WWF Wrestling Challenge – May 21st, 1989

May 21, 1989

From the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines, IA

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

This week, we get the debut of the new theme song and opening montage for the show.

The featured match is The Rockers vs. Fabulous Rougeau Brothers. Also in action are the Ultimate Warrior, Brutus Beefcake, and Dino Bravo

Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake vs. Mike Thomas

Sensational Sherri is shown in an insert telling Beefcake he isnt the only person in the WWF that can “cut and strut” as Beefcake takes control. Heenan makes fun of Beefcake’s hair as Thomas lands a few thrusts in the corner but Beefcake fights back before catching Thomas with a sleeper for the win (2:54).

Thoughts: The crowd was rabid for Beefcake here as his feud with Savage continues.

WWF Special Report with Lord Alfred Hayes. This is how Jim Duggan defeated Haku for the crown as we clips of that. We then hear from Duggan, who tells us he will be the best king of all. At least they got the king gimmick off of Haku.

Scott Colton vs. Dino Bravo w/ Jimmy Hart

Bravo debuts a new wardrobe as Gorilla asks what happened to Frenchy Martin. We never did get an actual answer. Hercules is shown in an insert promo as he tells Bravo the reason he exists is to be the World’s Strongest Man. Bravo overpowers Colton as the crowd boos then he gets the win with a side slam (2:39).

Thoughts: The Bravo/Hercules feud continues as Bravo gets a new look to go along with even more bulk on his physique.

Sean Mooney is in the Event Center to hype up the 6/3 Boston Garden house show. Ted DiBiase is with Virgil as he tells Jake Roberts that there is no one in the WWF more devious than himself. Jake was unable to wrestle this match due to the fact he underwent surgery on his neck and was replaced by Dusty Rhodes. Jim Neidhart then laughs as he tells the Warlord how he is also part of a tag team, one that even won the belts.

Hillbilly Jim tells us to see “No Holds Barred”

Tito Santana vs. Tom Stone

Santana beats on Stone as The Genius is shown in an insert promo as he recites a poem on how Santana is jealous of Rick Martel’s looks and ability. Back to the match as Santana dropkicks Stone to the floor then grabs an armbar when Stone returns. Santana stays in control then puts Stone away with the flying forearm (3:22).

Thoughts: More hype for the Santana/Martel feud as they keep mentioning how Santana is jealous of Martel’s looks.

“Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase w/ Virgil vs. Jim Powers

Powers got an entrance here too. DiBiase takes Powers down with a hip toss after an Irish whip sequence. We hear from Jake Roberts in an insert promo as he vows to hit DiBiase with the DDT. Powers fights back but eats elbow on a charge then DiBiase follows with a powerslam before putting Powers away with the Million Dollar Dream (2:30). After the match, DiBiase stuffs a $100 bill in Powers mouth.

Thoughts: The Jake/DiBiase feud was heating up before Jake had to get surgery. I really liked where they were going with it and I wonder how hot that feud could have gotten as a result.

Gene Okerlund welcomes Miss Elizabeth to the interview platform. He asks her about the derogatory comments from Randy Savage & Sensational Sherri as Elizabeth says they hurt but she has no control over how Savage has been acting and thanks the fans for their support. He asks Elizabeth if she will be in Hulk Hogan’s corner as she talks about believing in Hogan and Hulkamania as that will help him retain the World Heavyweight Title. More or less the same Elizabeth interview with Schiavone from the 5/13/89 edition of “Superstars of Wrestling.”

A clip from “No Holds Barred” airs.

Fabulous Rougeau Brothers w/ Jimmy Hart vs. The Rockers

During their entrance, The Rougeaus and Hart stop as their music cuts out before they enter the ring. The Rockers then come out to their own rendition of the Rougeaus song as Tony Schiavone interviews Hart, who is irate. Raymond then calls the Rockers “copycats” and a disgrace to not only the fans but the whole United States. He then tells them they do not deserve to get into the ring with them and will not wrestle the Rockers tonight. However, the Rockers come out and attack the Rougeaus but Jimmy Hart provides a distraction as Jacques sends Marty into the post with a running knee to the back as the Rougeaus then attack Shawn with the megaphone, causing him to bleed from the mouth as the match is ruled a no-contest.

Thoughts: I really liked this segment. The Rockers have been taunting the Rougeaus, who are as cocky as can be and end up getting outnumbered then Shawn got all bloodied at the end. The Rougeaus got a ton of heat here.

Ultimate Warrior vs. Barry Horowitz

Warrior beats on Horowitz as Rick Rude is in an insert promo taunting Warrior about no longer being the Intercontinental Champion. Warrior hits Horowitz with a powerslam thena clothesline before putting him away with the press slam/splash combo (3:22). After the match, Warrior puts Horowitz over his shoulder and heads backstage.

Thoughts: The story remains that Warrior is more dangerous than ever since losing the Intercontinental Title.

Mooney is back in the Event Center to hype the 6/3 Boston Garden show. Randy Savage tells Hulk Hogan that Sensational Sherri will help put the World Heavyweight Title back around his waist. Demolition run down the Twin Towers to put over their match and how Ronnie Garvin will be the referee.

Next week in action will be Twin Towers, Big John Studd, and Jake Roberts. Plus, an update on Shawn Michaels condition and a special interview with Zeus.

Final Thoughts: Overall, the show was decent enough. The Rougeaus/Rockers angle was really good although some of these feuds (Bravo/Hercules, Haku/Duggan) really are not good at all. I have liked how they are utilizing Schiavone more on TV and the fact they are coming up with new ways to get angles over. While not everything is great, the TV is at least focused.

Here is my schedule for the rest of the week

Tuesday: WWF Superstars of Wrestling 5/27/89

Wednesday: EVOLVE 72

Thursday: Kayfabe Commentaries Guest Booker: Booking Dallas 1986 with Gary Hart

Friday: WWF Saturday Night’s Main Event 5/27/89

Saturday: Mid-South Wrestling 5/13/82

Sunday: WWF Wrestling Challenge 5/28/89

Monday: WWF Superstars of Wrestling 6/3/89