What the World Was Watching: WWF Superstars – December 4, 1993

Vince McMahon and Stan Lane are in the booth, still broadcasting from Delhi, New York. McMahon must be obsessed with celebrating his last Christmas as a free man since holiday themes are littering the WWF’s broadcasts since Survivor Series. Today, snow falls over he and Lane and McMahon is wearing a Santa hat.

Opening Contest: Ludvig Borga (20-0-1) defeats John Paul via submission to the torture rack at 2:16:

Like Monday Night RAW, McMahon hypes the Lex Luger-Borga feud but his phrasing makes it seem like they have not faced off even though they did at Survivor Series. McMahon also announces that Tatanka will return on next week’s program and implies that he will be seeking revenge. Paul staggers Borga with a few clotheslines but he gets powerslammed trying a flying body press. Borga does some body shots after that and remains unbeaten in singles competition with the torture rack.

Gorilla Monsoon’s Update segment has a taped promo from Owen Hart, who says that he is tired of not getting recognition from the Hart Family. Noting that he scored two eliminations at Survivor Series, he complains that his brother Bret did not care to invite him to the ring after the team won. He tells Bret to stay away from him. Bret has a follow up, calmly telling Owen that he has to move on and offers to sit down with their mother and father to resolve their differences.

Bob Backlund (14-4-2) pins Mike Sharpe with a roll up at 1:39:

Sharpe is literally a well-oiled machine, glistening under the lights. In a rematch of the January 30 edition of Superstars, Backlund keeps outmaneuvering Sharpe and surprises him with a roll up counter.

The Headshrinkers (w/Afa) (28-2-1) defeat Greg Hatfield & Todd Mata when Fatu pins Hatfield after the splash off the top rope at 2:14:

Like the Steiner Brothers, the Headshrinkers keep slicing their way through the tag team division. They throw Mata high in the air for a double flapjack and Hatfield is the enhancement talent that takes their finishing moves.

The 1-2-3 Kid (17-6-2) pins Glen Ruth after a reverse flying body press at 2:06:

The fan ring announcer is Chris Walsh, a young kid in a Lex Luger t-shirt. He almost forgets to announce Ruth. The Kid thanks him for the introduction. Ruth has abandoned his usual attire of tropical tights for a red singlet. There is a long feeling out process and the end comes quick as the Kid’s speed overwhelms Ruth with a spinning heel kick, dropkick against the corner, and reverse flying body press.

Jeff Jarrett’s new vignette sees him walking the streets of Nashville with an older man (Frank Morrell of the USWA), ranting about getting kicked out of Buddy Lee Attractions. When standing outside of the Legends Hall of Fame gift shop he comes across a Black saxophone player who has not gotten a break in the town either. Jarrett has a funny jab that he is more talented than the saxophone player but says that he will let him play in his band when he gets his big break. He has the older man give the saxophone player $1.

Diesel (5-2) beats Frank Kanyak after a side suplex at 1:10:

Diesel is already in danger of falling into 1991-1992 Warlord territory of a power wrestler that loses credibility with fans by not winning matches that matter. He overwhelms Kanyak and seems to be trying to move away from the right hand finish, opting to win today with a side suplex.

Men on a Mission (w/Oscar) (17-0) defeats Steve Smith & Gus Kantarakis when Mabel pins Kantarakis after the assisted splash at 1:59:

Since Mr. Perfect is gone his moves are now available to others on the roster so Mabel steals his rolling snapmare. The white dye job in Mo’s hair does him no favors, making him look like he is 50 years old. Mabel continues to be the star of the team as his moves are responsible for their victory.

It is announced that The Royal Rumble will take place on Saturday, January 22.

There is a new interview segment called Reo’s Roundup, featuring Reo Rodgers, who has recovered from falling off his horse. His guest is Shawn Michaels, clad in a business suit and carrying the Intercontinental title belt. Michaels argues that he plays by his own rules so WWF President Jack Tunney had no right to suspend him for not meeting his contractual obligations. He concurs with Rodgers that Razor Ramon is an imposter, sarcastically alleging it will lead to a wave of fraud across the WWF. Michaels claims that he is the only undisputed Intercontinental champion, causing Ramon to come to the podium. Ramon says he would have preferred to beat Michaels for the title originally but had to go through 19 other men to do it, all of which makes him the real champion. When Michaels tries to blow bubble gum during a staredown, Ramon pops it with his toothpick and throws the toothpick at Rodgers as he exits. Even though the Reo gimmick was awful, the charisma of Ramon and Michaels overcame it.

Marty Jannetty (25-6-2) pins Reno Riggins after the flying fist drop at 1:33:

Jannetty gets no bounce from his win at Survivor Series since McMahon uses this match to discuss the Women’s Championship Tournament. Riggins does not practice good defense, eating a Rocker Dropper in less than 90 seconds. This is his second loss to Jannetty this year.

Tune in next week to see WWF Tag Team Champions the Quebecers, Bastion Booger, the Smoking Gunns, and Irwin R. Schyster in action! Also, Tatanka returns to action! And the main event of The Royal Rumble will be announced!

The Last Word: The post-Survivor Series reboot of storylines is working well. The Razor Ramon-Shawn Michaels program has a simple premise and both men sold the angle well. The feud has the potential to elevate both men at a time when the WWF needs people to step up.

Up Next: Wrestling Challenge for December 5!

And if you would like to read a compiled breakdown of 1990-1992 WWF, 1993 ECW, or of various promotions in 1995, check out my Amazon author page to purchase e-books or paperback copies!