Post by DiBiase is Good on Aug 14, 2008 22:03:01 GMT -5
Yep, time for another stupidly long-winded PPV review from yours truly and as you can see from the title, I'm going for SummerSlam 1993.
So, here's what was going on in the WWF at the time.
Yokozuna was fresh off winning the WWF Title from Hulk Hogan at the first ever (on PPV anyway) King of the Ring. (If you believe rumours, Hulk Hogan was supposed to drop the title to Bret Hart at this PPV.) This left Yokozuna in need of a new challenge. So on July 4 Mr Fuji held an open contest to any American sportsman to meet him and Yokozuna on the USS Interpid and try to bodyslam the mammoth Yoko. Several men tried (with Crush coming pretty close) but all failed. Then it was announced there was one more challenger, step forward Lex Luger. Who had seemingly forgotten that he was supposed to be a Narcissist and slammed Yokozuna. This would lead to a title match at SummerSlam but Yoko's new spokesperson Jim Cornette added 2 stipulations. Firstly, this would be Luger's only title shot and secondly Luger had to wear a protective pad over his "loaded forearm". Lex would then cross the country in his coach deemed the "Lex Express" and the tour would culminate at SummerSlam.
In the Intercontinental Title picture, Shawn Michaels had lost his belt to Marty Janetty with a little help from Mr. Perfect (who Shawn Michaels had jumped backstage at Wrestlemania 9 earlier that year) but regained it a few weeks later with some help from his new bodyguard, Diesel. 2 of the greatest IC champs would meet in what looked to be a great match.
The Steiners were the current Tag Team Champions, having defeated Money Inc. a few months earlier. Their challenge would come in the form of the Heavenly Bodies, a Smoky Mountain tag team managed by Jim Cornette.
Razor Ramon had been upset in a match to a wrestler named the Kid. Money Inc. would get on Razor's case about the loss and DiBiase claimed he could beat the Kid. However with a distraction from Razor, the now 1-2-3 Kid would beat DiBiase. Razor and the Kid became friends and they would both have matches at SummerSlam against the members of Money Inc.
The Undertaker had his urn stolen by Harvey Whippleman and Mr. Hughes and they would attack Paul Bearer with the urn, shelving him for a long period. The Undertaker would fight another wrestler managed by Whippleman, Giant Gonzalez in what was billed as a "Rest in Peace" match.
And finally, Bret Hart had won the King of the Ring tournament and was brutally attacked by Jerry The King Lawler after being crowned. Lawler wouold continue to verbally (and sometimes physically) attack Bret's family. The match between the 2 at SummerSlam would see the winner being crowned as the undisputed King of the WWF.
So now we're ready for the event and cue the awesome SummerSlam theme that was used in the early 90's. Our commentators for the night are Vince McMahon and Bobby Heenan.
The first match is Ted DiBiase vs Razor Ramon. DiBiase jumps Razor at the bell but Razor turns the tide with a BAAAACK BODY DROP. Razor is in control for the early part of the match but DiBiase begs off and rams Razor into the corner. Teddy takes control with some nice wrestling and a reverse chin lock and then removes the top turnbuckle. We all know where this is heading and of course it is DiBiase who eats the unpadded turnbuckle and a Razor's edge is enough for the 3 count.
It's not that bad a match and Razor was starting to get over nicely with the crowd. This was DiBiase's last match in the WWF and after a short tour of Japan later that year, injuries took their toll and Teddy announced his retirement from wrestling.
We cut to Todd Pettengill interviewing the Steiner's mum and sister (it's from their hometown you see). Hang on, did sister Steiner just call Rick Steiner "Rob"?
Jim Cornette announces his Tag Team of the Heavenly Bodies and the Steiners come out to their God awful WWF theme. For those of you who haven't heard of the Heavenly Bodies, they were an awesome team. Tom Pritchard was a good wrestler and Jimmy Del Ray was capable of some great high-flying stuff. The Bodies jump the Steiners at the start and do over Rick whilst they keep Scott outside the ring. Scott eventually makes the save and it's hard to believe that he is the same person who we see today as he delivers some great suplexes. Scott takes care of both Bodies with some nice power moves and Rick fares just as well leading to the Bodies regrouping on the floor. Eventually a bulldog puts the Bodies in control and they take over with some good stuff and Del Ray hits a great moonsault off the ropes onto Scott whilst he is outside the ring. Del Ray hits a sweet float-over DDT as the heels take control. EVentually Scott makes the hot tag to Rick but Cornette's infamous Tennis Racket changes all that. Del Ray goes for a moonsault but hits his own partner and a Frankensteiner later, the Steiners have defended their belts.
This is an awesome match. Some of the moves from all 4 were way ahead of their time and they all gelled really well in the ring.
We go backstage to Joe Fowler (who I remember being the host of some TV series called Knights and Warriors) who is interviewing Diesel and Shawn. Which means it's time for the I/C match between HBK and Mr. Perfect. Unfortunately, this match just can't deliver the hype of having 2 of the greatest wrestlers ever in it. Both Shawn and Mr. Perfect would have many classic matches over the years but they just don't seem to click in this match. It's not a bad match at all, but I was just expecting more of these two. HBK works over Perfect's back for long periods until Mr. P makes the big comeback and hits a perfect plex, however Diesel prevents the pin and he and Perfect brawl on the outside. Shawn takes the win by a count-out and retains his title. Perfect jumps the 2 from behind but the numbers catch up on him and Diesel knocks Perfect out cold with a big punch. Todd Pettengill greets the twosome on their way back down the aisle and then Mean Gene grabs a "Coliseum exclusive" with HBK and Diesel backstage giving Perfect a chance to go after Diesel until some refs (including Bill Alfonso and Shane McMahon) break it up.
Joe Fowler is interviewing the 1-2-3 Kid backstage. We cut to IRS in the ring who is doing his usual calling the crowd taxcheats routine. The match gets underway and IRS overpowers the Kid easily but the Kid always counters with some high-flying stuff. Spinning heel kicks, flapjack counters into a huge dropkick, this kid can do it all. But IRS' size advantage catches up and he even manages to work in his abdominal stretch spot that he did every match. A moonsault gets IRS down for a 2 count, as does an enziguri but eventually IRS hits a huge clothesline for the 3 count. A pretty good match and this was Sean Waltman before he would have some rough luck with injuries. He would do moves that the WWF Fans weren't used to. This was maybe a bit of a swerve as it seemed as though the Kid would get yet another upset victory but IRS is victorious and we are treated to the "Brain Scan" where Heenan would draw random crap on the screen.
Todd is chatting to Bruce and Owen Hart at ringside and that means it's time for Lawler/Bret. Bret comes out first but Lawler appears hobbling on crutches claiming to be involved in a car wreck and that he is unable to compete tonight. Lawler is playing the cowardly heel to a tee here and the crowd are hating him. Lawler says he is going to get his "court jester" to do the job for him so we have an impromptu match between Bret and Doink. Heel Doink nonetheless complete with awesome evil clown music. Doink throws a bucket of water over Bruce Hart and Bret jumps Doink. Bret dominates the match but makes the mistake of leaving the ring ro go after Lawler, this gives Doink time to regroup and ram Bret into the steps. Doink takes over with some nice wrestling, first working on the leg and then using several wear down and submission holds. Doink eventually hooks on his stump-puller finisher but Bret gets to the ropes, Doink then goes for the whoopee cushion but Bret raises his knees at the last minute. Bret goes through his usual moveset and hooks the sharpshooter but Lawler gets in the ring and nails Bret with the crutch, making it apparant that Lawler is not injured. However, Jack Tunney confronts Lawler and forces him to fight Bret Hart or be kicked out of the WWF.
The match gets underway and Bret destroys Lawler. Eventually Lawler cheats his way to controlling the brawl. After a couple of minutes Bret pulls his straps down and takes Lawler down. Bret then gains the victory when Lawler submits to the sharpshooter.
But Bret won't release the move and holds Lawler in the move for over 3 minutes. This causes the referee to reverse the decision and give Lawler the DQ victory and the title of undisputed King of the WWF. Lawler is stretchered out and triumphantly holds a finger up in the air.
This whole section of the show was brilliantly booked. Bret looked very strong despite Lawler getting the win and we got 2 matches out of this (one of them, a very good match with Doink).
So, here's what was going on in the WWF at the time.
Yokozuna was fresh off winning the WWF Title from Hulk Hogan at the first ever (on PPV anyway) King of the Ring. (If you believe rumours, Hulk Hogan was supposed to drop the title to Bret Hart at this PPV.) This left Yokozuna in need of a new challenge. So on July 4 Mr Fuji held an open contest to any American sportsman to meet him and Yokozuna on the USS Interpid and try to bodyslam the mammoth Yoko. Several men tried (with Crush coming pretty close) but all failed. Then it was announced there was one more challenger, step forward Lex Luger. Who had seemingly forgotten that he was supposed to be a Narcissist and slammed Yokozuna. This would lead to a title match at SummerSlam but Yoko's new spokesperson Jim Cornette added 2 stipulations. Firstly, this would be Luger's only title shot and secondly Luger had to wear a protective pad over his "loaded forearm". Lex would then cross the country in his coach deemed the "Lex Express" and the tour would culminate at SummerSlam.
In the Intercontinental Title picture, Shawn Michaels had lost his belt to Marty Janetty with a little help from Mr. Perfect (who Shawn Michaels had jumped backstage at Wrestlemania 9 earlier that year) but regained it a few weeks later with some help from his new bodyguard, Diesel. 2 of the greatest IC champs would meet in what looked to be a great match.
The Steiners were the current Tag Team Champions, having defeated Money Inc. a few months earlier. Their challenge would come in the form of the Heavenly Bodies, a Smoky Mountain tag team managed by Jim Cornette.
Razor Ramon had been upset in a match to a wrestler named the Kid. Money Inc. would get on Razor's case about the loss and DiBiase claimed he could beat the Kid. However with a distraction from Razor, the now 1-2-3 Kid would beat DiBiase. Razor and the Kid became friends and they would both have matches at SummerSlam against the members of Money Inc.
The Undertaker had his urn stolen by Harvey Whippleman and Mr. Hughes and they would attack Paul Bearer with the urn, shelving him for a long period. The Undertaker would fight another wrestler managed by Whippleman, Giant Gonzalez in what was billed as a "Rest in Peace" match.
And finally, Bret Hart had won the King of the Ring tournament and was brutally attacked by Jerry The King Lawler after being crowned. Lawler wouold continue to verbally (and sometimes physically) attack Bret's family. The match between the 2 at SummerSlam would see the winner being crowned as the undisputed King of the WWF.
So now we're ready for the event and cue the awesome SummerSlam theme that was used in the early 90's. Our commentators for the night are Vince McMahon and Bobby Heenan.
The first match is Ted DiBiase vs Razor Ramon. DiBiase jumps Razor at the bell but Razor turns the tide with a BAAAACK BODY DROP. Razor is in control for the early part of the match but DiBiase begs off and rams Razor into the corner. Teddy takes control with some nice wrestling and a reverse chin lock and then removes the top turnbuckle. We all know where this is heading and of course it is DiBiase who eats the unpadded turnbuckle and a Razor's edge is enough for the 3 count.
It's not that bad a match and Razor was starting to get over nicely with the crowd. This was DiBiase's last match in the WWF and after a short tour of Japan later that year, injuries took their toll and Teddy announced his retirement from wrestling.
We cut to Todd Pettengill interviewing the Steiner's mum and sister (it's from their hometown you see). Hang on, did sister Steiner just call Rick Steiner "Rob"?
Jim Cornette announces his Tag Team of the Heavenly Bodies and the Steiners come out to their God awful WWF theme. For those of you who haven't heard of the Heavenly Bodies, they were an awesome team. Tom Pritchard was a good wrestler and Jimmy Del Ray was capable of some great high-flying stuff. The Bodies jump the Steiners at the start and do over Rick whilst they keep Scott outside the ring. Scott eventually makes the save and it's hard to believe that he is the same person who we see today as he delivers some great suplexes. Scott takes care of both Bodies with some nice power moves and Rick fares just as well leading to the Bodies regrouping on the floor. Eventually a bulldog puts the Bodies in control and they take over with some good stuff and Del Ray hits a great moonsault off the ropes onto Scott whilst he is outside the ring. Del Ray hits a sweet float-over DDT as the heels take control. EVentually Scott makes the hot tag to Rick but Cornette's infamous Tennis Racket changes all that. Del Ray goes for a moonsault but hits his own partner and a Frankensteiner later, the Steiners have defended their belts.
This is an awesome match. Some of the moves from all 4 were way ahead of their time and they all gelled really well in the ring.
We go backstage to Joe Fowler (who I remember being the host of some TV series called Knights and Warriors) who is interviewing Diesel and Shawn. Which means it's time for the I/C match between HBK and Mr. Perfect. Unfortunately, this match just can't deliver the hype of having 2 of the greatest wrestlers ever in it. Both Shawn and Mr. Perfect would have many classic matches over the years but they just don't seem to click in this match. It's not a bad match at all, but I was just expecting more of these two. HBK works over Perfect's back for long periods until Mr. P makes the big comeback and hits a perfect plex, however Diesel prevents the pin and he and Perfect brawl on the outside. Shawn takes the win by a count-out and retains his title. Perfect jumps the 2 from behind but the numbers catch up on him and Diesel knocks Perfect out cold with a big punch. Todd Pettengill greets the twosome on their way back down the aisle and then Mean Gene grabs a "Coliseum exclusive" with HBK and Diesel backstage giving Perfect a chance to go after Diesel until some refs (including Bill Alfonso and Shane McMahon) break it up.
Joe Fowler is interviewing the 1-2-3 Kid backstage. We cut to IRS in the ring who is doing his usual calling the crowd taxcheats routine. The match gets underway and IRS overpowers the Kid easily but the Kid always counters with some high-flying stuff. Spinning heel kicks, flapjack counters into a huge dropkick, this kid can do it all. But IRS' size advantage catches up and he even manages to work in his abdominal stretch spot that he did every match. A moonsault gets IRS down for a 2 count, as does an enziguri but eventually IRS hits a huge clothesline for the 3 count. A pretty good match and this was Sean Waltman before he would have some rough luck with injuries. He would do moves that the WWF Fans weren't used to. This was maybe a bit of a swerve as it seemed as though the Kid would get yet another upset victory but IRS is victorious and we are treated to the "Brain Scan" where Heenan would draw random crap on the screen.
Todd is chatting to Bruce and Owen Hart at ringside and that means it's time for Lawler/Bret. Bret comes out first but Lawler appears hobbling on crutches claiming to be involved in a car wreck and that he is unable to compete tonight. Lawler is playing the cowardly heel to a tee here and the crowd are hating him. Lawler says he is going to get his "court jester" to do the job for him so we have an impromptu match between Bret and Doink. Heel Doink nonetheless complete with awesome evil clown music. Doink throws a bucket of water over Bruce Hart and Bret jumps Doink. Bret dominates the match but makes the mistake of leaving the ring ro go after Lawler, this gives Doink time to regroup and ram Bret into the steps. Doink takes over with some nice wrestling, first working on the leg and then using several wear down and submission holds. Doink eventually hooks on his stump-puller finisher but Bret gets to the ropes, Doink then goes for the whoopee cushion but Bret raises his knees at the last minute. Bret goes through his usual moveset and hooks the sharpshooter but Lawler gets in the ring and nails Bret with the crutch, making it apparant that Lawler is not injured. However, Jack Tunney confronts Lawler and forces him to fight Bret Hart or be kicked out of the WWF.
The match gets underway and Bret destroys Lawler. Eventually Lawler cheats his way to controlling the brawl. After a couple of minutes Bret pulls his straps down and takes Lawler down. Bret then gains the victory when Lawler submits to the sharpshooter.
But Bret won't release the move and holds Lawler in the move for over 3 minutes. This causes the referee to reverse the decision and give Lawler the DQ victory and the title of undisputed King of the WWF. Lawler is stretchered out and triumphantly holds a finger up in the air.
This whole section of the show was brilliantly booked. Bret looked very strong despite Lawler getting the win and we got 2 matches out of this (one of them, a very good match with Doink).
