WWF Wrestling Challenge – June 4th, 1989

June 4, 1989

From the LaCrosse Center in LaCrosse, WI

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

In action this week are the Ultimate Warrior, Fabulous Rougeau Brothers, Honky Tonk Man, and Jim Neidhart

The Bushwhackers vs. Chris Curtis & Al Burke

Luke clotheslines Curtis after a slugfest then we hear from the Brainbusters in an insert promo as they talk about how their precision as a team will make it easy to beat the Bushwhackers. Burke tags and the Bushwhackers beat on him before putting him away with a double gutbuster (2:16).

Thoughts: A quick win for the Bushwhackers as their feud with the Brainbusters continues. Also, they made it a point to constantly show fans doing the Bushwhacker arm movement in the crowd before and after the match.

WWF Special Report with Tony Schiavone as he talks to fans leaving “No Holds Barred.” We then see actor Kurt Fuller, in character as Brell Head of Network) saying how its a conspiracy against Zeus because Hogan agreed to lose before hand and how Zeus is the winner and that Hogan is a loser. They really went all out promoting this film on TV but having the actor stay in character here was quite lame.

Haku w/ Bobby Heenan vs. Jim Evans

Gorilla is solo on commentary for this match. Evans and Haku trade arm wringers as the new king, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, tells Haku if he wants the crown back to come and find him. Haku chops Evans down and beats the crap out of him as a “weasel” chant breaks out. Haku then hits a back suplex and a piledriver as the crowd is now chanting for Duggan. Gorilla mentions “No Holds Barred” then Haku puts Evans out of his misery with a thrust kick (3:09).

Thoughts: They put over the Haku/Duggan feud and talked about “No Holds Barred” on commentary.

Sean Mooney is in the Event Center. Dino Bravo is with Jimmy Hart and tells us his mission is to defeat Hulk Hogan for the World Heavyweight Title. Koko B. Ware is singing with Frankie on his shoulder then says he is ready to take people out.

We get a clip from “No Holds Barred” featuring Stan Hansen as he is in a bar kicking ass while TV network guys look on in disgust.

Dave Wagner vs. Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart

Ronnie Garvin is the referee for this match. Neidhart works the arm after hitting a backdrop as the announcers put over the size of Zeus. Neidhart attacks Wagner in the corner before putting him away with a powerslam (2:05).

Thoughts: A quick win for Neidhart, who is not having the same success or even the same push as his partner Bret while wrestling as a singles star.

Gene Okerlund is asking fans what they are expecting to see from “No Holds Barred.” They love Hogan.

Fabulous Rougeau Brothers vs. Jim Powers & Warren Bianchi

The Genius is shown in an insert promo as he talks about wanting to see the Rougeaus make the Rockers quit. Powers dropkicks Raymond after a leapfrog then gives on to Jacques as well as the Rougeaus take a break outside. Jacques wants Bianchi in the ring and taunts him for a bit until Bianchi asks Powers for the tag. Jacques challenges Bianchi to a kip-up contest then drops an elbow as the Rougeaus beat on Bianchi until putting him away with the Rougeau Bomb (2:47).

Thoughts: The Rougeaus looked good here as their feud with the Rockers continue. Powers teaming with a total scrub here as the Young Stallions were finished as both guys were back to being TV enhancement talent.

Mooney is back in the Event Center. Hillbilly Jim tells us he is ready to meet any challenge then tells the kids to be careful in the water and while crossing the street so they can see him at the matches. Mr. Perfect tells us how perfect he is and the pressure his opponents have when facing him.

Another clip from “No Holds Barred” is shown.

Red Tyler vs. Honky Tonk Man w/Jimmy Hart

Honky hammers away on Tyler then hits a clothesline before getting the win with his Shake, Rattle, and Roll (1:37). After the match, Honky wants his music turned up as the crowd boos. He gets pissed as the music his turned down as Okerlund, from the interview platform, tells us enough is enough.

Thoughts: A quick win for Honky, who is pissed over his music being interrupted.

Okerlund now introduces Jimmy Snuka to the interview platform. However, Honky & Hart interrupt as Honky blames Snuka for the fans not being able to hear his song. Honky then tells Snuka he is the man here and makes fun of Snuka’s appearance and that he “lives in the trees and picks coconuts” as Snuka is now posturing towards Honky before he jumps off and hits Honky with a crossbody. Honky then runs away as Snuka ends this segment posing on the platform. They’ve now created a feud for the returning Snuka but its nothing to really get excited about at all.

Rick Martel w/ Slick vs. Jerry Lynn

Yes, this is the same Jerry Lynn of ECW/TNA/WWE fame. Martel cartwheels to avoid a monkey flip from Lynn before he fires away. He destroys Lynn in the corner then hits a dropkick as the crowd chants for Tito Santana. Martel continues to beat on Lynn before getting the win with a flying knee drop (2:49).

Thoughts: They’re really pushing Martel as someone arrogant over their abilities and looks. Lynn did a great job taking bumps here. Made everything Martel did look even better.

Dusty Rhodes is in a barn as he tells us how “fuel” makes the world go around then proceeds to explain how manure is made and how that helps make your garden grow as “doo doo” is good for him and for us too. The material was even worse than the pizza man vignette but once again, Dusty was able to make the best out of this character.

Scott Colton vs. Ultimate Warrior

Warrior immediately beats on Colton then sticks Colton’s face into the camera as he yells at Rude, who is shown in an insert promo taunting Warrior over being the Intercontinental Champion. Warrior then beats down Colton before putting him away with the press slam/splash combo (3:04). After the match, Warrior puts Colton over his shoulder and heads backstage.

Thoughts: Warrior remains on the warpath to reclaim the Intercontinental Title.

Mooney is once again in the Event Center. We hear from Slick & Twin Towers and how the Towers are lethal weapons then Brutus Beefcake tells us he has a new attitude and is going back to the old ways as he will not take any prisoners.

Next week in action are Tito Santana, Ted DiBiase, The Brainbusters, and Brutus Beefcake. Elizabeth then tells us to see “No Holds Barred” to close out the show.

Final Thoughts: With it being the opening weekend of “No Holds Barred,” the show was centered around hyping the film. They also started a lower card feud in Honky/Snuka but this was all about getting the fans into seeing the film.

Here is my schedule for the next several days:

Tuesday: WWF Prime Time Wrestling 6/5/89

Wednesday: EVOLVE 74 12/10/16

Thursday: RF Video Shoot Interview with Ole Anderson

Friday: WWF Superstars of Wrestling 6/10/89

Saturday: Mid-South Wrestling 5/20/82

Sunday: WWF Wrestling Challenge 6/11/89

Monday: WWF Superstars of Wrestling 6/17/89