WWF Wrestling Challenge – April 11th, 1993

April 11, 1993

From the Augusta County Civic Center in Augusta, GA

Your hosts are Jim Ross, in his debut on Challenge, and Bobby Heenan

This week in action are Jim Duggan, Bam Bam Bigelow, and Tatanka. Plus, Tiger Jackson vs. Little Louie and more!

Steiner Brothers vs. The Executioners

The Executioners are Barry Hardy & Duane Gill under masks. Scott works over one of the Executioners before hitting an overhead suplex. Heenan puts over the Steiners ring work as they stay in control of the match then Scott uses the Frankensteiner for the win (3:09).

Thoughts: Another match where the Steiners entertain by tossing their opponents around. Whichever Executioner took the Frankensteiner did it quite well.

Ad for WrestleMania IX.

We get a Replay of Tunney’s ruling that Hogan will remain champion.

Reno Riggins vs. Bam Bam Bigelow

Bigelow runs over Riggins as the announcers talk about Tunney’s decision. Riggins fires away but gets caught with a hotshot then Bigelow uses a chinlock. Bigelow then hits a vertical suplex and double underhook backbreaker before the flying headbutt gets the win (2:23).

Thoughts: Bigelow looked good here but is in need of a feud.

Tatanka vs. Glen Ruth

Heenan notes how Tatanka is still undefeated but not the Intercontinental champion. Tatanka dumps Ruth outside then brings him back in with a suplex. Ruth lands a few punches as Heenan rags on Oklahoma but Tatanka fires up and hits a few chops before the Samoan drop gets the win (2:09).

Thoughts: With Shawn now feuding with Mr. Perfect after attacking him at WrestleMania, Tatanka is also in need of a program. Just like the man who won the previous match.

An ad for WrestleMania IX

Mr. Hughes defeats JD Stryker in his debut, which was also shown on this week’s “Superstars.”

Little Louie w/ The Beverly Brothers vs. Tiger Jackson w/ The Bushwhackers

I can’t remember the last time we had a midget match on TV. Heenan jokes that Jackson is either the daughter or older sister of The Bushwhackers. Louie cheap shots Jackson after a break but Jackson pays him back then dances around. The announcers talk about Doink at WrestleMania as Heenan still tries to play it off as an illusion. Jackson works the arm as Heenan makes midget jokes then Jackson bites the ref in the ass and gets chased before running to the Bushwhackers. We get a lot of midget comedy with Jackson running around like a nut until he is tripped up by one of the Beverly Brothers. Louie falls down after an airplane spin the Butch sneaks in and tosses Jackson at Louie and that gets the win (4:32) 1/2*. After the match, The Bushwhackers & Jackson clear the ring.

Thoughts: I’ll give Jackson credit as he had a shit ton of energy but this formula of match is passe and they’ve brought the midgets back I guess as catalysts for a Beverly Brothers/Bushwhcakers feud which is the bottom of the tag division.

The Andre the Giant Hall of Fame video airs.

Another ad to hype the WrestleMania replay.

“Terrific” Terry Taylor vs. Joey Maggs

The announcers talk about Luger knocking out Bret Hart at the WrestleMania brunch. Taylor and Maggs end in a stalemate then Maggs gets a two count with a sunset flip. Taylor catches Maggs with a clothesline then hits a jawbreaker as the announcers argue about Luger. Heenan points out how Taylor hosts “Wrestling Spotlight” as Taylor reverses an Irish whip and hits a spinebuster for the win (2:07).

Thoughts: Taylor is out here to kill time and for us to learn he is a host of “Wrestling Spotlight.” Taylor could still go in the ring but was never pushed and this is probably the only syndicated TV appearance for him as a wrestler during this run.

Hacksaw Jim Duggan vs. Barry Hardy

Duggan overpowers Hardy then catches him with a slam. The announcers talk about Duggan’s condition then Duggan uses the Three Point Stance for the win (2:01).

Thoughts: A win to tell us that Duggan is back and seeking revenge against Yokozuna.

Next week’s featured match is the Nasty Boys vs. Beverly Brothers. Also in action are Lex Luger, El Matador, Money Inc. and Doink the Clown.

Final Thoughts: This had the same WrestleMania fallout and replay hype that we saw on Superstars. We also saw a midget match as it appears they are trying to do something with Tiger Jackson. Next week we get a featured tag match.