WWF Superstars of Wrestling April 9th, 1988

April 9, 1988

From the Show-Me Center in Cape Girardeau, MO

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

In action this week will be Ted DiBiase, Ultimate Warrior, One Man Gang, Strike Force, and the Islanders.

Ultimate Warrior vs. Barry Horowitz

Jesse makes fun of Cape Girardeau, saying he had to take a covered wagon to get to the arena. Horowitz lands a cheap shot after a break but Warrior no-sells his offense before sending him down with a clothesline. He overpowers Horowitz before tossing him outside as Jesse advises Horowitz to cheat in this match as its his only chance. Warrior slams Horowitz on the floor then takes the action back inside where he drops him with a press slam before getting the win with a splash (2:43).

Thoughts: They really put over the Warrior strong, with Vince gloating over his body and Jesse even stating how he was improving in the ring. And the fans are starting to really get behind him as well.

WWF Update with Lord Alfred Hayes. This is now taking place at what would be more commonly known as the “Event Center” and not the desk. This week’s topic is what happened last week between Hacksaw Jim Duggan and Andre the Giant. We are shown their history, which began at WrestleMania IV when Andre interfered in his match and last week when Duggan knocked out Andre with his 2×4 as he was getting choked out. What an excellent angle but too bad Andre was broken down and unable to go in the ring at all anymore.

Strike Force vs. The Conquistadors

Jesse gloats over the fact that Demolition beat Strike Force for the Tag Team Titles, as he predicted. Martel works over #1 as we get an insert promo from Strike Force, pissed off at Demolition and vowing to take back their titles. Back to the match as Strike Force remains in control. The Conquistadors briefly take care of Santana, who gets his knee up on a charge. Martel tags and runs wild then Santana comes back in and gets the win with a flying forearm (3:12).

Thoughts: They are going with a Strike Force/Demolition feud with Strike Force chasing the titles.

One Man Gang w/ Slick vs. Van Van Horne

Gang attacks Van Horne before the bell. Gang uses a lifting chokehold after no-selling some punches. He hammers away in the corner and yells before getting the win with a front suplex (1:29).

Thoughts: Gang gets the win but overall does not have much going on at this point. He already had his house show run with Hogan and currently involved in a half-baked feud with Bam Bam Bigelow.

Okerlund is back at the Event Center. Its the same set of promos from Ricky Steamboat and Greg Valentine that we heard from the 4/3/88 episode of “Wrestling Challenge.”

Junkyard Dog vs. Bob Bryant

JYD hits a hip toss and a slam while the announcers talk about his confrontation with Ron Bass on last week’s episode of “Wrestling Challenge.” We hear from Bass in an insert promo, who calls JYD a “Brahma Bull” and a “Muley Bull.” Back to the match as JYD hits a clothesline then plays to the fans before hitting the powerslam for the win (1:49).

Thoughts: This was awful in the ring, as neither guy could perform, but they are continuing the JYD/Bass feud for now.

Craig DeGeorge welcomes Bobby Heenan and Rick Rude to the interview platform. Rude talks about wanting to show a special lady his “inner beauty” with the Rude Awakening. Heenan welcomes a lady on the platform as Rude takes off his robe and dips her while giving a kiss.

Frankie DeFalco vs. “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase w/ Virgil

DeFalco knocks DiBiase down twice as the Million Dollar Man regroups outside. We hear from DiBiase in an insert promo telling us he always gets what he wants as he is now beating on DeFalco. DiBiase then applies a cobra clutch and takes DeFalco down with a Russian leg sweep as Vince alerts us this is called the “Million Dollar Dream” and that gets the win (1:51). After the match, DiBiase shoves a $100 bill in DeFalco’s mouth.

Thoughts: They are going with the story that DiBiase is still devising a plan to get the title. This was also the debut of the Million Dollar Dream.

WrestleMania IV Report with Gene Okerlund. We get a clip of the Brutus Beefcake vs. Honky Tonk Man match as we learn that the VHS tape will be on sale May 11th.

The Islanders w/ Bobby Heenan vs. Mark Young & Tony Parks

Young tries a crossbody from the top early but Tama ducks that and tags out. Haku misses a charge as we get an insert promo from Matilda, who is barking. Parks tags and tries a sleeper but Haku shakes him off then chops him down. Jesse feels that Beefcake cutting Hart’s hair at WrestleMania was a disgrace. The Islanders beat on Parks until Tama puts him away with a top rope splash (2:50).

Thoughts: It appears that the Islanders/Bulldogs feud is still not over yet. Unfortunately, its been going on for far too long now.

Okerlund is back in the Event Center. We hear comments from Bam Bam Bigelow about the One Man Gang then Superstar Billy Graham and Don Muraco, who looks zonked out of his mind here , tells Rick Rude they have been looking for him.

Next week in action will be Koko B. Ware, Honky Tonk Man, British Bulldogs, and Hacksaw Jim Duggan.

Final Thoughts: They continue to push feuds and the talent they want to showcase post-Mania. Its clear they have plans for the Ultimate Warrior and the Duggan/Andre feud to be their #1 TV feud going forward. Other than that though, not a whole lot else new to talk about as they are still filling up time with WrestleMania IV fallout.

Here is my schedule for the rest of the week:

Saturday: PWG All Star Weekend XI, Night Two @noon EST

Sunday: WWF Wrestling Challenge 4/10/88 @8pm EST

Tuesday: WWF Superstars of Wrestling 4/16/88 @ 8pm EST

Wednesday: EVOLVE 53 1/22/16 @ 11am EST

Thursday: Shoot interview TBD by poll @ noon EST

Friday: WWF Wrestling Challenge 4/17/88 @3pm EST

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