Superstars/Wrestling Challenges

[romafan87]

Hey 'Quake,

I've read a couple of the wrestler's books, like Hulk's and Flair's and they both briefly comment on how long TV tapings took. Were the Superstars/Challenge tapings extraordinarily hard to get through or were you allowed to leave once your duty was done for the night? What kinds of things would you do to pass the time? And was it ever hard to keep track of continuity in storylines because the tapings were done, from what I understand, a month in advance, or would the announcers just take care of that?

Thanks!
-Ian

[Maxnificent]

I think the announcers recorded their commentary (except for the opening and closing comments) from the studio after it was all taped. They still do this today with Velocity and Heat.

[RepoMan66]

I'd gone to a few when they used to do that and I bet it was a pain for the super stars. This was back when the WWF decided who was over and not the fans.

I saw "Superstars" in Lowell during the first HBK/Diesel run. The two were getting a huge pop even though it was still Superstars taking on local workers. Yet on the TV version they piped in boos.

But yeah they used to just film the matches and just show them at random. The ONE show I went to made up 3 weeks worth of Superstars shows. The commentary was by the late Gorilla Monsoon and the Million Dollar Man. Both of whom were just sitting on a stage off to the side of the audience. So I'd say it was obvious they taped the commentary later.

Funny note: Before that taping all of the workers were breaking kayfabe by hanging around outside with eachother and talking. Michaels was actually being very friendly with fans, signing autographs, and making fun of Mabel (Vicsera) for his purple tights.

[Earthquake-GEAUX LSU TIGERS]

TVs were very long. Other wrestlers left for the gym. I didn't work out at that time. I spent time playing cards- gin rummy, and cribbage.With story lines planned in advance the only problems were injuries. That would be dealt with simply with replacements.
'Quake