WWF Wrestling Challenge – September 20th, 1992

September 20, 1992

From the Capital Centre in Landover, MD

Your hosts are Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan, who pretending that he was campaigning for votes with the election coming up in several weeks. This was a show-long bit.

In action this week are Big Bossman, Nasty Boys, Crush, and Papa Shango. Plus, an interview with Ric Flair and more!

Big Bossman vs. Bob Bradley

Bossman works over Bradley in the corner but misses an attack. Bradley attacks the arm but runs into an uppercut as the announcers talk about the Bossman/Nailz feud. Bossman stays in control then catches Bradley with a sidewalk slam for the win (2:18).

Thoughts: More hype for the Bossman/Nailz feud that has been stuck in neutral for weeks.

WWF Special Report with Lord Alfred Hayes. Same as the WWF Update segment on “Superstars” that showed the series of events that led to Ric Flair winning the World Heavyweight Championship.

“The Model” Rick Martel vs. Jim Powers

Gorilla tells us that Martel is one the top contenders for the Intercontinental Title. Powers takes Martel over with a hip toss and an arm drag then stays to work on the arm. Powers then hits an atomic drop and a clothesline but Martel sucker punches him in the gut. Martel hits a gutwrench suplex then taunts the crowd before choking Powers out. Martel runs into an elbow smash then Powers fights back. Powers runs wild now but Martel avoids a dropkick then Martel puts Powers away with a Boston Crab (3:26).

Thoughts: A competitive enhancement match here but Powers offense is really basic even for this era and for a guy his size and athleticism there should be a bit more flash. And with Martel no longer coming out with the eagle feathers his feud with Tatanka seems finished.

Nasty Boys w/ Jimmy Hart vs. Laverne McGill & Joe Perkins

The Nasty Boys pound on McGill in the corner to start. We hear from the Nasty Boys & Hart in an insert promo as the Nasty Boys thank Hart for making them the #1 contenders for the Tag Team Titles. Gorilla is confused and thought Money Inc. were the #1 challengers according to Hart and the announcers talk about that for a minute. The Nasty Boys stay in control then use a running powewrslam/flying elbow drop combo for the win (2:47).

Thoughts: The story now is that Hart is lying to the Nasty Boys to keep them happy because Money Inc. is really his first priority. We will see how that develops.

Virgil vs. Duane Gill

Gorilla attributes Virgil’s physique to ICOPRO as the company continues to shill that garbage. Virgil chops Gill against the ropes then hits a clothesline. Virgil now hits a monkey flip out of the corner as Heenan calls him one of the “boys from the hood” as Gorilla gets offended to which Heenan replies “Well, he’s from the neighborhood, isn’t he?” then Virgil uses a side Russian leg sweep for the win (1:23).

Thoughts: The main focus of this was to shill ICOPRO as well as provide some dialogue between Heenan and Gorilla.

The announcers plug “Spotlight Magazine” with Ultimate Warrior on the cover.

Gene Okerlund welcomes Ric Flair & Mr. Perfect to the interview platform. Flair tells us that all across the world people are excited that he’s once again the champion. Flair continues to gloat then calls out the Ultimate Warrior and brags about beating Randy Savage. Flair goes back to Warrior and says when he squeezes Warrior’s body the Little Warriors will cry and after that Perfect said Warrior will be the “ultimate loser.” A generic celebrating heel promo if there ever was one. In the comments of these recaps there has been a lot of talk about the WWF not getting Flair and how he never felt like Flair and here is a prime example. Flair is champion again and does not feel special whatsoever. And the obvious was confirmed here with Flair calling out Warrior as that is the new title feud.

Crush vs. Barry Horowitz

Crush places Horowitz in the corner as he sports a new singlet. Crush hits a backbreaker then a press slam and after that heads out and brings Horowitz back inside. Crush stays in control then puts Horowitz away with a head vice (2:25).

Thoughts: They continue to push Crush as a Hawaiian now as he is in need of a feud.

Papa Shango vs. Joe McMullen

Shango beats on McMullen then we hear from him in an insert promo telling Bret Hart to beware of his voodoo. The announcers talk about the Bret vs. Bulldog match at SummerSlam and how it was one of the greatest matches of all-time with Heenan adding that Shango’s curse caused Bret to lose then Shango uses a reverse shoulderbreaker for the win (2:45). After the match, Shango shoots flames from his skull.

Thoughts: The Bret/Shango feud continues as Shango claims his voodoo cost Bret the IC Title at SummerSlam and promises to inflict even more damage going forward.

Next week is the debut of the “Komet Kid.” Also in action are Shawn Michaels, Natural Disasters, Nailz, and The Undertaker.

Final Thoughts: The Flair interview was lame and the rest of the show was a back drop for a bit about Heenan running for office. A few other midcard feuds were pushed here too but this is not exactly a high point in WWF history with falling attendance and ratings.