WWF Wrestling Challenge: August 2nd, 1992

August 2, 1992

From the Broome County Arena in Binghamton, NY

Your hosts are Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan

In action this week are British Bulldog, Shawn Michaels, and High Energy. Plus, an interview with Nailz!

British Bulldog vs. Dave Millson

The announcers talk about Bulldog and Bret being related as there is a bit that started during the introduction where Gorilla teases Heenan for incorrectly calling them “Brothers in law.” Bulldog overpowers Millson as we hear from Bulldog’s wife Diana and how this match is tearing their family apart. Heenan makes more jokes about the Hart family as Bulldog hits a running powerslam for the win (1:59).

Thoughts: The company continues to put Hart family members on TV to build tension for the IC Title match at SummerSlam.

WWF Special Report with Lord Alfred Hayes. Same as “Superstars” regarding last week’s face-to-face interview between Randy Savage and the Ultimate Warrior with Ric Flair & Mr. Perfect interrupting.

Phil Apollo vs. Repo Man

Gorilla thinks that Savage is now “discombobulated” over all that has happened as Repo Man beats on Apollo. Repo Man stays in control then uses a single leg crab for the win (1:12). Repo Man then beats on Apollo with his grappling hook before taking off.

Thoughts: The focus was on Savage here as Gorilla hinted at Savage being a wreck over what happened last week.

Gorilla plugs the “WBF Magazine” with articles on Cameo Kneuer and Lex Luger.

The Razor Ramon vignette from “Superstars” airs.

Duane Gill & Dublin Destroyer vs. High Energy

High Energy come out to a new theme, which is what Owen would continue to use after the team ended. High Energy take turns working over the Destroyer as Heenan makes fun of their pants. Owen then hold Destroyer up as Koko hits a missile dropkick then Owen uses a jackknife cover for the win (1:22).

Thoughts: Every match the announcers spend time ragging on High Energy’s attire, which is a kiss of death for a face team. Makes them seem like a comedy act.

Gene Okerlund welcomes Nailz to the interview platform. He asks him about the beating he administered to Big Bossman as the camera zooms in onto Nailz’s face. Okerlund tells Nailz that Bossman is back now but Nailz says he is glad about that because he wants to give him another beating. Nailz then tells Bossman he took his pride, dignity, and nightstick before saying the next beating will finish the job. Okerlund now asks Nailz about his match against Virgil at SummerSlam as Nailz tells Virgil about an unwritten rule of no one sticking their nose into someone else’s business and says this will be the last time Virgil sticks his nose in his business and no one can help him after the beating he will receive. Heenan says that Nailz is insane and dangerous. Much like The Berzerker’s promo from a few weeks ago, this came across far too goofy and made Nailz seem like less of a threat. Although, this was not as goofy as the Berzerker promo.

Glen Ruth vs. El Matador

The announcers hype up SummerSlam on PPV as Matador takes control. Ruth lands a few punches but Matador fights back and soon after that uses the El Paso de Muerte for the win (1:43).

Thoughts: No talk about El Matador other than ethnic jokes from Heenan as the focus was selling SummerSlam as a PPV.

An ad for WBF Bodystars airs.

Red Tyler vs. Shawn Michaels w/ Sensational Sherri

Heenan whistles Shawn’s theme. Shawn beats on Tyler then skins-the-cat and takes Tyler outside with a high knee. The announcers talk about Shawn’s match against Rick Martel at SummerSlam then Shawn rolls Tyler back inside for a super kick then the teardrop suplex for the win (1:27).

Thoughts:

SummerSlam report airs.

Mike McGuirk alerts us that Shawn Michaels has left the building.

Jason Knight & Jerry Seavey vs. Beverly Brothers w/ The Genius

The Beverly Brothers beat on Knight as the announcers talk about their Tag Team Title match at SummerSlam. Gorilla wants to know what would happen if Money Inc. got their titles back before SummerSlam and if that would change the Beverly Brothers match. Seavey tags in and is quickly put away with the Shaker Heights Spike (1:32).

Thoughts: Only thing of note was Gorilla presenting the hypothetical situation of a title change prior to SummerSlam. The Beverly Brothers are in no way credible enough to be serious challengers for the Tag Titles.

Next week in action are Money Inc., Shawn Michaels, Big Bossman, and Razor Ramon. Plus, a featured match of Nasty Boys vs. Bushwhackers.

Final Thoughts: The only thing exclusive here was the Nailz interview and that was nothing special. The interesting thing here for the SummerSlam build was how they would use all of these hypothetical questions for the matches. I liked it as a way to build intrigue for the matches. Anyway, the Road to SummerSlam continues.