WWF Wrestling Challenge – March 22nd, 1992

March 22, 1992

From the West Palm Beach Auditorium in West Palm Beach, FL

Your hosts are Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan

This week in action are Sid Justice, Bret Hart, Papa Shango, and Big Bossman. Plus, more photos of Elizabeth from Ric Flair.

British Bulldog vs. Bill Badd

We hear from The Berzerker & Mr. Fuji in an insert promo as Berzerker tells Bulldog he will throw him over the top rope at WrestleMania. Heenan then tells us that WrestleMania VIII will be Hulk Hogan’s last wrestling match as Gorilla even believes this is true. Bulldog works over Badd as Heenan gloats over the fact Hogan will be leaving then Bulldog hits a running powerslam for the win (1:51).

Thoughts: They started off the show the same way as Superstars by addressing the rumors that Hogan will retire after WrestleMania VIII. We also had some hype for the Bulldog/Berzerker match at WrestleMania.

WWF Special Report with Lord Alfred Hayes. We see footage of Sid Justice knocking Dale Wolfe off of a stretcher then tossing Virgil into the post as Virgil ended up breaking his nose. Lord Alfred then talks about how Hogan’s last match could be at WrestleMania. We then hear from Sid with Harvey Whippleman as he does not care about Virgil then Sid switches gears to Hogan and talks about how he rules the world.

Danny Kamo vs. Papa Shango

Shango beats down Kamo as Heenan tells Gorilla that Hulkamania is dead while Gorilla says Hulkamania will never die. Shango hits a corner clothesline then we hear from Shango in an insert promo as he is laughing in his den. The announcers continue to talk about Hogan as Shango hits a reverse shoulderbreaker for the win (1:51).

Thoughts: Heenan was hilarious on commentary (“of course I had to look up to Hogan, he’s 6’8!”) as Gorilla kept talking about Hogan as a role model and mentor of today’s youth. The Shango character is still not registering with fans.

We once again see the outside of a prison as a voice tells us he has done his time and is almost up and then Big Bossman will pay. He then says once that happens he will be completely rehabilitated.

Big Bossman defeats Lee Armstrong in a match first shown on the 3/16 edition of “Prime Time Wrestling.”

The segment from Superstars where Gene Okerlund is on Ric Flair’s yacht and shown more pictures of Flair with Elizabeth.

Dale Wolfe vs. Bret “The Hitman” Hart

The camera shows a friend vs. friend sign in the crowd to hype up the Bret vs. Piper match at WrestleMania. Bret works over Wolfe as Piper is shown in an insert promo saying he can be a nice guy or a jerk and gives some lame insults before telling Bret the ball is in his court. Bret hits an atomic drop as Heenan says Bret vs. Piper will wind up as a brawl then Bret puts Wolfe away with the Sharpshooter (1:35).

Thoughts: They continue to build up the IC Title match as two friends who plan on putting their friendship aside in order to be champion. And Piper has done just enough to make you believe that he could turn heel.

An ad for WrestleMania VIII airs.

Repo Man vs. Terry Davis

Repo Man beats on Davis as Heenan says Hogan has done more for children and the less fortunate than anyone which will cause sadness after his last match. Repo Man stays in control then grapevines the leg for the win (0:41).

Thoughts: Brief match as the company was doing some damage control with Hogan as there were a few company scandals going on at the moment.

WrestleMania Report with Gene Okerlund.

Sid Justice w/ Harvey Whippleman vs. Dennis Bunt

Between Bill Badd and Dennis Bunt there have been some classic enhancement talent names on this show. Sid beats on Bunt in the corner. Sid stays in control as the announcers talk about Hogan. We then see fan opinions in an insert with everyone picking Hogan including one little Hulkamaniac stating “Sid stinks.” Sid beats on Bunt then puts him away with a powerbomb (1:25). After the match, Bunt is placed on a stretcher then Sid & Harvey put the “call 911” sign and Hogan bandana on bunt before Sid pushes the stretcher into the post.

Thoughts: These post-match beatdowns by Sid have been effective. Too bad Hogan’s popularity was dying (and the fact Hogan was the one who really screwed Sid over to begin with) because Sid’s presence and promos were astounding at this time.

Next week in action are Shawn Michaels, Jake Roberts, Roddy Piper, and Sid Justice. Plus, an interview with Money Inc. and even more evidence from Ric Flair to prove his prior relationship with Elizabeth was true.

Final Thoughts: The key segments and theme of Hogan possibly retiring were the same as they were on Superstars, making this a show you did not need to see. The shows do tend to get repetitive the closer they get to a PPV.