WWF Wrestling Challenge – April 23rd, 1989

April 23, 1989

From the Onondoga War Memorial in Syracuse, NY

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

In action this week are the Ultimate Warrior, The Rockers, Ted DiBiase, and the Bushwhackers

Ultimate Warrior vs. George South

Warrior immediately attacks South. He hits bunch of slams then mocks Rick Rude’s hip swivel as the fans applaud. We hear from Rick Rude as he taunts Warrior over losing the Intercontinental Title as Heenan is proud. Warrior continues to beat on South as Heenan predicts that Rude will retire undefeated as Warrior puts South away with three splashes after hitting a press slam (2:44).

Thoughts: They are going all out in pushing the Warrior/Rude feud.

WWF Special Report with Lord Alfred Hayes. This week’s focus is on Rick Martel/Tito Santana as we see clips of Martel walking out on Tito at WrestleMania V then hear comments from both men.

Brooklyn Brawler w/ Bobby Heenan vs. Tony Durante

Gorilla is solo on commentary. Brawler rakes Durante’s face across the ropes before tossing him outside. Durante heads back in as we hear from the Red Rooster in an insert promo as he calls Brawler “stupid” and that he will end this fight. Brawler stays in control until putting Durante away with the Sidewalk Smash (2:19).

Thoughts: The Rooster/Brawler feud is still getting played up on TV. For those unaware, Durante would later become Pitbull #2 in ECW.

Chris Duffy & Gary Royal vs. The Rockers

The Rougeaus & Jimmy Hart are shown in an insert promo as they put themselves over as being better than the Rockers. The Rockers are in control as the announcers talk about Danny Davis being reinstated as a referee then Shawn puts Duffy away with a crossbody (3:05).

Thoughts: The Rougeaus and Rockers make for a good midcard tag feud.

Event Center with Sean Mooney is next and its all the same promos we saw on the 4/22/89 episode of “Superstars of Wrestling.”

Jimmy Snuka vignette airs to hype his return.

“Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase w/ Virgil vs. Cougar Jay

DiBiase works the arm as Jake Roberts is shown in an insert promo telling DiBiase he should have left him alone at WrestleMania. He then blocks a sunset flip and catches Jay with a clothesline before putting him away with the Million Dollar Dream (2:16).

Thoughts: DiBiase gets the win here as his feud against Jake is starting to warm up.We also get another NWA enhancement talent in Jay working on this show.

Event Center segment.

“The Genius” Lanny Poffo vows to get revenge all of those who doubt his intelligence.

Jim Neidhart vs. Paul Fine

Neidhart sends Fine outside as Mr. Fuji puts over the Barbarian’s strength in an insert promo to hype up their feud. Heenan says he has to leave to get Andre the Giant ready for his interview as Neidhart gets the win with a powerslam (1:41).

Thoughts: With the Barbarian and Neidhart going up against each other, it leaves the Warlord by himself.

Gene Okerlund welcomes Andre the Giant & Heenan to the interview platform. Andre grabs Okerlund and says Studd was not a good referee then tells Studd he is the only giant. Really not a good promo and I’m usually a fan of Andre’s heel work.

Max McGiver & John Wise vs. The Bushwhackers

The Bushwhackers beat on Wise, the future Johnny Hotbody, as we hear from the Brainbusters in an insert promo as they tell the Bushwhackers they do not prepare as they react and are not afraid of the Bushwhackers’ unpredictability. McGiver tags in and gets destroyed until he gets finished off with a double gutbuster (3:30).

Thoughts: This was to put over the Bushwhackers as they are feuding with the Brainbusters.

No Holds Barred trailer airs.

Honky Tonk Man w/ Jimmy Hart vs. Gene Ligon

Hillbilly Jim is shown in an insert promo as he is not impressed by the Honky Tonk Man’s flashy appearance and promises to play a “hillbilly” tune. Honky works over Ligon in the corner and stays in control until hitting the Shake, Rattle, and Roll for the win (2:37).

Thoughts: This is the first feud for Hillbilly on TV that I’ve seen in a couple of years as he was basically exclusive to house shows at this point.

Next week’s featured match is Rick Rude vs. Hercules as we hear from both men. Also in action will be the Red Rooster, Brainbusters, Bret Hart, and Jake Roberts.

Here is my schedule for the next several days:

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

Wednesday: EVOLVE 70

Friday: WWF Superstars of Wrestling 4/29/89

Saturday: Mid-South Wrestling 5/6/82

Sunday: WWF Wrestling Challenge 4/30/89

Monday: WWF Superstars of Wrestling 5/6/89