What the World Was Watching: WWF Superstars – 04.16.94

WWF Mania had an exclusive match, taped in White Plains, New York on March 23. It was commentated by Stan Lane and Ted DiBiase.

Koko B. Ware (0-2) pins Bastion Booger (2-4) after a missile dropkick at 4:58 shown:

This is a terrible match as Ware is slowly beat down until Booger misses a blind charge and Ware knocks him down with a missile dropkick. It is only the third singles win for Ware since 1991. This would be Booger’s last televised match for the WWF. Like Repo Man, he would pitch a babyface turn to Vince McMahon and get shot down. He would work house shows until early August and go to the independent circuit, retiring in 1999 before launching a short comeback from 2006-2009. Rating: ¼*

McMahon and Jerry Lawler are handling commentary, taped from Lowell, Massachusetts.

Opening Contest: Lex Luger (9-1) defeats George South via submission to the Rebel Rack at 1:39:

Luger gives South some basic offense but does not sell it. Then he runs off a powerslam, suplex, elbow drop, and wins with the Rebel Rack. Luger does not display the mean streak that he was touted with having after WrestleMania, taking away from any supposed character development. After the match, Lawler brings back the Royal Magistrator to draw supposed objects Luger uses that are made by foreigners like his television, watch, and car. McMahon challenges Lawler by erasing all the objects and countering with American brands.

There are more tax tips from Irwin R. Schyster. He says people should have to pay taxes so rich people do not have to work so hard. He alleges people are entitled about not having to pay and warns people that if they do not pay, he will have people’s wages garnished and take away their health insurance.

Tatanka (10-1-1) defeats Kwang (w/Harvey Wippleman) (8-0-1) via disqualification when Kwang blows green mist in his face at 5:29:

The entrance is so close to the ring that it does not give Tatanka much of a runway to charge the ring. A couple of minutes into the match IRS comes to ringside as McMahon and Lawler debate whether the headdress has financial or intrinsic value. Kwang dominates the action as Tatanka probably gets in less than five moves. Mostly Kwang just works nerve holds. Tatanka kicks out of a superkick off the ropes and tries a comeback when IRS starts touching the feathers. The camera misses Kwang spitting green mist into Tatanka’s face, which leads to a disqualification. Rating: *

After the bell rings, IRS gets in the ring and ties Tatanka in the ropes. He grabs the headdress and briefly puts it on, dancing like a Native American. Then, IRS rips up the feathers and shoves some of them in Tatanka’s mouth. Chief Jay Strongbow comes into the ring. He chops IRS but takes his eye off the tax man, who recovers and attacks him. IRS finishes ripping up the headdress and dumps its contents on Tatanka and Strongbow. Tatanka finally gets free of the ropes after WWF officials come into the ring and he screams “Why?!!?” several times. This was a good segment to put heat on IRS since it finally made it about something other than a tax form.

Men on a Mission (w/Oscar) (8-2) defeat the Black Phantom & Joey Stallings when Mabel pins Stallings after a spinning heel kick at 2:57:

MOM had their big shot at the WWF Tag Team Championship and came up short. McMahon informs viewers that Strongbow is okay and Tatanka is broken up about everything. As is usually the case, Mabel gets showcased by leg dropping the back of the Phantom’s head, sidewalk slamming Stallings, and winning the match after his big spinning heel kick.

McMahon talks about the latest edition of WWF Magazine, which has Adam Bomb on the cover. There is a story about recent Undertaker sightings on the beaches of Huntsville, Alabama and at the Taj Mahal.

Bam Bam Bigelow (w/Luna Vachon) (11-2) pins Mike Freeman after the Lunasault at 1:49:

Freeman cannot put up the fight other enhancement talents have managed to do against Bigelow, who spends much of the squash taunting fans. Bigelow is in no man’s land for a program since commentators keep talking about him facing Earthquake but Earthquake told fans on Wrestling Challenge that he is going after Yokozuna. The Beast from the East finally wins a match with the move he named after Vachon for Valentine’s Day. After his win, Bigelow points at Vachon on the video wall, telling the camera that Vachon will be the next WWF Women’s champion.

There is a vignette for Duke Droese, who is in a trash heap. He is a garbage man who is coming to the WWF, adding another jobs gimmick to go with Thurman Plugg. Like Plugg, this gimmick has a hard midcard ceiling at best.

Owen Hart is a guest on this week’s Heartbreak Hotel. Before Owen comes out, Shawn Michaels reminds Intercontinental Champion Razor Ramon that Diesel’s challenge for him is still awaiting an answer. Owen says his new mission is to take the WWF Championship from his brother. The promo does not break any new ground. Fans would probably agree with Bret that Owen just beat him once. Owen needs more notable wins to establish him as a credible contender for the title.

Earthquake (12-0) beats Eric Cody after the Earthquake Splash at 1:47:

Joe Matterazzo is the guest ring announcer, a young college student who does a good job. McMahon likes his look and style. Earthquake wins with his usual fare.

Crush (w/Mr. Fuji) (10-1) pins Tony Roy after a heart punch at 2:34:

Nikolai Volkoff is still getting yelled at, this time by Crush, who tells the referee to kick Volkoff out because he does not have any money. McMahon says that Volkoff has fallen on hard times. If that is true then how is Volkoff affording tickets? Is he deciding to forego meals to get his WWF fix? Roy tags Crush with a few dropkicks but a Crush thrust kick turns the tide. Crush uses a new finisher, a heart punch, to prevail.

Irwin R. Schyster tells Johnny Polo in the dressing room that Tatanka learned today what happens to those who do not pay their taxes.

Tune in next week to see Intercontinental Champion Razor Ramon battle Adam Bomb! Also, Owen Hart and WWF Tag Team Champions the Quebecers will be in action! And Mr. Perfect will be a guest on the Heartbreak Hotel!

The Last Word: The feature match was poor but unleashed a good angle for one of the company’s most prominent midcard storylines. There was also context given for why Nikolai Volkoff is showing up to events, although it is tough to see how Volkoff will work in 1994 because his last babyface run in 1990 was a disaster.

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