What the World Was Watching: WWF Wrestling Challenge – December 16, 1990

Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan are doing commentary, taped from Syracuse, New York.

Opening Contest: Rick Martel (20-1-1) defeats Sonny Blaze via submission to the Boston Crab at 2:02:

Heenan keeps referring to Jake Roberts as “Cyclops” to drive home Roberts’ vision issues. Martel targets his attack on Blaze’s back, using a double underhook suplex to set up the Boston Crab.

Lord Alfred Hayes’ Special Report recaps the interaction between Ted DiBiase and Dustin Rhodes on the Brother Love Show last week on Superstars, along with the Texas Tonrado’s save. Afterward, DiBiase tells the Tornado that he will make sure he is bankrupt after he is done with him.

The British Bulldog (5-0) pins Scott Colantonio after the running powerslam at 1:56:

In the split screen, the Warlord and Slick claim to be stronger than the Bulldog. Colantonio feeds well into some slams from the Bulldog, who wins his second match of the week with ease.

Sergeant Slaughter’s squash from Prime Time Wrestling is shown.

A new Mountie vignette sees him interrogate a man on a bench who is feeding the birds. The Mountie accuses the man of littering, forcing him to pick up all the food he has thrown on the ground. He reminds fans that “The Mountie always gets his man.”

The Big Bossman (30-3) pins Mike Durham after the Bossman Slam at 1:57:

Heenan compares the Bossman’s tactics to the Mountie, already doing some legwork for an eventual feud between the law enforcement officers. The Bossman relies on strikes to finish off Durham, handcuffing him to the ropes after the match.

Earthquake (w/Jimmy Hart & Dino Bravo) (28-2) defeats Jim McPherson after the Earthquake Splash at 1:54:

Earthquake and Hart do an insert promo, hyping his chances in the Royal Rumble and another encounter with Hulk Hogan. Earthquake puts yet another jobber in the hospital with his finish and a desperate Bravo gets in a few licks after the match to try to stay relevant.

Gene Okerlund does The Royal Rumble Report.

A replay of the Texas Tornado-Mr. Perfect Intercontinental Championship match from Superstars is shown.

The Bushwhackers squash from Prime Time Wrestling airs.

Tune in next week to see Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Dino Bravo, the Legion of Doom, and Jake Roberts! There will also be a special interview with the Undertaker!

The Last Word: While a few small things nudged feuds forward like the Warlord and Earthquake promos, there was not much on the show, especially because its selling point was seeing the Texas Tornado-Mr. Perfect match if a viewer missed Superstars.

Here is a summary of the action for the week on the WWF’s house show circuit, courtesy of thehistoryofwwe.com:

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – The Philadelphia Spectrum – December 15, 1990 (6,012): Saba Simba pinned Bob Bradley…Shane Douglas pinned Black Bart…The British Bulldog beat the Warlord via disqualification in an arm wrestling match when the Warlord attacked the Bulldog…The Big Bossman defeated Bobby Heenan in 15 seconds…WWF Tag Team Champions the Hart Foundation beat Power & Glory when Bret Hart pinned Hercules…Sergeant Slaughter beat Hacksaw Jim Duggan…Roddy Piper defeated Intercontinental Champion Mr. Perfect via count out…WWF Champion the Ultimate Warrior pinned Randy Savage.

Montreal, Quebec, Canada – The Montreal Forum – December 15, 1990 (9,000): Shawn Michaels pinned Smash…Dino Bravo beat Tugboat via count out…Virgil pinned Dusty Rhodes in 35 seconds…The Legion of Doom defeated the Orient Express & Mr. Fuji in a handicap match when Hawk pinned Tanaka…Jake Roberts defeated Rick Martel via disqualification…Ted DiBiase pinned the Texas Tornado…Jimmy Snuka beat Haku…Hulk Hogan pinned Earthquake.

East Rutherford, New Jersey – The Meadowlands – December 16, 1990 (7,700): Shane Douglas pinned Black Bart…The Big Bossman beat Bobby Heenan in 10 seconds…Sergeant Slaughter defeated Dusty Rhodes…The Legion of Doom beat the Orient Express & Mr. Fuji in a handicap match…Jake Roberts defeated Rick Martel via disqualification…Saba Simba pinned Bob Bradley…The British Bulldog wrestled the Warlord to a double count out…The Bushwhackers & the Hart Foundation defeated Rhythm & Blues & Power & Glory when Bret Hart pinned Greg Valentine.

Backstage News*: Even though he has been advertised, Andre the Giant will not be at The Royal Rumble because of health issues. Andre reportedly suffered a blood clot in his leg while in Japan.

*Enhancement talent Charles Austin suffered a broken neck in a match against the Rockers, taking Marty Jannetty’s Rocker Dropper incorrectly and spent some time in the hospital in critical condition.

*There are some fears in the bodybuilding world that Vince McMahon will lose interest in the WBF project so talent are wary to sign with him.

*Backstage news is provided courtesy of Dave Meltzer’s Wrestling Observer for December 24.

Up Next: Prime Time Wrestling for December 17!