the World Was Watching: WWF Superstars – December 26, 1992

Vince McMahon, Bobby Heenan, and Jerry Lawler provide commentary for the last Superstars episode of the year, concluding the tapings from Dayton, Ohio. Lawler says that kings do not make New Year’s resolutions, they make proclamations, and he says by the end of 1993 all WWF wrestlers will bow at his feet.

Opening Contest: Razor Ramon (17-0) pins Gus Kantarakis after the Razor’s Edge at 1:56:

After “paint brushing” Kantarakis a bit, Ramon finishes him with the super backdrop suplex and the Razor’s Edge.

Gene Okerlund’s Update segment talks about how the song “WWF Slam” debuted at number four in the United Kingdom. Fans are treated to the music video of the song. The British Bulldog is one of the stars featured even though he was fired more than a month ago.

Bob Backlund (5-0) pins Barry Horowitz after the bridging O’Connor roll at 2:49:

In the split screen, Backlund wishes WWF fans a great 1993. Heenan jokes that Backlund is so fun he recently spent time in a closet and memorized labels. The clown spreads water in the aisle with a mop as Backlund outwrestles Horowitz. After the bell, Horowitz leaves without shaking Backlund’s hand.

The Headshrinkers (w/Afa) (10-0) beat Chris Allen & Bill Vaper when Fatu pins Allen after a splash off the top rope at 3:12:

Allen takes the biggest beating of his team as the announcers wonder which team could stop the Headshrinkers path of destruction. Fatu’s splash off the top rope is a thing of beauty in slow motion.

Baseball All-Star Wade Boggs introduces Mr. Perfect’s baseball ability. Perfect calls a home run and hits several in a row. Boggs calls the performance “Absolutely perfect.” Boggs and Perfect became friends after this vignette and Boggs credits Perfect for saving his life during a hunting accident.

Slick talks of having a vision of setting new goals for his life and helping fans set realistic goals. He talks of wanting to reach someone in the WWF with his message of light.

Tatanka (43-0) pins Bret Tyler after the Papoose to Go at 2:43:

The clown continues to mop the aisle during this squash, where Tatanka does not sell a Tyler chop and responds with his own. In the split screen, Tatanka talks about looking forward to participating in the Royal Rumble. He also wishes everyone a good 1993. The clown mocks Tatanka as he does his war path routine.

When Tatanka exits the ring he encounters the clown, who mops Tatanka’s body. When Tatanka tells him to get lost, the clown spins around and pokes Tatanka in the eye with the mop, laughing as he walks to the locker room.

Okerlund does The Royal Rumble Report. Mr. Fuji, with Yokozuna, talks of how Yokozuna will plow his way through 29 other men to win the Rumble. New entrants include Ric Flair, Randy Savage, Irwin R. Schyster, Virgil, and Mr. Perfect. Flair discusses how he won last year and he calls out Mr. Perfect as someone he cannot wait to get his hands on. Perfect says Flair only won last year’s Rumble because of his advice. A new match announced for the show is the Big Bossman vs. Bam Bam Bigelow. WWF Champion Bret Hart discusses his reputation as a fighting champion and puts over how he is the excellence of execution.

Virgil (24-9) defeats John Rechner after the side Russian leg sweep at 1:58:

Lawler is mad that his name has not been announced for the Royal Rumble. McMahon argues that Virgil has become a more accomplished professional over the last six months. If true, it has not helped Virgil in the win-loss column. Virgil wins a battle of hands and puts Rechner on dream street with the side Russian leg sweep.

Bam Bam Bigelow (4-0) pins Brian Costello after the flying headbutt at 1:51:

In the split screen, the Big Bossman tells Bigelow to be prepared to serve hard time. There must have been a production snafu for the promo because the Bossman talks about facing Bigelow in a week. Bigelow racks up another easy win here.

Tune in next week to see Mr. Perfect face the Berzerker! Also, Crush, Marty Jannetty, and Yokozuna will be in action!

The Last Word: The last Superstars of 1992 brought The Royal Rumble into focus. The Big Bossman vs. Bam Bam Bigelow match should be a way to elevate Bigelow and on paper looks like a good battle between agile big men. The Rumble is also has a sub-plot of Ric Flair gunning for Mr. Perfect. Both men join the ranks of possible winners along with the Undertaker and Yokozuna. Randy Savage is also a dark horse but the WWF is barely acknowledging his existence anymore.

Up Next: Wrestling Challenge for December 27!

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