WWF Wrestling Challenge – July 9th, 1989

July 9, 1989

From the Metro Center in Rockford, IL

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

In action this week are King Hacksaw Jim Duggan, The Brainbusters, and the “Widowmaker” Barry Windham. Plus an interview with Demolition and more!

King Hacksaw Jim Duggan vs. Jim Megan

Megan tries to sneak attack Duggan but gets clotheslined by the cape. Duggan engages the crowd into a “USA” chant as Gorilla promotes the new “WWF Magazine” that comes out Tuesday with an article on Duggan. Back to the match as Duggan stays in control until putting him away with the Three Point Stance (1:55).

Thoughts: Duggan is still over but with Studd gone, his feud against Haku & Andre is not getting as much attention with Hillbilly Jim as a replacement.

WWF Special Report with Lord Alfred Hayes. Its the replay of Tito Santana attacking Rick Martel from the “Brother Love Show.”

A couple tells us their favorite scene from “No Holds Barred” was when Hulk Hogan jumped on the roof of the limo.

Sonny Rogers & Red Tyler vs. The Brainbusters w/ Bobby Heenan

Rogers & Tyler try to attack right after the bell but it fails as the Brainbusters beat them down. The announcers plug the “More of Saturday Night’s Main Event” VHS Tape and mention the Brainbusters vs. Rockers match is included. Gorilla notes how Heenan remains calm at ringside during the Brainbusters matches as he says they know what to do as the Brainbusters destroy Rogers. Gorilla notes how referee Danny Davis is still under a trial basis as referee while the Brainbusters stay in control until hitting the spike piledriver for the win (3:59).

Thoughts: A completely dominating performance by the Brainbusters, who were really being played up strong by Gorilla & Schiavone on commentary.

Sean Mooney is in the Event Center. The Honky Tonk Man & Jimmy Hart talk about how they are at the top of the charts and scoring hits as Honky brags about taking out Jimmy Snuka. Koko B. Ware tells the rest of the WWF not to take him lightly and will not back down, even if his opponent is over 300 lbs.

An ad for SummerSlam airs.

Hercules vs. Butler Stevens

Heenan is back on commentary. Stevens attacks Hercules from behind and lands a few shots but Hercules fights back. We hear from Dino Bravo & Jimmy Hart in an insert promo as Bravo brags about being stronger than Hercules, who hits a suplex and a backbreaker. Heenan goes off on Schiavone & Gorilla as he feels disrespected then Hercules puts Stevens away with the backbreaker submission (1:45).

Thoughts: This segment was more about the conflict between Gorilla and Heenan than it was the lackluster Bravo/Hercules feud.

The Rockers show off how they are on the cover on the newest edition of “WWF Magazine” and their article on how they will beat the Rougeaus.

The Barbarian w/ Mr. Fuji vs. Ray Oakley

Barbarian boots Oakley down and stays in control. We get more arguing from Heenan and Gorilla as the Barbarian stays in control until he puts Oakley away with a flying clothesline (1:57).

Thoughts: The Barbarian singles push really isnt going anywhere but should be ending as the Powers of Pain are one again getting booked in title matches against Demolition.

Mooney is back in the Event Center. Hercules tells us how he was in the car and the weatherman said it would be the hottest Summer ever as he laughs at the notion guys like Boris Zhukov and beat a “real American” such as himself then the Rougeau Brothers & Jimmy Hart make fun of the Rockers appearance, calling them “little girls” due to their haircuts. Funny stuff from the Rougeaus.

Bad News Brown vs. Larry Larson

Bad News destroys Larson before the bell and stays in control. Bad News then tells all the “spineless cockroaches” in the WWF to watch the brutality they will have to face when stepping into the ring while Heenan once again goes off on Gorilla for bringing in Schiavone. Gorilla tells him to leave but Heenan will not do so as it would make Gorilla happy then Bad News gets the win with the Ghetto Blaster (2:02).

Thoughts: Bad News continues to do his gimmick on TV pretty much every week but does not have any direction at the moment.

Gene Okerlund welcomes Demolition to the interview platform. They tell Okerlund the reason they are champions is because they demolish everyone and challenge the Twin Towers to sign a contract and face them in the ring.

Todd Becker vs. “The Widowmaker” Barry Windham

Heenan tells us that the widowmaker means the “toughest bull in the corral.” According to Windham himself, he chose the Widowmaker name because of a bull that killed several rodeo performers. Windham is then shown in an insert promo saying no gold in the WWF is safe as he beats on Becker. Windham stays in control until he puts Becker out of his misery with a superplex (1:47).

Thoughts: Windham looked good here as they are trying to establish his character on TV.

Dusty Rhodes gas station vignette airs again.

The Hart Foundation vs. Boris Zhukov & Jake Milliman

Neidhart and Zhukov mix it up to start. Neidhart takes control with a shoulder block and a dropkick then Milliman tags into the match. Bret also tags in and starts hammering away. The Genius is shown in an insert promo telling the Hart Foundations they keep losing because the fact they ditched Jimmy Hart. Neidhart hits Milliman with an assisted slingshot splash but pulls him up at two as the Hart Foundation soften him up a bit more until hitting the Hart Attack for the win (3:09). After the match, Zhukov shoves referee Ronnie Garvin from behind but ends up getting punched out.

Thoughts: Looks like the Hart Foundation are back teaming again instead of being on singles runs.

Mooney is once again in the Event Center. Mr. Perfect tells those trying to put a blemish on his perfect record to get out of his way as he will stand tall in the WWF. The Ultimate Warrior promises Rick Rude he will bring back the Intercontinental Title to where it belongs.

In action next week are Hillbilly Jim, Demolition, Rick Rude, and Jimmy Snuka. Plus, a special interview with Ted DiBiase. The show ends with a scene from “No Holds Barred” where a few of Brell’s workers are scared going into a dirty bathroom where Stan Hansen pops out and scares them some more.

Final Thoughts: The show was alright but most of the focus was on the conflict between Heenan and Monsoon, which would play into “Prime Time Wrestling.”

Here is my schedule for the next several days:

Saturday: Mid-South Wrestling 5/20/82

Sunday: WWF Prime Time Wrestling 7/10/89

Monday: WWF Nassau Coliseum 7/10/89

Tuesday: WWF Superstars of Wrestling 7/15/89

Wednesday: Revolution Pro Live at the Cockpit 12 1/8/17

Thursday: Old School with One Man Gang

Friday: WWF Wrestling Challenge 7/16/89