WWF Wrestling Challenge – January 3rd, 1993

January 3, 1993

From the Dane County Coliseum in Madison, WI

Your hosts are Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan

Shawn Michaels vs. “Jumping” Jim Brunzell

Shawn dumps Brunzell with a fireman’s carry then taunts him and the crowd. Brunzell stops short of a leap frog then hits an atomic drop and after that works the arm. Heenan tells us that he has a surprise coming up next as Shawn cheap shots Brunzell in the corner. Brunzell fights back and grabs an armbar as the announcers talk about Sensational Sherri’s whereabouts. We get some chants for Marty Jannetty as Shawn chokes out Brunzell on the mat. Shawn then lands a pair of dropkicks but that only gets two. Brunzell surprises Shawn with a small package for two then runs wild. Brunzell hits a dropkick for a nearfall but Shawn hits him in the gut then catches him with a super kick for the win (5:26) **.

Thoughts: Solid TV match with Shawn picking up the win and Brunzell showing that he could still go a bit in the ring when motivated.

This week, the Steiner Brothers make their debut. In action are Bam Bam Bigelow, Tatanka, and an interview with Kamala, Harvey Whippleman, and Kimchee.

WWF Special Report with Lord Alfred Hayes. Same as “Superstars” where Heenan declared he would reveal The Narcissus at the Royal Rumble.

George Petrovsky vs. Tatanka

The clown is shown in the aisle as Tatanka runs by him after almost stopping to confront the man who just last week hit him with a mop. Petrovsky is a big dude (without any muscle definition though) billed from Lithuania. Tatanka chops away then we see him in an insert promo telling us that the rest of the Royal Rumble competitors will feel the great spirit and proclaims that he will win the Rumble. Tatanka then fires up and soon after that uses a Samoan drop for the win (2:29).

Thoughts: They gave Tatanka a bit of a push as a Rumble match favorite. His undefeated streak is still mentioned whenever he wrestles.

We get the clip of Razor Ramon ambushing Owen Hart during the latter’s backstage interview from “WWF Mania” to hype that show.

Dale Wolfe vs. Bob Backlund

Backlund takes Wolfe down as the announcers run down the Royal Rumble competitors. We now hear from Virgil as he talks about his determination making it possible to win the Royal Rumble as Wolfe lands a few shots on Backlund. A Random Virgil promo here. Wolfe then whiffs on a dropkick and Backlund follows with a double underhook suplex before using a rolling cradle for the win (2:48).

Thoughts: Backlund is not getting over at all as a face in this role. His style is far too dated.

Royal Rumble ad airs. Its the one with the Bret Hart/Razor Ramon promos where they are shown on TV sets.

Raymond Rougeau welcomes Kamala, Harvey Whippleman, and Kimchee to the interview platform. Whippleman said that Kamala is an idiot savage without any brains and needs “positive reinforcement” such as slaps and punches. Kimchee berates Kamala and puts his hands on him then we see Rev. Slick interrupt. Slick said he was in the back listening and cannot stand for Whippleman to talk anymore trash and that Kamala is a man, not an animal, and needs to be treated with kindness and compassion. Slick then tells Whippleman to heed his words as they are the message of life but Whippleman leaves with Kimchee then they order Kamala to go with them after he hesitated. Kamala was also slapped repeatedly by Kimchee as Slick tells Kamala he is not an animal but a man then repeats that a few times. Slick actually did a great job in his role here as he tries to sway Kamala from the powers of Whippleman & Kimchee.

Buck Zumhoffe vs. Bam Bam Bigelow

Bigelow immediately destroys Zumhoffe as Gorilla says he does not like Buck’s chances with Heenan saying he doesnt like Buck, which was probably a shoot comment. Zumhoffe lands a few shots but Bigelow quickly regains control then puts Zumhoffe away with a flying headbutt after we heard him in an insert promo telling Big Bossman he is going down at the Rumble (2:24).

Thoughts: Some hype for the Bigelow vs. Bossman match at the PPV.

Royal Rumble Report

Another ad for the Royal Rumble.

WT Jones & Red Tyler vs. The Steiner Brothers

This is the debut match for the Steiners. We also see the clown in the audience. Scott throws Jones with a pumphandle slam then hits a belly-to-belly suplex. Rick tags and jogs around as Heenan makes fun of his headgear, calling them earmuffs. We then hear from The Steiners as they call out the Beverly Brothers to hype their match at the Rumble. The Steiners now destroy Tyler then put him away with a Doomsday DDT that looked deadly (2:32).

Thoughts: The Steiners impressed in their debut and even Heenan was going nuts for them at the end due to their athleticism and power after cracking jokes.

Next week in action are Marty Jannetty, The Headshrinkers, Crush, Yokozuna, and the Nasty Boys. The show ends with Heenan telling us that Shawn Michaels has left the building.

Final Thoughts: The Steiner Brothers made their in-ring debut and we saw the Slick promo so there was more exclusive and noteworthy stuff here than in the past few months as the show remains focused on hyping the PPV.