WWF Superstars of Wrestling – May 13th, 1989

May 13, 1989

From the Omaha Civic Auditorium in Omaha, NE

Your hosts are Jesse “The Body” Ventura and Vince McMahon

A big change to the show this week as we get new graphics, opening video, and a new theme song too.

This week, we will see Jim Duggan vs. King Haku in a “Battle for the Crown.” Also in action will be Bad News Brown and Brutus Beefcake. Plus, a special interview with Miss Elizabeth and an introduction to Zeus.

Ultimate Warrior vs. Al Burke

Warrior immediately attacks Burke as we hear from Rick Rude in an insert promo, which is now shown in split screen with the match, as he points out how Warrior is too stressed. Warrior continues to beat on Burke until he puts him away with the press slam/splash combo (2:08).

Thoughts: The story is that Warrior has become undone since getting screwed over for the Intercontinental Title and is out to destory everyone in his path until he meets Rude again.

WWF Update with Gene Okerlund. This is on last week’s sneak attack on Jake Roberts by Ted DiBiase. We then hear from both men. Unfortunately, for Jake, he needed time off a back surgery and would not return until September.

A clip from “No Holds Barred” airs.

Tom Stock vs. Bad News Brown

Danny Davis makes his return as a referee in this match. Bad News beats on Stock then Davis tells him to break the choke as Bad News wants to know what happened to him as Vince says Davis is no longer under the influence of Jimmy Hart. Bad News then finishes off Stock with the Ghetto Blaster (1:58).

Thoughts: This was all about establishing Davis again as a referee but this time he is actually enforcing the rules. Bad News, who just a few months prior was challenging for the World Heavyweight Title, really is stuck in limbo now.

Sean Mooney is in the Event Center. We hear from the Barbarian & Mr. Fuji, who says that the Barbarian will be on top of the mountain. Koko B. Ware tells us you have to keep “moving and grooving” in the WWF because if not, you “snooze and lose” as Koko tells us he is ready to take on all challengers. Koko is also someone with nothing at all going on in the company.

Jim Neidhart tells us to go see “No Holds Barred.” Truly, a ringing endorsement.

Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake vs. Tony Leone

Ronnie Garvin is the referee for this match. We hear from Brutus in an insert promo as he talks about getting revenge on Randy Savage. Beefcake frustrates Leone as Jesse gets on Vince for no longer supporting Savage then blasts Vince for saying Savage road on Hogan’s coattails en route to the Title as Jesse said he won it in a Tournament that Hogan failed to win himself. Back to the match as Beefcake stays in control and gets the win with a sleeper (2:13). After the match, Beefcake gives Leone a haircut.

Thoughts: The highlight here was Jesse putting Vince on blast for underselling Savage. He was phenomenal.

Back in the Event Center, we hear from the Rockers as their goal is to win the Tag Team Titles but first they are going to take care of the Rougeau Brothers. Mr. Perfect then tells us to think about how it its to go through life being perfect as that is how his own life is like.

We now see that Zeus is in the ring as Vince bills him at 6’10 and 323 lbs. Zeus then scares the enhancement talent and Howard Finkel out of the ring as Vince tells us Zeus is pissed that he is not billed as the star of “No Holds Barred.” After that we see another clip from the film. The crowd, which was red hot this entire show, booed Zeus a great deal.

Twin Towers w/ Slick vs. Jim Merkel & Kevin Michaelson

The Towers take control early as we hear from Demolition in an insert promo as they tell the Towers to come after them if they want the Titles. The Towers then put Michaelson away with a sidewalk slam/splash combo (1:43).

Thoughts: Another Towers squash match to hype their feud against Demolition. Seems like the Towers had a squash match on every show each week at this time.

Tony Schiavone welcomes Miss Elizabeth to the interview platform. He introduces her as Hogan’s manager. Schiavone then brings up concerns about whether or not she will continue to act as Hogan’s manager. Elizabeth says she will be there as long as Hogan needs her and that she will do everything she can to help Hogan remain the champion. Schiavone then asks her about Savage and Sensational Sherri declaring Hulkamania will be dead before asking about the future of Hulkamania. Elizabeth says that she will believe that Hulkamania will live forever as Vince cackles like a moron. This segment was to confirm that Elizabeth will be back with Hogan when he returns as they go up against Savage and Sherri.

Hacksaw Jim Duggan vs. King Haku w/ Bobby Heenan

The Genius is shown in an insert promo predicting a victory for Haku. These two start off going back-and-forth until Duggan takes him over with a hip toss. Duggan sends Haku outside with a clothesline as Haku regroups with Heenan. Duggan works the arm for a bit then Haku escapes. Duggan runs into a clothesline but Haku misses a splash then Duggan finishes off Haku with the Three Point Stance (3:29). However, Heenan takes the crown and robe and runs backstage as Duggan parades in the ring with his 2×4.

Thoughts: This match sucked, mainly due to Duggan, but the crowd popped huge for the win. The move to get the king gimmick off of Haku made sense as he was not good in the role and it wasnt getting over, either.

Another clip from No Holds Barred airs.

Tito Santana vs. Barry Horowitz

Rick Martel is shown in an insert promo as he tells Santana about being the better looking man and wrestler. Santana takes control early then works the arm. Horowitz bails after getting hit with a clothesline as the announcers debate over which member of Strike Force was the weakest link. Back inside, Santana lands a few shots before putting Horowitz away with a flying forearm (2:30).

Thoughts: The Martel/Santana feud is heating up here as Martel blames Santana for being jealous of him now being added to the story instead of Martel just being sick of carrying Santana while in Strike Force.

In the Event Center, Jimmy Hart & Honky Tonk Man issue an open contract to anyone, including Jimmy Snuka. Guess his feud with Hillbilly Jim is going to end now. The Bushwhackers talk about how good it is to be in the WWF and try to get over the “Bushwhackeroos” name over to describe their fans.

Next week’s featured match is the Red Rooster vs. Brooklyn Brawler with guest referee Ronnie Garvin. Also in action will be Mr. Perfect, The Bushwhackers, and Rick Rude. Plus, the coronation of King Hacksaw Jim Duggan.

Final Thoughts: Busy show this week. The crown switched hands and Elizabeth vows to be alongside Hogan as long as he needs here. Plus, Zeus made his TV debut as the “No Holds Barred” hype train continues. Overall, a fun show.

Here is my schedule for the next several days:

Tuesday: WWF Boston Garden 5/13/89

Wednesday: EVOLVE 71

Thursday: Kayfabe Commentaries Timeline Series: 1987 WCW as told by Tully Blanchard

Friday: WWF Wrestling Challenge 5/14/89

Saturday: Mid-South Wrestling 5/13/82

Sunday: WWF Superstars of Wrestling 5/20/89

Monday: WWF Wrestling Challenge 5/21/89