WWF Wrestling Challenge – March 14th, 1993

March 14th, 1993

From the San Diego Sports Arena in San Diego, CA

Your hosts are Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan

In action this week are Shawn Michaels, Kamala, Bam Bam Bigelow, Razor Ramon, and Crush.

Crush vs. Larry Ludden

Ludden cheap shots Crush but ends up getting caught with a belly-to-belly suplex. Ludden rolls outside and Crush follows him and hits a clothesline. Back inside, Crush hits a press slam and continues to overpower Ludden with ease before putting him away with a head vice (3:12).

Thoughts: Some basic hype for the Crush vs. Doink match at WrestleMania.

Ad for WrestleMania based on Hulk Hogan’s return.

We now see Hulk Hogan & Jimmy Hart. Hogan is flexing while Hart screams about being part of the Mega Maniacs. Hogan talks his usual nonsense about his “pythons” and “Hulkamaniacs” then talks about training with Brutus Beefcake. Hogan then whacks Beefcake with a briefcase but Beefcake turns around to reveal his indestructible face mask that was apparently engineered by NASA. Hogan talks about how he has tested the mask while hitting him from all different angles then says they will become the greatest Tag Team Champions and take on all comers. We’ve now seen another wrinkle in this storyline with Beefcake now wearing a face mask that can withstand all sorts of punishment. This promo was garbage though. The style was like the beginning of the Mega Powers but this time Hogan is not as popular and Beefcake was never as popular as Savage plus Beefcake is not good on the mic. And Hart does not fit in at all.

Jim Powers vs. Bam Bam Bigelow

Heenan says its not right to have Beefcake wear the mask because it can be used as a weapon. Bigelow beats on Powers but misses an avalanche as Powers uses a pair of clotheslines before a crossbody gets him a one count. Gorilla mentions how Bigelow is looking for a spot on the WrestleMania card as Powers fights back again but Bigelow breaks up a sunset flip with a sit-down splash then soon after that uses a flying headbutt for the win (2:45).

Thoughts: Another win for Bigelow as he is still without a match at the PPV.

Shawn Michaels vs. Buddy Wayne

Shawn grounds Wayne with a waistlock as the announcers talk about WrestleMania. We then hear from Tatanka in an insert promo as he talks about fulfilling his destiny by becoming Intercontinental Champion. Wayne catches Shawn with a dropkick but whiffs on a second attempt and gets beat down. Shawn suplexes Wayne then stretches him out as the announcers talk about Sensational Sherri. Shawn then misses an attack in the corner but catches Wayne with a super kick then decides to push Wayne back down instead of hitting the Teardrop suplex and after that uses a jackknife cover for the win (2:58).

Thoughts: They story remains that Tatanka has Shawn’s number but Shawn does not care and is as cocky as ever.

WrestleMania IX Report airs

Kamala w/ Slick vs. Tim Patterson

Gorilla says he heard Slick is teaching Kamala to speak English, prompting Heenan to make a joke about not being able to understand Slick. Kamala beats on Patterson as the announcers talk about Caesar’s Palace and then Kamala hits Patterson with a splash and finally turns him over for the pin (3:12). ‘

Thoughts: The Kamala & Slick pairing remains a dud although hearing Kamala is being taught English might mean we could see that play out.

Gorilla plugs the Headlock on Hunger

Mr. Perfect shooting hoops with Minnesota Timberwolves center Felton Spencer.

Razor Ramon vs. Brian West

Razor tosses West across the ring and continues to toy with West. Razor stretches West as Heenan talks about how great West is as Heenan talks about hanging with Razor in Miami. Razor hits a super back suplex before the Razor’s Edge gets the win (3:20).

Thoughts: Razor is still without a feud but does at least have a match at WrestleMania as he faces Bob Backlund.

Next week in action are the Nasty Boys, Headshrinkers, Owen Hart, and Lex Luger. Plus, an interview with Bret Hart and more.

Final Thoughts: The Mega Maniacs promo was terrible and the rest of the show was basic WrestleMania hype. Not much to say about these shows to be honest.