WWF Wrestling Challenge – April 16th, 1989

April 16, 1989

From the Ector County Coliseum in Odessa, TX

Your hosts are Bobby “The Brain” Heenan and Gorilla Monsoon

In action this week are the Twin Towers, Hercules, Fabulous Rougeau Brothers, and the Blue Blazer

Twin Towers w/ Slick vs. Stephen DeLeon & Scott Casey

We get an insert promo from Demolition as they talk about bringing it to the Twin Towers. Casey tags out after being unable to muster any offense then the Towers beat down DeLeon until Akeem finishes him off with a splash (2:58). After the match, Bossman beats on DeLeon with the nightstick.

Thoughts: More hype for the Twin Towers/Demolition Tag Team Title program.

WWF Special Report with Lord Alfred Hayes. This is a recap of Randy Savage naming Sensational Sherri his newest manager from the 4/15/89 Superstars of Wrestling.

Blue Blazer vs. “Dangerous” Danny Davis

Davis strikes first but the Blazer uses his speed to his advantage and takes control. Blazer works the arm then takes Davis down with a monkey flip but misses a dropkick. Davis lands a few punches but Blazer catches him with a belly-to-belly suplex then hits a dropkick before putting him away with a flying body press (1:48).

Thoughts: The Blazer gets a TV win but is not being pushed in a program. This was just filler, really.

“The Genius” Lanny Poffo brags about his educations and degrees.

Randy Neverman vs. Bad News Brown

Bad News immediately attacks Neverman as the announcers talk about how he is from the mean streets of Harlem. He is then shown in an insert promo telling everyone else in the WWF that they can be the next ones to feel his wrath. Bad News continues to rough up Neverman until putting him away with the Ghetto Blaster (2:46).

Thoughts: Bad News looks strong and is back to just playing up his tough guy from the streets character as he also does not have a feud at the moment.

Sean Mooney is in the Event Center as we get the same promos from “Superstars of Wrestling” to hype up the May 6th Nashville, TN house show. All of the Event Center segments here were the same as Superstars, actually.

Hercules vs. Invader

Hercules overpowers the Invader as we hear from Dino Bravo in an insert promo as he puts over his own strength. Hercules dumps the Invader and stays in control under he makes him submit to the backbreaker (2:48).

Thoughts: Herc got to look strong going into his feud with Bravo, which is based on who is the strongest man.

Another Event Center segment airs.

Fabulous Rougeau Brothers w/ Jimmy Hart vs. Tim Horner & Jeff Gaylord

Gaylord had size and a good look but was a complete lunatic who has committed multiple bank robberies among other stunts he has pulled withoin wrestling. The Rockers are shown in an insert promo, telling the Rougeaus they will get a taste of “tag team specialty.” Jacques extends his hand to Horner but gets booted in the gut then taken down with a dropkick. Both guys tag out as Raymond retreats after getting knocked down then Jacques pulls the ropes down on Gaylord as the Rougeaus finally take control of the match. They work over Gaylord until hitting the Rougeau Bomb for the win (3:26).

Thoughts: They are going with a Rockers/Rougeaus feud, which should be good.

A vignette to hype the return of Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka

Gene Okerlund welcomes Big John Studd to the interview platform. He puts Studd over for being better than ever since his return as Studd talks about training and feeling better after getting rid of Heenan. Studd then plays up to the crowd before putting over his size as he promises to show Andre the Giant what fear is all about. I don’t think anyone really cared about this feud other than Vince.

The Barbarian w/ Mr. Fuji vs. Omar Atlas

The Barbarian overpowers Atlas as we hear from Jim Neidhart in an insert promo as he puts over how he is crazy while Barbarian does whatever Mr. Fuji says. Back to the match as the Barbarian stays in control then puts Atlas away with a flying clothesline (1:51).

Thoughts: Another singles match for the Barbarian. Seeing that the Powers of Pain have not gotten over on the main, having them wrestle in singles match isnt the worst thing in the world.

Tito Santana vs. Tom Stone

Tito works the arm as we hear from Rick Martel in an insert promo as he talks about carrying Tito when they were a team. Stone rakes the eyes but Tito reverses an Irish whip then hammers away before hitting the flying forearm for the win (3:01).

Thoughts: The Tito/Martel feud is getting a lot of attention on TV.

Another Event Center segment.

In action next week will be the Bushwhackers, Ted DiBiase, and the Rockers. Plus, a special interview with Andre the Giant and more!

Final Thoughts: They pushed some of the feuds that have been established on TV since WrestleMania V but also had some filler. Its still refreshing to see actual feuds play out on TV.

Saturday: Mid-South Wrestling 5/6/82

Sunday: WWF Superstars of Wrestling 4/22/89

Monday: WWF Wrestling Challenge 4/23/89

Tuesday: WWF Toronto Maple Leaf Gardens 4/23/89

Wednesday: EVOLVE 70

Friday: WWF Superstars of Wrestling 4/29/89